Evie sighed. “We’re apparently stuck with her, then.”

“Unless we can manipulate her to quit.” He narrowed his eyes toward the windows as he seemed to contemplate that idea. “That is not how I typically care to apply my efforts, but I think I must consider it. How do the other patronesses feel?”

Evie lifted a shoulder. “There is a general consensus among me, Lady Dungannon, and Mrs. Holland-Ward that Lady Hargrove likes to complain and honestly just enjoys the sound of her own voice. We also know that she is highly esteemed among the ton, so we don’t wish to cause trouble.”

Lady Dungannon’s husband was striving to repair a bankrupt viscountcy. His father’s mismanagement and suicide had plunged the family into scandal. Mrs. Holland-Ward’s family’s fortune came from trade. That she’d wed a landed gentleman had negatively affected her husband instead of elevating her. Both women were mostly accepted in Society now, but not entirely. Lady Hargrove gave them all a stamp of legitimacy.

Lucien eyed her intently. “If you can find an opportunity to discuss her…departure that might be helpful. Would they be in favor of that?”

Evie couldn’t imagine how she could broach that topic without causing surprise and even concern. “Perhaps we ought to consider adding a fifth patroness? Someone Lady Hargrove wouldn’t want to work with?” And who would provide the same credibility.

“She’d have to be someone with her credentials.” Lucien fell silent for a moment. “Let me think on this.”

“You could ask the anonymous members,” Evie suggested.

“I may do just that.” He gave her a bright smile. “Hiring you was the best decision I ever made.”

Evie shook her head. “Founding this club was.”

“You are a very, very close second, then.” He started to get up, but Evie waved him back down.

“I’ve one more thing to discuss with you. I spoke with Lord Gregory over the holidays, and he is in want of a government position.”

“I thought he was going to become a vicar.”

“That was his plan, rather his father’s plan, but he prefers to work with the government. He studied at the Inns of Court and was called to the bar, but didn’t practice law.”

“I didn’t realize that. What draws him to government?”

“He wants to be of service, but not with the church. I thought you might be able to help him. You certainly know the right people.”

“I do,” he said slowly. “I’ll consider how I may be of assistance. Is he back in town?”

“I wouldn’t know,” she said rather quickly, drawing Lucien to look at her perhaps more closely than he had been. “I know he plans to return to London for the Season, but I don’t know when.”

Lucien nodded as he got to his feet. “Anything else?”