“Very well, thank you for asking. I am just on my way to see Mrs. Renshaw, whom I understand you became acquainted with while she was in Oxfordshire.”

Gregory kept his features impassive. What did Lord Lucien know?

“I live just down the street, you see,” Lord Lucien continued as he gestured behind himself. “I often call on Mrs. Renshaw as it pertains to the Phoenix Club.”

Gregory felt a surge of jealousy that Lord Lucien lived so close to her and was welcome to visit regularly. “How convenient.”

“Yes. You should join me. I’m sure Mrs. Renshaw would be delighted to see you.” His gaze moved to Ash, who had moved forward to sniff the man’s boot. “Who’s this?”

“Ash. Perhaps Mrs. Renshaw mentioned him?”

Lord Lucien’s gaze shot up to his. “She did not.”

“Ah, well, we found him stuck in a hedgerow.”

“And saved him, apparently. You did this together?” At Gregory’s nod, he smiled. “How charming. I’m surprised she didn’t mention that.”

If she hadn’t told Lord Lucien about that, what had she told him about their “acquaintance”?

“Her house is just here.” Lord Lucien indicated the smart terrace in front of them.

“Come, Ash,” Gregory beckoned. He almost asked if he was ready to see Evie, but her name would send him into a fit of excitement, and that would no doubt provoke Lord Lucien’s curiosity. Furthermore, what if she wasn’t home and Ash was disappointed? Except it seemed Lord Lucien might be expected.

Gregory accompanied him up the short set of stairs to the door. Lord Lucien rapped on the wood, and a moment later, an attractive young man opened the door. This was her butler? Gregory felt another surge of jealousy, but it was entirely different from what he’d felt when Lord Lucien had revealed the proximity of his residence.

“Afternoon, Foster,” Lord Lucien said pleasantly. “Would you tell Evie I am here along with Lord Gregory Blakemore?”

Everything after Evie was drowned out by Ash, who’d begun barking. He dashed inside and stopped to sniff everything madly.

The butler’s pale brows climbed his forehead, but he said nothing.

“Pardon me,” Gregory said, moving inside and rushing to pick Ash up.

“Did I hear a dog?” The familiar feminine voice came from the top of the stairs, prompting Ash to start barking anew. He struggled to get free from Gregory’s arms.

Suddenly, she was there at the top of the stairs. A vision in lavender, her gaze meeting Gregory’s and widening in surprise. But then she looked to Ash, who managed to wrest himself from Gregory’s grip, probably because Gregory was wholly focused on Evie.