She didn’t want him to be seen visiting her at a late hour. He supposed that made sense, even if he suffered a flash of disappointment. “I don’t know that he’ll want to go with a groom. Ash is particular about whom he trusts. What if I dress inconspicuously and bring him down to the servants’ entrance?”

“I suppose that will have to do.” She leaned her head down toward Ash. “Are you a particular boy? I can understand that. We can’t trust everyone even if we want to.” She looked back over to Gregory. “He’s been well?”

“He has. The journey to London was quite eventful. There were children at the inn where we stopped overnight, and they absolutely wore him out playing in the yard.” A light smile teased his lips as he recalled how much fun it had been for Ash.

“That sounds lovely,” Evie murmured.

As she continued to dote on Ash, Gregory couldn’t help feeling a trifle awkward. “I hope you don’t mind that we are here.”

She shot him a grateful look. “I am glad to see you both. Truly. Have you been well?”

“I have. And you?”

“Very, thank you. Have you been in town long?”

“A few weeks. I couldn’t stand to remain at Witney Court any longer. And now my brother and Lady Witney are in town. They arrived yesterday. I hope Lady Witney doesn’t make too much trouble with her Phoenix Club obsession.”

“Another of the patronesses advocated for her membership, but there isn’t any support for her.” Her features creased in a faint grimace. “Or your brother.”

“You can’t think that would bother me,” he said lightly.

“No, I didn’t think it would. Now tell me about how these children fawned all over Ash, then we shall take him for a turn about my small garden.”

“It would be my pleasure.” Gregory had thought she might try to keep their time together short. That she didn’t gave him hope.

And he’d never let that go.

Evie stifled a yawn as she made her way to the gentlemen’s side of the club. It was early yet, before the club was very busy, so she shouldn’t be tired. But she’d tossed and turned for quite a while last night. She blamed Gregory’s visit.

Just when she’d exorcised him from her mind, he reappeared. And damn if she hadn’t been thrilled to see him. And Ash! She’d nearly wept upon seeing the dog and had worked hard to hide the depth of her emotion. The fact that she’d asked to have him stay the night with her was revelatory enough. Thankfully, Gregory hadn’t probed her about it.