“I just think allowing non-members access to the club is problematic.”

Lucien’s eyes grew cold, which didn’t happen often, but when it did, you knew he was angry. “I didn’t invite all of bloody London. He’s my brother.”

“I do wonder if your brother’s disposition might improve if he could find some happiness with his wife. Perhaps you should help him with that. Since you are so fond of—and skilled at—providing assistance.”

“I’ve actually suggested that. It’s not as if Sabrina is awful or a bad wife. I truly don’t understand why they are estranged. But then it’s none of my business according to Con, and he’s right.”

MacNair came up the stairs then and greeted them both with a smile. “Have you had more than enough ball for one night as I have?”

“Not at all,” Tobias said with a smile. “In fact, I am on my way downstairs.”

“Lucien, you should come up to the members’ den with me,” MacNair said, pivoting.

“I should check on the assembly, converse with Mrs. Renshaw, and make sure all is well.”

“You can do that later.” He reached for Lucien’s arm. “Come and have a glass of port with me.”

Lucien’s eyes narrowed. “Is there some reason you don’t want me to go downstairs?”

Tobias was itching to get to the ballroom and see how Fiona was faring. He hoped her absence hadn’t caused a stir. “I’m going then.”

“I’m coming with you.” Lucien started to descend with him.

MacNair let out a groan. “Lucien, your sister is dancing with Wexford.”

Lucien swore and increased his pace down the stairs. Tobias looked up at MacNair. “Why would you tell him that? You know how he is about Lady Cassandra and…any of us.”

“Better he knows what he’s about to see than be surprised.” MacNair inclined his head toward the lower floor. “You’d better ensure he doesn’t do something stupid, such as call Wexford out.”

“He wouldn’t do that,” Tobias said with a snort. Still, he followed after Lucien with alacrity. “Wait, Lucien. It’s just a dance.” Tobias caught up to him in the staircase hall, but Lucien didn’t slow.

“That’s all it better be.”

Tobias caught his friend by the arm, pulling him to a stop. “Why are you upset? Wexford is our friend, and he’s only dancing with her.”

“Dancing with someone means something, as you bloody well know, and I wasn’t jesting when I told you all to leave her alone. Don’t forget how well I know you all, and while I might have been able to tolerate her forming an attachment with you or MacNair, Wexford is completely unacceptable.”

“But he’s our friend.”

Lucien’s features darkened. “That doesn’t mean he should be dancing with my sister.” He tugged his arm from Tobias’s grasp and stalked into the ballroom.

Fiona retraced the path she and Tobias had taken from the ballroom. However, instead of going back into the ballroom from the garden, she went to the other door she’d used with Mrs. Renshaw the week before. The beautiful gold and ivory sitting room was being used as a ladies’ retiring room. Once inside, she ducked behind a screen and was grateful to find the space empty. After a short while, she emerged and conversed briefly with a pair of ladies who were resting.