Tobias ignored the cluster of gentlemen surrounding the table in front of the bow window where Brummel held court. Aldington wouldn’t be anywhere near there. When Tobias had visited a few nights ago, Aldington had made a point to disdain the spectacle that often clustered around Brummel. It had briefly occurred to Tobias that Aldington might actually prefer the more casual atmosphere of the Phoenix Club where no one behaved sycophantically.

“Here again, Overton?”

Turning his head at the sound of his name, Tobias inwardly cringed at seeing Philip Trowley. Outwardly, he summoned a bland smile. “Evening, Trowley.”

The older man stroked his hand over his rotund belly as he moved closer to Tobias. “I was just mocking a wager someone had entered about you marrying by Easter. Who would take that bet?” He chortled loudly, drawing the attention of others around them.

“I haven’t looked at the betting book,” Tobias said with a patience he only barely possessed.

“Coming here twice in one week after so long an absence following your fall from grace… I daresay you are trying to improve your reputation so as to make the best possible match.” He sidled closer, lowering his voice as his madeira-soaked breath wafted over Tobias. “Tell me, is that true?”

“Perhaps I’m here to forge political connections,” Tobias replied mildly as he took care not to breathe through his nose. “I’m new to the Lords, and I’m taking my new position rather seriously.”

Trowley stared at Tobias a moment, seemingly at a loss for words. Then he erupted in laughter once more and smacked Tobias on the back hard enough that he had to grind his heels into the floor to keep from pitching forward. “You almost had me! I’m for the betting book.” He took himself off, tottering a bit uncertainly.

Exhaling, Tobias turned and continued his search for Aldington. At last, he caught sight of the man at a table near the corner. As with the last time Tobias had visited—just four days before—the earl was alone.

“Evening, Aldington,” Tobias greeted him pleasantly. “Mind if I join you?”

The earl’s hazel eyes narrowed slightly as he looked up at Tobias. “You’re here again?”

“Yes. I am a member.” Tobias sat down, and a footman immediately offered him a glass of port, which Tobias accepted.

“Who hasn’t visited White’s in years until a few nights ago.” He sipped his port, peering dubiously at Tobias over the rim of his glass. “And you sought me out then too.”

“Because I intended to. Did I not tell you at the Edgemont ball that I would meet you for a drink here?”

Aldington set his glass down. “You did. What’s your reason tonight?” Though he didn’t bear a strong resemblance to his younger brother, they shared the same hooded eye shape and thick brows, which could work in concert to make them appear both devilishly handsome and uncomfortably intimidating. Aldington was currently the latter.

The truth was not only boring; it wasn’t something Tobias wanted to admit, particularly since others were wagering on his behavior. Instead, he broached a topic that was also important. “I wanted to speak with you about Lady Cassandra. She took my ward into the ladies’ gaming room this evening.”