“The first few weeks are overwhelming,” Selina added as she gave Iris a sympathetic look. “I kept thinking that I was doing everything wrong. That someone more qualified should handle such a big responsibility.”
“Yes!” Iris’s relief at finding someone who understood her was palpable. “Everyone talks about maternal instinct as if it should be automatic, but I felt like I was fumbling through every interaction.”
“Anyone who claims parenting comes naturally is lying or delusional,” Selina stated firmly. “It’s learned through trial and error, just like everything else important in life.”
Owen watched the conversation with a growing appreciation for Selina’s directness.
Iris had been carrying unnecessary guilt about her early struggles with Evie and comparing herself to some impossible standard of natural maternal perfection. Hearing another mother admit to the same doubts seemed to ease something inside her.
“What about feeding schedules?” Grace asked. “I’ve heard conflicting advice about whether babies should eat on demand or at set times. I believe in on demand.”
“Catherine makes her own schedule,” Rowan said with amusement. “We tried imposing structure for about three days before admitting defeat.”
“Evie’s the same,” Owen snorted. “She has preferences about everything. When she wants to eat, how she wants to be held, which songs will soothe her to sleep.”
“The songs are important,” Selina agreed. “Catherine has very specific musical tastes. Rowan’s lullabies work perfectly, but if I try the same songs, she looks at me like I’m torturing her.”
“Owen sings old sea shanties,” Iris said, her voice warm with affection. “His grandfather taught them to him. They work like magic.”
“Sea shanties?” Felix perked up. “How wonderfully eccentric. You must teach me some. I’m determined to be the sort of godfather who can calm crying babies with obscure musical knowledge.”
“Godfather?” Owen raised an eyebrow.
“Well,honorarygodfather. I’m claiming the title, whether you approve or not.” Felix reached over to stroke Evie’s cheek. He grinned when she gripped his finger. “Someone needs to teach this child about fashion and provide a properly scandalous influence.”
“Over my dead body,” Owen said, though his tone was fond rather than threatening.
“You can’t protect her from everything,” Grace pointed out. “Besides, a little scandal builds character. Look how well it worked for me.”
“When were you ever scandalous, my darling?” Harrison asked.
“I married you, didn’t I? My mother still hasn’t recovered from the shock.”
The easy laughter that followed felt like acceptance and belonging. Owen realized with surprise that he was genuinely enjoying himself, not just tolerating social interaction for Iris’s sake. These people had become important to him without himnoticing. Their approval and friendship were something he valued.
“We should do this more often,” he suggested. “When the weather permits it.”
“Absolutely,” Selina agreed. “Catherine could use more friends her age. And I could use more friends who understand why I sometimes put salt in my tea instead of sugar.”
“Sleep deprivation,” Rowan explained to the group. “It does terrible things to basic cognitive function.”
The shared laughter was comfortable and understanding.
Owen watched as Iris relax completely. Her natural warmth shone through now that she felt truly accepted.
As the afternoon progressed, they fell into easy conversation about everything from child-rearing to politics to the latest theatrical productions. The babies provided further entertainment. Catherine and Evie seemed to study each other with the serious concentration of scholars comparing notes.
“I have an idea,” Grace announced as they were packing up the leftovers. “The charity gala next week. We should all attend together. Make it a proper group outing.”
“Charity gala?” Selina looked interested. “Which one?”
“The Society for the Relief of Distressed Gentlewomen. Lady Fenster is organizing it, so it’s sure to be over the top.” Grace glanced at Owen and Iris. “You’re planning to attend, aren’t you?”
Owen felt Iris tense slightly beside him. They’d avoided most social events during their difficult months, and even their recent appearances had been carefully managed. A large gala would mean sustained public attention and scrutiny that made them both nervous.
“We haven’t decided,” Iris replied quietly.
“Oh, you must come,” Selina urged. “Safety in numbers. Besides, it’s time to show thetonthat you’re thoroughly settled into domestic bliss. Nothing silences gossips like obvious happiness.”
