“She’s right,” Harrison piped up. “The best way to end speculation is to give people something boring to observe. A devoted couple surrounded by respectable friends. Deadly dull.”
Owen considered the suggestion. They’d been so focused on protecting their privacy that they might have made themselves more interesting to the gossips. Perhaps it was time to be aggressively normal in public.
“What do you think?” he asked Iris.
“I think our friends are right. We can’t hide forever.” She smiled, though he could see the nervousness in her eyes.
“Then it’s settled,” Felix declared. “Group attendance at Lady Fenster’s gala. I’ll arrange for us all to arrive together. Nothing says ‘perfectly respectable’ like traveling with a group of well-dressed friends.”
The gala turned out to be glittering with London’s social elite. But arriving with their friends made all the difference. Instead of feeling exposed and isolated, Owen and Iris moved through the ballroom as part of a larger group, deflecting attention through sheer numbers.
“Brilliant strategy,” Owen murmured to Felix as they observed the crowd’s reaction. “No one wants to approach when they’d have to get through all of you first.”
“Elementary social warfare,” Felix replied airily. “Though I must say, you two look remarkably natural tonight. Quite the transformation from this time last year.”
It was true. Owen could feel the difference in how he and Iris moved together. There was a new harmony that spoke of genuine partnership rather than careful performance. When they danced, it felt effortless. When they spoke to other guests, their responses complemented each other naturally.
“The Duke and Duchess of Carridan,” he heard someone murmur as they passed. “Such a devoted couple. And their baby is absolutely precious.”
“I heard they were quite reclusive during her pregnancy,” another voice added. “But you can see why now. Look how happy they are. Sometimes, discretion is the best choice.”
Owen caught Iris’s eye and saw his satisfaction reflected there. Thetonwas rewriting their story by transforming their early difficulties into romantic devotion and their reclusiveness into admirable discretion.
“It’s working,” Iris whispered as they moved toward the refreshments table. “They’re buying the whole reformed rake and patient wife narrative.”
“Is that what we are? A reformed rake and a patient wife?”
“Among other things.” Her smile was radiant and genuine. “Though I prefer a devoted husband and a completely besotted wife.”
The easy affection in her voice made his heart swell. They’d come so far from the awkward strangers who’d stood together at the altar over a year ago.
“Your Grace!” Lady Morrison materialized beside them with characteristic enthusiasm. “How wonderful to see you both looking so well. And how is dear little Lady Evangeline?”
“Thriving,” Owen replied smoothly. “Growing more charming by the day.”
“I’m sure she is. Babies always reflect their parents’ happiness, don’t they?” Lady Morrison’s smile was calculating, but her tone held none of its previous bite. “It’s lovely to see you both so settled. Marriage agrees with you.”
“Thank you,” Iris said. “We’re very fortunate.”
“Indeed, you are. Young love is such a beautiful thing to witness.”
As Lady Morrison moved on to her next target, Owen reflected on her words.Young love.Was that what they had? It felt both more and less complex than such a simple phrase suggested. What they’d built together transcended conventional romance, encompassing friendship, partnership, shared purpose, and yes, growing affection.
“What are you thinking about?” Iris asked as they found a quieter corner to observe the festivities.
“How different this feels from our last public appearance. How much has changed.”
“Everything’s changed. But gradually, so we didn’t notice it happening.” She glanced around the ballroom, noting the easy acceptance of people’s expressions when they looked their way. “They believe in us now.”
“Do you? Believe in us, I mean.”
She turned to study his face and her expression grew serious. “I believe in what we’re building together. I believe in the family we’ve created. I believe in the man you’ve chosen to become.”
“And what man is that?”
“Someone brave enough to love without guarantees. Someone who puts family first, even when it’s frightening.” Her smile was soft and private. “Someone worth waiting for.”
The words settled into his chest like a benediction.
