“Then why was he so quick to throw it away? Why choose legal convenience over fighting for our family?”
Grace was quiet for a moment as her expression grew thoughtful. “Fear, I suspect. Men like Owen spend so much time protecting themselves from pain that they forget how to recognize happiness when they find it.”
“He said love destroyed his parents.”
“Love didn’t destroy them. Their inability to love properly destroyed them.” Grace’s voice was firm with absoluteconviction. “What you and Owen have built with Evie is nothing like the toxic obsession his parents called love.”
“Try telling him that. He’s convinced that caring too much inevitably leads to destruction.”
“Then we’ll have to convince him otherwise.”
Something in Grace’s tone made Iris look up sharply. “We?”
“I may have sent Felix to have words with your husband last night. A rather pointed discussion about the difference between protecting one’s family and abandoning them.”
“Grace, you didn’t.”
“I most certainly did. Someone needed to point out that he’s being an idiot.” Grace’s expression softened with sympathy. “Though from your tone, I gather Felix’s intervention wasn’t entirely successful.”
“Owen didn’t come home until the early hours, and when he did, I could hear him moving about his study. Drinking, from the sounds of it.” Iris pressed her fingers to her temples where a headache had been building since dawn. “We haven’t spoken since yesterday afternoon.”
“Avoiding each other won’t solve anything.”
“What is there to solve? He’s made his position clear. Evie goes to France, and we return to being polite strangers who share a name.”
“Is that what you want?”
“Of course not. I want to fight for her. I want Owen to fight for her. I want us to tell this solicitor that Evie belongs with the people who’ve raised her, who love her, and who can’t imagine life without her.” Iris’s voice broke. “But I can’t do it alone. And Owen won’t help me.”
“Won’t, or doesn’t know how to?”
“What’s the difference?”
“The difference is hope.” Grace moved to ring for tea. Her movements were brisk with purpose. “Won’tsuggests a deliberate choice.Doesn’t know howsuggests an ignorance that can be corrected.”
“You think there’s still a chance?”
“I think your husband is terrified out of his mind and making terrible decisions. But terrified people can be taught courage, given the right motivation.”
A soft knock interrupted their conversation.
Sally appeared with a tea tray. Her young face was creased with worry.
“Begging your pardon, Your Grace, but Cook’s asking about luncheon. Will His Grace be dining in today?”
“I have no idea.” The admission stung. Iris had no idea about her husband’s schedule. They were strangers again. “Prepare whatever Cook thinks best.”
“Yes, Your Grace. And the little lady? She’s been fussing something dreadful. Mrs. Pemberton thinks she might be coming down with something.”
Iris was on her feet immediately, maternal instinct overriding her misery. “I’ll go to her at once.”
She found Evie in the nursery, red-faced and distressed in Mrs. Pemberton’s capable arms. The elderly housekeeper looked nearly as frazzled as the baby.
“She won’t settle, Your Grace. Been crying on and off since dawn. I’ve tried feeding her, changing her, and even singing that little song she likes.”
Iris took Evie immediately, noting how the baby’s cries softened. “There now, sweetheart. Mama’s here.”
The word slipped out naturally, as it had been doing for weeks.
