“We’re still interviewing candidates,” Owen admitted. “The Duchess has high standards.”
“Sounds like my wife.” Ashford chuckled. “Went through six nurses before she found one she trusted. Women have instincts about these things. Best to let them handle it.”
They talked for several more minutes about children, nurses, and the mysterious ways of new mothers.
Owen found himself sharing more than intended. He described Evie’s hair, her remarkable lungs, and Iris’s fierce protectiveness. The men nodded knowingly, sharing their own tales of fatherhood with the easy camaraderie of a fraternity he had never thought to join.
“You know,” Ashford said slowly while setting down his empty glass, “I’ve been looking for investors in a new venture. I heard you had an interest in the textile mills in Manchester. Didn’t think to approach you before, given your… solitary reputation. But a family man… well, that’s different. Someone who understands building for the future.”
“I’d be interested in hearing more.”
“Excellent! Come by my office on Thursday. Bring Halston if you like. Always good to have family involved in business.” Ashfordchecked his pocket watch. “Speaking of family, I promised my wife I’d be home for dinner. She gets testy when I’m late. Something about setting a good example for the children.”
The others made similar excuses before retreating toward the card room or the door. Soon, only Owen and Felix remained by the fireplace.
“What the hell was that?” Owen kept his voice low but couldn’t hide his irritation.
Felix didn’t pretend to misunderstand. “That was me helping you. You’re welcome.”
“I don’t recall asking for help.”
“No? What did you plan to do, then? Make a formal announcement intheTimes? Send cards?” Felix shook his head. “This way is better. Natural. By tomorrow, half thetonwill know, but it will be old news. Just another baby born to just another couple.”
Owen hated that he was right. “You should have warned me.”
“Would you have agreed to share the news outright?”
“That’s not the point.”
“Isn’t it?” Felix signaled a passing footman. “A glass of brandy. The good stuff, not the swill they serve the new members. And another one for His Grace.”
“I don’t want another drink.”
“Yes, you do.” Felix waited until the glasses arrived, then pushed one toward Owen. “You want to know why I’m helping you.”
It wasn’t a question. Owen took the glass and rolled it between his palms. The amber liquid caught the firelight, reminding him of something he couldn’t quite place.
“The thought had occurred to me,” he admitted.
“You’re my cousin’s husband. Legally.” Felix took a long sip of his own drink. “And now you’re raising a child together. That makes you family, whether we like it or not.”
“How touching.”
“Don’t.” Felix’s usual humor vanished like smoke. “I watched Iris waste away this past year. Watched her pretend that everything was fine while thetonwhispered behind their fans. Watched her hope, day after day, that you would return.”
Each word pierced his soul.
Owen kept his face carefully neutral. The mask he’d perfected over years of practice did not fail him now.
“She agreed to the marriage,” he argued. “She knew what it was.”
“Did she?” Felix leaned forward and dropped his voice. “Did she tell you that, or did her father? Because the Iris I know would never have agreed to be abandoned. Ever since…” He stopped, shaking his head.
“Since what?” Owen asked.
“Not my story to tell.” Felix finished his drink in one swallow, then signaled for another. “But most importantly, she took Evie in because it’s the right thing to do. Because she’s good, Carridan. Better than either of us deserves.”
“On that, we agree.”
