Iris had known this moment would come. She’d spent the morning rehearsing the words. Every time she tried to lie to her dearest friends she tasted ash in her mouth.
“There are circumstances around her birth,” she began slowly. “Things that require discretion…” She trailed off.
Grace leaned forward and took her free hand. “Iris. It’s us.”
Those two words nearly undid her. Grace had been her anchor this past year, the one person who never judged, never pried—just offered steady friendship when she needed it most.
“It is… complicated,” Iris whispered.
“Meaning?”
“Well, you know very well that I didn’t birth her. But… she’s not the Duke’s either. She was left on our doorstep with a note.”
Grace’s eyes widened. Harrison straightened to his full height.
“Left?” Grace repeated. “By whom?”
“We don’t know. Well, Owen might, but he won’t say.” Iris adjusted Evie, who had started fussing. “The note asked us to protect her. So, we are.”
“By claiming her as your own?”
“What else could we do? Send her to an orphanage? Let her grow up unwanted and unloved?”
“Of course not.” Grace squeezed her hand. “But Iris, this is… enormous. The lies you’ll have to tell. The risk if anyone finds out.”
“I know.”
“Do you?” Harrison spoke for the first time since her confession. “Forgive me, my friend, but this could ruin you. Both of you.”
“Only if someone reveals the truth.” Iris met his gaze steadily. “Which is why I’m asking for your discretion. And your help.”
“Our help?” Grace asked.
“To maintain the charade. You’ve been here all year. People will ask if you noticed signs of pregnancy. If you seemed surprised by the baby.”
Understanding dawned on Grace’s face. “You want us to lie for you.”
“I’m asking you to protect an innocent child.” Iris looked down at Evie who had settled again. “Whatever circumstances brought her here, she doesn’t deserve to suffer for them.”
Silence stretched between them.
Iris held her breath, aware she was asking too much. These were good and honest people. She had no right to drag them into this deception.
“Well,” Grace said finally, “I suppose I’ll need to come up with stories about visiting you during your confinement. Harrison, you’ll need to mention how I said that Iris looked radiant while carrying. Men always remember such details poorly, so no one will question you if you’re being vague.”
Iris’s head snapped up. “You’ll help?”
“Did you think we wouldn’t?” Grace’s eyes were suspiciously bright. “You’re our dearest friend. If you say this child needs protection, then protection she’ll have.”
“Grace…” Iris’s throat tightened.
“None of that. We can’t have you crying. It’ll upset the baby.” Grace stood up briskly. “Now, let me hold her while you compose yourself. Harrison, ring for tea. We have plans to make.”
The next half hour passed in a blur of strategy and gentle teasing. Grace cooed to Evie while Harrison offered surprisingly practical suggestions about keeping up their story.
For the first time since Evie’s arrival, Iris felt like she could breathe.
“She’s beautiful,” Grace said softly as she traced Evie’s tiny fist with one finger. “Whatever her origins, she’s lucky to have you.”
