After he left, Iris stood in the empty morning room. His words were so much like the ones Mrs. Pemberton had said not an hour before, and so they echoed through her mind.
Maybe it was time. The kiss had shown her that the Duke wasn’t as controlled as he pretended. There was passion beneath that ice and pain beneath the distance.
But passion wasn’t trust. And pain could make people dangerous.
She returned to the nursery to find Evie awake and content in Sally’s arms. Taking the baby back, she settled into the rocking chair.
“Your papa is a mystery,” she murmured softly. “But we’re going to solve this puzzle, you and me. For your sake, if nothing else.”
Evie gazed up at her with those eyes that might or might not be her husband’s.
Iris traced the curve of her cheek and tiny nose while looking for clues. But babies were mysteries too because their features changed daily.
“Whatever the truth,” she whispered, “you’re ours now. His and mine. That must count for something.”
CHAPTER 10
“The Liverpool railway venture shows promise, but the initial investment is substantial.”
Lord Morrison stood at the head of his dining room table, which had been cleared to make room for maps and prospectuses. Around it sat six of London’s wealthiest men, each studying the proposed route with calculating eyes.
Owen leaned back in his chair, projecting casual confidence. “The Manchester line is already proving profitable. Liverpool is the logical next step.”
“If Parliament approves,” Lord Ashford cautioned. “The canal owners have deep pockets and deeper grudges.”
“The canal owners are fighting the tide,” Owen replied. “Steam power is the future. The question is whether we’ll ride the wave or be swept away by it.”
“Pretty words,” drawled a voice from across the table. “But can you guarantee returns?”
Owen looked up to meet the cool gaze of Jasper Cooper, the Duke of Richmond.
He’d known Jasper would be here, as the man had his fingers in every promising venture, but seeing Nicholas’s brother still sent an uncomfortable jolt through him.
“I don’t deal in guarantees,” he said evenly. “I deal in calculated risks backed by solid research. The projections show?—”
“A twenty percent return within three years,” Morrison interrupted smoothly. “Thirty percent within five, assuming the Birmingham extension proceeds.”
“Assuming.” Jasper’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Such a dangerous word in business.”
“Less dangerous than stagnation.” Owen kept his tone mild. “Ask the coaching companies how well standing still worked for them.”
Chuckles rippled around the table. Even Ashford nodded appreciatively. The coaching companies’ resistance to change had become a cautionary tale in investment circles.
“Well said.” Morrison raised his glass. “I believe that concludes our business. Gentlemen, to the future of British transport.”
They drank, and conversation shifted to lighter topics.
Owen fielded the usual questions about his new daughter with practiced ease. He accepted congratulations with appropriate paternal pride. He was preparing to leave when Jasper appeared at his elbow.
“Carridan. A word?”
Owen suppressed a sigh. “Richmond.”
They stepped away from the others, finding relative privacy near Morrison’s impressive collection of oriental vases.
“Congratulations are in order, I hear.” Jasper’s tone was pleasant, but his eyes remained sharp. “A daughter. How wonderful.”
“Thank you.”
