Owen’s pulse quickened. “Did she give a name?”
“Might’ve done. Marie? Adele? Something foreign.” Crocker’s eyes narrowed. “Is this information valuable to you, Your Grace?”
Owen slid a purse across the desk. “We never spoke. You never saw me.”
“Never saw who?” Crocker pocketed the money with practiced ease. “Pleasurenotdoing business with you, Your Grace.”
Owen made his way through the main room, avoiding eye contact with the patrons.
He’d nearly reached the door when a familiar voice called out, “Carridan? What the devil are you doing here?”
Felix materialized from the crowd with a redhead on his arm and a champagne flute in his hand. His usual easy smile faltered as he took in Owen.
“Business,” Owen replied curtly.
“Business.” Felix’s gaze flicked to Crocker’s office. “What kind of business does a married man have in a place like this?”
“The kind that doesn’t concern you.”
Felix extricated himself from his companion with practiced charm and steered Owen toward a quieter corner. “It concerns me if it affects Iris.”
“Everything I do is to protect Iris.”
“Is it?” Felix’s voice dropped. “Because if you ask me, it looks like you’re sneaking around gaming hells while your wife sits home with a baby.”
“You know nothing about it.”
“I know enough.” Felix stepped closer. “I know Iris is exhausted. I know she’s trying to do everything alone because you’re toobusy with your ‘business’ to help. And now I find you here, doing God knows what.”
“I don’t need lectures from you,” Owen growled. “Especially not when you’re here, enjoying yourself with…” He gestured to the redhead, who was watching with avid interest.
“The difference is, I’m not married.” Felix’s usual humor had vanished entirely. “I haven’t made vows. I haven’t taken on responsibilities.”
“You think I don’t know my responsibilities?”
“I think you’re so focused on protecting everyone that you’re forgetting to be there for them.” Felix shook his head. “Go home, Carridan. Whatever you’re looking for here, it’s not worth what you’re risking.”
Owen left without another word. Felix’s accusations followed him into the night.
Was he protecting Iris by searching for Adele, or was he just using it as another excuse to keep his distance?
The moment he entered the townhouse, he knew something was wrong.
The usual quiet order had been replaced by chaos. He could hear crying from upstairs. The sound wasn’t anything like Evie’s usual fussing but full-throated wails.
He found Iris in the nursery, pacing frantically with a screaming Evie. His wife looked like she’d been through a battle. Her dress was stained, her hair disheveled, and her face showed the strain of hours of struggle.
“Where have you been?” She whirled on him with her eyes blazing. “I’ve been dealing with this all day. Mrs. Pemberton is ill because I’ve worn her out. Sally has her own duties. And you’re off doing whatever it is you do.”
“Iris—”
“Take her.” She thrust Evie at him. “Please, just take her.”
Owen hesitated. He’d never held Evie before. The baby’s face was red with fury as she waved her tiny fists.
“I don’t?—”
“Take her!”
