“Don’t.” He leaned his face into her palm. “Don’t assume the worst of me. I may be a fool and a coward, but I’m not a liar. Not about this.”
“Then tell me the truth. All of it. Help me understand.”
“Tomorrow,” he promised. “After we get home, after Evie’s asleep. I’ll tell you everything. All of it.”
“Do you promise?”
“I promise.” He pressed a kiss on her palm. “No more secrets.”
“No more secrets,” she agreed.
They returned to the ballroom separately, Iris first, then Owen a few minutes later. If anyone noticed their absence or disheveled appearances, they were too polite to comment on it. But Owen caught the knowing looks and whispers.
For once, the gossip would be true. The Duke of Carridan was desperately, helplessly attracted to his wife, and he didn’t want to fight against those feelings anymore.
CHAPTER 19
When Iris came down for breakfast, Peters informed her that Owen had already left for his morning appointments.
“At seven o’clock?” She tried to keep the disappointment from her voice.
“His Grace mentioned urgent business, Your Grace. He said not to expect him until evening.”
Of course, he had.
Iris took her breakfast in the morning room while Evie contentedly gurgled in her basket nearby. Sally reported that the baby had slept well. Little Evie was blissfully unaware of the turmoil surrounding her guardians.
“At least one of us is happy,” Iris murmured while reaching down to stroke Evie’s cheek.
The baby caught her finger with surprising strength, and Iris felt that familiar warmth bloom in her chest.
Whatever happened between her and Owen, Evie remained. This perfect, innocent child still needed love and protection.
“I won’t let our mess affect you,” she promised. “You’ll have better than what we had.”
But even as she said it, she wondered how sustainable it would be. Last night had shown her glimpses of the man Owen could be when his walls came down. He was capable of being tender, vulnerable, and genuinely caring. But would those moments be enough to build a foundation for their family? Or would they retreat again into the careful distance that had defined their marriage until now?
The fear that this newfound intimacy might prove as fragile as everything else between them made her chest tight with uncertainty.
She was still brooding when Grace arrived. Her arms were full of packages, and her face was bright with excitement.
“I come bearing gifts!” she announced as she swept into the morning room. “My sister included the most adorable baby clothes. Look at this tiny bonnet!”
Despite her mood, Iris smiled as Grace unpacked treasure after treasure. There was soft, knitted blankets, delicate gowns, and even a small stuffed rabbit.
“She’s emptying her nursery, I think,” she said, settling beside Iris with the ease of long friendship. “Her youngest is three now, so these were just gathering dust.”
“They’re wonderful. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me; thank my sister. Though I’ll take credit for this.” She produced a small silver rattle which was beautifully engraved. “I couldn’t resist.”
Evie immediately reached for it, seemingly fascinated the light that danced off the silver.
“See? She loves it already.” Grace watched Iris help Evie grasp the rattle and her expression softened. “You look so natural with her.”
“Do I?” Iris adjusted Evie’s position. The movement was automatic now. “Sometimes I feel like I’m playing a part I don’t understand.”
“Nonsense. Look how content she is. How she watches you. That’s not playing—that’s motherhood.”
