“But I’m not her mother.” The words came out sharper than intended. “I’m just… I don’t even know what I am. A guardian? An impostor? A fool who thought this arrangement could work?”
Grace studied her. “What’s happened?”
“Nothing.”
“Iris.”
“Nothing’s happened.” But Iris felt the telltale heat creeping up her neck.
“Oh, my dear.” Grace’s voice softened. “That’s quite a blush for nothing.”
“It’s warm in here.”
“Really? You’re going to use the weather as an excuse?”
“Grace, please.”
“Did he kiss you?”
The blunt question made Iris’s cheeks burn hotter. “I don’t want to discuss it.”
“He did! Oh, Iris.” Grace reached over to squeeze her hand. “Was it at the ball? Is that why you both looked so?—”
“So what?”
“Affected. Like you’d been struck by lightning and were trying to pretend you hadn’t.”
Iris pulled her hand away so she could focus on Evie and the rattle. “It doesn’t matter. He’s been avoiding me since.”
“Men tend to do that when they’re scared.”
“Or when they mean it.” She heard the bitterness in her voice. “He was probably just caught up in the moment. Jealous of the Duke of Richmond and wanting to stake his claim. It had nothing to do with actually wanting me.”
“You don’t believe that.”
“Don’t I?” Iris finally met her friend’s gaze. “What do I actually know about him, Grace? He left me for a year. He keeps secrets. He’s cold one moment and passionate the next. How can I trust anything he says or does?”
Grace was quiet for a moment as she watched Evie wave the rattle with increasing enthusiasm. “Do you want my honest opinion?”
“Always.”
“I think he’s terrified.” She held up a hand when Iris started to protest. “Hear me out. Harrison was like that when we first married. Hot and cold, advancing and retreating. Men think vulnerability is weakness, especially the ones who’ve been hurt before.”
“Owen hasn’t been hurt. He does the hurting.”
“Are you sure? A man doesn’t build walls that high without a reason.”
Iris thought of Owen’s bitter words about marriage and considered what Mrs. Pemberton had said about his parents. Perhaps Grace had a point.
“Even if you’re right,” she said slowly, “what am I supposed to do? Keep throwing myself at him, hoping he’ll eventually stop running?”
“God, no.” Grace’s laugh was slightly scandalized. “That’s the worst thing you can do. Men like your husband need to come to you. They need to realize what they’re missing and choose to fight for it.”
“And if he doesn’t?”
“Then he’s not worth your affection.” Grace’s expression grew serious. “I mean it, Iris. Don’t give him anything you’re not prepared to lose. Not unless he’s willing to give you the same in return.”
“I haven’t given him anything.”
