But why?
To reclaim Evie? To demand answers about Nicholas’s death? Or simply to say goodbye before disappearing forever?
The thought sat like lead in his stomach as he stepped into the cool night air. He’d wanted to believe that Adele had left Evie for a better life. Perhaps she returned to her home to live with family in France or to find a husband who would provide stability. But the courtesan’s words painted a different picture entirely. Now, Owen only saw Adele as a desperate woman making final arrangements before vanishing into London’s shadows.
The alley beside the gaming hall stretched dark and narrow. They were lit only by the occasional gas lamp. Owen had taken perhaps a dozen steps when a familiar voice emerged from the shadows.
“Interesting establishment for a married duke.”
Owen spun toward the sound. His hand moved instinctively toward the knife he kept concealed in his coat.
Felix stepped into the light and his usually amiable smile was nowhere in sight.
“Still following me, I see,” Owen said without surprise.
Felix moved closer wearing a grim expression. “Find what you were looking for?”
“What I’m looking for isn’t your concern.”
“Isn’t it?” Felix’s voice hardened. “When it involves my cousin, everything becomes my concern. Especially when her husbandfrequents brothels three days after making a scene at Morrison’s ball.”
Owen stiffened. He’d avoided Iris since… their intimate moment.
“My marriage is none of your business.”
“Your marriage affects Iris, which makes it my business.” Felix stepped closer. “So, I’ll ask again. What were you doing in there?”
Owen looked around, confirming they were alone. The last thing he needed was for this conversation to be overheard by the wrong ears.
“Drop it, Halston.”
“Like hell.” Felix’s lips curled into a snarl. “I heard enough from the doorway to know you were asking about someone named Adele. I can only assume she’s your mistress.”
“She’s not my mistress.”
“Then who is she?”
Owen weighed his options. Felix had already heard too much to be brushed off with lies. And despite his rakish reputation, he’dproven fiercely protective of Iris. Perhaps it was time to trust him with part of the truth.
“She’s Evie’s mother.”
Felix went very still. “Her mother?”
“The woman who left her on our doorstep. I’ve been trying to find her.”
“Why?”
“To ensure that she poses no threat to Evie’s future. To learn why she abandoned her child. To…” Owen stopped abruptly. He was unwilling to voice his worst fears.
“To find out if she’s still alive,” Felix finished quietly.
“Yes.”
They stood in silence. The sounds of the gaming hall filtered through the thin walls.
“Does Iris know you’re searching for the mother?” Felix continued.
“No.”
