“It was a lovely night, at the Warwick ball,” he could not help but comment, despite everything within him suggesting otherwise. It wasn’t wise to discuss the night that couldn’t ever become anything, but after today they would never get another chance. “I had a lot more fun than I thought Iwould.”
Iris felt her insides melt and soften. She wanted to be furious at Ewan, but she couldn’t be. It was not his fault that society held such expectations for the highborn people, it was simply a negative side effect of having so much money. He could not be blamed for the times that they lived in. Iris recalled Daisy telling her that not everyone found love, however they wereborn.
Maybe if they had both been born in another time period, everything could have beendifferent.
“Yes, I did too. It was an unexpectedtreat.”
“You are a wonderful dancer.” The memory of holding the sweet young girl in his arms still felt fresh in Ewan’smind.
“I danced well with you. The lack of rules helped.” Iris was not sure if this was acceptable to say, but since they had already crossed that line, it didn’t feel toobad.
“Ah yes, my favourite way to dance.”Especially withyou.
So many unsaid things flowed between them at that moment, so many feelings and emotions. It killed Iris to know that they’d never be spoken aloud, but at least she knew now. It didn’t help that he shared feelings with her and nothing could be done about it, but at least sheknew.
Iris smiled at Ewan and he gave her a bright look too. Maybe they couldn’t ever become what they wanted, but at least they would always have the lovely memories of that night. It would never be enough, but it would be better than nothing. Even if this was to be the one and only conversation that they would ever have aboutit.
One night with no rules was all that they’d get. It was more than most people ever got in their entirelives.
Once their plates were clear and both Iris and Ewan were ready to continue on with their journey, they returned to their carriage with lots of things to think about. Iris would, of course, overanalyze every single part of that conversation until it was dissected to the very bone, but Ewan had a lot on his mindtoo.
He had to think about his life choices, to consider if they really were the right ones for him. He’d always been so sure about everything, but now, this young girl had twisted everything up in knots. He did not know anything anymore. Not forcertain.
Before starting on this journey, Ewan had promised himself that he wouldn’t think about anything other than business. He had a lot to sort out so he needed his brain to be centered on that rather than anything else, but he should have known better. He should’ve guessed that this beautiful young girl would take his mind off ofeverything.
Maybe he didn’t think that she would bring upthatnight, especially after he specifically told her not to, but they’d spoken about it now. It should beover.
If only it was thatsimple...
