“I am not. I am just questioning your certainty.”
Blaise could marry her and make her a duchess. But he saw Marcus in his mind, Benjamin’s ghost behind him, and the ticking lawsuit from Daniel that could strip Marcus of everything. He did not want the title or responsibilities. But they were his, and he could not toss them aside for a woman with stubborn pride who made him feel alive.
“You are right,” he eventually said bitterly. “I am not the kind of man who marries. Not now.”
Her shoulders sagged, and Blaise felt all wrong. Hurting her was not on his agenda at all.
Iris nodded sharply. “Then you understand why I must dress and take my leave.”
“We can continue as we are,” Blaise said too quickly. “No one needs to know, and I will protect your reputation. I swear I will protect you.”
He meant every word. His desire to protect her already felt too fierce to contain.
Iris tightened her laces and began pinning her hair. Blaise felt a surge of panic, and he did not understand why. He was usually the one dressing up and leaving, but to be on the other end left him wounded.
“It is too risky, Blaise.” She broke the tense silence. “I cannot maintain that sort of relationship, and I do not want to.”
“What do you want, Iris?” Blaise got up and stood stark naked in front of her.
Her eyes traveled the length of his body.
“I want stability and a home.”
He wanted to argue, but her words settled heavily. Blaise simply could not imagine himself as a husband.
Iris breathed deeply, then straightened. “I will leave Hentley House.Yourhouse. It is no longer mine, and I will go somewhere new. Somewhere I can build a home without ghosts.”
“Do not be absurd,” he snapped. “You do not need to leave. Marcus does not want it, anyhow.”
“Neither do I.”
Blaise frowned in confusion as he began to get dressed, too. “But you fought so hard for that house. Is this about theton’sgossip? That will eventually die away, Iris.”
Iris laughed softly.
“It has been seven years, Blaise, and the gossip continues. I am sorry,” she said sadly. “I am truly grateful. You have given me more than you know. But I must walk on my own, even if I stumble. And I have not forgotten about finding a wife for Marcus, too.”
He had to admit to himself that he was completely intrigued by her.
“You would still help me?”
Iris was almost fully clothed. “Yes, although I suggest you let your nephew make his own decisions.”
“That’s how you end up with the wrong wife,” Blaise said tightly. “Or none at all.”
“Or the right one, by accident,” she countered. “You cannot control everything, Blaise. If you try, you will lose everyone, including yourself.”
Her words hit hard like a stone wall.
“If you wish,” she said. “I gave my word. I will make inquiries and introductions. I will say the Duke of Knoxford’s nephew is virtuous.”
“Liar.”
Her eyes warmed. “Maybe I will say he has potential if annoyed enough.”
“That is much better.” Blaise chuckled.
Watching her get dressed felt wrong. It was like an offense against some law he did not know he believed in. Iris turned to him, looking composed and impeccable.
