Page 86 of The Duke of My Heart

“Yes, maybe that is for the best.” There was something in Alice’s tone, Iris could tell that she understood more than she was giving her. “Just remember I am always here. You havefriends.”

“Th... thank you...” Iris stammered tearfully. “I really do appreciate that Alice.”Even if you would not feel the same way if you knew the truth about me.“You are a wonderfulperson.”

“Goodnight,Daisy.”

Iris turned before she could weep and she made her way into her bedroom. The fact that she had been given privacy in this house was wonderful, it had helped her out on so many occasions. This would be another one of thosetimes.

She wanted to grab hold of the letter that had been burning holes in her pocket for hours and she wanted to read through Ewan’s words until she could not think anymore. It was wrong to want him, she hated to be so selfish, but she could not helpherself.

He was the prince charming that she had spent her life dreaming about. She even had a bit of ‘damsel in distress’ about her. Okay, so it wasn’t ever as she imagined, but there was a sense that she needed rescuing. She certainly needed him to come back to her. She would not feel safe again until he was here, by her side in whatever capacity he wanted tobe.

Come back to me, Ewan,she thought as she ran her eyes over the words in front of her.Even if we cannot be, come back so I know where you are. I feel so much better knowing where youare.

The fact that he could be anywhere in the country was awful, even if he had promised to keep the truth to himself. It was not that which concerned her anymore, it was him. She did not want him to go mad with the truth. She never meant it to destroyhim.