Page 67 of Plucked By the Orc

“So you have your pick of London’s most eligible young gentlemen,” Duncan said. “Not that I expected anything less.”

“I still intend to open a flower shop with my mate, Lottie. As you must know.”

“No one would blame you if you changed your mind. The right marriage could bring about a style of living to which I’m sure you would soon grow accustomed and embrace.”

This was not going how she had hoped at all. How could Duncan think she would entertain the idea of anyone but him in her life? She wished he would sit. He seemed agitated. Was he nervous to speak to her?

“What would this hypothetical gent do when he finds out I’m not a countess?”

“It would not matter a whit.”

Iris folded her hands on her knees. “Do you believe that to be my only impediment to marrying?”

Duncan shook his head and expelled a breath. He moved to his desk, fists curled, and tapped his thumbs on the polished wood. “Unless you’ve reached some understanding with Felton Maberly.”

“I have not. And I am very sorry if he was ever under the impression that I was interested in such an understanding. He’s a nice boy.”

“A little pip, as far as I’m concerned,” Duncan said, staring at her. His words were inflected more with curiosity than anything. Even if he did still think Felton a “pip.”

She wanted him to say that he had been jealous of Felton, that there was naught wrong with the boy but for his interest in her. Duncan opened his mouth again, and she willed him to say it. But for the better part of a minute, no sound issued forth.

“I am surprised,” Duncan said at last. “Even if he is a pip, I imagined he had captured your attention as you captured his.”

“Did you think my heart so inconstant?”

“I did not know what to think. I only knew there was little point in spinning a fairy tale for myself. You will decide what you want.Whoyou want, rather. And what I desire is not relevant to the matter.”

It was not precisely a confession of love, but it would do for now. Iris rose and walked across the room to face him.

“Duncan Higgins,” she said. “Have you not yet guessed my impediment to a marriage with one of these fine London gents?”

“We have shared physical intimacy, Miss Gabbert,” he said, the words faster now. He hadn’t stepped back, at least. He met her gaze fully. “But you should not let that influence your future. I know humans set a store on this so-called “virtue” of women before marriage, but Orcan society is not so narrow-minded. Physical congress is a vital aspect of a partnership to be explored before vows are exchanged.”

“You’ve told me all of this before,” Iris said. “I am well aware. So, seeing as that’s the case, why would I stick around if I don’t want to?”

“Even given my propensity for Orcan ways, the fact remains that if you wish to achieve a prime position in human society, you must abide by their rules.”

“Blimey!” she cried. “How you go on, kitten.”

“I am not saying this as well as I intended to, Miss Gabbert … Iris,” he said. “There are additional facts in this matter. I have not been as straightforward as I ought to have been in relaying them.”

“Why don’t you start with how you see me? Am I that countess you created or Iris Gabbert to you? When you look at me, who do you see?”

Duncan shook his head uncertainly. “I created nothing. You have always been Iris Gabbert and always will be. And I am addressing that woman now. A woman whom …” He looked down at his cravat and swung his hands behind his back. “Well …”

“Go on then.”

“Miss Gabbert,” he said slowly. “I know you to be a woman of extraordinary intellect and discernment. How can you not see what is plainly before your eyes?”

“Maybe I wish to hear it as well. How do you feel about me?”

He blinked once, looking for all the earth like a wide-eyed lad rather than an intimidating Orcan duke.

“I love your soul, your mind, and your body. And if there is any justice in this world, you feel half the same for me as I do for you.”

He withdrew his hands from behind his back and intertwined her small fingers in his massive ones. His skin still held a chill from outside, but his touch sparked the familiar heat of her desire. He dipped his head.

“There is no world at all but for you, Iris Gabbert. Whatever you decide should make you happy and fulfilled. I only pray you believe I can provide you with such.”

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