Zach hadn’t realized they had turned and were descending into the ballroom.
Love?Surely not.
“Thank you.”
“Zach, are you all right?” Beth said, moving to his side.
“Perfectly, thank you, Beth.”
“I’m not entirely sure you are, and I wonder if it’s a certain woman disturbing you.”
“What woman?” He shot her a look and then concentrated on making it down the stairs without tripping again.
“That will do, Beth,” Nathan said. “Zach has things on his mind this evening, my love. We shall leave him to his contemplation.”
“Zach is never contemplative,” Beth whispered to Nathan.
Reaching the bottom, Zach moved behind his family toward the seats that had been placed out. Where was Mary?
“La, it is the handsome Devilles!”
Dimity snorted and then held out her hand to Plunge. He took it and bowed deeply.
“Good evening, Lord Plunge. How radiant you look tonight. If you’ll excuse me, we must get good seats for the performance.” She then grabbed Beth and Freya and hurried away, leaving the men with Plunge.
“I am, of course, reading,” he said in that pompous tone he’d perfected.
“Lord Plunge.” Gabe bowed.
“Did you hear what I did with your name, good sirs?” Plunge cried. “Handsome Devilles!” He yelled as if they were hard of hearing.
Zach dutifully winced. The man was a wonderful actor, now they knew that was what he was doing. How he’d managed to keep the charade up for so long was quite a feat.
“Good God, Plunge, are you wearing powder and a patch on your cheek?” Gabe asked.
Plunge preened. “You noticed! Is it not wonderful? It’s my hope that others will follow my lead and bring them back.”
He wore a silver jacket with lavender stitching this evening. He was the only man in knee breeches and a pink satin waistcoat. The outfit was ridiculous and made him look out of place, just as he’d always wanted to be. Hiding in front of everyone.
“Idiot,” Zach said under his breath but loud enough for those around him to hear.
“Yours is a magnificent bone structure, Lord Raine. A patch would be perfection on you!”
The Deville brothers schooled their features in disgust.
“Excuse us,” Michael said in a chilly tone, and they moved on.
“Playing that role must be exhausting,” Nathan whispered to Zach.
“Agreed.”
“Have you seen her yet?” Nathan asked.
“I haven’t.” Zach didn’t ask who his brother meant. He’d been looking for Mary since he arrived.
“She’s over there with Caldwell, Moulin, and her sister,” Michael said.
Zach followed his brother’s gaze and found her. She wore a pale lavender dress that had no flounces or rosettes, and a matching satin band around her head. Zach thought she looked sweet and disturbing.
