Several people groaned, mainly men. Others clapped their hands, but Iris noted his action had the desired effect. The argument between Lord Molden and the three women had stopped.
That man must be exhausted when he reached his bed every night. Playing two people could not be easy.
CHAPTERTWENTY
Monty enjoyed the light reading offered from the Captain Broadbent and Lady Nauticus books, but contrary to what society thought, he did not like reading passages out loud from a bloody book. However, he and the Duchess of Yardly had made a production out of doing just that.
She’d started it by pulling out a book at random moments and getting people to read, and Plunge had reveled in being part of it.
“I have your gift, Duchess!” he cooed, mincing toward her, which was a great deal harder when not wearing heels. But as he’d had years of practice, he managed it.
As he neared the woman, he saw Renton with two other men. Their eyes were trained on Iris. Had he been the one to put those marks on her? He really needed to have a long talk with that man or get someone else to, as he was Lord Plunge.
Frustration had the breath hissing from his throat. He’d made his choices and, until now, not regretted them. But in that moment, he wanted to throw aside Plunge and grab Renton and beat him senseless.
Monty comforted himself with the fact that he had someone always watching Iris. Even so, he needed to uncover what threat the man was to Iris and Henry.
“My dear duchess, I have your gift!” Monty yelled, even though she was now only a few feet in front of him. Holding it before him, he bowed.
“Is that the latest, Plunge?” the crotchety old woman demanded.
“Indeed, it is, Duchess, and my birthday gift to you.”
She harrumphed. “Well, I don’t know how you got a copy, but well done.” The book was snatched from his hand.
“Run,” Gabe drawled. “She has a book.”
“It’s my birthday, Raine. I can do what I like,” the old woman crowed.
“Yes, you can. I, however, do not have to do what you like.”
“For that, you can read first,” the Duchess of Yardly said. “But you have to stand on one of those rolling barrels.”
“You’ll forgive me for saying this, I’m sure, seeing as just yesterday you ate the last slice of lemon tart at my table, but no.” Gabe had his arms folded, and he was glaring right back at the duchess.
“Bring a barrel!” she shrieked loud enough to make those close wince.
Monty fought the urge to stick his finger in his ear and wiggle it.
“It would be my honor to read first,” he made himself say.
“You’ll get your turn, Plunge, don’t be eager,” the duchess said. She then looked him in the eye and winked.
Monty looked at Gabe, who had seen the gesture. The earl shrugged as if to say he had no idea why she’d done it. Was it just an eye twitch, and he’d thought it was a wink?
“Barrel!” the duchess shrieked again.
“Give them a chance to reach you with it, Duchess,” Zach said, moving closer. “You can’t just stand there yelling like you’re selling pickled whelks from your cart. It’s rude, even if it is your birthday.”
She raised her cane and whacked him on the ankle.
“Ouch.” Zach hopped about for a few seconds, rubbing it.
Monty looked to where he’d left Iris. She was watching them, her lips tilting in amusement. The woman was sweet. Far too sweet. He was drawn to her when he knew she was near.He wanted her.
She’d been part of his life before his parents’ death. Was that her allure? Studying her face, he thought not. He felt differently about Iris. He had an ache deep inside him that he feared only she could ease.
“I am not barrel walking whilst reading a book,” Gabe said.
