12 Chapter 12

I dragged my gaze off his face and made a production of looking at my wristwatch, but I glanced at him from the corner of my eye. “Mother, are you ready to leave?”

Disappointment flashed across Mark’s face to vanish immediately, replaced by polite indifference. “Leaving already, Mann?”

Mother had seen it as well. “Why don’t you and Mr. Vincent stay and enjoy the ball, Quinton? I called Gregor from the ladies’ lounge, and he should be arriving to pick me up shortly. Walk with me to the cloakroom, sweetheart. Mr. Vincent. It was nice seeing you again.”

“Mrs. Mann. It was nice meeting you. For the first time,” he reiterated.

“Very well. If you say so.”

Mark looked nonplussed at Mother’s obvious amusement, and I bit my lip to contain mylaughter. She slid her arm into mine, and we began walking toward the elegant curved staircase.

“What are you up to, Mother?” I demanded softly as we descended and crossed the foyer.

“I?”

“Did Father fall for that innocent expression?”