There was something familiar about the incredibly charming, loquacious Inamorato under his white face and lusciously painted lips. Jal was the first to recognise Isabella’s suitor of last night. Clutching two hands to his heart, he exclaimed softly in falsetto.
‘That Inamorato, he’s a catch!’
His eyelashes fluttered like an insane butterfly. Dario took up the joke. He too did a wonderful impression of a woman’s voice.
‘So handsome and so … noble.’
Slowly, Isabella’s body leaned forward, intent on the performance. She sat like that for the rest of the lazzi, the comic turn onstage. When the Inamorato left the stage and the story moved on, she sat back, as slowly as she had leaned forward. She even spoke slowly.
‘Oh, Creator!’
Mina was surprised. She’d almost expected an explosion when
