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rolled his shoulders a few times, relishing his newfound space.
    Lenton appeared next to him, an untouched wineglass held dejectedly between two fingers. “It’s almost my dance with her, isn’t it?”
    Who knew what the woman had planned? But he wasn’t about to give up the chance to speak with Lenton if he was feeling sociable. “She’ll return after the set. Is she the type of woman you normally fancy?”
    “She’s like the air in my lungs. I’ve loved her as long as I can remember.”
    “How long have you known her?”
    Lenton blinked. “Oh, same as everyone, I suppose. Since she showed up in London six months ago.”
    Gabriel followed her laughing progress across the floor. “Where was she before that?”
    Lenton sighed. “I never asked. Heaven, I suppose. Or Shropshire.” He frowned at his wine. “I need something stronger. I’ll return.”
    As Lenton wandered away, Gabriel reviewed all the gossip he’d heard in the past months. Her name had been on every man’s lips, noble and common, until he’d been sick of it. She featured so prominently in the scandal sheets it had been difficult to learn anything else. But before that, he couldn’t think of any mention of her.
    If she’d been in London for only the past six months, where the devil had she been before that?
    M adeline disentangled herself from Wethersly. Really, the man was more octopus than octogenarian.
    She searched out Huntford, now blessedly isolated from the swarming mass of humanity that filled the ballroom.
    Not that his cocoon of space would last once she returned.
    She kept her step light and carefree even though she wanted nothing more than to dive through the nearest open window. Why had she come tonight?
    Her stomach gave a very undainty rumble. Ah yes, money.
    A drunken gentleman stumbled into her path and she skirted around him, leaving him to the dubious comfort of the woman he’d selected to entertain him tonight.
    Alcohol had flowed abundantly throughout the evening, and, as she well knew, wine and lust were a potent duo. She skipped around a hand grabbing for her backside. But there was a fine line between inspiring lust and fending it off. It would soon be time to leave.
    Huntford’s jade eyes locked on her as she approached. Under his gaze, the natural sway of her hips felt exaggerated and wanton. Her bodice tightened uncomfortably over her breasts. And again the awareness returned. Not of her seductiveness, she knew that tool too well to pay it any heed, but of the woman beneath it who wanted to be seduced.
    That woman was a stranger. And a terrifying one at that.
    But it was more than just physical attraction that slowed her steps as she returned to Gabriel. When she’d stood back to back with him earlier, she’d been surprised by the warmth that spread through her. It wasn’t the heat of an additional body pressing against her or even the simmering lust. No, it was something far more singular in her experience—security. There weren’t many people she’d trust at her back in a fight. As a matter of fact, there were only two.
    Three now, apparently.
    She wanted to pinch Huntford’s scowling cheek. “Come, let’s get you some food. I won’t have them saying that I’m a cruel taskmaster.”
    “I believe Lenton hoped to find you.”
    “You’re right. We’d better hurry before he succeeds.”
    He tipped his head in acceptance, and she led the way to the dining room. She stopped just inside, a snort of laughter escaping before she could contain it. She’d promised Huntford scandalous, hadn’t she?
    On the table in the center of the room, a nude woman had arranged herself across several silver platters. Fruit had been placed over her body. As the men selected the fruit, more of her bare skin was revealed.
    Perhaps they should stay away from the fruit table. In fact, the beef looked rather good. But Madeline couldn’t resist peering back at Gabriel. “Hungry?”
    Gabriel’s scowl deepened. “Not