He groaned with fierce pleasure.

“At times like this,” he muttered against her throat, “I cannot doubt your powers of mesmerism. You never fail to entrance me.”

“I may be a trained mesmerist, but you, sir, are nothing less than a sorcerer.”

The moonlight and the magic closed in around them.

It was the first time she had danced since Fielding’s death.

Joan felt oddly bemused as Vale guided her through the sweeping turn.

She had never thought to waltz with any man again, had never even dreamed that someday she might enjoy the music and the graceful patterns with anyone other than her beloved Fielding. Yet here she was, in the arms of one of his more dangerous friends, and it was intoxicating.

“Your gown is exquisite, madam,” Vale said. “But I cannot help but notice that you still wear the colors of mourning, even though it has been a year since Fielding departed this world.”

“I miss him,” she said quietly.

“I understand. I miss him too. Fielding was my friend. But I must tell you that I do not believe that he would have wanted you to wear nothing but gray and black for the rest of your life.”

She did not know what to say to that. The truth was that until quite recently she had not even thought about ending her period of mourning. She had had no desire to end it. Indeed, she knew that some part of her had anticipated wearing somber hues forever.

But the certainty that she was doomed to live out her days in a state of melancholia had begun to abate in recent weeks. Lavinia and Tobias had broken through the dark trance in which she had been ensnared. They had found answers to the questions surrounding Fielding’s death, questions that had haunted her for months. In doing so, they had helped free her from a gloom that had seemed unrelenting.

“We shall see,” she said.

Vale smiled, obviously content for now with her response. He swept her into another long, gliding turn.

He was, she thought, an excellent dancer. She relaxed and gave herself up to the glorious strains of the waltz and the sure strength of his arms.

“You have acquired some interesting new companions,” Vale said after a while.

The comment brought her back to the reality of the moment with a decided jolt. This was no pleasant dream. Vale did nothing without a reason. She must be on her guard.

“You refer to Mrs. Lake and Mr. March, I believe,” she said smoothly. “They are, indeed, somewhat out of the ordinary. But I find I enjoy their company.”

He chuckled. “That is no doubt because you, madam, are very much out of the ordinary yourself.” He paused for another turn. “I know nothing of Mrs. Lake, but there are a number of rumors about March.”

“You surprise me, sir. I would not have thought you the type to give credence to gossip.”

“You know very well that I pay very close attention to certain types of gossip, just as Fielding did.”

“What do the rumors say of Mr. March?” she asked.

“Among other things, they tell me that he served as a spy during the war and that he continues to make a living in a rather unorthodox fashion.” Vale gave her a knowing look. “I believe he accepts commissions to conduct private investigations on behalf of persons who prefer to avoid Bow Street.”

“A most unusual line of work.”

“Yes, it is.”

“But no doubt quite an interesting occupation.”

Vale’s brows rose. “One hears that he and, presumably, his good friend Mrs. Lake are presently searching for a certain antiquity.”

“Ah.”

Vale looked amused. “What does that signify, madam?”

“Merely the fact that you mention this relic implies that you too are looking for it, sir.”

He sighed mockingly. “Subtlety is lost on you, madam. You know me too well.”

“On the contrary, sir. I do not know you well at all. But when it comes to the matter of rare antiquities, I am acquainted with some of your tastes.”

“Yes, of course. You and I and Fielding discussed the pleasures of collecting many times over the years, did we not?” He spun her into another turn. “I believe that you are something of an authority yourself.”

“I do not claim any great expertise, but I admit that I learned many things about relics while listening to you and Fielding discuss and compare your acquisitions,” she said.

“And of course, you have inherited Dove’s outstanding collection, have you not? Tell me, madam, do you intend to add to it?”

Keep him guessing, she thought. Give nothing away.

“If that is a subtle way of asking me whether or not I plan to acquire the Blue Medusa,” she said, “I cannot give you an answer as yet. I have not made up my mind.”

“I see.” He brought her to a halt at the edge of the dance floor, neatly manipulating her into the seclusion of a private alcove. He did not take his hand from her arm. “I have no wish to find myself competing directly with you.”

“But that wish would not stop you from doing so should the need arise, correct?”

He smiled and ignored the question. “There is another aspect of this situation that alarms me, madam.”

“I am astonished, sir. I did not think anything could alarm you.”

“On the contrary. You are the widow of one of the few men I have ever called friend, and I would be negligent in my responsibility to Fielding’s memory if I did not try to prevent you from exposing yourself to undue risk.”

“I assure you, I am not at risk in this matter.”

“I am concerned about your role in this affair, Joan.”

“Do not trouble yourself with any concerns on my behalf, my lord.” She smiled. “I assure you, I am well able to take care of myself. My husband was an excellent instructor in many subjects, not just antiquities.”

“Yes, of course.” He did not look pleased with her response, but he inclined his head very civilly. “I apologize if I have intruded into your private affairs.”

“You need not apologize, sir. I am happy to tell you that I am assisting Mrs. Lake and Mr. March in their investigations.”

That stopped him cold. If she had not witnessed his stunned expression, she would never have believed him capable of such a degree of astonishment. A tiny thrill of triumph shot through her.

“Assisting them?” he repeated blankly. “Bloody hell, Joan. What the devil are you talking about?”

She chuckled. “Calm yourself, my lord. It is merely a hobby of mine.” She was oddly pleased with having disconcerted him to such an extent. “But an amusing one, if I do say so.”

“I don’t understand.”

“It is really quite simple. I have connections in places they do not. When those connections might prove useful, I endeavor to take advantage of them.”

His mouth quirked humorlessly. “Am I one of those connections? Is that why you accepted my invitation to dance? So that you could pursue your investigations on behalf of March and Mrs. Lake?”

“Not at all, sir. I danced with you because you asked me and because it pleased me to do so.”

Irritation flashed in his eyes, but he bent politely over her hand. “I trust you enjoyed yourself, madam.”

“Oh, I did, indeed, sir, even though I am well aware that the only reason you are here tonight is because you are after the bracelet and you wanted to discover my role and the role of my friends in the affair. I trust you are satisfied with the results of your own inquiry.”

He straightened but he did not immediately release her hand. “A word of warning, Joan. This affair of the Medusa is a dangerous business.”

“I shall bear that in mind, sir.”

He looked less than pleased with that, but they both knew there was nothing he could do about her involvement in the situation.

“I will bid you good night, madam,” he said.

“Good night, my lord.” She gave him a demure curtsy. “I am honored that you chose to renew our acquaintance this evening, even though I know you had ulterior motives.”