She jumped so violently that she nearly fell from the chair. Tobias had to clasp her elbow and throw his arm across her middle to keep her seated. Slumped, but seated.

In her confusion—at least he hoped it was confusion—she brought her other hand around and socked him in the jaw. He stumbled back, letting go of her elbow, which allowed her to use that hand to shove him over onto his arse.

The silence around them was deafening, and somehow the music for the dancing seemed quite far away. Then there was chattering and…laughter. Small at first, the amusement grew until Tobias could no longer hear the music at all.

Scrambling to his feet and tidying his clothing, Tobias went back to Mrs. Tucket who, blinking and yawning, straightened in her chair. She looked up at Tobias as if she hadn’t just knocked him over.

“Did you have a nice nap?” he asked quietly, forcing himself to smile. He needed to send her home, which left him as Miss Wingate’s chaperone. How could he act in that capacity when it was taking all of his energy just to think of her as Miss Wingate and not Fiona, the woman who had quite invaded his dreams the past three nights? Goddamn bloody hell indeed.

“I fell asleep?” She waved her hand. “Just for a moment. Where is Fiona?” She squinted toward the dance floor.

“Dancing with Lord Gregory.” Tobias glanced over his shoulder and noticed that Lady Pickering was only a few feet away, her expression a mix of humor and pity. He looked at her pleadingly and mouthed the word, “Help.”

Thankfully, she came toward him without delay. “I’ll be delighted to take over as Miss Wingate’s chaperone.” She gave Mrs. Tucket a warm smile. “You go on home and get your rest.”

“I don’t need to go home,” she said stubbornly.

Tobias feared this was going to turn into even more of a scene than it already had. As if his current notoriety wasn’t bad enough. Pivoting so that he faced the wall and had his back to most everyone around them, he fixed Mrs. Tucket with his most serious stare. “If you don’t go now, it’s going to reflect poorly on Miss Wingate,” he said quietly. “I’m sure you don’t want that to happen.”

Concern darkened her features. “How can that be?”

“You did that…thing you do when you sleep. The cursing. Then you hit me and knocked me over.”

Her face turned a rather ghastly shade of gray. “I understand. And I offer my gravest apologies.”

“I’ll escort you downstairs, and my coach will take you home. Lady Pickering will take care of Miss Wingate. All will be well.” He offered his arm, assisting her to leverage herself up. Thankfully, she’d brought her cane this evening. It had fallen to the floor, probably when she’d demonstrated her remarkable pugilistic skill.

Tobias bent and swept it up, handing it to her so she could make her way to the doorway. He worked very hard not to look at anyone as they left.