She didn’t let his arrogant attitude get to her. “If I’m right, Oscar Bittlesman, you’re a betting man. I’m daring you to come work in my shed for just one hour. If you manage to stay for one full hour, I’ll pay the increase in rent. But I’m betting that after an hour in that creaking, shaking, drafty rectangle of old wood, you’ll see you’ve been charging too much and you won’t raise the rent. You’ll know you’re lucky enough to get the rent you’re getting now.”

Oscar squinted at her. “You’re aware, young lady, that you have no right to burst into my private home this way and sit at my table without invitation.”

“I do know that. I’ll leave the moment you accept my challenge.”

He was frowning so hard he looked like a bulldog, but Christina caught the glint of interest in his eyes and held firm, glaring right back at him.

Oscar raised his chin defensively. “Fine. One o’clock tomorrow. One hour exactly and not a second more.”

“I’ll see you then.” Christina didn’t bother with any normal niceties. She stood up, turned her back on him, and strode back down the hall, head high, triumphant.

Janice was waiting by the front door.

“Thanks, Janice,” Christina said. “You can return to your breakfast now.”

“Christina, wait.” Janice put her hand on Christina’s arm and pulled her gently out onto the front porch, pulling the front door almost shut behind her. Janice looked especially pretty today in a simple green wool dress and cherry red earrings.

“Is something wrong?” Christina asked.

“Not wrong at all. But there’s something I need you to know. Christina, Oscar is not simply my employer.”

Christina grinned. “I thought you might have something going on with the old grouch. But why keep it secret, Janice? Does he enjoy treating you like the help?”

Janice bristled. “No, he does not! For your information, not that I want to share this with everyone, Oscar has asked me to marry him.”

Christina gasped. “You’re kidding.”

Janice sniffed. “Well, that’s a flattering remark.”

“I’m sorry, Janice. I’m just so surprised. But why aren’t you married?”

“Because I refused him. You know what it’s like on this island. I have all my family and friends here. I have my routines and my way of life. I wouldn’t change all that for the world. Who would want to be Mrs. Oscar Bittlesman?”

“But you’d be rich!”