“Verity, we can’t have a revolution—we can’t change things—without challenging them.” His face softened as he added gently, “But I am touched that you care for my safety.” He stroked my cheek, and then he leaned over and kissed me on the mouth.

I’d never kissed a boy before. That wasn’t the sort of thing a proper lady would do without an engagement ring, at the very least, but my prospects of being a proper lady were slim. I returned the kiss, tentatively at first, but then with more vigor as my entire body came to life.

I was left breathless when Alec pulled away. Keeping his hands on my shoulders, he said, “I’ll see you in the morning, Verity.” After a light kiss on my forehead, he released me. He waited until I’d opened the front door, and I gave him a shy wave as I slipped inside. I practically floated up the stairs to Lizzie’s room.

“You two took long enough to say good night,” she teased when I entered.

“We had things to discuss,” I said, hoping I didn’t blush badly enough to give myself away.

“Oh, I’m sure it was a very deep discussion.”

Now I knew my cheeks had to be flaming. What must she think of me? “Was it that obvious?”

“Only to someone who was watching the two of you all evening. I do believe our Alec is smitten. He’ll probably name his next engine after you. The question is, are you as smitten as he is?”

I sat on the couch and hugged a pillow to my chest. “Oh, yes, very much so.” It was nice to have someone I could confide in. I might have burst if I’d had to keep this all to myself.

“I suppose that means you’ve decided to join us tomorrow,” she said.

Only then did I realize that I’d never actually made a firm decision. I’d been swept along with all the fervor of Alec’s cause and his kisses, but now I didn’t think I could turn back.

*   *   *

In spite of the late night, we were up early the next morning to get supplies for the outing. Lizzie stopped in front of a bakery and took a list and a few bills out of her purse. “It may take a loaves-and-fishes miracle to get enough food for a proper picnic,” she said with a frown.

I handed her the money Lord Henry had given me. “This will help.”

“Verity, you don’t have to give us money.”