She didn’t meet his eyes, her hands fidgeting once more. “You’re not telling me the truth.”

“Yes, I am. You just don’t believe me.”

“You’re right, I don’t. There is another reason you don’t want to see me. Is it . . . ? Have I pushed you too far?” Christ, he’d massaged her breast last night. Had he horrified her? He’d been so certain she was enjoying it, but he hadn’t asked. “Last night, did I—?”

“No, nothing like that,” she rushed out, and he relaxed a small fraction.

“Then what?”

“Kit, you should leave. My mother will return any minute. She’s quite anxious to make the train for New York.”

“Not until you tell me the truth.”

“Fine.” She closed her eyes and pressed her lips together. “I’m not like you. I cannot do what we are doing and not feel anything. It’s becoming . . . challenging.”

Oh. He slumped against the back of the couch. That was unexpected. “I am not the kind of man who is interested in settling down.”

“I know, which is why I think it’s best if we leave our bargain here. You’ve helped me tremendously and I am grateful. You are funny and smart, and you gave me more confidence than I ever thought possible. Please do not think this is about you. This is about me.”

“And finding a husband?”

“Yes. I must take that endeavor seriously.”

He opened his mouth but promptly closed it. There wasn’t anything else to be said. To argue was churlish and selfish, and it would not change the circumstances. As much as he wanted to bed Alice, he couldn’t have her. She would marry and live a happy—albeit boring—scoundrel-free life. As was fitting. After all, it was the entire reason she’d sought him out in the first place.

He just hadn’t expected to like her this much, damn it.

Standing, he thrust his hands in his trouser pockets. “I understand. I wish you safe travels and best of luck in your search.”

“Thank you, Kit. I know your supper club will be a smashing success.”

“In no small part due to your assistance. I’m very grateful.”

She bit her lip and cast a furtive glance at the doorway. “They have started to leave. You’d best disappear before—”

“Alice!” Mrs. Lusk rushed into the room, her glare cutting Kit down where he stood before turning on her daughter. “I leave you for five minutes and you entertain this scoundrel alone like a—”

“Madam,” Kit snapped. “Seeing as how Miss Lusk is unable to walk unassisted, I thought I might help her into your carriage.”

The older woman frowned. “We can make do, Mr. Ward. You may run along. We don’t need your kind of help.”

“Mama, please. You are being unkind. Would you rather a footman assisted me?”