Maddie arrived holding a hat with slips of paper inside, and Harrison and Kit each selected one. Whichever guests had the corresponding number would partner up together. “Which lucky lady has selected number four?” Kit shouted over the din of conversation and ocean breeze.

No one answered and the others began pairing up. Harrison matched with Katherine Delafield, a likable girl whose father was a real estate tycoon and unmitigated bastard. The Duke of Lockwood held up the same number as the bold Miss Young, a fellow troublemaker if Kit ever saw one. In fact, he’d purposely avoided that particular temptation in the hopes of not breaking his promise to Maddie.

As the teams moved off to the side, one young lady didn’t budge from her seat. Alice. Ah, he understood. His would-be pupil must also have number four. If so, why hadn’t she claimed him?

Standing, he adjusted his cuffs and smoothed his hair, practically preening to make himself presentable. He didn’t know why it mattered, but he wanted to look his best. Or perhaps he was merely stalling. He hadn’t liked disappointing her, causing her to lose the sparkle in her eye last night.

There must be another man who would be willing to help me.

Was she considering someone else? If so, Kit would need to promptly set her straight. A suggestion like hers in the wrong ear could lead to trouble.

Going over, he held up his slip of paper. “Are you my partner for the egg hunt, Miss Lusk?”

Her shoulders rose and fell on a long breath. “It appears so, Mr. Ward.”

“Well, no need to look so glum. The good news is that I know the chateau grounds forward and backward, so we stand to make off like bandits. Are you ready?”

“Have I a choice?”

There was no chance to respond because Maddie began to explain the rules and prizes. Alice didn’t seem interested in the jewelry offered up to the winning teams. Instead, she stared at the water, her mouth pulled into a frown. Was she so unhappy about partnering with him?

His cheeks grew hot as he stood there, being ignored as the teams departed. “Would you rather switch? I’m certain I can convince someone into giving me their number.”

“No, that would be even more humiliating.” She pushed away from the table and stood. “Let’s get this over with.”

Confused, he held out his arm and led her out of the tent. Though the sun was strong, the breeze coming off the water felt cool on his overheated skin. While everyone headed toward the gardens, Kit started for the beach.

“Wait, why are we going this way? Most everyone else is starting in the gardens.”

“Exactly. Maddie likes a challenge. She won’t make this easy, and hiding eggs in the gardens is too easy.” Besides, they could have a private conversation down near the waves and not risk being overheard.