“Your reaction is precisely why, Alice. No one is around.” He gestured to the sprawling emptiness of the estates surrounding them. “If I had to guess, you believe men are too different, too strange for you to understand. That you are somehow inferior. Well, despite what the politicians tell you, women are not inferior. At all. They are fascinating and beautiful and intelligent. And the right look from a woman can bring a man to his knees.”

She swallowed, her eyes dipping to his hand. “Really?”

“Yes, but first I want you to hold my hand. That’s all. See that I’m made up of skin and bones, just like you.” Gloveless, he wiggled his bare fingers.

“How is this going to help me seduce my future husband?”

“Do not question the master as he paints a canvas. Here we are. Take my hand.”

Her bottom lip disappeared between her teeth, yet he didn’t rush her. He couldn’t force her to take his advice to heart and he certainly couldn’t do anything against her will. No, this had to be all Alice.

Slowly, she reached out, as if she were about to touch a rabid animal.

“Wait,” he said. “Remove your gloves.”

She gaped at him. “What? But that’s . . .”

“Inappropriate? Scandalous? Shocking? Yes, I know. That is what makes life worth living, dear Alice. Come on. Remove those shackles of society and touch my hand.”

She stared at her hands. Then, with a dexterity that surprised him, she undid the pearl buttons at her wrist and began pulling the glove off. He took it from her, nodding to her other glove. “Now that one.”

“But—” The stern look he gave her eliminated any complaints, and Alice quickly did as he asked.

He pocketed both her gloves, then held up his hand once again. “When you’re ready.”

Inhaling, she squared her shoulders and wrapped her fingers around his entire hand, as if she were worried he might bolt. When he didn’t move, she caught his gaze. “And?”

“That’s up to you. But you can’t let go, not just yet.”

“Well, this is silly.” She shifted on her feet. “How long are we supposed to stand here?”

“As long as it takes.”

“You’re not making any sense.”

He tried not to smile. “I know. Humor me.”

As the seconds ticked by, her body relaxed bit by bit. Kit waited patiently, standing perfectly still, as Alice grew more comfortable with him. Finally, after what felt like forever, he received his reward.