“I couldn’t say, but I hope you’re being careful.”

“About what?”

“Not falling under his spell.” Katherine tilted her head in Kit’s direction. “He’s quite the charmer, but certainly not the settling-down kind.”

“Oh, there’s nothing to worry about there. He would never be interested in someone like me.”

“What do you mean, someone like you?”

“You know, boring. He’s so . . .” She waved her hand, trying to come up with the right word. “Much.”

“Alice.” Katherine put down her fork and moved closer. “Do not for one second think he wouldn’t seduce you if given the chance. You are pretty and a kind person. So take it from me, Mr. Ward and his friends are absolute scoundrels.”

“His friends? You mean like Mr. Archer?” Harrison had seemed quite nice, actually.

“Harrison’s not a bad sort. I meant Preston Clarke. He and Kit are . . . Well, don’t get any romantic notions in your head, is all I am saying.”

“Sounds like you are speaking from experience. Have you and Mr. Ward . . . ?”

“God, no. Just be on guard at all times.”

Odd that Katherine hadn’t offered up the same denial about Mr. Clarke.

Alice nodded once. “I will. Thank you.” She couldn’t help but smile. It was nice to have other women looking out for her.

There hadn’t been much opportunity to make friends in Boston. Her mother rarely allowed her to socialize with girls her own age, saying they were all vapid and silly, and Alice had been tutored at home rather than a finishing school. During the season, Mama kept Alice close, saying there were too many dangers in New York to allow her any independence. Consequently, Alice spent most of her time in the hotel, either in her room alone or in the kitchen with Chef Franconi.

“You’re welcome.” Katherine picked up her wineglass. “Like my aunt says: know your worth. If we think so little of ourselves it becomes all too easy for others to do the same.”

“That is good advice.”

“It has certainly helped me through some low moments.”

That was a surprising revelation. Katherine seemed put together, as far as Alice could tell. Mature, with a good head on her shoulders. She’d just returned from an extended stay in Spain, too. Alice longed to travel, but Mama wouldn’t hear of it. Dining on French cuisine was as adventurous as Mama allowed. “I’m sorry to hear you struggled. Was it a scoundrel?”

“In a way.” Katherine took a long swallow of wine. “So learn from my mistakes, Alice.”

Alice slid her eyes toward Kit and was shocked to find him staring at her. He quirked a brow, and she could see the curiosity in his gaze. Alice had no idea what to do or say, her stomach knotted in the face of his gorgeous intensity. My goodness, he was potent.