“You’ve been very insightful and I appreciate your honesty.”

The ache between his shoulders eased somewhat. “I’m glad. I hope you found tonight useful.”

“Oh, I did. It was utterly fascinating.”

She slipped through the crack in the door and disappeared into the corridor. Kit quietly closed the door and stood there a moment, wondering if he hadn’t made a terrible mistake by agreeing to this bargain.

The next morning, Alice had just finished eating when Kit, wearing his tennis whites, strolled into the dining room. The clothes fit him perfectly, each stitch caressing his lithe frame, the light color a stark contrast to his dark hair. Her stomach jumped, her skin coming alive with awareness as she tracked his movements. He filled a plate at the sideboard, then sat next to Mr. Archer at the opposite end of the dining table.

The two of them began speaking in low tones, their heads close together, and Alice was left to watch Kit’s face. Light played off the sharp angles, illuminating his cheekbones and strong jaw. Full lips that promised sinful delight and wicked pleasure. Goodness, he was attractive.

There’s nothing more powerful than when a woman stares at you from across the room like you are the only person who matters.

Was that what he wished? To feel like he mattered?

While it was clear he’d been embarrassed by his answers last night, she found them fascinating. Christopher Ward was more than the society charmer he played so well, and she liked the real version of the man much better. His answer for what he liked in a woman had been genuine and off-the-cuff, and she could fall hard for a thoughtful man such as that.

“Alice,” her mother hissed. “Stop staring. It’s rude.”

She quickly transferred her gaze to her near-empty plate. The scrambled eggs were creamy and well seasoned, sprinkled with fresh thyme. They were every bit as good as Angelo’s eggs at the hotel, which were nothing short of heaven on a plate. After she took the last bite, she started to get up for another helping.

Mama’s hand grabbed her arm. “Where are you going?”

“To get more eggs.”

“Alice,” her mother scolded in a harsh whisper. “Do not dare. What will everyone think if you are shoving food in your face all the time?”

“That I am hungry?”

Mama’s lips flattened, her gaze hard and cold. “Do not get fresh with me. We discussed your preoccupation with eating in front of men and how it will ruin your chances at marriage.” Turning, she waved to the footman. “Please, take our plates.”

Alice watched as her opportunity for more eggs walked out of the dining room. She closed her eyes and tried not to scream. I will be married soon and then I can eat all the eggs I wish.