The duke, a fresh grass stain now marring his pristine trousers, stalked to the refreshment table. Mr. Archer dropped into the chair beside Kit, then said something under his breath that caused Kit to laugh, making him appear even more handsome. More captivating. More alive than anyone else around them. Alice’s stomach dipped and she thought about his mouth and tongue and how much she had liked having them against hers. And how very necessary it was to feel them again. Soon.

Nellie Young, daughter of the financier Cornelius Young, had been on Mr. Archer’s team. She dropped into the chair next to Katherine and leaned in. “Those two should just jump into a boxing ring and be done with it,” Nellie murmured. “I hope Maddie knows what she’s doing. Neither of them seems like the concede quietly type.”

“Definitely not,” Katherine agreed. “I hope I didn’t ruin things by leaving Maddie alone with Mr. Archer for the picnic today.”

Nellie shook her head. “Based on his swagger and Maddie’s absence, I’d say you did exactly the right thing.” She glanced over at Alice and winked. “We’re a matchmaking lot, Miss Lusk. Be careful you don’t get caught up in our shenanigans.”

“I’ve already begun,” Katherine said proudly. “I’m going to push her toward Lockwood when Maddie throws him over.”

“Which is ridiculous,” Alice put in. “The duke would never be interested in me.”

A strange expression crossed Nellie’s beautiful face as she stared out at the empty croquet court. “Oh, I think you’d be surprised by what interests His Grace.”

“What does that mean?” Katherine tapped Nellie’s arm. “What are you hiding?”

“Absolutely nothing. Excuse me, I need to fetch a stiff drink.”

“Only lemonade over there, I’m afraid,” Katherine said.

“Which is why I’m headed back to the house.” Nellie stood and pushed her chair in. “See you ladies at dinner. Have fun in the second game.” She strolled away in the direction of the chateau.

Teams for the second game were organized. When Katherine saw that Alice had drawn Mr. Archer’s team, she quickly switched their sticks to put Alice on Lockwood’s team. “What are you doing?” Alice hissed.

“Helping you. Now, don’t waste your chance.”

The duke approached the table and gave them a wide smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Ladies, who is partnering with me for the second game?” Lydia and Alice raised their hands, and Lockwood clapped his hands together once. “Excellent. Let’s select mallets, shall we?”

“Perhaps I should take your place, Lockwood.” Kit came to his feet and shoved his hands in his trouser pockets. “You’re probably tired from the first game.”

“That’s not necessary,” Mr. Archer said, staring directly at the duke. “His Grace and I are perfectly happy to go again, aren’t we, Lockwood?”

“More than happy, actually,” Lockwood drawled, his jaw tight.