How could he explain it without sounding as if he’d been obsessing over her? You were staring at him, and then I saw you switch sticks to join his team for croquet. And now, you came up to chat with him out of nowhere.

Kit’s shoulders sank. He was acting ridiculous. Worse, he was acting jealous. He didn’t do jealousy. Ever. Lovers were temporary and no one had a right to put a claim on anyone else. What had come over him?

It was time to return to the purpose of his association with Alice. “Forget it. When is our next lesson?”

“Do you think Lockwood could ever be interested in me?”

He dragged a hand down his jaw and tried to gather the scattered shards of his sanity. “Of course. As well, I heard Miss Delafield was attempting to matchmake.”

“True, but it hardly matters now.” She gestured to the small group admiring Maddie’s ring. “Seeing as how he’s spoken for.”

“The engagement will not last. So, if you are interested in marrying Lockwood, you still have a fighting chance.”

“Along with every other debutante on the East Coast.”

“Not every debutante has me helping her, however. I’d say that gives you an advantage.” If Alice put her clever brain—and his lessons—toward winning the duke, nothing could stop her. Lockwood would be a fool not to take notice.

“Hmm.” She turned to study Lockwood in a way that set Kit’s teeth on edge. “Living an ocean away from my mother would have its perks.”

“Yes, but what about your friends? The rest of your family?”

“I don’t really have friends, not close ones, anyway. There aren’t any siblings or cousins. And my father travels all the time for business, so I’d still see him.”

Kit wasn’t ready to give up yet. “He’d probably ship you off to some drafty old manor house in the middle of nowhere.”

“I wouldn’t mind that. It would be fun to explore. Perhaps have a ghost or two for company.”

Had she an answer for everything? “He’s terrible at cards.” Kit had witnessed this firsthand at the casino. “No doubt he’d gamble your money away the first chance he got.”

“I’m very good at managing money. My father saw to that. Besides, why are you trying to talk me out of pursuing someone? It’s the whole reason you are giving me lessons.”

He had no idea. Perhaps he’d truly lost his mind.

“I am not trying to talk you out of the duke. Pursue him all you like when Maddie throws him over.” The only thing left to do was retreat. “I’ll find you after dinner.” With that, he quit the room and went searching for Harrison.