“It means they don’t consider marriage until it’s staring them in the face. Moreover, marriage is easier for men. They get the creature comforts of home along with regular bed sport. From what I’ve seen, women do all the hard work in a marriage.”

A myopic view, in Alice’s opinion. “Women get security, both financial and emotional, in a marriage. Children. A home of our own. It cannot be all bad.”

“For some women, perhaps.” Nellie brushed dirt from her hands. “But let’s not get philosophical. We need to know how you feel about Kit.”

“I’m fond of him, certainly, but it isn’t anything serious. We are helping each other. An even exchange of favors.”

“Was one of those favors that love bite on his neck?”

Alice dropped her head into her hands, heat enveloping her. “Oh, sweet heavens.”

Nellie bumped their shoulders once more. “I am joking, Alice. I don’t care if you kissed him up and down the beach at midday. But I do suspect kissing and love bites are out of the ordinary for you.”

Alice figured she might as well confess the truth behind her arrangement with Kit. Nellie would assume the worst, otherwise. “At dinner the first night, Maddie said Kit could turn even the shyest woman into a vixen. That gave me an idea. I went to him and asked . . .”

Nellie’s hand covered her mouth, her eyes dancing. “No, you did not! You asked Kit to turn you into a vixen!” She grinned. “Oh, this is too delicious.”

“You mustn’t tell anyone!” Alice clutched the other woman’s forearm. “I would be ruined and my mother would never forgive me.”

“I won’t tell a soul.” Nellie made a locking motion over her lips, as if she were turning a key. “I don’t believe in gossip and Lord knows society already punishes women enough. I would never add to it by curbing anyone’s fun.”

“Thank you.” Alice relaxed. “You are very easy to talk to. I wish I had your confidence and insight.”

“Both are hard won, I’m afraid. Which means anyone is capable of it. You just have to want it badly enough.”

Alice thought about that. Was such an attitude truly mind over matter? Nellie made it seem simple, but she hadn’t lived with Alice’s mother for twenty years. Even Daddy avoided Mama these days, spending more and more time at his office.

“Is he a good kisser?”

Nellie’s question startled Alice. “What?”

“Kit. Is he a good kisser? I bet he’s very, very good.”

Alice’s lower half clenched as the back of her neck crawled with heat. “Indeed, he’s very, very good.”

“Bully for you!” Nellie knocked her knee against Alice’s. “I like this. I think you might be exactly what Kit needs.”

Alice thought back to last night, with Kit sprawled on the bed.