A distinct purr was slowly infusing itself into Amy’s soft voice; Kit blinked.

“And then,” Amy went on, “depending on how things are going, he might touch your breasts, just gently, sort of squeezing and stroking. It always feels as if my laces are too tight by that stage.”

Kit stared, openmouthed, but Amy was well launched on her subject.

“Soon, my nubbins go all hard and crinkly, which is a rather odd feeling. And then comes the hot flushes.”

“Hot flushes?”

“Mmm. They start in your breasts and move down.”

“Down? Down where?”

“To between your legs. And then-and this is the important bit.” Amy wagged a finger. “If you feel all hot and wet down there, then he’s the man for you. But you’ll know that anyway because all you’ll be thinking about by then is how nice it would feel if only he’d come into you.”

Aghast, Kit stared. “It sounds positively dreadful.”

“Oh, Kit.” Amy threw her a commiserating glance. “It’s not awful at all.”

“I’ll take your word for it. Thank you for warning me.”

Kit lay silent, staring at the ceiling. Her one brush with love hadn’t been anything like that. From Amy’s description, it was clear that she, Kit, had never been touched by love. Feeling as if she’d succeeded in understanding some particularly difficult point that had eluded her for years, Kit shook her head. “I can’t see myself getting hot and wet for any man. But then, I’m obviously not destined for love at all.”

“You can’t say that.”

Kit lifted a haughty brow, but Amy was not to be gainsaid.

“You can’t just decide you’re not susceptible. With the right man, you won’t be able to help yourself. It’s just because you’re…innocent of love that you say so.”

Kit’s eyes widened. “Innocent? Did I tell you I lost my innocence one fine summer evening on my Uncle Frederick’s terrace?”

Amy gaped.

Kit shook her head. “Not physically. But I found out what most men think of love that night. I grant your George may be different-there are exceptions to every rule. But I’ve learned that it’s women who fall in love and men who take advantage of our weakness. I’ve no intention of succumbing.”