Kit gazed up into the Yankee's gray, Rebel-killing eyes, then swallowed hard and swung herself into the leather-upholstered seat. The less time she spent in his presence, the better, but he had her trapped.

As he expertly maneuvered the carriage through the streets, Cain pointed out the city's attractions, and her pleasure in the new sights began to overcome her caution. They passed Delmonico's famous restaurant and Wallach's Theatre, where Charlotte Cushman was appearing in Oliver Twist. Kit glimpsed the fashionable shops and hotels that surrounded the lush greenery of Madison Square, and, farther north, she studied the glittering mansions of the wealthy.

Cain drew up in front of an imposing brownstone. "Watch the horses, boy. I won't be long."

At first Kit didn't mind the wait. She surveyed the houses around her and watched the sparkling carriages with their well-dressed occupants flash by. But then she thought of Charleston, reduced to rubble, and the familiar bitterness rose inside her.

"A perfect day for a drive. And I have the most amusing story to tell you."

Kit looked up to see an elegant woman with shining blond curls and a pretty, pouting mouth come down the steps on Cain's arm. She was dressed in strawberry silk and held a lacy white parasol to protect her pale skin from the afternoon sun. A tiny froth of a bonnet perched on top of her head. Kit detested her on sight.

Cain helped the woman into the carriage and politely assisted her with her skirts. Kit's opinion of him sank even lower. If this was the kind of woman he fancied, he wasn't as smart as she'd figured.

She put her scuffed boot on the iron step and swung herself into the rear seat. The woman jerked around in astonishment. "Baron, who is this filthy creature?"

"Who're you callin' filthy?" Kit sprang from the seat, her hands balled into fists.

"Sit down," Cain barked.

She glared at him, but his Rebel-murdering expression didn't flicker. With a glower, she sank back into the seat, then gave the evil eye to the back of that pert strawberry-and-white bonnet.