As they passed through the Stanhope Gate and into the park, Miss Darlington herself seemed to relax. “There now,” she said, “I’ve got you into the park safely, just as I promised I would.”
“It is rather wonderful how you do it,” Lily said.
“Bah,” Miss Darlington said dismissively, “it is no great trick to develop a knack for horseflesh and the vehicles they pull. In any case, everybody has their own skill at things. I understand you are rather a master at piquet.”
Lily felt the faintest of flushes. “I will not be missish and deny it,” she said. “Though I do wish it was not talked of.”
Miss Darlington expertly guided them toward the Serpentine. “I am not very good myself, and rather abominable at whist as any poor partner of mine would tell you,” she said. “But if Iwerevery good at cards, I should not at all mind trouncing Lord Ashworth.”
Lily smiled. “I cannot claim to have minded it,” she said. “He was so certain of his superiority.”
“As they ever are,” Miss Darlington said, laughing. “I blame their governesses, most young men are spoiled terribly. How is one to be humble when one has always been hailed as a veritable prince?”
“It is a shame, I think, that one so handsome should be so disagreeable,” Lily said daringly.
“I suppose he is thought handsome,” Miss Darlington said, “though I prefer a dark-haired man myself. Goodness, speak of the devil. Both of the devils, as a matter of fact.”
Lily followed Miss Darlington’s gaze. Lord Ashworth and another gentleman rode toward them.
“Why must he be here,” Lily said softly. “It is a very strange hour to be out riding.”
“And yet here we are too,” Miss Darlington said.
Lily could not help but note Lord Ashworth’s expression when he spotted the phaeton. It was one of consternation. She did not know who the other gentleman was, but he seemed exceedingly pleased by the oncoming phaeton.
Despite Lord Ashworth’s less than complimentary expression, Lily could not help but note, once again, his good looks. He sat upon a fine bay and carelessly held the reins in one hand. He was tall in the saddle, his coat close-cut, and his interesting eyes could be seen even at a distance.
The gentlemen reined in their horses. “Miss Darlington, Miss Farnsworth,” Lord Ashworth said. Lily thought he very much sounded like a butler announcing visitors.
“So this is Miss Farnsworth?” the other gentleman said.
“Miss Farnsworth,” Miss Darlington said, “That gentleman with the ever-casual manners is Lord Cabot.”
Lily nodded at the introduction.
Lord Cabot looked admiringly at the phaeton. “You have prevailed over your father, Miss Darlington.”
“As you see, Lord Cabot,” Miss Darlington said.
“And Miss Farnsworth prevails at the card table,” Lord Cabot continued. “I fear the women take over the world. What say you, Ashworth?”
“So it seems,” Lord Ashworth said.
“I do not think we attempt to take over anything,” Lily said. “But I also do not think we should pretend to be less than what we are.”
Lord Cabot laughed. “Come, Miss Farnsworth,” he said, “it makes us gentlemen very comfortable when we can delude ourselves that we are superior in anything. The fairer sex has always assisted us in it.”
Lily did not answer. Miss Darlington glanced at her, then said merrily, “Carry on with your delusions, then.” She smartly slapped the reins and they moved off, leaving the two gentlemen behind.
As they trotted along the Serpentine, they were silent for some moments. Finally, Miss Darlington said, “I would not have stopped if I had perceived how uncomfortable it would be for you to meet Lord Ashworth. I had thought he would take his losses at cards with all good humor.”
“I have yet to see that particular lord display good humor over anything, Miss Darlington,” Lily said.
Miss Darlington laughed and said, “You’d better call me Penny. I am firmly decided on being your staunch defender against Lord Ashworth’s disagreeableness.”
Lily smiled. “And you will call me Lily.”
Though Lily was more than discomfited to have encountered Lord Ashworth in the park, and to experience his coolness, she was at least satisfied that she had made a friend in Penny Darlington.
