“Neither,” he replied, steadying his horses round a bend in the street.
“Oh?” said Sophy, rather surprised. “What, then?”
He glanced down at her. “You are not serious, are you?”
“Not serious? Of course I am serious!”
“If you wish to drive, I will take you in the Park one day,” he said. “I expect I can find a horse, or even a pair, in the stables quiet enough for a lady to drive.”
“Oh, I fear that would never do!” said Sophy, shaking her head.
“Indeed? Why not?”
“I might excite the horse,” said Sophy dulcetly.
He was momentarily taken aback. Then he laughed, and said, “I beg your pardon. I had no intention of offending you. But you cannot need a carriage in London. You will no doubt drive out with my mother, and if you should wish to go on some particular errand you may always order one of the carriages to be sent round to the house for your use.”
“That,” said Sophy, “is very obliging of you, but will not suit me quite so well. Where does one buy carriages in London?”