She accompanied him there and began to drag off her driving gloves with hands that were not quite steady. Her eyes were still sparkling, and a not unbecoming flush mantled her cheeks. “Cousin, what, in God’s name, possessed you?” demanded Mr. Rivenhall.
“Oh, has not Miss Wraxton told you? I have realized an ambition!”
“You must be mad! Don’t you know how improper it was of you to do such a thing?”
“Yes, indeed I knew, and should never have dared to do it without the protection of Miss Wraxton’s presence! Do not look so dismayed! She assured me that even though I did something outrageous in her company her credit was good enough to carry me off! Surely you cannot doubt it!”
“Sophy, she cannot have said such a thing!”
She shrugged, and turned away. “No? Have it as you will!”
“What had occurred? What reason had you for causing her such mortification?”
“I will leave Miss Wraxton to tell you what she chooses. I have said too much already. I do not like tale bearers, and will not sink to that level! My actions are no concern of yours, Cousin Charles, and even less are they Miss Wraxton’s.”
“What you have just done is very much her concern!”
“True. I stand corrected.”