Her dimples peeped. “Then, of course, you must become romantic, Mr Tarleton! Females are so silly, you know, that they much prefer romance to solid worth!”
He pulled a grimace. “Solid worth! Of all abominable phrases! Do you remember telling me once that you thought runaway marriages the best? Are you still of the same mind?”
She stifled a sigh. “Yes. That is, it is the only kind of marriage for me. I do not think it would suit you, however! Do you think I shall ever be able to drive a team, Mr Tarleton?”
“Yes. I would willingly teach you.”
“I never met anyone I dealt with so extremely as you!” she said, laughing. “But I am sure I should not be allowed to! I expect it is not the thing at all.”
“Who cares?” he returned. “I am not such a prosy old fellow as to be for ever thinking of what is the thing, I assure you!” He glanced down at her profile. “You have never told me anything about yourself, Miss Wantage. I collect you are not related to Lady Saltash?”
“No,” she replied.
“Forgive me if I seem to you impertinent! But I see you living a life that must be unsuited to one of your youth and natural spirits, and I — ”
“Lady Saltash is everything that is kind!” she said. “Indeed, I am under no inconsiderable obligation to her, and if I have seemed to you to be ungrateful — ”
“Ungrateful! No, indeed! I have been much struck by your constant attentions to her. I have the greatest regard for Lady Saltash, but I cannot believe that you are happy in Camden Place.”