Phoebe stared as a strange smile crept across Aurelia’s face.
‘Don’t think I haven’t seen the way you are with the viscount, your eyes as round as the moon. You’re in love with him! It’s as plain as a pikestaff! And in truth, I care not, because it only proves that for all your silly talk of adventuring and equality you’re no better than any of us! At least I’m honest – I’m a lady in a gentleman’s world, playing the game a whole lot better than you!’
Phoebe stared, white-lipped. ‘Well, I’d rather try and change the world, than hold myself in so low a regard that I must pay an actress for help – all while hoping drink and snuff get there first!’ she accused.
It was a wild guess, but entirely correct, judging by the look on Aurelia’s face.
‘As for the rest, let’s let the race decide, shall we?’
‘With pleasure!’ Aurelia snapped, her chestnuts springing forward.
Seconds later, both phaetons were bolting along the bridge at breakneck speed, their surroundings already a blur. Instinctively, Phoebe leaned low over the reins and whispered to her team.
‘Nice and steady!’ she encouraged the greys, watching the way they flicked their ears in response. She gritted her teeth, she was an experienced horsewoman, but even she was in awe of the way they seemed to understand. Effortlessly, they flew over the bridge and into Great Pulteney Street, a long avenue with impressive townhouses, pediments and Corinthian pilasters – and if she was vaguely aware of movement behind the occasional window, she was way past caring.
‘Keep a firm hand, don’t let them have their heads too soon…’
She could almost hear Fred’s voice as she kept the lightest touch on her team, keeping them in check as Aurelia overtook with a triumphant glance. She drew a steadying breath, there were still the Sydney Gardens to navigate, and she had no wish to lose a wheel, or lame a horse.
Carefully, she adjusted the reins and focused on the road ahead, the argument echoing through her head. How dare Aurelia suggest she held any kind of torch for the viscount; it was inconceivable, and beyond comprehension. She’d done nothing but detest him since the very first day they met, and he’d proceeded to interfere and irritate beyond all reason.
‘You’re in love with him! It’s as plain as a pikestaff! And in truth, I care not, because it only proves that for all your silly talk of adventuring and equality you’re no better than any of us…’
The words dug under her skin as Aurelia leaned forward and, with a sudden flash, lay a whip about her horses’ sweaty flanks. They responded immediately, lengthening their lead, while Phoebe inhaled sharply and held the greys firm.
‘I have never betrayed your confidence except in frank admiration of a young woman who appeared unafraid of anything.’
She’d assumed he’d been mocking her, but what if he was actually being honest?
Phoebe swallowed, memories of their many encounters fluttering through her head, like pages from a book she hadn’t read carefully enough. Blood surged to her temples. She’d been so riled by the viscount’s continued interference that she hadn’t stopped to consider if he’d been sincere at any point. She’d been aware of the friction between them, of some inexplicable draw, but real care or feelings?
‘When I care, I care too much.’
Squeezing the reins, she turned into Sydney Road, which ran the perimeter of the pleasure gardens. This morning, they were glistening in the dawn sun, and Phoebe felt the greys leap forward enthusiastically.
‘Steady,’ she muttered beneath her breath.
Aurelia was a fair distance ahead now, her fair hair streaming out beneath her riding hat.
‘More tortoise, less hare,’ Phoebe added, wishing Josephine was there to share her moment of inspiration.
The greys flicked their ears as though in understanding, which was also precisely the moment she became aware that someone was in pursuit.
Scowling, she craned her neck to spot not one, but two figures, riding as though their lives depended on it, and a flare of anger tore through her as she recognised her eldest brother’s inelegant seat.
‘Of all the pompous, overbearing brothers in the world!’ she groaned, shaking out her reins. ‘Forget the tortoise, it’s hare-time!’
The greys seemed only too delighted to forget a fable they’d never read, and given a long rein at last, leapt forward with new energy.
‘You really are magnificent creatures,’ she murmured as the distance between herself and Aurelia closed dramatically. Within moments, she was close enough to see the gleam in her opponent’s eyes whenever she glanced back, yet their pursuers were gaining, too.
‘If Thomas catches us, it will be game over and no mistake,’ she whispered into the horses’ sensitive ears. ‘I’ll have to marry the earl, the captain will be arrested, and you two will have to take Aurelia shopping every day!’
Their ears twitched again, and even though there were tiny specks of foam on their flanks, they lengthened their stride, narrowing the gap again.
‘Thank you,’ Phoebe whispered gratefully.
It was just as they rounded the top of the gardens that Phoebe finally drew adjacent to Aurelia, and one glance was enough to see her chestnuts were tiring. There was foam around their mouths and bridle bits, while one seemed to have developed an uneven stride.
