Thankful to be outdoors and away from her aunt, Phoebe relaxed against the soft burgundy leather seat. For two days, she had suffered her aunt's relentless attacks on Lord Badrick's character and an onslaught of male visitors that rivaled the British siege of New Orleans. She deserved this little adventure. Besides, there were questions she planned to have answered before the day was through. But she knew the real cause of her excitement was the fact that she would see Stephen. She tipped her head to the sky, sighing audibly."You look as though you possess the world," said Elizabeth.Lost in her haze of contentment, Phoebe said, "I declare, it is absolutely glorious to be free of that woman for the afternoon." She immediately realized she'd spoken her thoughts out loud. Her dislike for Hildegard was one thing, but to openly express her opinion of her family was terribly irresponsible, especially having just met Elizabeth. "Not Aunt Hildegard.. .1 mean..." She sat up straighter, as if the action might make her words more believable.
