* * * 'would you care to explain to me exactly why it is i am out riding with you in the park this afternoon , your grace , chaperoned by her grace 's own maid ... ' ellie glanced back to where poor mary was currently being bounced and jostled about in the dowager duchess 's least best carriage ' ... when i am sure my time might be better occupied in helping her grace with the last-minute preparations for the royston ball later this evening ? '