“I’m sorry,” you say, “not just yet. There are other guests I need to attend to.”

“Oh,” she says, disappointed. She nods once as if to bolster herself. “Of course. I understand. Propriety.” She nods again to herself as you slip out of the bench. “I’ll be here,” she says, “if you find yourself wanting to take me up on the offer. Our country’s steeds are quite beautiful. Especially at night.”