Phryne noted the religious gesture without comment, but inwardly renewed her determination to make certain Constance and Dot became acquainted. "As much as I'd like to blame it on the men, women have been far from innocent in such matters."

And, honestly, blaming humanity's failings on men was one more way of deprecating women's capabilities. If a woman could drive as well as a man, likewise she could be pigheaded and cruel right along with them. Lydia Andrews had been only the tip of that particular iceberg.