"This lady appears to be an old friend of yours." There was a tone of sarcasm in that allusion to the parasol, which might develop into a tone of jealousy at a moment's notice.
Lady Jane was not in the least disconcerted.

She had her double privilege of familiarity with the men whom she liked--her privilege as a woman of high rank, and her privilege as a young widow.

She bowed to Mrs.Vanborough, with all the highly-finished politeness of the order to which she belonged.
"The lady of the house, I presume ?" she said, with a gracious smile.
Mrs.Vanborough returned the bow coldly--entered the room first--and then answered, "Yes." Lady Jane turned to Mr.Vanborough.
"Present me!" she said, submitting resignedly to the formalities of the middle classes.
Mr.Vanborough obeyed, without looking at his wife, and without mentioning his wife's name.
"Lady Jane Parnell," he said, passing over the introduction as rapidly as possible.

"Let me see you to your carriage," he added, offering his arm.

"I will take care that you have the refusal of the house.