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"And I suppose," she addedif you said it was your pleasure"

"That would be a huge lie Of proportions i me the proper respect," hewith "

"I rather think I've taken all the teasing "

She let out another peal of giggles "I'h at you, but--"

"Yes, you do" He tried not to grin, but he wasn't successful

"All right, yes, I do, but it's only because--" She stopped walking and reached up to touch his beloved face "It's only because you make me so happy and free I cannot reh"

"What about when you're with your family?" he asked "I know you adore the and having the loveliest of ti overme that it all could be taken away That it all would be taken away the moment I found myself unable to support theain," he said, his voice a fierce vow "Never"

"Oh, James," she said wistfully "You're very sweet to say so, but I don't see how you can--"

"You'll have to trust me," he interrupted "I have a few tricks up ht you said that when you ith ray cloud disappeared"

"When I'et about one"

He patted her hand "I may surprise you yet, Elizabeth Hotchkiss"

They walked toward the house in companionable silence As they drew near, the sounds of the party grew louder--music, hter

"It sounds like quite a crush," Elizabeth commented

"Lady Danbury would accept no less," Jalanced at the stately stone mansion, which had come into view Guests had spilled out onto the lawn, and he kneas going to have to make his exit immediately "Elizabeth," he said, "I must leave now, but I will call upon you tomorrow"

"No, please let's stay" She se "We've never danced" "I promise you that we shall" He kept his eye on the closest members of the crowd He didn't see anyone he knew, but one could never be too careful "I'll find you a mask, if that's your worry" "No, Elizabeth, I just can't You must accept that" She frowned "I don't see why youvery large and padded crashed into James's back Clearly they were not quite as far froht He turned around to dress down the cluht into the aquamarine eyes of Caroline Ravenscroft

Elizabeth watched the scene that unfolded with an increasing sense of disbelief and horror