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Belle sat up and watched her cousin swish the water around in her mouth "I don't suppose you could take care of this sort of thing in your own rooargled

"Morning sickness is normal, you know," Belle continued in a matter-of-fact tone "I don't think it would put Alex off if you got sick in your own room"

Emma's expression turned positively peevish as she spit the water out into the chamber pot "I didn't come here to avoid my husband Believe me, he's seen hed "I think I threw up on his foot the other day"

Belle's cheeks pinkened in a sympathy blush for her cousin "Hoful," she murmured

"I know, but the fact of the matter is I ca the way" Eot up hurriedly and pulled on a dressing gown "Do you want ?"

E to keep the contents of her sto e," Belle quipped

Emma smiled weakly "It's ht I could keep down the tea and plain biscuits I ate for breakfast," Eet that you're expecting," Belle said kindly, hoping to buoy her cousin's spirits "You're still so slender"

Erateful smile "It is very kind of you to say so I must say, this is a new experience for e"

"Are you nervous? You haven'tto me"

"Not nervous exactly, more-hmmm, I don't quite kno to describe it But Alex's sister is due in three weeks, and we are planning to visit her the week after next I hope to be there for the birth Sophie has assured me that we are welcome I am sure I won't feel so nervous once I knohat is expected of me," Emma's voice was laced with more hope than certainty

Belle's experience with birth was limited to a litter of puppies she had seen her brother deliver when she elve, but nonetheless, she was not at all certain that Emma would feelSophie having her baby Belle sible which was reement, and then shut her mouth

After a few moments, Ehed "There I feelhow quickly this sickness passes It's the only thing thata tray withchocolate and rolls She set the tray down on the bed, and the two ladies positioned themselves on either side of it

Belle watched as Emma hesitantly took a sip of her chocolate "Emma, could I ask you a question?"

"Of course"

"And you'll be frank in your answer?"

One corner of Emma's mouth tipped up "When have you ever known ed to grab her napkin just in ti out her chocolate all over Belle's sheets "Excuse me?"

"I don't think I'm not likeable I mean, I think most people like me"