Page 15 (1/2)

"I did, of course, realize that this was your property, but I headed east fro I don't knohy, but I did, and the eastern border is really much closer to the house than any of the other ones, and so since I like to take fairly long walks, it's only natural that I'd reach the border, and I didn't think you'dThat was unlike her, and she was quite annoyed with herself for doing it

"I don't ood, I suppose, because I have no wish to be forcibly thrown off your property" That sounded really stupid Belle shut her et you off my property? I had no idea you liked it so ave her another one of those small smiles, the kind that would have said so much if the rest of his face weren't so inscrutable

"You don't talk much, do you?" she blurted out

"I didn't think there was a need You see up both our ends of the conversation ad to say" She looked up His velvety brown eyes, usually so unreadable, were filled with ahed "But true I don't usually talk this much, you know"

"Really?"

"Really I think it's because you're so silent that I feel the need to talk more"

"Ah So we have shifted the blalanced flirtatiously at his shoulders, which were a little broader than she'd re such a heavy load"

John grinned at her, really grinned, which was solad that he'd worn one of his better coats; he frequently threw on old ones for his early

"Is this a new fashion?" he asked,to the boot in her hand

"Blister," Belle said, lifting her dress up a few inches It was risque, she knew, but she shrugged it off The two of them had such bizarre conversations, normal rules of etiquette just didn't seeot down on one knee and took her foot into his hands "Mind if I take a look?" he asked

Belle tugged her foot back nervously "I don't think that will be necessary," she said quickly Seeing her foot was one thing Actually touching it was soether

John held fast "Don't be a prude, Belle It could become infected, and then you'll really be miserable"

She blinked a few times, more than a little surprised at his bold use of her first name "How did you know that I'm called Belle?" she finally asked

"Ashbourne toldher pale toes "Where is this da, anyway?"

"Onaround

John let out a lohistle "You've got a nasty one there You ought to get a more comfortable pair of shoes if you intend to hike around the countryside"

"I wasn't hiking, I alking And I do have better shoes I just hadn't intended to take a walk thisuntil after I was dressed, and I didn't feel like changing h Why did she feel the need to explain herself to him?