Page 15 (2/2)

John stood up, pulled out a crisp, white handkerchief, and took Belle's aret soo of her skirt " I don't think that's necessary, John"

John warlad that he'd gone ahead and used hers without asking first He decided he liked this Lady Arabella, even if she was a little too well-connected for his tastes He couldn't remember the last time he'd smiled so much She was smart and fun-a little too beautiful for his comfort, but he was certain that with a little effort, he could control his attraction to her

She did, however, have a rather appalling disregard for her oell-being, as evidenced by her lack of spectacles, her soon-to-be festering blister, and her penchant for unchaperoned excursions She obviously needed someone to lecture a little sense into her Since he didn't see anyone else nearby, he decided hetoward the pond, practically dragging her along behind him

"Jo-ohn!" she protested

"Be-elle!" he countered, i tone perfectly

"I' her stride to keep up For a man with such a pronounced limp, he could move fast

"Obviously not, or you'd have spectacles perched on your nose"

Belle halted in her tracks with such force that John actually sturound out

"It warinning to like you, but now I'rinning as he started pulling her again toward the pond

Belle's mouth fell open "No, I don't"

"Yes, you do"

"No, I-all right,rather high-handed"

"And I think that you have a hideous little blister on your heel So stop co"

"I wasn't-"

"Yes, you were"

Belle shut heraway far too ave in and let him lead her to the pond When they reached it, she sat down on a grassy patch near the shore while John walked over to the water and dipped his handkerchief into it