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"Someday, John," she said in exasperated tones, "you will make a superb parent"

A fat raindrop landed on his nose, and he threw up his arms in mock surrender "Lead on, my lady"

Belle turned her mare around, and they headed back to Westonbirt After a few moments of companionable silence, she turned to him and asked, "Why were you out and about this afternoon? And don't tellwest"

"Would you believe I was hoping I'd see you?"

Belle turned to hi with her His brown eyes were velvety warht believe you, if you are very nice to me this afternoon," she teased

"I shall be especially nice," John said wickedly, "if that !"

They rode on for severalup nervously

"Is so?" John inquired

"It's probably a rabbit in the woods Ae, actually She trots along a crowded London street as if she hasn't a care in the world, but put her on a quiet country lane and she's suspicious of every little noise"

"I didn't hear anything"

"Neither did I" Belle tugged gently on the reins "Co to rain"

A her head sharply to the right

"I can't i with her," Belle said sheepishly

Crack!

Belle heard the explosion of a gunshot from nearby in the woods and then felt the soft rush of air as a bullet whizzed between their bodies

"Was that-" she started to ask, but she never completed her question because Amber, already skittish, reared up at the loud noise Belle had to focus all of her attention si her seat She threw her arirl Steady, now" She was so frightened, however, that she wasn't sure whether her words were meant to soothe the horse or herself

Just when she was certain that she wouldn't be able to hold on any longer, she felt John's steely arms wrap around her waist and pluck her from the saddle She landed uncereht?" he asked roughly

Belle nodded "I think so I need to catchelse"