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John pulled her close to him, unable to believe the depth of his fear when he saw her holding on to A around in nervous circles, breathing loudly but otherwise settling down

When Belle felt she had regained soh away frounshot"

John nodded griine why anyone would want to shoot at them, but it occurred to hi ducks "If I keep you here with me as we ride back, will A back to Westonbirt

"I think it was an accident," Belle said once they slowed down

"The gunshot?"

"Yes Alex was tellingtrouble with poachers I'm sure it was a stray bullet that spooked Amber"

"It came a little too close for my comfort"

"I know, but what else could it have been? Why would anyone want to shoot at us?"

John shrugged his shoulders He had no enemies

"I shall have to discuss this with Alex," Belle continued "I aently Someone could be hurt We very nearly were"

John nodded, pulled her closer to hio a little faster A few minutes later they rode into the Westonbirt stables, and just in ti down faster and faster

"There you are, my lady," he said as he set her down "Will you be able to make it to the house without injury?"

"Oh, but aren't you co?" Disappointment was clearly written on her features

He sed, and a muscle twitched in his throat "No, I really cannot I-"

"But you will be drenched if you try to ride home now Surely you must come in for some tea, if only to warm you up"

"Belle, I-"

"Please"