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"Belle, if this is some kind of joke-"

"Of course it isn't a joke," she cut in quickly "I know that your leg is injured, but it doesn't seeht ree of speed, but I do so with a corace" His hand strayed unconsciously to his leg Night clumsily to the floor played out in histhe fool trying to dance Besides, we haven't any lanced around the room until her eyes rested on the piano in the corner "It appears that we have two choices The first option is that I could ask Emma to come in and play for us, but I' musical talent I wouldn't wish her noise on ood friends"

The force of her smile hit John squarely in the heart "Belle," he said softly "I don't think this is going to work"

"You won't know unless you try" She stood up and sreed that Emma at the piano is not an option, so I suppose I'll just have to sing"

"Can you?"

"Sing?"

John nodded

"Probably about as well as you can dance"

"In that case, my lady, I think weI'm no diva, but I can carry a tune"

How much could it hurt to pretend-if only for an afternoon-that she could be his, that she was his, that he could possibly deserve her? He stood, determined to taste just a bit of heaven "I hope you will have the courtesy not to wince out loud when I trod on your feet"

"Oh, don't worry, my lord, I shall wince very softly, indeed" On impulse, she leaned up and quickly kissed John's cheek, whispering, "My feet are very sturdy"

"For your sake, I should hope so"

"Nohich dances do you know?"

"None"

"None? What did you do in London?"

"I never bothered with the social whirl"

"Oh" Belle nibbled on her lower lip "This is going to be e than I anticipated But have no fear, I am sure you are up to the task"

"I believe the more appropriate question is whether or not you are up to the task"

"Oh, I arin "Believe me, I am Now, I think we should start with a waltz So Although perhaps not You yourself said that you are able to move with reasonable speed"

John bit back a smile "A waltz would be lovely Just tell me what to do"