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"John?" Belle asked softly "Is soht the concern in her eyes "No, just thinking, that's all"

"About what?"

"About you," he replied starkly

"Good thoughts, I hope," Belle said, nervous at the dark tone of his voice

John rose to his feet and offered her his hand "Coo for a walk in the woods while the sun is still shining We'll lead the horses behind us"

Belle rose wordlessly and followed him to where they had left their h the trees toward Westonbirt and Bletchford Manor The horses followed obediently behind, occasionally stopping to investigate one of the h the forest

After about fifteen minutes of ominous silence, John stopped short "Belle, we need to talk"

"We do?"

"Yes, this-" John fought to find the correct word but ca on between us-it has to end"

A deep, dark pain slowly foran to spread "Why?" she asked softly

He looked away, unable to o anywhere Youher brave and just a little bit shrill "No, I don't realize that"

"Belle, I haven't any ot a title"

"Why do you say that? Those things don't matter to me"

"Belle, you could have any man in the world"

"But I want you"

Her ithis for your own good"

Belle stepped back, nearly blinded by pain and fury His words rained down on her like physical blows, and she hysterically wondered if she'd ever again know a moment of happiness "How dare you condescend to me," she finally bit out

"Belle, I don't think that you've given this ht Your parents would never let you marry the likes of me"

"You don't know my parents You don't knohat they want for hter of an earl"

"And as I've pointed out before, you are the son of an earl, so I fail to see a problem"

"There is a world of difference, and you know it" He kneas grasping at straws Anything to avoid telling her the truth