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"It does?" Belle asked

Alex shot her such a withering glare that Belle closed hera slow march up the stairs "It's tioing to be another week, and I cannot believe you dragged your aunt halfway across the country"

Persephone smiled "All the way across the country, actually I'h and decided that she and Persephone would suit each other very well, indeed

"Pack your belongings, Emma"

Belle and Persephone watched the couple with unconcealed interest until they melted into each other's ar kiss At that point, Persephone turned away Belle kept one curious eye on the couple but had the good grace to blush

But they just kept on kissing and kissing until it grew quite aard for Belle, Persephone, and all six servants ere standing in the front hall Trying to htly at Persephone and said, "How do you do? I'm Lady Arabella Bly-don, but I expect you know that already"

The older woman nodded "I am Miss Persephone Scott"

"It is nice to meet you, Miss Scott"

"Oh, please call ood I ilanced stiffly over her shoulder and cleared her throat "Are they still at it?" she asked in a whisper

Belle looked up and nodded "It's only for a week you know"

"They're going to do that for a week? "

"No," Belle laughed "I meant my parents are due to return in a week Then you'll be free to do whatever you want"

"I expect I shall Alex paid et me to come down here"

"Really?"

"Yes Of course, I'd have coet down to London very often It's quite an adventure But before I could say a thing, he came out and offered me a stupendous sum I accepted immediately"

"Who wouldn't?"

"Who, indeed" Persephonemotions with her head