Page 42 (1/2)

The butler entered with quick and silent efficiency and inforuest chamber upstairs Still in a daze, John followed the butler to his roo, and let fury take over his entire being

His brother? His brother? He'd never dreamed that Belle had this kind of malicious streak He willed hi far too upset, and she obviously wasn't worth it

He wasn't successful Every tihts to food or horses or anything neutral, a faht smile intervened Then the smile melted into a sneer as he watched her cavort off with his brother

Daet ready for the party, John dressed with exceptional care in evening clothes of stark black relieved only by the crisp whiteness of his shirt and cravat He and his brother exchanged polite conversation in the carriage, but John was ain to pay very much attention to Da for her; he was only too familiar with her char out such a vicious revenge against hiht reat coat and immediately scanned the roo to a tall, handsome man with dark hair and eyes She had certainly been busy in the teeks since their last ht bitterly Damien's attention was immediately captured by a friend of his, and since their hostess was nowhere to be found, John , belabored introductions Heanger in check When he was just behind her, he said, "Good evening, Lady Arabella," not quite trusting hi more

Belle whirled around, so excited to see him that she missed the coldness in his voice "John!" she said breathlessly, her eyes lighting up with unconcealed happiness "What a surprise" He had come He had come Relief and joy washed over her, then were replaced by irritation Da blue dress She'd never dreamed he'd arrive in London so quickly

"Is it?"

Belle blinked "Excuse me?"

"Perhaps you should introduceother than to speak to her alone, but he saay to ignore theon her words "Lord Blackwood, this is ood friend Mr William Dunford"

Dunford smiled at her in a manner that was much too familiar for John's taste "Didn't know you knew my first naoing to call you Edward, just to be contrary"

A fresh spurt of jealousy raced through John at Belle and Dunford's familiarity Nevertheless, he autoreeting and then politely excused himself Once Dunford left, however, John allowed his true easped and actually stepped back fro fro?"

"How could you, Belle?" he spat out "How could you?"

She blinked She had expected jealousy, not this barely leashed rage "How could I what?"

"Don't play the innocent It doesn't suit you"

"What are you talking about?" Belle repeated, her voice growing nervous