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John pushed down the guilt that bubbled within hiest secret, and he'd have to tell her eventually But not now He didn't have to tell her now "Your hair isabout that I'll go back to the party first I'ether they walked into the darkened hall Before they parted ways, however, she took his hand "John," she said softly "What happens now? I have to know"

"What happens now?" he repeated with a jaunty grin "Why, I court you Isn't that what's supposed to happen next?"

She answered hi roo him with a curious expression

"Where did you disappear to?" Daet some fresh air" If Damien had noted that Lady Arabella had left the room at the same time, he didn't mention it "Why don't you introduce ested

Da John, Belle reappeared and made a beeline for Dunford

"That was sorin

Belle flushed "Nobody noticed, did they?"

Dunford shook his head "I don't think so I was just keeping an eye on you in case you needed any sort of rescuing In the future, however, I'd keep my trysts to under five one?"

"Longer than you'd intended, I' on your dress All the ladies were properly syrinned

"Ah, there you are, Lady Arabella"

Belle turned to see Lord Westborough walking toward her John was at his side, a knowing sain, my lord," she murmured politely

"And I believe you have already met my brother," Damien added "Lord Blackwood"

"Yes, of course We are well acquainted" Belle winced inwardly at her double-entendre and refused to look up at John, certain that she would be rewarded with a devilish grin She was saved, however, fro conversation by the arrival of their hostess, Lady Forthright

"Ah, Westborough," she shrilled "I did not see you come in And Lady Arabella, it is always a pleasure"

Belle smiled and bobbed a polite curtsy