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The carriage came to a halt in front of Dahtbody greeted them with a note which he said had been left expressly for Lord Blackwood Curious, John unfolded the paper

I am in London

John frowned as he rees he'd received a feeeks earlier He'd thought that they had been meant for Bletchford Manor's previous owners, but now he realized that he was mistaken

"Someone you know?" Damien inquired

"I'm not sure," John replied slowly "I'm not sure at all"

Chapter 12

John arrived at Belle's house the next , arms laden with chocolates and flowers It ahten his heart He'd been sht froreet him "To what do I owe the pleasure of your co to court you, didn't I?" John responded, thrusting the flowers into her arms "Consider yourself courted"

"How roe of sarcasm

"I hope you like chocolates"

Belle suppressed a s very hard "I love therin "Mind if I have one?"

"Not at all"

Persephone chose that , Belle," she said "Won't you introduce uest?"

Belle did the honors, and while John was deciding which chocolate to pop in his mouth, Persephone leaned over and whispered, "He's very handsome"

Belle nodded

"And he looks quite virile"

Belle's eyes widened "Persephone," she whispered "I feel I must inform you that this is not the nore"

"Is it not? It ought to be, I think Ah well, I fear I will never get this chaperoning business right Pray do not tell Alex of s"

"I like you just the way you are," Belle said honestly

"Isn't that sweet of you, dear? Well, I'm off The coachman has promised to take et to all the dangerous parts before dark"