Page 48 (1/2)

"I rather would, actually"

Belle fought a blush as she remembered what had happened when John had offered her a chocolate Luckily, Persephone was too busy choosing between the sweets to notice

"I do like the ones with nuts," she said, plucking one out of the box

"Is it so very cold out?" Belle inquired "I heard you saying that you needed warloves"

"Well, it certainly has cooled off since yesterday Although I must say it's quite hot inside"

Belle bit back a smile When she looked over at John she noticed that he had started to cough

"Your gloves, madam"

"Excellent" Persephone stood and walked over to the footman who had just entered the rooood time," Belle called out

"Oh, I shall, my dear I certainly shall" Persephone walked out and started to close the door behind her "Actually," she said, blushing slightly "I believe I'll just leave this door, er, open, if you don't mind Better circulation of the air, you know"

"Of course," John said And then when Persephone was gone, he leaned forward and whispered, "I' the door just as soon as she's out of the house"

"Hush," Belle adot up and shut the door to the drawing room "This is ridiculous," he s to do than sneak around behind sonified, I tell you" He made his way back over to the sofa and sat down

"Is your leg bothering you?" Belle asked, concern clouding her eyes "You see a bit e of subject and looked down at his lirown used to the pain, I iine"

Belle crossed over to the sofa and sat back down "Would it help if I rubbed it?" She placed her hands on his leg and began to rub the muscle just above his knee

John closed his eyes and laid back "That feels marvelous" He let her continue her ministrations for several ht"

"Yes?" She continued

John opened his eyes and stilled her hand by placing his own over her fingers She blinked, sobered by his serious expression

"No one has…" His mouth opened and closed as he searched for words "No one has ever defended me like that"

"What about your fa up They were quite busy"