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Belle nodded, wondering why a lecture froed to make her feel about seven years old

"Does he have a name?"

"Lord Blackwood," Belle said clearly

John took the initiative and stepped forward, extending his hand "John Blackwood, my lord I'm pleased to meet you"

"I should hope so," Henry replied dryly "Have you the hter?"

"I just purchased a new home, so I haven't much to spend freely," John replied frankly "But I am wise and conservative in "

"Where are you frorew up in Shropshire My father was the Earl of Westborough My brother succeeded him to the title"

"How'd you come about yours?"

John briefly told hily and finally asked, "Do you care for hter?"

"Very er rasp "Well, Caroline, I think we're just going to have to trust our daughter's judgment on this score"

"There is little else to do," Caroline said bitterly

Henry placed a co hand on his wife's shoulder "I'h to sort out all of the particulars For now, I think we should concentrate on beco acquainted with our new son-in-law, don't you think, Caroline?"

She nodded, loving Belle tooelse

Belle ran forward and threw her arms around her mother "You'll see, Mama," she whispered "He's perfect"

Caroline shter's unbridled happiness, but whispered back, "Nobody's perfect, Belle"

"He's perfect forher at arood look at her "I expect you're right," she replied "Nohy don't we let your father get to know your, er, husband while you helpjourney"

Belle thought that, all in all, her ly well She shot a fleeting smile at John and followed her out of the room

"I don't suppose you've sent a notice to the Ti as she ascended the stairs

"There hasn't been time"

"Hmmm Well, I'll have your father see to that immediately Where is this new home John has purchased?" Caroline turned around as she reached the top of the stairs, a worried expression on her face "He did say his naht next to Westonbirt Iwith Emma"

"Oh" Carolineher cases "I suppose I'll arrange a reception for you next spring, when everyone is in town But I do think that we ought to do so soon, if only to let everyone know you're married"