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Belle privately wondered why it was imperative that "everyone" be immediately appraised of her marital status "Won't the notice in the Times suffice?"

"Not at all, my dear We need to let the ton know that you have our approval No need for everyone to realize that we hadn't even met John until today"

"No, I suppose not"

Caroline suddenly clapped her hands together "I know! The Tumbleys's winter ball! It's perfect Everyone always coulped nervously Every year the Earl and Countess of Tumbley held a ball in November It was one of the few events for which the aristocracy would travel back to London in the winter Noro, but she didn't think it would be safe for her and John to venture out into large crowds at night "Er, when is it, Mother?"

"Soine I'll have to check my correspondence for the exact date I have such a stack of letters to go through"

"I'o, Ma a bit of privacy"

"If you wanted privacy, you should have hightailed it back to the country theas you're here, you'll go to this ball, and you'll do it with a so back to wherever it is that you're living now and rusticate Where are you living now-I mean, what's it called?"

"Bletchford Manor"

"What-ford Manor?"

"Bletchford Manor"

"I heard you the first time It's a dreadful name, Belle"

"I know"

"No, I e it"

"See that you do After the Tu a foot out of London before then"

Chapter 19

John sat in Hardiman's Tea Shoppe the next day, his back to the wall as he watched out for a man he hadn't seen in over five years, a man anted him dead He'd secured a table in the rear, with Alex and Dunford discreetly seated four tables away

John kept his eyes on the door, and ten e Spencer walked into the establishment John felt the years rush away, and he was back in the Spanish tavern again, watching his countryirl

Spencer scanned the rooaze fell on John He flicked his head back, propelling his straight blond hair froh the shop until he reached John's side

"Blackwood" His voice was cold

"Spencer You'll pardon "