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"Oh, shut up," she finally said

"I didn't say a thing!" This came from both Dunford and John

"Men I'm sick of the lot of you E out into the hall with a speed "So sorry, Aunt Caroline!" she yelled over her shoulder "Belle needsuntil she nearly barreled into Belle's side "Thank the good Lord and you, too, Belle I thought she was going to kill me"

"Shall we be off?" Alex said smoothly "Where is Persephone?"

"She decided to ride with Aunt Caroline and Uncle Henry," E thehideous down my ears," she whispered "Said they were filthy"

Belle s you She hates it when people keep secrets froe "Lady Worth could reelance as she sat down next to Emma John slouched into the seat across from them, but Belle was not fooled by his lazy posture She could tell that every inch of hi into action should it be necessary John's vigilant attitude seeped into Alex and Dunford, and they, too, kept one eye on the doors and the other on the ladies

Belle tried to avoid looking at theher nervous, and despite the brave front she had put up for John, she was a little apprehensive about the evening Luckily, Emma kept up a constant stream of conversation, and they chatted companionably as they rolled toward their destination

"And the"At least I hope it's gone I haven't felt ill for a week"

"That's good Have you started to show?" Belle kept her voice low The conversation really wasn't suitable for mixed company

"A little, but these styles hide it quite well And of course one can't see anything under this cloak, but-What on earth!"

The carriage lurched drunkenly to the right

John was on top of Belle within seconds,instinctively to shield her froent

"I'm fine I'm fine, just-Oh!"

They teetered a bit and then tottered to the left

"What the hell is going on?" Alex de from his position in front of Emma to the

"Alex, don't!" Emma cried out "If we tip over, you'll be crushed!"

Alex reluctantly drew back inside It didn't feel as if they were in extre, but in a entle Finally, as if heaving a great sigh of relief, the carriage let out a loud creak and then fell toward the left, settling down at a slant that sent everyone tu toward the wall

When it finally beca anywhere else, Belle sent up a silent prayer of thanks that she had ended up at the top of the pile and set about unwrapping her ar to the , "that we've settled against a tree That's e haven't tipped coroaned "You've bloody sharp knees, Belle Watch where you're going"