Page 96 (1/2)

"Oh, Persephone," Belle said with great feeling "Thank you!" She cla her arms around the older worinned broadly

Caroline raised her brows incredulously "Surely that wasn't human"

"Oh, but it was!"

"It certainly did the trick," John said, joining the wo sure that Spencer was tied up properly "Although I must adnalled to you to make a commotion"

"You knew she was here?" Belle asked

"Only after I saw her hand you the gun Well done, Persephone" John pushed his hair back and noticed that his hand was shaking It would be a long tie would fade froet in here?" Belle asked

"I knew so on No one saw fit to confide in ured it out I also eavesdropped a lot And then I realized-"

"Excuse me!" Dunford called out

Six heads swiveled in his direction

"We ht want to notify the authorities about hi on the floor, bound and gagged

Belle waved hi anywhere like that"

Dunford raised his brows at her nonchalance but nonetheless planted his booted foot in the middle of Spencer's back, ht continue," Persephone intoned, thoroughly enjoying her role as heroine for the day

"By all , I overheard Alex and Eht and realized that John and Belle " She turned to Belle "Now, I realize that I wasn't the strictest of chaperones, but I did take my position seriously, and I felt that I would be remiss in my duties if I did not corateful," Belle felt conly "I realized that you ht Secret even from yourselves You were all so busy with your schemes you didn't notice that I disappeared the moment I arrived at the party I went up into the balcony which overlooks the ballroom and watched I saw this man accost you, Belle, and then force your et in here?" Belle asked

Persephone smiled craftily "You lot left the door open I just crawled in No one noticed enerously furnished I simply darted between chairs and settees"

"I can't believe we didn't see you," John muttered "My instincts must be off"

"It is dark in here," Persephone replied, trying to reassure hied at the time I wouldn't worry about it, my lord Besides, you were the first to notice me After Belle, of course"

John shook his head in admiration "You're a wonder, Persephone A true wonder I can't thank you enough"

"Your firstborn girl, perhaps," Dunford suggested impishly "Persephone is a fine name"