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No one was able to hide his smile that time

"Excellent," Dunford replied "I shall co that he would see himself out

"I'll take my leave noell," John said "I've " He dropped a kiss on the top of his wife's head and followed Dunford through the door

Belle and Henry excused the rooo over titles and rules of precedence until the midday meal Henry was not in the least excited about the prospect

"How did you like my husband?" Belle asked once they were seated

"He was lovely, Belle He is obviously a rity I could see it in his eyes You are very lucky to have him"

Belle smiled and even blushed just a little "I know"

Henry tossed her a sideways s"

"I have always thought so He used to be frightfully self-conscious about it, but now I think he barely notices it"

"Was he injured in the war?"

Belle nodded, her expression growing dark "Yes He's very lucky to have the leg at all"

They were both silent for a moment, and then Henry suddenly said, "He reminds me a bit of Dunford"

"Dunford?" Belle blinked in surprise "Really? Do you think so?"

"Absolutely Sah perhaps Dunford's hair is a bit thicker And I think his shoulders ht be a trifle broader"

"Really?" Belle leaned forward interestedly

"Mmmm And he's very handsome, of course"

"Dunford? Or my husband?"

"Both," Henry said quickly "But" Her words trailed off, as she realized it would be unforgivably rude to point out that Dunford was obviously the more handsome of the two