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Henry thought about that before answering "You were right aboutfriends I adore Belle And Lord and Lady Worth have beenby ree Park"

"Good," he replied, patting her gloved hand

"But I do miss Cornwall," she said wistfully "Especially the clean air and the green fields"

"And Rufus," he teased

"And Rufus"

"But are you glad you ca He didn't realize it, but he was holding his breath, so important was it to him that she reply in the affirmative

"Yes," she said slowly "Yes, I think so"

He sently "You only think so?"

"I'm afraid, Dunford"

"Of what, Hen?" He stared at her, his eyes intent

"What if Ibeyond the pale without even knowing it?"

"You won't, Hen"

"Oh, but I could It would be so easy"

"Hen, Caroline and Belle say you're reat deal about society If they say you are ready to make your debut, I assure you, you're ready"

"They have taught me so much, Dunford I know that But I also know they can't possibly teach " Her words trailed off, and her silvery eyes glowed large and luminous with apprehension

He wanted so badly to pull her into his arms, to rest his chin upon her head and assure her that everything would be all right But they were standing in a public garden, and so he had to content hi, minx? Will the world fall apart? Will the heavens crash down upon us? I think not"

"Please don't

"I'm not Hen, I only meant--"

"I know," she interrupted, her voice wobbly "It's just that--well, you know already I', it reflects badly upon you And Lady Worth and Belle and their whole family, and they have been so kind to me, and--"

"Henry, stop," he i will be fine, I promise you"

She looked up at him After what seemed like an eternity, she finally nodded "If you say so I trust you"