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Belle swallowed slowly, giving herself time to think of a proper answer. “I’m from a small town in the countryside. I doubt you’ve heard of it.”
“Were you running away? Was that why you were on a horse?”
She nodded. With Julia’s questions and Lily’s calm stare, she didn’t think she’d be able to deflect very well. She’d have to tell them as much of the truth as she could. “I was running away. From my employer. I wasn’t…treated very well.”
Julia gasped and leaned in close, her eyes wide. “Did he…try to take advantage of you?”
“Julia!” Lily reprimanded but Belle didn’t fail to notice the lack of force behind it as the other girl eyed her just as curiously as her sister.
Belle shook her head, shocked at how much she wanted to laugh. “No, he didn’t. He was simply unkind. I thought it was best that I get away from him and come to London.”
“What would you find in London?” Lily asked her.
Belle shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Well I suppose it is brave of you to leave like that. Let us hope he doesn’t come here looking for you.” She let out a breathless laugh.
Belle laughed along with her, not bothering to disclose how likely that was to happen.
“We’re bothering you,” Lily said as she rose. “It’s best that you eat your fill in peace and then get some rest. We’ll come to check on you later.”
“But, Lily…” Julia’s reluctance to leave was plain in her pout, but she too rose and followed her sister to the door. Lily gave her a small smile which Julia matched with a broad one, and then they both left, leaving Belle with a warm feeling in her chest.
