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That made him frown in question.This is my chance.
Belle parted her lips, but no words came out. She couldn’t bring herself to say it, no matter how much she knew that it had to be said. She bit her lip, steeled her nerves and tried again. But before she could do anything, the door opened, and Lily walked out.
“I do not mean to disturb you two,” she said, with an expression that told Belle she was enjoying doing the disturbing. She hoisted a basket further up her forearm. “I only wanted to ask Hannah if she would like to accompany me to the market, since she can walk much better now.”
Belle’s widened her eyes at her. “Are you certain? I would only slow you down, don’t you think?”
“You would,” she said with a nod, “but I would not mind. And you are good company so I doubt I would even notice.”
The urge to accompany her was overwhelming, but Belle shook her head. It was too much of a risk to leave the house when she was sure her father was looking for her. “I am not sure I am strong enough to come with you,” she said in an apologetic tone. “What would happen if I were to faint? Surely you would not be able to carry me back on your own.”
“Simple,” Lily said, eyes falling to Stephen. “Stephen can come with us. And if anything were to happen, he will be able to take care of it.”
Stephen sat up a bit straighter. “Oh, well, I don’t think—”
“That’s all right, Lily,” Belle cut in. “I’ll be fine here. Perhaps another time.”
“Ah, well that is disappointing, but if you wish. I shall be off then.” Lily raised a hand in farewell as she made her way onto the street.
Belle and Stephen watched her go for a short moment before Stephen cleared his throat. Before he could turn to her, Belle got to her feet. She gritted her teeth when she placed a little too much weight on her healing ankle.
“Hannah?”
“Why don’t we go inside?” she asked. “I think I’ve had enough fresh air.”
“If you wish.” He smiled warmly and offered her his arm. “Allow me to escort you, My Lady.”
Her returning smile was forced.He is only joking.
And yet, the guilt that slammed into her made speaking difficult. She had to tell him the truth. She couldn’t allow him to continue thinking she truly was Hannah Brown who had grown up in the countryside. But Belle lost her confidence the moment he gave her his full attention and now, she didn’t know if she could go through with it.
I will tell him. Soon. But, for now, I only want to enjoy this beautiful moment.
