“You know.”
Belle’s cheeks turned a fiery red, which was the only response her friend apparently required.
“Aha!I knew it! I was it spectacular!” Jo exclaimed, nearly sloshing brandy out of her glass in her exuberance.
Belle rolled her eyes at her friend. Just as well that Jo made her assumptions.She would rather not delve into the details of just how much Simon had rocked her world to the core.
“That is beside the point, Jo,” Belle interrupted before her friend could comment any further. “I doubt any husband of mine would be pleased if they were to discover my hobby. Just imagine the shock and horror!”
Jo chuckled. “I daresay he would think it rather scandalous.”
“I do not imagine there exists a man in England that would allow his wife such a scandalous past time.”
Her friend seemed to consider that. “I do not know, Belle. My husband tolerates my projects.”
“Barely, and even then he follows you about like some love sick pup.”
“You must admit, it is kind of endearing.”
That it was.
They sat in silence for a moment, curled up, sipping their golden liquid.
“My brothers will be annoyed at the depletion of their brandy supply once they return,” Belle murmured.
Jo chuckled. “They would never believe their sweet sister to be responsible.”
“Quinn knows that Simon is staying here.”
“Ididn’t even know. Why would you keep it a secret?”
Belle shrugged. “He’s as stubborn as a mule. Once he decides his course of action, I couldn’t stop him. He moved in without even me knowing.”
Jo nodded as if she accepted some truth Belle had yet to welcome. “I believe he is deeply smitten with you. I daresay the man is in love. Perhapsthatis the reason for his fierce protectiveness.”
With a scowl, Belle blurted, “He is not!”
“He did dive into a raging ocean to save you.”
True.
But that did not mean he was in love. Did it?
“He will make a fine husband.”
Belle choked on her brandy. “I beg your pardon! I’ve no intention of marrying him!”
Jo lifted a brow. “Because he is such a bore?”
She shot Jo a glare. “I am not inclined to marry any man.”
Jo rested her hand on her middle. “I would like to have children. I think the rewards are worth it, dear.”
“I cannot bear children, Jo.” The words left her lips before she could stop them.
The weight of her revelation hung in the air between them.
Jo’s eyes rounded in her delicate face. “You are certain?”
