The Cinderella Countess. Sophia James

a note, remember. I did not realise that small sum of money could purchase so much. I commend you, Miss Smith.’

      ‘Belle.’

      ‘Pardon.’

      ‘Belle. You can call me that. Everyone else does. It means beautiful in French, but I do not think she should have named me such for I am not.’

      ‘Hell.’

      ‘You are swearing again, my lord Earl. I’m not sure you should. It is more than rude and, while I am not a high-born lady, I am still a woman.’

      He knocked on the window and the conveyance stopped. ‘Take the long road around London for at least an hour, Barnes, and stop at the next shop that sells lemonade.’

      ‘Lemonade, my lord?’

      ‘In a very large bottle.’