Chapters 9-10 Summary

After her argument with John, Belle decides in Chapter Nine that she will go back to London. She is furious with him and wants to prove him wrong. Before she leaves for London, she visits with Emma, and persuades her cousin to come join her in town. Once installed in the family's townhouse with her cousin, Belle meets with an old friend, William Dunford. The two of them hatch a plan to make John jealous and hopefully spur him to action; they want to spread rumors that Belle is going to be married. However, they will need Emma's help with the plan, and Emma is only too glad to be of assistance.

Alex has sent an older relative, Persephone, to act as Belle's chaperone, in the meantime. She seems harmless and fun, and Belle accepts her; Persephone, meanwhile, has been paid...