“Clarise will be happy you are pleased, as am I,” Belle smiled.  She wished they could all eat a little faster.  By the time they finished their meals, had dessert and coffee, and retired to the library for brandy, another hour will have gone by.  She was anxious to get the Ambassador alone in the garden.<br/><br/>The dinner went well, the small talk flowing easily, an occasional flirtation passing back and forth between Belle and the Ambassador.  Dessert was served, which they all praised, coffee was savored, and they retired to the library, where Clarise served brandy.  Belle was feeling relaxed and happy.  She was pretty certain now that the Ambassador was interested in her and she felt sparks when he brushed her hand in passing.<br/><br/>They sat in comfortable, high-back chairs, Belle relaxing on the arm of her father’s chair, brandy snifter in hand.  She listened quietly now as her father and the Ambassador talked shop. She wondered what the Ambassador would think if he knew how much of their conversation she understood.  She sat like a dutiful daughter next to her father, but she also sat in a seductive manner, always looking through the snifter at the Ambassador as she sipped.  Finally, the conversation lulled and she jumped at the chance to intervene.<br/><br/>“Mr. Ambassador, are you ready for your tour?  We are very proud of our gardens.  They, as well as our gardener, have been in several national magazines.”  She stood up, extending the invitation with her hand out.  She hoped it was an offer he could not refuse.<br/><br/>Not wanting to appear too eager, she looked at Alexander.  "Daddy, would you like to join us, or do you have other business to attend to?"<br/><br/><br/>