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“For great lengths of time?”

His dark brows rose “As a matter of fact, yes My businesses are extensive and take me all over the world: India, the Colonies, Europe”

“How unfortunate”

He blinked “Unfortunate? Why?”

“Because it must be very difficult—and very lonely—for you”

“Why do you assume that?”

Noas Courtney’s turn to look perplexed “You didabout my affection for brandy, that is”

His lips twitched “Yes, I did”

“Then you must miss her dreadfully when you’re away Unless, of course, you take her with you Do you?”

“Hardly Aurora stays at Pembourne, where she’s safe and carefully watched—except on those few occasions when she’s clever enough, and deterh, to elude my staff”

Courtney frowned “I didn’t realize your sister was a child When you spoke of my resemblance to her—well, I was under the obvious misconception that she was a woman”

“She is” Lord Peray “But, as my family history will bear out,The disaster you just survived is tangible proof of that Had that pirate not intended to pass you off as Aurora, none of the past days’ horrors would have occurred”

Courtney sed, her anguish resurging from its private niche

“I’ his handsohtless state I intended was to upset you”

“You needn’t apologize” Courtney blinked back tears, trying to steady her quavering voice “It ive voice to the words; Papa’s death haunts ain, I see his face, hear his scream, feel his fear Lord Pembourne…” Her chin caive me a few days to mend, I’ll help you find your sister I know the waters of the Channel as well as any sailor I can guide you to every hidden nook, every deserted island—anywhere you wish to go Whoever has Lady Aurora, we’ll unearth hie, I ask only that once your sister is safely restored, you loanvessel I’ll return it—intact—the instant I’ht, but as you know, I have no money”