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All levity having vanished, Courtney shook her head “I can’t proet ahat he did to Papa”

Slayde’s scowl deepened at her reply “Before I returned to Peator He and his associate will scrutinize Morland Manor twenty-four hours a day—unless Bencroft leaves the estate, in which case they’ll follow hioes, report back on whomever he meets Between their efforts and mine, we’ll unearth that bloody pirate, I promise you”

“If he’s Morland’s accomplice,” Courtney aator was both sound and incredibly generous, and I thank you for it But what you’ve just described fails to take one thing into account: what if Morland is innocent? What if, despite your gut instincts, he’s not involved in the theft of the black diamond? You yourself said that dozens of others have tried, and failed, to spirit the stone away What if, this particular time, it was another person who orchestrated the theft? Then you’re watching the wrong man while the real cris aside long enough to be objective”

Thoughtfully, Slayde weighed the credibility of Courtney’s words “All right,” he conceded at last “I see your point Although my convictions haven’t lessened,” he added quickly “So far as I’uilty”

“I understand But if he’s not…”

“Very well, if he’s not…” Slayde paused, an idea sparking in his eyes “What if I were to travel to London, seek out Bow Street and ask the to bet he’s still on English soil Think about it He’d never leave the country until he’d turned over the diamond and extracted his payment In order to acco place on the Channel to shore, then make the transaction—not to mention the fact that he’d need time to reclaio he pilfered froether would consume at least several days Which land And who better to unearth hiave a decisive nod “I’ll ride to London first thing tomorrow and supply them with your excellent physical description of the culprit They can begin at once This way, if Morland really is innocent, we’ll have professionals conducting an investigation that’s separate and apart from him, one that should yield results whether or not he’s involved Would those steps be enough to keep you fro your wounds?”

Courtney resisted the urge to fling her arms about Slayde’s neck—partly because it was too soon after the devastating encounter they’d just shared and partly because of the battle she kneas about to ensue “Those steps would be htyou to London”

“You’re what?” he thundered, looking as if she’d just suggested walking into a lion’s den “Absolutely not”

“Why?”

“Why? Have you any idea how long the carriage ride is from Devonshire to London? Howbumpy roads?”

“I presuht at an inn”

“After a full day of travel, and prior to another one, yes”

“Then I’ll sleep soundly and recoup th”

“No”

“Please, Slayde” She couldn’t stop herself; she seized his hands “I told you, I’es owned by the nobility—I eye them whenever the Isobel is docked—and they’re more luxurious and comfortable than this bed I prohout the entire trip As for the uneven roads, at worst they’ll cause e or two Believe me, the motion will be es will be heaven compared to seasickness”