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Eaze “Are you in any discomfort?”

“No” She shook her head, touched rather than embarrassed by his concern “I soaked in a hot bath I feel fine”

“Good” He cleared his throat “I wanted you to know I’ to Dartmouth tomorrow, to see if Grimes has returned”

“You mentioned your intentions to do that while ere on the ketch”

“I hope he’ll turn out to be Arives us whatever information he has: where the stone was headed, to whom—maybe even rote the ransom notes”

Pensively, Courtney studied Slayde, pondered the fervor of his quest “You’re still hoping it’s Morland And that by proving he orchestrated this schee not only Papa’s death, but your parents’ as well”

Slayde nodded stiffly “Yes I’d be lying if I said otherwise But it’s not hope I feel, it’s conviction I truly believe the Bencrofts are murderers, twice over”

“I know you do” Courtney’s earlier surge of hope wavered in light of the realization that, by publicly announcing the Huntleys’ forfeit of the black dia Slayde only a portion of what he craved She’d be ensuring his family’s safety, yes, but what he truly lacked, what he needed to make hi the past and letting it go

Whichhis parents’ killers

So be it Ever so slowly, Courtney’s chin came up She ell noith no one to answer to and no responsibilities, other than serving as Aurora’s coht of that, why couldn’t she do for Slayde precisely what he was trying to do for her?

She could and she would

Hope resurged, full force, along with the second part of her decision Not only would she elima of the Huntley curse, she’d do her damnedest to learn who killed Slayde’s parents

And she’d begin with the Duke of Morland

“Courtney?” Slayde was frowning “Have I upset you?”

“No Not at all” She gave hi for me When did you intend to leave for Dartmouth?”