Page 92 (1/2)

“I do wish,” Courtney replied “Perhaps then I’ll believe it’s really going to happen”

“Oh, it’s going to happen,” Slayde declared, his breath ware it”

“Good , Lord Pembourne, Miss Johnston” Siebert opened the entranceway door and greeted them, evidently unsurprised by Courtney and Slayde’s show of affection “And goodthe investigator as he walked up behind them

“How prorinned “You must have sensed our arrival”

“As a good butler, I sense a great s” A pointedly arched brow, followed by a tolerant sigh “However, in this case, it wasn’t necessary Lady Aurora has been dashing fro your return I told her it could be another several days before you concluded your business in London, but there was no discouraging her In any case, when she saw your carriage drive up, she bellowed the news of your arrival down the hallway She should be along any—”

“Here I am” Aurora burst out the door “I couldn’t wait Our surprise is too exciting Courtney!” She hugged her friend “I have so wonderful to tell you”

“What a coincidence” Courtney laughed, hugging Aurora in return “I have solance at Slayde “We both do”

“Well, your neill have to wait I’ve been exploding since yesterday, when this happened”

“Happened?” Slayde cocked a wary brow “Aurora, you didn’t try to leave Pembourne, did you?”

“No, Slayde” She rolled her eyes “I’ve been here every minute But, as of yesterday, I’ve had company”

“Coe “Who?”

“Co her into the house, toward the sitting room

Slayde cast a swift, pointed look at Siebert, who shook his head “No, sir,” he said quietly “Nothing on the h I do believe the current surprise will lift Miss Johnston’s spirits soe would want to know that you had your own surprise visitor yesterday ”

“Really? Who?”

“The Duke of Morland”