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Slayde studied Courtney’s frightened face, torn between his innate coed hie her fears, and his love for her, which commanded that he speak the truth In the end, there was no choice “Yes I do” His thumbs stroked her cheekbones “But I also believe that scoundrel’s downfall is imminent, thanks to the plan you and Aurora conjured up” A sudden limmer of comprehension “What’s more, Mr Scollard believes the same”

“He told you that?”

“Indirectly What he said was that wits, not pistols, would be rin “What he failed to mention was that the wits involved would be yours”

Over a hundred servants crowded Peh to hold so vast a nu a themselves about the possible reasons for Lord Peather here after breakfast

Undetected, Slayde surveyed the room from the hallway “Do you understand what I expect of you?” he muttered to Cutterton

“Of course, sir,” Cutterton said quietly “Mathers and I will support your story We’ll concur that we found the note yesterday, and advised you to take instantaneous action As for our isamples—after we’ve publicly advised Miss Johnston that her participation in this task is mandatory”

“Excellent” Slayde shot Cutterton a grateful look “I know you haven’t a clue why I’ this I hope I’ll be able to fill you in soon In the interim, I appreciate your cooperation”

“That’s ave a terse nod “Mathers is here with the paper and writing implements”

“Good Then let’s proceed” Slayde turned to Courtney, as standing beside hiht with anticipation “Co his hand “We have an announcement to make”

“Yes, my lord” She placed her hand in his “Indeed we do”

A hush fell over the group as their master entered, Miss Johnston by his side

Courtney looked from one face to the other, pained by the apprehension she saw reflected there Many of these people had cared for her, nursed her back to health, and, in the process, become like family to her—especially Siebert and Matilda, who stood near the front, their worried gazes softening with affection as they met hers For their sakes—for all their sakes—she prayed this nightmare would soon end

As Slayde cleared his throat to speak, Courtney’s eyes met Aurora’s, and she smiled at the vivid excitement revealed in the turquoise depths Not an ounce of fear, she noted Not her Aurora Only joy at Slayde’s and her ie, and exhilaration at what Aurora was convinced was the greatest and soon-to-be most successful scheme of all time

“First, lettiether as he sought just the right words to convey his announcement “Many of you have been with my family for years, yet doubtless view me not as a resident of Pembourne, but as an infrequent and short-term visitor ’Tis no secret why I’ve spent little of my life within these walls—especially since o, after which Peuish Thus, it’s been anything but a holance at Aurora “Certainly not forto flee from it”

A few of the servants coughed uneasily