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"I did I do" Aurora gave a dazed shake of her head "Listen toPlease, Mr Scollard, help me"

His vivid blue eyes shone with equally vivid memories "Your expression … your plea … you sound o Another whom you love very much"

A sage nod "You're speaking of Courtney"

"Surely you recall how she grappled with her feelings for Slayde?"

"Yes, but that was different"

"Was it?"

"Definitely Courtney and Slayde fell in love They shared their thoughts; they understood each other … why, Courtney transformed my brother into an entirely different man"

"After being thrust unexpectedly into his life—yes, she did As Slayde did for her My point exactly" Mr Scollard took a thoughtful sip of tea "Love is an astonishing force Stronger than all other forces combined Except perhaps fate Fate, much like you, is not only fervent, she has a definite mind of her own It appears she's decided to insert herself in your life"

"For good or for ill?"

"Your instincts say for good" A glimmer of humor "Evidently so does your balance Else it would have found a way to right itself by noo days have passed since you ht has elapsed since his proposal—and his revelation Surely that's enough tiain your sensibilities"

Aurora sat bolt upright, having scarcely heard Mr Scollard's final sentence "So you do know"

He shrugged "There's much I know, still more I don't"

"Exactly what is theher words in a way she'd never anticipated doing with her oldest friend

A smile touched Mr Scollard's lips "Your honor is as fierce as your spirit I'm proud of you, Rory The duke requested secrecy, and secrecy you have granted Despite the tragedies you've faced, the limitations that have so thwarted your need to fly, your character has flourished You'll make an exemplary wife, at least for one as uncommon as you" With that, Mr Scollard set down his cup "Now, to address your question about the much to which I refer I refer to Geoffrey Bencroft and James Huntley Fine ent—with an insatiable thirst for adventure Much as the great-grandchildren they begot The ones who have inherited their legacy and are soon to be joined in a partnership as profound as that of the Fox and the Falcon—a partnership that is identical in some ways, splendidly different in others" Mr Scollard's eyes twinkled "I needn't elaborate on the differences In any case, Geoffrey'sas that of a fox Ja, lethal as those of a falcon 'Tis wrong for theirfor the black diamond to remain unrestored to the sacred teht those wrongs None until now"

Aurora sucked in her breath "If you were aware of all this, why didn't you tell me?"