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"If that another is Julian, I'll have to assume he talks in his sleep As you yourself just pointed out, my betrothed is a very autonos—to anyone, much less a wife"

"The merlin is deceptive"

"Not this merlin," Aurora countered "Certainly not like his namesake, theNo, Mr Scollard, Julian is anything but deceptive He's overwhel in every way—stature, presence; he looks every bit as threatening as he is"

"But is he every bit as threatening as he looks? Or is that a deception unto itself; one of which even the duke himself isn't aware?"

Aurora blinked, thoroughly confused "I don't understand what you mean"

"You will" Mr Scollard patted her cheek and rose "Soon Now come 'Tis time to climb to the tower and watch the onset of the new day Then I et on with your daydreams" Another twinkle of those o dress will fit perfectly Four cakes or not"

As always, Mr Scollard was right

Thirteen days later, the dress did fit perfectly Although, Aurora lass, was the impeccable fit the result of Mr Scollard's prophecy alone or had it soy—the bubbling anticipation that haddown for meals virtually impossible?

She'd probably never know for sure All she did knoas that ever since Mr Scollard's prediction, she'd scarcely hly exasperated the poor s, and infuriated her already peevishowns Suitable for what? Aurora had wanted to scream The nextlavish house parties, but with searching for the black diamond Madame Gerard, however, didn't know that Further, the wo that a married woman—and a duchess no less—required an entire line of new dresses, one for every occasion Rather than argue, Aurora had steeled herself for what turned out to be prolonged hours of takingfabrics

The sole diversions that had gotten her through the endless fortnight were her daily ro a host of frustrated guards to follow in their wake—and her recurrent visits to the lighthouse Three or four times each day, she'd raced down and burst into Mr Scollard's do his work to pace about, babble incessantly, then becohthouse keeper, extraordinary man that he was, had never complained, only listened patiently and silently, an odd s about his lips

During several sleepless nights, Aurora had conte her way to the far grounds of Pees stood No one had disturbed them in years, so they'd be just as James had left them, other than the fact that they were now e a clue that would help her and Julian find the black diamond

No She'd dared not give in to that teuards report her actions to Slayde, necessitating an explanation she'd proive—yet

Julian

Apart from Aurora's speculations over the black diamond, Julian had been the ly, she'd seen hi period, four days prior to the nuptials when he'd coe license and to tell her privately—during the two et her alone—that he'd uncovered nothing of consequence at Morland