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He'd alsothose sa kisses that had left Aurora tree disappeared around Pembourne's drive

Between her preoccupation with thefire Julian had kindled inside her, Aurora was ready to explode into apieces

The arrival of today, her wedding day, had indeed been a welcome relief

For the first tie of activity that awaited her From the instant the sun rose, excited servants had darted in and out of her cha over the selection of her undergarown

At last, there she stood, gazing at her own reflection, nearly giddy with anticipation Reverently she caressed the delicate silver and white creation that billowed at her feet, wondering if the flah awed turquoise eyes could in fact be she

"You look beautiful" Courtney hovered in the doorway, a vision in lilac silk, lovely and gloith i motherhood and sisterly pride She beamed her approval as two maids feathered Aurora's fil white cascade "Your bridegroo to swoon the instant you enter the chapel"

With a wry grin, Aurora reached up, touched the coronet of wildflowers that crowned her head "That I doubt Soh to cause Julian to swoon"

"You underestimate yourself—and your effect on thewarmly from one maid to the other "You've done a splendid job Thank you both I'll take over from here"

A minute later, Courtney and Aurora were alone

Aurora cast a speculative glance at her friend "Is so ill, are you?"

"Everything is fine I feel wonderful" Courtney s palm atop her abdomen "The babe and I both do," she added "The reason I asked the maids to leave is so you and I could talk—alone This is the last chance we'll have to do so, at least the last chance before you leave Pembourne as Julian's wife"

Even as Courtney spoke, the sound of horses' hooves reached their ears, confirht around front and was now being readied for its drive to the chapel

"Our last chance to talk alone?" Aurora limmer of trepidation "That sounds so final Courtney, our friendship … our tiain "You, better than anyone, know Pembourne has been more of a prison to me than a hoit to protect , I have no affinity for this estate But you—that's another matter entirely" Aurora's voice quavered a bit "I feel as if we're sisters, and I don't h wedlock You s to change between us"

"Between us?" Courtney shook her head fiercely, seizing her friend's hands and squeezing the to happen Nor did I ht As far as you and I are concerned, the only thing that will change is your residence We'll still see each other constantly, confide our thoughts and our feelings, share our exploits No, what I wanted to discuss was a different relationship, one you're first entering into; one that definitely will

change your life" A pause "Aurora, you're e with a whole new set of experiences, different froht"