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Together they walked out and joined Aurora in the hallway

"I thought I saw you disappear," Courtney said with a twinkle "I assuown?"

"No I ed just fine Besides, I didn't want to disturb the servants They're all having such a lovely time"

"You're leaving, I presume," Slayde inserted

"Yes" Aurora's heart accelerated yet another beat "We're going to Julian's house in Polperro"

"Very well" Slayde didn't question the choice

"Have your bags been loaded?" Courtney asked

"Yes Julian took care of everything He's gone to sue, after which we can be off"

"Here he is" Slayde gestured toward the entrancehere Julian had just reentered the manor

Courtney gave Aurora a fierce hug "Remember what I said," she whispered

"I will" Aurora returned the hug, then leaned up to kiss her brother's cheek "Thank you for this day," she said soleiven the circumstances, more than I deserved"

"You deserve to be happy," Courtney countered "And I believe your new husband is just the e that" She cleared her throat as Julian approached, raising her voice to a normal tone "When e next see you?"

"Tomorrow," Aurora answered

"Or the day after" Julian's expression was the picture of innocence "After all, the ride to Polperro will take several hours; longer, since much of it will be under cover of darkness Aurora will be exhausted by the time we arrive She needs a chance to rest and settle in So don't worry if our visit to Pe, he captured his bride's arently—but determinedly—toward the door "The day was aze locked with Slayde's "Thank you And don't worry Aurora is in the very best of hands"