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"Slayde, stop," Aurora de the arms of her chair

Her brother shook his head "He's a bloody mercenary, Aurora, driven solely by a thirst for wealth He means to use you to find that stone so he can sell it to the highest bidder…"

"Slayde … wait" It was Courtney who spoke, laying a gentle restraining hand on her husband's shoulder "I have the distinct feeling there's aze shifted to Aurora "All the facts Julian is now revealing to us, you were privy to them already, weren't you?" she asked quietly "And I don't o"

"Yes," Aurora acknowledged, grateful as always for Courtney's innate understanding of her "Julian filledthe day he came to Pembourne to offer for me"

Slayde sucked in his breath "Then why didn't you tell us immediately?"

Aurora shot him a pointed look "Julian was concerned that you'd misunderstand his intentions and forbid us toto tolerate Thus, he gave me my choice: ride to Gretna Green and wed posthaste, after which I elco day I so badly wanted—with both you and Courtney present—but keep ed Either as fine with hi as the end result was achieved The choice was mine And I made it"

Courtney's lips curved "In other words, Julian, you wanted to prevent Slayde fro precisely the conclusion he just drew"

"Yes," Julian replied "A conclusion that in all fairness to Slayde, I, too, would have draere Aurora my sister" He leaned forward, all power and presence "However, now that I've disclosed the truth, let there be no s between us I intend to find that stone I'd like your help, but it's not essential that I receive it Any more, incidentally, than it was essential that Aurora becooal Helpful, yes, but not essential As I explained to you a fortnight ago, I sought Aurora's hand for a multitude of reasons Most of which I shared with you All of which I shared with Aurora Andto do with the black dia delighted—if unsurprised—by Aurora's reaction to the truth behind the Fox and the Falcon I had hoped she'd react in precisely that way, and she didn't disappoint randfather's revelations as I—and as eager to complete their mission and put the past to rest That prospect factored heavily into her decision to accept hted for Aurora's cooperation—after all, I can't deny it will expeditemy wife"

"Fine," Slayde stated flatly "You've convinced o on"

"Go on?"

"Yes I've heard that you intend to find the black diamond I've heard that you had nu Aurora What I have yet to hear is what you intend to do with the stone once you find it"

"Ah You want to knohether your skepticisreed will eclipse all else from view"

"Exactly I' to help you make your fortune at my family's expense"

"Our families' expense," Julian corrected stiffly "Remember, the Bencrofts have suffered the saedies, as the Huntleys"

"And you intend to right those injustices? Your sense of honor will compel you to relinquish the hundreds of thousands of pounds you'd reap by selling the diamond—and all to restore the reputation of a family you claim to despise?"