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"There is another possibility," Aurora proposed, the notion exploding inside her like fireworks "Perhaps Jabox of his own—and a key that presues, but that opened his strongbox as well If so, perhaps that strongbox contains information as vital as that which Geoffrey bequeathed Julian"

Julian's head shot up, his astonished gaze fixed on his wife "My theory precisely"

"Don't look so astounded, Julian," Courtney advised him cheerfully "Aurora has the quickest and most inventive mind I've ever encountered in a man or a woman You'd best accustom yourself to that fact"

"It would see not the least bit threatened by Courtney's pronounceence, 'tis a pity you've been confined to Pembourne all these years"

"For the world's sake, perhaps, but not for Merlin's," Aurora quipped back, her grin impish "I'd make an extraordinary mercenary—and a fore has rendered me an ally"

Julian laughed, a rich, husky sound that permeated the rooaze fell on the key and his laughter faded "Time to test our theory"

"I' with you," Aurora declared instantly

"As ah I'm a bit dubious about your suspicions Had Jabox, Slayde would have known of its existence"

"If the box were a James's personal effects" Julian was halfway to the door "If not, it could still exist—hidden In which case it's up to us to determine its whereabouts"

Only three steps behind her husband, Aurora paused and cast a swift glance at Courtney "Do you mind if I run on ahead?"

"Of course not" Courtney waved for her to do just that "Oh, one question: who is Merlin? Other than a falcon, that is"

"A most extraordinary ht ago," Aurora called over her shoulder "I'll explain later I don't want to "

With that she darted after Julian

Slayde was already trying the key, Julian loo over him, when she burst into the study "It doesn't fit," Slayde announced, extracting the key and holding it up beside the original "You're right The notches are different As far as this second key fitting anything other than the falcon cages—box—wouldn't James have told someone if he had commissioned such a box? How else could he ensure that it fell into the right hands? He certainly couldn't assues and suspect the key used to unlock thebox"

"Not unless the person passing by had already seen the key to Geoffrey's box and noticed a resemblance" Julian clasped his hands behind his back, his body taut with concentration "Your solicitor," he asked abruptly "Is it Henry Camden?"