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"But you are partial to black tea laced with brandy" Mr Scollard offered him a cup "A preference you acquired in the Far East—a delectableof their tea and your fine French brandy Julian," he added, blue eyes twinkling

"Quite right" Julian grinned, taking an appreciative s "It's good to know I can find that enjoyable coland This tea is exceptional"

"I'm pleased you like it"

"I won't," Aurora announced, leaning forward on the settee and eyeing the untouched cup before her "Must I drink it?"

"No," Mr Scollard replied "But you'll want to Else hoill you wash down your favorite cakes?"

"All right" Sighing, she took a tentative sip, her expression growing puzzled "This is neither black nor laced with brandy"

"Of course not Why would it be? It's the duke who likes his tea that way, not you" The lighthouse keeper settled hi up his own cup "Yours is lighter of strength and sweet, just as you prefer And mine is my own favorite blend, imported from Java, with just a touch of cream"

"But you made only one pot … neveryou?" She took an enthusiastic bite "Julian, try one of these But I' I very nearly didn't fit intodress, thanks to Mr Scollard's cakes"

"By alljourneys ahead—journeys of the body, th, more for some destinations than for others"

Julian chewed thoughtfully, ingesting far more than the delicious confection "Do I?" He licked his forefinger "Then I hopeas these splendid cakes"

"Some fulfillments are more readily attained than others However, flavors too swiftly savored ofttiue 'Tis the arduous journeys, the ones whose goals are clouded, even unperceived, that yield the greatest rewards" A thoughtful pause "Then again, some readily attained fulfillments, rather than transient, are pivotal representations of the greatest prize any adventurer could seek"

"Are we speaking of the black diamond or my own personal quests?" Julian stared intently at Mr Scollard

"I believe you just spoke of both"

A faint s his refresh the falcon book in his hands "This is one quest I perceive only too well"

"'Only too well'—an interesting choice of words" Scollard glanced at the volume but made no move to touch it "How may I help you?"