The Black Diamond (10 page)

"Maybe not. Slayde must already be amenable to the idea or he wouldn't have allowed us this time alone. But even if he doesn't require much convincing…" She broke off, a wistful look crossing her face.

"What is it?"

"Would you think I were foolish if I told you I'd always dreamed of a church wedding? Not a big church—heaven knows, the Huntleys haven't enough friends to fill even a small one, given how isolated I've been and how terrified people are of us. But a church nonetheless, one that makes me feel like a real bride, dressed in a traditional wedding dress of silver and white, and a lace veil topped by a coronet of wildflowers." She gave a rueful sigh. "I suppose the whole notion is absurd given the scandal I caused yesterday. We should simply have the clergyman conduct a simple, expedient ceremony and have done with it. 'Tis just something I always dreamed of."

"Then consider your dream a reality." Rather than amusement Julian felt strangely touched by the details of her dream.

"You don't mind?"

"On the contrary, I can hardly wait to see what a vision my traditional bride will be."

"The bridegroom will have to be a vision as well," she reminded him.

A twinkle. "Am I to understand my betrothed finds me lacking in physical appeal?"

"I think you're aware of just how appealing you are—to your betrothed
and
to heaven knows how many other females. What I meant was…"

Julian pressed his forefinger to her lips. "I think I can manage to don conventional attire for one day—so long as you promise to help remove it that night."

"Julian." Aurora began to laugh. "You're incorrigible."

"Then we're evenly matched." He kissed her palm before releasing it. "We have but one thing more to discuss before Slayde reappears and we announce our betrothal."

"Which is?"

"A reminder of the promise you gave me not to discuss with anyone anything I revealed to you."

"I haven't forgotten. And I intend to keep my vow. Further, I understand why you secured it. Your father's ludicrous announcement that Slayde harbored the stone at Pembourne recaptured the interest of too many bloodthirsty thieves and privateers. If news of the Fox and the Falcon were to venture beyond our families, everyone would be doubly convinced that Lawrence spoke the truth. Criminals would descend on Pembourne like vultures, endangering Slayde, Courtney, and their unborn child. No, Julian, I would never divulge the truth to anyone. Other than Slayde and Courtney, of course."

"No." Julian shook his head. "When I said no one, I meant no one."

Aurora's jaw dropped. "Including Courtney and Slayde?"

"Including Courtney and Slayde."

"Absolutely not. I could never agree to that."

"You already did," Julian reminded her. "Not twenty minutes ago."

Flustered anger colored her cheeks. "But why? The truth behind the Fox and the Falcon affects Slayde as much as it does me—maybe more. He's suffered longer and in some ways more profoundly than I have; he's spent eleven years heading and protecting a family that's feared, condemned, and constantly in danger. Not to mention Courtney, who nearly lost her life as a result of the black diamond. No, Julian. I insist that you release me from that aspect of my vow. Lord knows, Courtney and Slayde have the right to know."

"Indeed they do. And we'll tell them—in a fortnight. The instant my ring is on your finger."

Aurora looked totally at sea. "I don't understand."

"Then I'll explain." Julian pressed on, determined to surmount this crucial obstacle. "Aurora, you trust me. You believe everything I've expressed to you is the truth. Unfortunately I don't think Slayde would see it that way. And I'm just not willing to take that risk."

"You think he'd doubt the existence of the journal?"

"I wish it were that simple. If the existence of the journal were all Slayde doubted, I could allay his reservations by producing it. No, I don't think he'd doubt the journal, I think he'd doubt my honorable intentions. Namely, to restore the diamond and walk away—without any compensation or reward."

"Oh." Aurora inclined her head quizzically. "You're concerned Slayde would believe you mean to keep the stone or sell it to the highest bidder."

"Exactly. Reaping a fortune.
After
I seduced his sister into marriage for the sole purpose of gaining entry to Pembourne—and whatever clues it contains. All of which he'd presume I would do just to expedite my hunt for the very diamond that would eventually make me a very rich man—and my wife a very disheartened woman." Julian's arm made a wide berth. "Hell, I wouldn't blame Slayde for his suspicions. The timing, the myriad coincidences, the sharp divergence from my solitary life—if you were my sister, I'd suspect the worst."

Aurora tucked a wisp of hair behind her ear, contemplating Julian's logic. "You're right," she agreed at last. "That's precisely the conclusion Slayde would draw. But a fortnight won't alter his opinion. He'll be equally as skeptical of your motives then as he is now."

"I agree. A fortnight won't alter his opinion. But there's one thing it will alter: your marital status. By then, you'll be Mrs. Julian Bencroft, legally bound to me in a way Slayde can no longer undo, skepticism or not."

Surprise widened Aurora's eyes. "That's the risk you were referring to? You want to keep the facts from Slayde and Courtney simply to ensure that my brother doesn't refuse his permission for us to wed?"

"No, I want to keep the facts from them simply to ensure that you have the wedding you've always dreamed of, and to have those you love by your side." Julian's jaw set. "I intend to marry you, Aurora. Now that you've given me your consent, nothing—not even your brother—will stand in my way. For my part, we can leap into my carriage and ride off to Gretna Green this very minute, after which you're welcome to tell Courtney and Slayde everything. However, I don't think that's what you want. It would preclude your having the traditional wedding you just described
and
prevent your brother and sister-in-law from taking part in your wedding. Which would shatter your dream." He shot her a questioning look. "If I'm wrong, tell me. My carriage is in your drive. We can leave posthaste, be married in days."

"No. You're right. That's not what I want." Aurora looked touched and puzzled all at once. "For a man who's been a loner all his life, you're remarkably compassionate."

"At times."

"Then t
hank
you for making this one of those times." She cleared her throat. "Julian, I can't help but wonder—when you asked Slayde for my hand, you obviously omitted quite a bit of what prompted your proposal. What reasons
did
you give for offering for me?"

"Honest ones. The same ones I gave you, other than the issue we just touched upon…" A wicked grin. "…and an elaborate explanation of what happens when you're in my arms. Somehow, I didn't think he'd appreciate that."

"No, I don't think he would." The mischief was back in her eyes. "Very well. The truth remains our secret—but only until our wedding day. Then we tell Courtney and Slayde everything. Not merely tell them, but elicit their help. Remember, my brother knows a great deal more than I about the Huntley family history." She looked knowingly at Julian. "And you needn't worry that Slayde will insert himself in our search. Imminent fatherhood keeps him chained to Courtney's side. Dashing from estate to estate would not appeal to him at this particular time. So rest assured, information and advice is all we'll receive from my brother."

"I'll take your word for it. In fact, I'll agree to everything you just said—with one modification. We'll tell Courtney and Slayde everything the day
after
our wedding. I have plans for that evening and night—exciting, prolonged, tantalizing plans. And they include neither visitors nor conversation."

"I see." An anticipatory flush stained Aurora's cheeks. "In that case, I suppose the revelation can wait one extra day."

"I'm glad you feel that way." With mock sobriety, Julian extended his hand to her, palm up. "We're in agreement, then?"

Aurora smiled, placing her fingers in his. "We are."

"Good." Julian pressed a chaste kiss to her knuckles, his head snapping up as approaching footsteps reached his ears. "And clearly not a moment too soon."

On cue the door swung open and Slayde reentered the study, accompanied by a fine-boned young woman who was classically beautiful and extremely with child—a young woman who could be none other than the Countess of Pembourne.

"Your half hour has passed," Slayde announced, glancing from Julian to Aurora to their still joined hands.

"So it has," Julian concurred.

"Courtney, this is Julian Bencroft—" Slayde wrapped a protective arm about his wife, as if trying to stave off the ugly memories evoked by the name he was about to utter. "—the Duke of Morland. Morland, my wife Courtney, the Countess of Pembourne…" A pause. "…
and
Aurora's closest friend."

"I'm delighted, my lady." Julian stepped forward, kissed Courtney's hand.

"Your Grace." The countess's sea green gaze was more curious than distressed.

"Please, call me Julian. After all, we're about to become family." He tossed Slayde a cheerful look. "Speaking of which, I'm happy to report that you needn't load your pistol. A duel will not be necessary. A wedding, however, will be."

Slayde sucked in his breath, his eyes narrowed on his sister's face. "Aurora, is this truly what you want?"

"Surprisingly, yes." The glow emanating from Aurora couldn't be mistaken for anything short of genuine pleasure. "This is truly what I want."

A taut moment ticked by.

"Bloody hell," Slayde muttered. "I don't know what to do."

Julian watched Courtney and Aurora exchange a long meaningful look, after which Courtney nodded. "Slayde," she murmured, touching her husband's arm. "It's all right."

He gazed down at her, seeking and finding what he sought. "Very well," he conceded, his stare shifting to Julian. "But be good to her, Morland. Else you'll answer to me."

"You have my word," Julian drawled, giving Aurora's fingers a provocative squeeze. "I'll be extraordinarily good to her. In fact, you have my word—your sister will never want for anything." He nearly grinned as he felt Aurora's skin grow hot.

"When did you want this wedding to take place?" Slayde demanded.

"
I
opted for this afternoon," Julian answered frankly. "Unfortunately Aurora needs a bit more time, as does the obtaining of a special license. So we agreed upon a fortnight."

"Fine. We'll contact Vicar Rawlins. He can ride out to Pembourne, conduct the wedding in the estate's chapel—swiftly and with minimum notice from the outside world. The whole ceremony will be over in a matter of minutes, after which you can whisk Aurora away from Pembourne and from whatever dangers lurk at its gates."

"Pembourne?" Aurora broke in, with an adamant shake of her head. "Absolutely not! Slayde, I'm a prisoner to this estate. I will not get married here as well."

"Slayde," Courtney interrupted in her soothing, gentle tone. "I understand how adamant you are about ensuring Aurora's safety. But every woman wants to be a bride, to have a real wedding day. I treasured ours; I still do. Let Aurora have hers. We'll make arrangements with Vicar Rawlins, travel quietly to his church—the one where you and I were joined. Mr. Scollard can attend, as can anyone else Aurora or Julian wishes. Then we'll have a small celebration here at Pembourne, where the entire staff can attend and help us see the newly married couple off. Surely a few hours can't make much difference." A bright smile lit her face. "Besides, those hours will loudly proclaim Aurora's farewell to the name Huntley … and her welcome to, of all things, the name Bencroft. Would you truly want to deny Lady Altec, who will mysteriously receive word of the upcoming event a mere hour before it takes place, the opportunity to embellish upon a juicy tidbit that will—why, the very next morning surge beyond Devonshire, sweep through the ranks of the
ton
like a summer storm?"