“If he’s guilty,” Courtney inserted.
Aurora blinked. “Given the way he reacted to your threat, you’re not convinced?”
“He was menacing,” Courtney admitted. “Still, all he did today was to disclaim any knowledge of Armon or his scheme.”
“That could be cunning, not innocence.”
“Of course it could. His anticipated reaction to my accusations should decide which of the two it is.”
“You went to Morland?” Elinore looked horrified. “Both of you?”
“Yes.” Aurora answered proudly. “ ’Twas Courtney’s idea. She was incredibly brave, confronting that monster face to face.”
“But, why, for heaven’s sake?”
“Why indeed.” Slayde’s livid voice lashed through the room like a whip.
Four heads jerked about, gazes riveted on the open doorway.
Rage emanating from every inch of his powerful frame, Slayde made his way across the salon, his steps taut with the control he was exerting to keep from exploding. Reaching the sofa, he nodded curtly at Ray-burn. “Thank you for your diligence.” He walked on.
Alongside Rayburn, Aurora held her breath, waiting.
For the first time, Slayde bypassed his sister, pausing directly before Courtney. His composure disintegrating, he seized her elbows, yanking her from the sofa to meet his gaze.
“What the hell were you thinking of?”
Chapter 13
“DID YOU HONESTLY BELIEVE Morland was going to unburden himself and confess to his crimes?”
> Slayde was pacing about the sitting room, tossing infuriated looks at Courtney, who was perched on the settee, calmly watching him.
“No,” she replied. “And when you stop lecturing me as one would a small child, I’d be happy to provide explanations for both your questions—the one you’ve just asked and the one you fired at me prior to our discreet withdrawal to the sitting room.” Her lips twitched. “Poor Elinore. She looked as if she were trying to memorize the number of stones on her bracelet, that’s how intently she was staring at it. You might not erupt often, my lord, but you’re quite formidable when you do.”
“I’m not laughing, Courtney.”
“I know you’re not.” She sighed. “Very well. What was I thinking? I was thinking that Morland needed a good, old-fashioned scare. That if he believed someone—other than you—had tangible evidence of his crimes, it would induce him to act.”
“Act how? By harming you, too?”
“He’d hardly shoot me down in the middle of his home amidst a flock of servants,” Courtney reasoned. “No, I hoped he’d panic, rush over here, and react to my ultimatum.”
“Ultimatum?”
A nod. “I warned Morland that unless he made a full confession about his connection to Armon, the extortion of the black diamond and, indirectly, Papa’s death, I’d give Bow Street written evidence that he and his father murdered your parents.”
Slayde’s jaw dropped. “You warned…” A swallow, as he again sought control. “What evidence?”
“With regard to Armon, an alleged journal outlining names and details. With regard to your parents, I didn’t stay long enough to enumerate. Once I delivered that final blow, Morland lost his composure, and common sense insisted I bolt. But he knows who I am and at whose home I’m residing. I fully expect him to explode into Pembourne and do something irrational, something that could give us the very evidence we seek.” Courtney’s smile was impish. “I was extraordinarily convincing.”
With a muffled oath, Slayde sank down beside her. “I’m sure you were. Convincing and reckless. Damn it, Courtney, if anything had happened to you—”
“I wasn’t alone. I had an exceptional cohort.”
“How reassuring—Aurora,” he muttered dryly. “When I asked you to stay on as Aurora’s companion, I’d hoped you’d reform her, not outdo her.”
“I’m fine, Slayde,” Courtney said softly, slipping her hand into his, understanding far better than he that along with loving and needing came the fear of losing. “I’m sorry I caused you pain. But maybe, just maybe, my plan will work.”