Legacy of the Diamond (Black Diamond 1)

“Courtney.” He clasped her to him, tears glistening in his eyes. “Thank God.”

“Those were to be my words,” she said, guiding him back to his seat, carefully scrutinizing him as she lowered herself beside him. “Although somehow I knew Mr. Oridge wouldn’t disappoint me.”

“Oridge—as I hear it, he’s the man I owe my life to.”

“Yes. He’s the investigator who sent those exceptional navigators I presume rescued you from Raven Island. Mr. Oridge works for Lord Pembourne, who hired him to find Armon’s ship. Armon is—was—that horrible pirate who captured the Isobel, in case you didn’t know his name. Which you probably did, given you spent more time topside than I did. Either way, he’s dead now. He was killed by whoever paid him to steal the black diamond.” Courtney paused to catch her breath. “Have I thoroughly confused you?”

A hint of a smile. “No. But not for want of trying. It’s just lucky that Lady Aurora explained most of this to me while we waited for you and Lord Pembourne to return from London. The rest I knew from Booth.”

“Booth?”

Lexley’s smile widened. “He’s the head of those exceptional navigators you just mentioned.” Glancing toward the door, Lexley’s gaze found and recognized Slayde. “M’lord,” he said humbly, “I don’t know how to express my gratitude. When Courtney fell from my shoulder and was swallowed up by the Channel, I begged you to save her. Somehow I knew you would. At the time, I had no idea that I, too, would benefit from your kindness and bravery. I thank you for my life. But, more importantly, I thank you for Courtney’s.”

“No thanks are necessary.” Slayde walked over, perched on the arm of a chair. “Are you well?”

“I’m weak but unharmed.” A chuckle. “Lady Aurora has taken excellent care of me. Why, I’ve even been promised a visit to the Windmouth Lighthouse to meet this extraordinary fellow Scollard.”

“We could have gone today—Mr. Lexley is much stronger than he was yesterday,” Aurora inserted. “But since I wasn’t allowed to leave the mansion…”

Slayde shot her a look. “Tell me about the rescue,” he urged Lexley. “And about the other crewmen who were abandoned with you. Did they all survive?”

“Each and every one of us,” Lexley answered proudly. “Oh, we didn’t eat much, and at night it got pretty cold. But our prayers kept us going. Prayers are the one thing that bloody pirate couldn’t take from us. And look how well they worked. He’s dead and we’re home.”

“Where are the others now?”

“By this time? With their families. Booth arranged everything. I told him I had no family, and he said he had instructions to bring me to Pembourne Manor.”

“Oridge,” Courtney murmured aloud. “He must have provided those instructions. What a kind gesture.”

“Booth and his men were astounding,” Lexley continued. “They navigated those waters as if the rocks and currents didn’t exist. They got us off on longboats, all nine of us. They brought us food, water, and bandages—some of which they gave us right there in the longboats. The rest they administered aboard their fishing boat. Then they supplied us with enough ale to make us forget any aches and pains we might have. We slept most of the way to Cornwall. Three carriages were waiting there to take the men to their homes—no matter how far away they lived. One of those carriages brought me here.” Lexley stared at a spot on the carpet. “I wish I’d had something to give Booth and his men, payment of some kind…”

“They’ll be compensated,” Slayde assured him. “I’ll see to it at once.”

Lexley looked up. “I’ll repay you down to the last shilling. I don’t care how long it takes.”

“Your safety is payment enough.”

Pride and gratitude warred on Lexley’s face. “I’m not good at taking charity, m’lord. I work for my money.”

“Fine. We’ll discuss that when you’re stronger.”

“I’m almost myself. Which reminds me, I won’t impose on your hospitality after today. First thing tomorrow, I’ll be on my way. I just needed to see for myself that Courtney was all right. Although Lady Aurora did a fine job of assuring me she was.”

“I’m sure you’re eager to resume your life,” Slayde responded smoothly. “But if it isn’t too much trouble, I’d appreciate your postponing your departure, merely for a week or two. Courtney is still somewhat out of sorts, as you can imagine. You, of all people, know the full extent of what she endured—” Slayde shot Lexley a meaningful look, the name Arthur Johnston hanging between them as clearly as if it had been spoken. “I’m sure it would ease her distress to have a long-standing friend nearby. Surely you can understand what I’m saying?”

Bowing his head, Lexley nodded. “Yes, sir. I can well understand.”

“Good. Then it’s settled.” Slayde turned to Aurora. “What bedchamber did you give Lexley?”

“I had Miss Payne make up the blue room.”

“Splendid.” Slayde stunned Aurora by giving her an approving wink before refocusing his attention on Lexley. “Is the room to your liking?”

The elderly sailor stared. “To my liking? I’ve never seen such elegant quarters in my life.”

“Good. Then you won’t mind keeping them for a while?”

Lexley swallowed. “No, m’lord. I won’t mind.”