The Black Diamond (Black Diamond 2)

"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 thank 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.