"Our great-grandfathers must have stored their treasures in a third strongbox—one that requires both these keys to open it," Aurora said excitedly. With that, she snatched up the sketch. "Do you think this will help guide our way?"
"I do. My guess is it will chart out the area we'll eventually be exploring—it's doubtless some kind of map."
"How clever! A sketch with a double purpose: first, to lead us to James's strongbox, now to depict the location of the treasures that the Fox and the Falcon restored for King George."
"And among those treasures, my beautiful, brilliant Aurora, is the one that will remedy the past and make way for the future—the black diamond."
"At last," Mr. Scollard pronounced. "Your great-grandfathers' names will be untarnished. The clues they so carefully placed will be deciphered as they wished—by two whose lives and love will reunite families never meant to be divided. Thereby, all the seeming coincidences will be ascribed—and rightfully so—to fate."
Mr. Scollard rose, rubbing his palms together. "Low tide occurs late each afternoon. Plan to arrive at Merlin Rock just before sunset. Tonight, ride only as far as Polperro. Tomorrow, venture forth, and complete the voyage that will end your journey. In the interim, revel in your love—it is fate's greatest gift, as is the strength and perseverance that ensured it triumphed over all the obstacles and all the evil that threatened it." With that, he walked over to the sideboard, flourishing a pot and three cups that had definitely not been there an instant earlier. "But first, some tea. Enough to strengthen you—and to celebrate the most glorious of futures." Mr. Scollard poured, handing the first cup to Aurora. "Drink a great of deal of this between now and the commencement of your wedding trip," he instructed. "It will ease the seasickness you'll experience on your way home."
"Seasickness?" Aurora took up her cup, frowning. "I never imagined I'd suffer from that. I thought I'd adore sailing the open waters."
"You won't and you will."
"Then I don't understand."
"You'll only feel unsettled this once—and only on the last lap of your journey home. But fret not. There will be good reason for your short bout of sickness."
"A storm?" Aurora questioned.
Mr. Scollard concentrated on pouring the other two cups of tea. "A pending storm," he amended with a secret smile. "One that promises to bring with it an overwhelming amount of excitement, adventure, and passion."
* * *
Chapter 16
« ^ »
Julian's oars sliced through Mount's Bay, low tide having rendered the waters relatively smooth. Still, the small boat rocked from side to side—not due to the inefficiency of its navigator, but to the impatience of his passenger.
"I wish we could move faster," Aurora murmured, leaning forward to peer through the lingering filaments of light still flickering across the water.
"Yes, I know, soleil." Julian grinned. "I'm as eager to reach Merlin Rock as you are. However, if you lean any farther forward, you're going to plunge into the bay, which will necessitate my diving in after you—and will slow us down considerably. Which would be a pity, given that we're almost there. So please try to stay still."
Reluctantly Aurora perched on the edge of her seat. "Very well, I'll try." She negated her own words at once, leaping up and pointing toward a faint gray mass that broke the surface of the water about thirty yards away. "That must be it."
"It is indeed. I spotted it five minutes ago and have been heading toward it ever since."
Glancing over her shoulder, Aurora tossed her husband a disgruntled look. "One day I'll best you, Merlin. Then we'll see about that bloody arrogance of yours."
Julian leaned forward, releasing an oar only long enough to tug Aurora backward until she tumbled onto his lap. "You've already bested me," he said huskily, brushing her lips with his. "You've conquered my heart, soleil."
"Then we've bested each other," Aurora replied soberly, tracing the beloved lines of her husband's face. "Because I love you so much, it frightens me."
"Don't be frightened." He tucked her close against him, maneuvering the boat toward its goal. "I'm yours. Now. Always." He kissed her hair. "We began this adventure together. We'll finish it together. We'll deliver the stone to the Prince Regent, complete our great-grandfathers' mission—and ensure they're not only exonerated of all suspicion but celebrated as the heroes they were. Then we'll ride directly to Pembourne and stay until Slayde and Courtney's babe is born."
"After which we'll sail away to see the world." Aurora sighed, kissing Julian's throat. "I've never made love on a ship before."
"We'll rectify that before the ship even leaves port—I promise."
"I'm growing rather fond of your promises."
Julian tipped up her chin, kissing her until her bones melted. "I've a lifetime of promises to offer you, my love. An exquisite, wondrous lifetime." He bent his head to kiss her again.
The oar thudded as it struck something hard. "Merlin Rock." Aurora jerked upright, exhilarated color staining her cheeks. "Julian, we're here."
"See how quickly the time passes when you're engaged in something enjoyable?"