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“I do wish,” Courtney replied. “Perhaps then I’ll believe it’s really going to happen.”
“Oh, it’s going to happen,” Slayde declared, his breath warm against her skin. “Just as soon as I can arrange it.”
“Good morning, Lord Pembourne, Miss Johnston.” Siebert opened the entranceway door and greeted them, evidently unsurprised by Courtney and Slayde’s show of affection. “And good morning to you as well, Mr. Oridge,” he said, noting the investigator as he walked up behind them.
“How prompt you are, Siebert.” Courtney grinned. “You must have sensed our arrival.”
“As a good butler, I sense a great many things.” A pointedly arched brow, followed by a tolerant sigh. “However, in this case, it wasn’t necessary. Lady Aurora has been dashing from window to window since yesterday, impatiently awaiting your return. I told her it could be another several days before you concluded your business in London, but there was no discouraging her. In any case, when she saw your carriage drive up, she bellowed the news of your arrival down the hallway. She should be along any—”
“Here I am.” Aurora burst out the door. “I couldn’t wait. Our surprise is too exciting. Courtney!” She hugged her friend. “I have something wonderful to tell you.”
“What a coincidence.” Courtney laughed, hugging Aurora in return. “I have something wonderful to tell you, too.” A glance at Slayde. “We both do.”
“Well, your news will have to wait. I’ve been exploding since yesterday, when this happened.”
“Happened?” Slayde cocked a wary brow. “Aurora, you didn’t try to leave Pembourne, did you?”
“No, Slayde.” She rolled her eyes. “I’ve been here every minute. But, as of yesterday, I’ve had company.”
“Company?” Slayde stiffened, as did Oridge. “Who?”
“Come see.” Aurora tugged Courtney’s hands, drawing her into the house, toward the sitting room.
Slayde cast a swift, pointed look at Siebert, who shook his head. “No, sir,” he said quietly. “Nothing on the missives yet. Although I do believe the current surprise will lift Miss Johnston’s spirits somewhat. Also, my lord, I thought you and Mr. Oridge would want to know that you had your own surprise visitor yesterday morning.”
“Really? Who?”
“The Duke of Morland.”
Courtney halted in her tracks, whirling about to listen.
“Morland?” Slayde repeated in amazement. “He came here?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What did he want, Siebert?” Oridge asked.
“I’m not quite sure. He was seething with rage, spouting something about how Lord Pembourne had stolen from him again, wrested
away his future. I couldn’t make out all of it. The man was thoroughly foxed. But I did assure him I’d impart word of his visit.”
“And so you have.”
“Slayde, the duke was drunk,” Aurora interrupted impatiently. “I listened to every word from the second floor landing, hoping he’d say something revealing. He didn’t. His accusations were wild and incoherent, precisely as Siebert just told you. So let’s discuss him later. Right now, I want to bring Courtney to our guest.”
“Indeed, sir.” Siebert surprised Slayde by concurring. “Lady Aurora is quite right. The duke’s ramblings were vague, at best. And I do think you’d enjoy accompanying Miss Johnston to the sitting room. Mr. Oridge can remain with me at my post; I’d be happy to supply him with any pertinent details. You can join us in a few minutes. How would that be?”
With a puzzled expression, Slayde complied. “All right. I’ll be back shortly.”
He followed Aurora, who’d already dragged Courtney halfway down the hall.
“This guest actually came to see you,” Aurora was explaining. “But he and I have become splendid friends in the interim.”
“He?” Slayde demanded.
Aurora grinned at Slayde over her shoulder. “Yes—he.” She flung open the door to the sitting room. “Courtney, greet your guest.”
A joyful gasp escaped Courtney’s mouth. “Lexley!” She bounded across the room to the settee, hugging the stout man who had struggled weakly to his feet.
