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"Upsetting me?" He shook his head. "No, soleil, you're making me incredibly happy. I saw the elation on your face yesterday as you explored Merlin Manor—strolling the beach, becoming acquainted with the servants—and I suddenly wanted nothing more than to transform my estate into the very home you just proclaimed it. At the time my reaction stunned me. But no longer. I realize now that ever since we met, I've been experiencing the perpetual and inexplicable need to do something I never fathomed doing, much less yearning to do: put down roots. Reconsidering Mr. Scollard's words in light of that fact, I begin to understand what he meant when he said you were a journey unto yourself, at the same time implying that my destination had yet to be reached." Julian caressed her face, his eyes alight with wonder. "He'll be proud to know that my journey is at an end—and the culmination is the greatest blessing I could ever imagine."
"The greatest blessing for us both," Aurora amended softly. She inclined her head, infused with a different type of joy. "You've pondered Mr. Scollard's words?"
"Thoroughly and repeatedly," Julian confirmed. "As I galloped toward the black cliffs, 'twas as if he were inside my head urging me on, reiterating the things he'd said two days past. I kept hearing his voice describing Barnes as having a wealth of resolution hovering at his feet, emphasizing the fact that Barnes possessed the ability to draw forth ghosts of the past that had to be silenced forever, else the future would remain out of reach. I believe Mr. Scollard was referring to our future, Rory, not merely that of the black diamond."
"And the ghosts we had to resolve—you think he meant Macall?"
"And Guillford."
"Yes, and Guillford." Aurora pursed her lips. "Sources expected and unknown—lurking in numbers, and in numbers were undone."
"So you heard Scollard's voice, too."
"I always do."
"We heeded his counsel," Julian pronounced. "You took care of me, and I of you."
"And now?"
"Now we do his bidding. We return to tell him of our discovery."
"He's going to have answers for us this time, Julian," Aurora realized aloud, somehow knowing it was true. "Or perhaps we'll supply those answers ourselves … with the aid of Mr. Scollard's magic."
"Perhaps." Julian cupped his wife's face between his palms. "In any case, the obstacles are behind us, soleil."
Aurora nodded. "All but one."
"The black diamond."
"Yes," she concurred. "The black diamond."
* * *
Mr. Scollard emerged from the lighthouse the instant their carriage came to a halt. "Welcome back," he greeted them, his bright blue eyes suspiciously damp.
Aurora ran forward and flung her arms about him. "Thank you," she whispered fiercely. "You never left us, not even for a moment."
"'Twas your faith that never left you, Rory," he declared, holding her away for a quick inspection, followed by a satisfied nod. "Your faith, your courage, and most of all, your love." With that, his glance shifted to Julian. "Your wound is healed?"
"Healed and well worth enduring." Julian gazed soberly at his newfound friend. "Thank you."
A hint of a smile. "And your destination—are the rewards all I envisioned them to be?"
"Even greater."
"Excellent." Mr. Scollard led them inside to the sitting room. "Then let us amass all your questions and put them to rest. 'Tis time for the ultimate resolution—and a most resplendent wedding trip."
That brought Aurora's head up. "You wouldn't care to tell me a bit more about that trip, would you?" she asked, settling herself on the settee.
"No, I wouldn't," Mr. Scollard retorted. "So you can stop staring at me like a hopeful pup awaiting a treat. That treat must be provided by your husband." He lowered himself to an armchair, shaking his head in exasperation. "Honestly, Rory, will you and Courtney never learn some patience? Between fending off her incessant questions about her babe's arrival date and now persuading you to stop snooping into your husband's surprise … 'tis a wonder I have enough strength left to climb the stairs to the tower."
"Do you know when the babe will come?"
Another twinkle. "Only the babe knows that."
That incited a worried frown.
"You'll have plenty of time, Rory," Mr. Scollard reassured her. "Resolve the past. Plan the future. By the time you embark upon it, you'll be an aunt."
