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"Geoffrey's cunning, James's precise tactics," Aurora murmured. "Remarkable—in more ways than one. Not only did their separate departures convince the others that the diamond had yet to be found, it also increased the Fox and the Falcon's chances for a successful escape. Anyone pursuing them would be forced to divide up and go after each man individually. After all, who had the stone—Geoffrey or James? Their plan was brilliant."
"As were they," Julian concurred.
"So my great-grandfather hid the stone, then fell to his death, dashed on the rocks at the foot of Dartmouth Cliffs." Aurora inclined her head. "Was he pushed?"
"That question will probably remain unanswered. Eventually word leaked out that James had absconded with the stone, brought it to Devonshire. But did someone kill him to get it?" A shrug. "We'll never know for sure."
"But we do know that Geoffrey died of a fever en route to England—and that with him died the last vestiges of the Fox and the Falcon." Aurora's expression grew quizzical. "Why didn't King George reveal the truth at that time, at least to our families? That would have explained so much, and avoided even more."
"First of all, I doubt that the King knew the diamond—or James—were even in England. If he did, he would have tracked James down and demanded he turn over the stone. But remember, the agreement between our great-grandfathers was that they go to the King together. So, I'm willing to bet that James told very few people he'd returned, and no one about the location of the black diamond. Less than a week later, he died. As for why the King didn't reveal the truth about the Fox and the Falcon after both had perished, my guess is that he was afraid to take the risk. Remember, the Fox and the Falcon hadn't managed to restore the gem, only to find it. If word of their mission were to have seeped out, it would have appeared to some as if England intended to keep the jewel—and the fortune it generated—for itself. Moreover, the King himself died less than two years later, precluding any possible change of heart time might have wrought."
"So the Fox and the Falcon became only a legend … until today."
"Exactly."
Aurora sat back, her expression more exhilarated than dazed. "This is all so incredible."
"The rest of the tales are equally incredible. Each and every one of the quests my great-grandfather described is a dazzling adventure unto itself. When you read that journal…"
"May I?" Aurora jumped in eagerly. "May I read the journal?"
Julian had been awaiting that particular request. "Hmm," he replied, taking his time, presumably entertaining the notion. "I don't know what to say. The journal was, after all, meant for my eyes and my eyes alone. To show it to a—what was the term you used? Ah—to a virtual stranger, would be a blatant violation of my great-grandfather's wishes." One brow arched in undisguised challenge. "On the other hand, if my wife were to come upon the journal by chance, if her curiosity were to overcome her self-restraint, compelling her to read the entries—then, that would be an accident of fate, would it not?"
Despite herself, Aurora began to laugh. "You, Julian, are a shameless rogue. Tell me, is there ever a time you don't get what you want?"
"Until now, no." Julian raised Aurora's chin with a determined forefinger, reminding himself why he was here and what he intended to accomplish. "In this instance only you can decide whether I get what I want. My unblemished record, Rory, is in your hands."
"Somehow I suspect your record is the only unblemished thing about you."
"You're evading my question."
"Actually I'm preparing to ask my own. Everything you just revealed to me about the Fox and the Falcon—how does it factor into your proposal? How will my becoming your wife ensure the success of whatever goal you hope to attain?"
"By reestablishing a partnership that was thwarted sixty years ago, and by seeing it through to fruition." Julian's tone grew fervent, all humor vanishing beneath the conviction that pulsed through his veins. "Think about it, Rory. By combining all the Huntley and Bencroft resources, including individual fragments of information left to each of us, we can fulfill our great-grandfathers' mission. As a result, we can restore dignity to their names, justify their cause, and end a sixty-year period of ostracism and hatred that should never have been."
"You intend to hunt for the black diamond."
"I intend to find it. Find it and restore it to its rightful place in India."
Aurora raised her chin a notch higher, studying Julian with uncanny insight. "This means a great deal to you, far more than another exciting adventure, and far more than honor. After all, you didn't even know your great-grandfather, and according to you, you had no use for either your father or your grandfather. Monetary gain certainly isn't a factor, not if you mean to turn o
ver the stone without reaping a reward. So what is this ardent resolution of yours based on?"
Julian sucked in his breath, taken aback by her perception. "I'm not sure which stuns me more, your audacity or your insight."
"My audacity, most likely," she supplied. "Slayde tells me it's uncommon and intolerable. Although at this particular moment, I believe it's my insight that is functioning more acutely. It tells me you're avoiding my question."
"Perhaps I am," Julian replied, memories of his father's taunting dare melding into images of Hugh—images that still had the power to make his chest constrict with the painful sense of loss. "There are some things I simply choose not to discuss. I assure you, however, my reasons aren't sinister, only personal."
"Very well, I'll ask a less personal question, then. Aren't you intimidated by the black diamond's curse?"
Keeping up with this woman, much less staying one step ahead of her, was going to be the challenge of a lifetime. "No," Julian replied. "I'm not intimidated—not by this curse or any other. Why? Because I don't believe in curses, only in people who perpetuate them."
"You sound just like Slayde."
"Then your brother is a wise and sensible man." Julian paused. "I presume you do believe in the curse?"
"Absolutely. Just because we don't see things doesn't mean they don't exist. Mr. Scollard taught me that. In this case, I think the tragedies that have befallen our families speak for themselves. The curse is real." A mutinous spark lit her eyes. "And don't try to dissuade me. Slayde's attempted it. So has Courtney. I'm unyielding in my conviction."
