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"Good." His smile applauded her candor. "Then go up and change. After that, you can say your good-byes and we'll be gone."
Aurora blinked as a sudden thought occurred to her. "Are we going to Morland?"
"No," he stated flatly. "Morland is not my home. We'll attend to business soon enough. For tonight, we're traveling to my manor in Polperro."
"Polperro! Is that where your Cornish manor is located? Mr. Scollard has told me so many legends that revolve around Polperro."
"I'm sure he has. And yes, that's the home of which I spoke. 'Tis a quiet manor nestled beneath the cliffs, right along the Channel. I think you'll find it infinitely more appealing than Morland's dreary walls. I know I do."
"I'm sure I will." Aurora fingered the lacy folds of her gown. "Since I'll see Courtney and Slayde tomorrow, I won't need to make any lengthy good-byes."
"Splendid. I'll have my carriage brought around. Your bags have already been placed inside. But I'll make sure everything is in order."
Aurora's brows rose. "You're very resourceful."
"You have no idea how resourceful—yet. But you will soon." With a provocative wink, Julian strolled off.
Her heart drumming, Aurora slipped from the room and sprinted up the stairs. Without assistance she unpinned her headpiece, then reached behind her, working free enough buttons of her wedding dress so she could squirm out of it. She lay both gown and headpiece on the bed, pausing to caress the gown's diaphanous lace, touch the rainbow-hued flowers that had crowned her veil.
Yes, her wedding day had indeed fulfilled all her dreams.
But she had a distinct feeling that her wedding night would surpass them.
With that in mind, she scooted about the bedchamber, readying herself for the trip to Polperro.
A quarter hour later, clad in a soft pearl-colored carriage dress, Aurora descended the stairs and made her way back to the salon. Standing at the threshold, she motioned to Courtney, who spied her friend at once.
Acknowledging Aurora's signal, she turned to Slayde, touching his arm to alert him to the situation.
Together they walked out and joined Aurora in the hallway.
"I thought I saw you disappear," Courtney said with a twinkle. "I assume you needed no assistance donning your gown?"
"No. I managed just fine. Besides, I didn't want to disturb the servants. They're all having such a lovely time."
"You're leaving, I presume," Slayde inserted.
"Yes." Aurora's heart accelerated yet another beat. "We're going to Julian's house in Polperro."
"Very well." Slayde didn't question the choice.
"Have your bags been loaded?" Courtney asked.
"Yes. Julian took care of everything. He's gone to summon his carriage, after which we can be off."
"Here he is." Slayde gestured toward the entranceway where Julian had just reentered the manor.
Courtney gave Aurora a fierce hug. "Remember what I said," she whispered.
"I will." Aurora returned the hug, then leaned up to kiss her brother's cheek. "Thank you for this day," she said solemnly. "It was all I hoped for, and given the circumstances, more than I deserved."
"You deserve to be happy," Courtney countered. "And I believe your new husband is just the man to manage that." She cleared her throat as Julian approached, raising her voice to a normal tone. "When will we next see you?"
"Tomorrow," Aurora answered.
"Or the day after." Julian's expression was the picture of innocence. "After all, the ride to Polperro will take several hours; longer, since much of it will be under cover of darkness. Aurora will be exhausted by the time we arrive. She needs a chance to rest and settle in. So don't worry if our visit to Pembourne is delayed a day or two." So saying, he captured his bride's arm, drawing her gently—but determinedly—toward the door. "The day was memorable," he added, his gaze locked with Slayde's. "Thank you. And don't worry. Aurora is in the very best of hands."
* * *
