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"Probably." Courtney's laughter faded, a knowing glint coming into her eyes. "Did you see the expression on Julian's face when you begged him to rest?"
"He looked … off balance."
"He looked like a man in love," Courtney corrected.
A surge of hope. "Do you really think so?"
"I really think so."
Aurora's eyes sparkled. "I suddenly have energy enough to take on the rest of the library on my own."
"I suggest you let me help," Courtney proposed, smiling. "That way you can save a bit of energy for your husband. I believe you have something to tell him when he awakens."
"Yes, I believe I do."
* * *
As it turned out, Aurora's announcement was deferred yet again.
When Julian and Slayde returned to the library at noon, it was to find their tired, discouraged wives sitting amid an even denser array of discarded books.
"I don't understand it," Aurora puzzled, scooting down the ladder. "The book has to be here."
"It has to," Julian muttered. "But so far, it isn't."
"Pardon me, my lord." Siebert stood in the library doorway, gaping at the wild disorder looming before him. "The Viscount Guillford is here to see you."
"Guillford?" Aurora's head snapped around.
"Damn," Slayde muttered. "I completely forgot. Guillford and I have an appointment to discuss a business investment." He frowned. "I'll have Siebert show him directly to my study. In that way he won't see the chaotic state the library is in, nor will you need to face him."
"I agree about the library," Julian interjected. "Were Guillford to come in here, it would pose a lot of questions we'd prefer not to answer. But I disagree that Aurora should hide from him. To begin with, I'm sure he knows she and I are at Pembourne; my carriage is in your drive. Besides, it's time to put to rest the ludicrous scandal surrounding our marriage. We've already run into Guillford once, in Camden's office. We're bound to see him again, just as we'r
e bound to cross paths with Lady Altec and her gossiping friends—plus all the other prying members of the ton. 'Tis time to show them just how well suited my bride and I are. The sooner we do, the less uncomfortable it will be—not for me, since I don't give a damn what they think of me—but for Aurora." His expression softened. "My wife has waited a long time for some semblance of a coming-out. I suggest we help make her experience, however limited, a pleasant one."
"I agree," Courtney put in. "After all, we've extended our apologies to Lord Guillford. We have no need to make further amends. Moreover, 'tis not as if he and Aurora were deeply in love. His pride was wounded, yes, but his heart was hardly shattered. From what I hear, there are at least a dozen women eager to help him heal—especially if it means acquiring his name, his title, and his wealth. Honestly, Slayde, I think Julian's right. Let's stop treating this marriage as if it's anything less than what we truly wanted for Aurora."
"Your points are well taken." Slayde nodded. "Very well. Let's all greet the viscount together. It will ease the scandal—if not the shock—surrounding this marriage."
"Once we've made our appearance, Julian, Aurora, and I will continue in the library while you have your meeting with the viscount," Courtney added.
"A very brief meeting," Slayde murmured. "Very brief. I want to find that book. Siebert, show Lord Guillford to the anteroom. I'll be out to greet him in a moment."
"Very good, sir." Siebert paused, clearing his throat. "Shall I summon some footmen to reassemble the library?"
"Not yet, Siebert. Later—but not yet."
* * *
Lord Guillford rose, hands clasped behind his back, when the two Huntleys and the two Bencrofts entered the anteroom. His expression was composed, but he looked visibly surprised to see them all standing before him.
"Guillford—good day." Slayde greeted his guest politely. "Forgive the delay; my wife and I were just visiting with Aurora and Julian."
"Of course. I understand." The viscount bowed in their general direction. "Countess. Morland. Aurora. 'Tis good to see you all." A quick glance at Slayde. "If you'd rather reschedule our appointment…"
"Not for our sake," Julian inserted smoothly. "Courtney was just helping Aurora and me gather the remainder of her things. We stopped merely to say hello to you. You and Slayde are perfectly welcome to conduct your meeting as planned."
"Are you about to embark on a wedding trip?" Guillford inquired.
