Elinore’s particular choice of words elicited a tremendous idea, the perfect avenue for Aurora to take. There was a way she could be honest and yet reveal something that was not only innocuous but that would, with a modicum of luck, both convince Elinore and divert her.
“Wait.” Aurora pulled Elinore aside just before they crossed the threshold into the hallway, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Courtney did share a secret with us—or rather she and Slayde did.”
“A secret?” Elinore’s brows rose.
“Yes. Thus far, they’ve told only Lexley and me, but I know they intend to share the news with you next. And, given your unnecessary worry, I’m going to divulge their announcement in order to ease your mind and to explain Courtney’s faraway look.” With an impish grin, she confided, “Courtney and Slayde are to be married.”
Genuine pleasure erupted on Elinore’s face. “Married?” she breathed. “How glorious! When?”
“Just as soon as Slayde obtains a license. Now don’t say a word until the servants have all been told.”
“My lips are sealed.”
Aurora clutched her elbows. “You’ll be at the wedding, won’t you? I know how much Courtney wants that. She’s come to care for you as much as I have.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Elinore vowed, eyes aglow with anticipation. “In fact, I think I’ll contact my jeweler at once. I have a stunning new gown that would be perfect for the occasion and I must have just the right accessories fashioned.”
“That sounds wise.” Aurora grinned, thinking how typically Elinore it was to make provisions ensuring she’d be elegantly attired for a wedding whose date had yet to be announced. “Oh, Miss Payne?” Aurora nearly collided with the housekeeper as they rounded the doorway. “Would you please bring Mr. Oridge a tray? The poor man is going to starve to death if he doesn’t eat.”
The housekeeper startled, having been checking her list of inventory as she walked. “Of course, Lady Aurora. I’ll see to it at once.” Her gaze flickered to the viscountess. “Will you require anything further, Lady Stanwyk?”
Elinore shook her head. “No, Miss Payne, thank you. I’m about to take my leave.”
“Very well, my lady.” Miss Payne headed toward the kitchen.
“Is Mr. Oridge meeting with Slayde?” Elinore asked Aurora. “Is that why he’s too busy to eat?”
“No. Actually, he’s awaiting Slayde’s return. My brother had an…errand to take care of.”
Elinore assessed Aurora’s expression. “What errand?” she asked, the worry back on her face.
A sigh. “He’s at Morland, confronting the duke. That’s one of the reasons I’ve been preoccupied. Lawrence Bencroft burst in here the other day. He was drunk and raving, demanding to see Slayde. My brother means to find out why.”
“Oh, dear.” Elinore frowned. “I was afraid of this. The duke evidently saw the article Slayde submitted to the Times. He must be livid.”
“That’s what we have to assume, based upon the timing of Morland’s visit.” Aurora had to swallow the urge to tell Elinore the whole truth: that it was she and Courtney who had submitted that article, not Slayde—and that the entire submission was a clever deception. But Mr. Oridge had stressed the fact that they weren’t to discuss a single facet of the mystery with anyone. Thus, she held her tongue.
“The letter was a stroke of genius,” Elinore was declaring. “Now everyone will have no choice but to believe the diamond is gone. And the Huntleys will, at last, be free.” Her eyes misted. “Perhaps now your parents can rest in peace.”
“I hope so,” Aurora managed to say, assuaged by an irrational surge of guilt. How could her parents rest in peace when the diamond remained hidden wherever her great-grandfather had secreted it?
“You’re worried about Morland’s reaction,” Elinore put in softly. “Especially if Slayde’s admission inhibits his ability to transport the diamond.”
“Yes. I’m terrified he’ll hurt Slayde,” Aurora confessed.
“That won’t happen, darling.” Elinore turned as they reache
d the entranceway door, her smile restored—whether as a genuine display or merely as an act of reassurance, Aurora wasn’t certain. “Slayde can handle Morland,” the viscountess continued, slipping into the wrap Siebert held out for her. “Especially if the fool is drunk. Besides,” she added with a conspiratorial wink, “your brother has more pressing matters on his mind. Right?”
“Right.”
“Good.” Elinore smoothed a stray hair back into place, gesturing toward the staircase. “Now scoot back to Courtney. And please—tell her I’m here for any assistance she requires. Any assistance at all.”
“At last.”
Sprawled in Aurora’s armchair, Courtney greeted her friend, watching as she slipped back into the bedchamber. “We have only an hour and a half before Mr. Oridge reclaims this sketch.”
“An hour and twenty minutes,” Oridge corrected from where he stood guard in the hallway.