The Black Diamond Read Online Free PDF

anyway. After delivering his solitary blow to Julian's jaw, Pembourne had grabbed Aurora's arm and whisked her out of the tavern in less than a minute. Julian had followed shortly thereafter, having no intentions of fueling the fire by answering any of the aged dowager's rapidly fired questions or the sailors' bawdy comments.
     
    Still, he felt guilty. Aurora had come to Dawlish's to free herself of a betrothal, ready to sacrifice her reputation in the process. Well, she'd certainly succeeded. Doubtless the intended bridegroom—whoever this oh-so-proper viscount might be—would cry off the instant he learned of his future wife's scandalous behavior. At which point Aurora would have what she sought.
     
    But at what price?
     
    "Forgive me, sir." Thayer, the longstanding Morland butler, knocked on the library door, interrupting Julian's thoughts. "You told me to advise you when Mr. Camden arrived. He's here and waiting. Shall I show him in?"
     
    Slowly Julian turned, wondering—as he had so many times in the past—if Thayer ever changed expressions or lowered his nose even a fraction. "Yes, Thayer. Show him in."
     
    "Very good, sir." Thayer disappeared, returning shortly with a tall elderly man who clutched a thick, official-looking portfolio. "Can I get either of you gentlemen anything?" the butler inquired.
     
    "No. That will be all for now, Thayer."
     
    "Very good, sir." He withdrew, shutting the door behind him.
     
    The older man inclined his gray head, studying Julian with equal measures of deliberation and concern. "Hello, Julian," he said at last. "I'm relieved to see you've returned. Not only to England, but to Morland. It's been years since I've seen you standing within these walls."
     
    Julian shot a pointed look at the family solicitor. "Don't become too accustomed to it, Henry. I don't intend to stay. After we complete today's business, we'll resume our routine practice of meeting in your office."
     
    " When you're in England," Camden clarified.
     
    "When I'm in England," Julian agreed, gesturing toward the sofa. "Have a seat. What can I offer you?"
     
    "Whatever you're having would be fine." Camden lowered himself to the sofa and watched Julian pour a second healthy ration of brandy. "You arrived in Devonshire yesterday?"
     
    "Yes. I left Malta within an hour of receiving your missive. T hank you for notifying me so quickly."
     
    "Had I been certain of your whereabouts, I might have reached you sooner, giving you ample time to arrive home for the funeral. As it was, I could only guess based upon your last correspondence."
     
    Stiffly Julian handed Camden his drink. "It wasn't essential that I attend the funeral. As for finding me, I never know where I'll be from one moment to the next. Trust me, Henry, you're more closely apprised than anyone of my whereabouts. Including myself, half the time."
     
    "You're looking well," the solicitor noted.
     
    "As are you. I trust your business is thriving as always?"
     
    "T hank fully, yes. I can't complain. And you? How have your recent … adventures been?"
     
    A corner of Julian's mouth lifted. "I'm not a pirate, Henry. All my business dealings are completely legal, if not orthodox. In any case, you needn't be afraid to mention them. And, to answer your question, my adventures have been quite lucrative."
     
    "Good. I'll expect my ledgers to reflect that fact, then."
     
    "And so they shall."
     
    Self-consciously the elderly solicitor cleared his throat, obviously wrestling with his next choice of words. "Getting back to the reason you've returned to Morland, I'd feel remiss if I didn't offer you my condolences on your father's death—inappropriate as that might sound, given that I, better than most, know the differences that divided the two of you. Still, Lawrence was your father. Therefore, for whatever it's worth, my prayers are with you."
     
    Julian traced the rim of his goblet. "You always were an incredibly gracious man, Henry—not to mention