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Darcy said, “I am afraid Ben suffered a bit of disappointment that he did not have the honour of introducing us.”

“Oh, just a little,” said Ben. “Although I should like to know how you know my uncle.”

Elizabeth said, “I am afraid it is a long story—one I am sure your father will share with you. Only now is not the time, for I need you to prepare for dinner and you know all that entails—especially after an adventure the likes of which you enjoyed today.”

Once Ben had quit the room, Elizabeth turned to Darcy. “It sounds as though Ben had quite a day at Camberworth. In spite of that, do you suppose it is wise for him to make a habit of visiting there?”

“Although I was as dismayed as you that Ben made his way so far on his own, I suppose if he must return to the place that means so much to him because of its familial ties, so long as I am with him, no harm will result.”

“I take it you have said nothing to Ben about your favourite wish that Camberworth will one day be his.”

“No—until I have a firm commitment from Carlton, I shall not raise Ben’s hopes in that regard.”

“At least there is something we can agree on regarding this whole business scheme. May I ask if you are having any luck in persuading Mr. Carlton to your purposes?”

“No—not yet.”

Despite Darcy’s reassurances, Elizabeth’s misgivings would not be repressed.

“I do not know that I am entirely comfortable with Ben’s becoming attached to his uncle. There is a reason, after all, why I did not deem Camberworth a proper environment for my son once his uncle took over as master.”

“I assure you the situation now is not at all as it was.”

“Still, this situation is fraught with disappointment. I should hate to contemplate Ben’s heartbreak should his hopes be shattered.”

“Should something like that unfold, we shall both be here for our son.” Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand in his. “That being said, do you think there is a chance in the world that I would take Ben there if I thought anything of the sort might occur?”

“Anything can happen.”

“Ben ought to know his only adult uncle.”

“What if Ben’s relationship with his uncle fares no better than your relationship with his lordship?”

“Actually, I was exceedingly fond of my uncle when I was young. It was only after he ascended to the earldom that we began to grow apart. I suppose he took his role as head of the family a bit too far,” Darcy said in reference to the lengths to which the Earl of Matlock had gone for so many years to bring about a union between Darcy and his cousin Anne.

“By his own admission, Carlton is more than agreeable to the scheme. He looks forward to getting better acquainted with Ben. Besides, how many times have you said that Ben ought to know all of his relations?”

“Must I remind you of the reason I left Camberworth in the first place?”

“I recall your saying how the widow Carlton had created such an unsavoury environment that you thought it unwise to allow Ben to be raised there. Well, it appears that Carlton now shares your sentiments. I have it on good authority he has put an end to all that. He went as far as to relegate the widow Carlton and her child—his stepbrother—to the dowager house, a situation that she found unbearable, and, as a result, she retired to Bath with her child.”

“And you know this because?”

“As I am intent upon procuring the estate for Ben, my solicitors are well-versed on any and every matter that might affect my purpose.”

“Supposing such a thing is even possible,” said Elizabeth.

“It is Ben’s legacy. I am obligated to try; it is the least I can do. While Ben is not the heir to Pemberley, he will have his place as my eldest son. I want him to have the certainty of knowing that, when he is of age, he will immediately take his place amongst the landed gentry. What better way than to be master of his own estate; specifically, the Carlton family estate?”

Elizabeth said, “I can see you are determined to arrange every aspect of Ben’s future.”

“I do not deny that I would do anything in my power to see that Ben does not suffer one bit as he takes his rightful place in society. It simply would not do to have someone whose fortune is as great as Ben’s be without an estate grounded by his own roots.”

“Do you mean to say, like Mr. Bingley?”

“Yes—in a manner of speaking. Bingley’s coming into a substantial fortune and haphazardly settling upon a suitable estate is not something I would wish for our son and neither should you. Ben should not suffer a single moment of not knowing who he is or where he belongs and, as long as it is within my power, he will not.”