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Darcy chuckled. “In due time, son, for I intend to teach you all there is to know about the management of the estate. However, for now, you are to enjoy your carefree youth a bit longer.”

Ben would not be dissuaded. He continued to look about for a means to be of use. “What is that?”

Darcy retrieved the object of Ben’s curiosity. “This is a rendition of Pemberley.” Darcy stretched out the parchment, placed it on the desk, and began to point out various spots of interest, some of which Ben had seen already, many he had not.

In the midst of their perusal, Ben danced around the question that lingered in the back of his young mind. “Da, do you suppose I shall ever own an estate as fine as Pemberley?”

Darcy spoke gently. “As a gentleman of means, which you shall one day be, I have no reason to suspect otherwise, Ben.”

“Is my family’s estate of Camberworth forever lost to me?” Ben asked tentatively, recalling how his mother had spoken of the entail, the details of which were too complex for even his inquisitive mind.

“For now, you are not to concern yourself with such matters. I shall endeavour to explain the nature of entailed estates to you when you are older. Does that sound agreeable?”

Ben did not answer, but rather draped his arms around Darcy’s neck. “I love you, Da.”

“As I love you,” Darcy responded.

Darcy and Elizabeth lay in bed together basking in the warmth of their shared passion. He held her in his arms and rested his head atop hers. “Are you happy, my love?”

Elizabeth stroked her hand across his broad chest. “Exceedingly so,” she whispered.

A light scratch at the door prompted the two lovers to look at each other in silent acknowledgement. Elizabeth smiled apologetically. Darcy placed his finger gently on her cheek and then followed through with a light kiss. Ben had suffered unpleasant dreams for the past two nights. Darcy could only imagine the young lad had met with fierce two-headed dragons, ferocious beasts, and what not, yet again.

Darcy got out of bed and donned his breeches and robe quickly. Tying it at the waist whilst walking over to unlock the door, he glanced back at his wife to assure that she too had recovered her silken nightgown and robe.

Darcy opened the door. Ben only had eyes for his mother. He walked right by Darcy and climbed into bed. He was fast asleep in his mother’s arms before Darcy had managed to close the door and return to bed.

Elizabeth whispered. “I am sorry. It is just that it has been solely the two of us for so long.”

Darcy silenced her with a soft, reassuring kiss. “I understand, my love. We shall allow him to remain a short while longer before carrying him off to his own bed,” Darcy affirmed.

Nearly a half-hour later, Elizabeth awakened from a quiet slumber. She had dozed off. Now, neither her son nor her husband was in the bed beside her. Darcy had carried Ben to his room some time ago. Ben had stirred as Darcy tucked him into his bed.

He rubbed his eyes. “Da, where is my mama?”

Darcy placed his finger to his lips, beckoning the young child to hush. “Your mother is asleep, as you should be,” he whispered.

“But I am not tired,” Ben yawned. “I am wide awake.”

“On the contrary, young man, you are quite sleepy. Now, get some rest.” Darcy leaned forward and bestowed a light kiss atop Ben’s head. He picked up the candle the servant had placed on Ben’s bedside table and turned to leave.

“But I am not tired,” Ben repeated, this time trying his best to stifle a yawn.

Darcy had had enough experience tucking Ben in bed to know how that would go. He set the candle down and retrieved the book from the table. “Very well—I shall read to you for a spell. That always helps.” Darcy relaxed in the chair and started reading.

Awhile later, Elizabeth entered the room in time to espy her son drifting off to sleep. She crossed the room quietly and sat in her husband’s lap. “What are you reading?”

“An account of The Knights of the Round Table,” he whispered, as he pointed out the title of the book.

Elizabeth smiled. She spoke softly, “Indeed, is there anything else?”

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