The Black Diamond Read Online Free PDF Page B

decent and honest. Why in the name of heaven you chose to work for my father, I'll never understand. Nevertheless I t hank you for your kind words."
     
    "My family has served yours for nearly seventy-five years, Julian, beginning with my grandfather and then my father before me. There was never a question as to whether I would continue in that tradition. Still, I won't deny there were subjects upon which your father and I strongly disagreed, most particularly those pertaining to the Huntleys and Lawrence's obsession with vengeance. Nonetheless I remained committed to serving him as honorably as I could. However," Camden added with a meaningful look, "that didn't include compromising my principles to accommodate him—even if asked."
     
    "I understand," Julian replied, feeling a surge of admiration for Camden's integrity and candor. "What's more, I commend you." With that, he leaned forward. "Now, can we get to the purpose of this visit? I asked you to meet me here because I'd like to discuss the best way to go about selling this estate and putting the past where it belongs—behind us."
     
    Camden frowned, opening his cumbersome portfolio and reaching in to extract a sealed document. "Before we do that, there's another matter we must see to first."
     
    "Which is?"
     
    "The reading of your father's will. Now that you've returned from abroad, 'tis time to address it. 'Tis also possible that hearing Lawrence's provisos could alter your plans."
     
    "Really?" Julian felt more amused than worried. "Why? Did he decide to leave Morland Manor to some local urchins rather than to me?"
     
    "Of course not. The estate, its furnishings, and whatever funds your father amassed are yours."
     
    All humor vanished. "I don't want his money."
     
    "Julian, please." The solicitor unsealed and unfolded the document. "I'm asking only for a few minutes of your time."
     
    "I apologize, Henry. Go ahead."
     
     
     
    "The will is standard, enumerating precisely what I've just said. Thus, I'll skip down to the final clause. 'Julian', it reads, 'unless, unbeknownst to me, your adventures have included the siring of heirs, you are now the last remaining Bencroft. This brings me no comfort. Like your great-grandfather before you, your hunger for parts unknown has induced you to forsake your responsibilities. Doubtless, within months of my death, the estate will be disposed of, the title gone, and the Bencroft name resting solely on your unreliable shoulders. For the title and estate, I realize you feel only disdain. But for the family name, the name that belonged to your brother Hugh and to the great-grandfather you so closely emulate, I allow myself to speculate otherwise. If I'm wrong, if you care not a whit if the Bencroft name remains sullied, disregard sentiment and view my forthcoming request as a challenge—the one thing other than money that propels a heedless mercenary like yourself. Either way, my request is as follows: Find and return the black diamond. End the curse. Clear the Bencroft name. Not for me. Not even for you. For Hugh. For his memory. Surely that is but a paltry task for a seasoned adventurer like yourself? Prove yourself, Julian. That is my request—no, my legacy—to you'." Camden looked up. "The will was properly executed and witnessed in my office last spring."
     
    With a muffled curse Julian rose, walking over to gaze out the window. For long moments he said nothing, merely clutched his goblet and grappled with his father's words, with their ultimate impact. At last he turned. "Is that it?"
     
    The solicitor lowered the pages to the table. "With respect to your father, yes. Other than to inform you that he began another comprehensive search for the black diamond during the final months of his life."
     
    "Did he keep records on this search?"
     
    "He did."
     
    "Then I'll need to see them."
     
    Slowly Camden nodded. "You'll find them in his study. In the top drawer of his desk. That's where Lawrence kept all his