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marginally acceptable prices, and if it weren’t for the high percentage of English investors, we might not have seen a profit at all.”
    Joseph shook his head. “Sometimes I’d like to walk away from everything.” He put his cup down and stared at the ceiling for a moment. “There are tremendous responsibilities with a family this size. Not to mention the obligations of the plantation system and the people here who are dependent upon us for their every need. Our northern brethren may curse slavery, but I ask you, where would these people go? How could they possibly care for themselves? Would northerners so generously take in and patiently support an uneducated man who only knows the skills of the field? No one stops to think on those things. Now with Mary gone and Margaret devastated by the loss, I want only to pull the rest of my family closer, and yet they all seem to be slipping away.”
    Hampton realized the opportunity Joseph’s frank discussion had lent him, and he seized upon it. “What of your sons? Do they not plan to return to help with the plantation?”
    Joseph’s expression was one of bittersweet reflection. “I don’t imagine they will. I was forced at an early age to assume the responsibilities of Oakbridge. I met the challenge and did as I knew I should, but in the course of events I lost a great deal that was important to me.”
    “Such as?” Hampton questioned, unable to look at the wealth around him and imagine what was lacking.
    “I lost my dreams. I’d always desired to go west and explore the country, but a man of responsibility cannot very well leave his wife and family to fend for themselves.” Joseph paused and smiled rather apologetically. “That’s behind me now, but the reason I brought it up has more to do with your question than you might imagine. I won’t force my sons to take on the duties of plantation owner when their hearts clearly lie elsewhere.”
    The conversation was taking on new and exciting possibilities for Hampton. Always before, he’d presumed that his advance to fortune and fame would end when Joseph died. He had believed it necessary to lay in store for himself a great treasure of wealth and the security of a socially acceptable bride. Marrying one of the Adams girls would not only assure his place in proper company, but might offer him a means of expanding his meager holdings as well.
    Finally he asked Joseph, “Who will follow then after you are gone?”
    “That’s a good question. With Maine completely devoted to the work of God, and York ensconced quite happily in the political arena, it will most likely fall into the hands of one of my daughters and her spouse.”
    Hampton smiled. “I know this may sound quite bold, but given my interest in Carolina and my knowledge of your financial affairs, I wonder if you might not consider me as a possible solution. I feel confident that it will only be a matter of time until I propose marriage to Carolina.”
    “What!” Joseph exclaimed. “Has it grown as serious as all that?”
    Hampton tried to appear humble and boyish. “I don’t know how else to say this but to come right out with it. I’ve fallen in love with your daughter, and I hope very much for her to become my wife.”
    Joseph was stunned and his expression changed from one of surprise to disbelief. “But Carolina seems anything but interested.”
    “Yes, I know,” Hampton replied. “I have to tell you something, and perhaps you will have nothing further to do with me after this, but confession is good for the soul.”
    Joseph eyed him suspiciously. “Then, by all means, confess.”
    Hampton smiled. “When I escorted Carolina to the Christmas ball, she and I, well that is to say, we shared a moment of intimacy.” Hampton fought hard to keep from showing even a portion of arrogance. “I kissed her, sir, and I do apologize for my boldness.”
    A slight smile crept over Joseph’s face. “I see. And what might I ask was my daughter’s