Somewhere Only We Know

The day after the ball, Camille was set to tackle the gift pile that had been left in her bedroom. Mel brought her breakfast in bed but the young woman barely gave it much attention. Nibbling a bit on a piece of apple, she sighed.

“Do you think I really have to open them all Mel?”

“You should, miss.” Mel replied softly, knowing how Camille thought it useless to receive so many gifts but she opened them all always so she wouldn’t be found rude, especially by her parents.

With a sigh, Camille agreed and began by getting the smaller gifts. Most things would be jewellery, hair accessories, clothing or shoes. Not that she didn’t appreciate these gifts but sometimes they could be a bit too much, however only Mel knew of her thoughts about this.

When she reached the end of the pile, she noticed that the Cumberbatch’s had left two different gifts. One from the parents and one from Henry. The parents’ gift was a lovely pair of earrings and Henry’s was a box of expensive tea that he had brought from London, yet it also had a little note.



Camille’s eyes rose from the note as her mind wandered off to Ben and their moments the night before. Not only had she met him for the first time last evening but she felt like there was more to him than what she could see, at least at first sight.

Mel walked closer to Camille with a little smile. She had noticed the way Ben had looked at her in the balcony and she hoped they hadn’t interrupted their moment but they didn’t know.

“Thinking about that gentleman again?” She asked softly, remembering how Camille had spoken about him right before bed. He had impressed her somehow and she was excited to have him coming over that week, hopefully.

“What? Oh no, no.” Camille replied quickly with a little blush. She wished she wasn’t so obvious sometimes “This note is from his brother, he left me a gift.” She explained softly, putting everything away.

Despite being grateful to Henry, Camille couldn’t help but to only think about Benedict.

On the other side of the village, Ben had been awake since early that morning. His parents had rented a small house for the week and he was grateful to have the time and liberty to walk around. He had never been in that village before but it was so rural and calm that he just found himself going for a long walk right after breakfast.

Something else was on his thoughts, or rather someone. Camille. She hadn’t left his mind since he helped her down the balcony to meet with her friends. There was just something fascinating about that girl and he wanted to see her again, he had thought about actually visiting after lunch but he wasn’t sure if that would be alright and if she would really not mind about him going over.

Passing in front of a little antique store, Ben’s eyes settled in a piece of jewellery right in the front. He knew everyone in his family had given Camille a present and it bothered him that he was the only one, probably the only guest, that didn’t gave her a present.

Not giving it a second thought, he walked in and bought the necklace that had caught his eye. It had been sometime since he had bought a present for someone out of his family and when it was wrapped up and given to him, he felt his heart hammering. He hoped she liked it.

“Is someone coming over?” Camille asked curiously as she went into the kitchen with Mel and saw Luz cooking portions bigger than usual.

“Four guests.” Luz replied as she stirred rice “Your mother mentioned something like... Comberbutch... Comberbatch, Cumberbatch or something.” She said, waving her hand.

Benedict

Camille’s eyes widened a bit and Claude, who was helping Luz, smirked over at her.

“Oh, it’s Camille’s friend from last night. He’s coming over.” He said adorably, pursing his lips playfully, causing Camille to blush while Luz glanced up.

“You mean fancy boy?” She asked, both her and Mel having noticed how Ben eyed their friend and Claude, as a fellow man, wasn’t blind to it either. They had all seen Camille and Ben dancing but they had made no mention of it because they knew how the young woman would fluster and close off about it.

“No, no. His Greek like statue blonde brother. You know, the balcony guy.” Claude said as Camille puffed her cheeks, taking a deep breath.

“Don’t call him that.” She said softly, looking at Mel, hoping for her help “His name is Benedict.”

“Uhhhh Benedict, Ben, Benny. Be-ne-dict.” Claude mused and Mel glared his way.
“That’s enough Claude.”

Her tone made him immediately shush. Claude and Mel had been together for a couple of months now, after having him trying to court her for over a year. Mel was stubborn, far different from Camille in terms of experience and feelings. Mel wasn’t a believer in love, as a servant, she never thought her life was meant for much happiness but Claude was determined to prove her wrong. He planned to gather money, marry her someday and move to their own home, so she wouldn’t have to be a servant anymore. His optimism made her fall in love, for real, and now they were together. Secretly, she couldn’t be happier.

“Mel... femme de me rêves.” Claude said softly, going towards Mel to lace his arms around her.

“No sweet talking, Claude. Can’t you both see you’re making miss uncomfortable? Be more respectful.” She said, poking his nose.

Claude sighed, defending that he just meant to be playful. Mel knew and Camille was quick to step in and say that she wasn’t offended. Mel smiled softly at her, whispering at Claude that he was lucky this time before she kissed his forehead and stepped back from his arms.

“We also just want you to be careful.” Luz intervened, looking at Camille “I know he might seem fascinating and he is certainly charming but... Camille he is much older than you. Be careful.”

Luz looked into her eyes and Camille went over to give her a tender hug. Luz always acted like an older sister, keeping an eye over Camille but now she had a problem. She had heard her parents speaking about wanting to get Camille married but Luz knew she couldn’t tell a soul about it or she could be put in the street. She knew they meant for it to happen very soon and it would break her heart to see the sweet girl go.

“I appreciate your concern, Luz but you’re overreacting a bit.” Camille said softly “Benedict and I met one day ago, it’s nothing. He’s barely a friend. He’s here just because of his parents and nothing more.”

As the words spilled from her mouth, Camille hoped she was wrong. She hoped that Ben and her could become friends, get to know each other and that he honestly didn’t just come for his parents, that he would pay her a visit as promised but because he wanted to.

The Cumberbatch family arrived within half an hour. The parents came in first, greeting Aaron and Carol just in time for Camille to join then. Behind them, were the both Benedict and Henry.

Benedict and Camille shared a look before he even reached her and both of them smiled genuinely. He kissed her knuckles when they were face to face and Henry stepped in for a playful hug, making Camille laugh in surprise. Ben tried not to growl towards his brother, knowing this was all part of his twisted way to provoke him. He also worried Henry might be sending the wrong message but honestly he did not care, he wanted to be the one hugged Camille however he couldn’t. His conscience wouldn’t allow him that much yet.

All the way back home the evening before had been a nightmare with Henry continuously teasing Ben about how he had been so brave to go up and dance and how about how his eyes had never left Camille for a single second.

Ben generally stayed in the back and was discreet in parties but, in this one, he had been noticed and by everyone, even his parents and Camille’s. Both Patrick and Jane were ecstatic though. Finally their son had taken an action other than standing and watching. Henry was also happy with his brother’s action and he was determined to use his ways to make his brother break out of his iron-made shell.

“Oh Henry, thank you for the tea you offered Camille. It was wonderful. I had a bag for breakfast and my heart swelled. True Earl Grey.” Carol praised.

Ben flinched a bit, knowing that everyone must have noticed that he was the only one without a gift. The little box was resting inside his pocket and, as much as he wanted to give it immediately, he wanted the moment to be right and for him to give it to Camille when he thought it was right. He wanted to do it sometime that day though.

Seeing his brother getting a bit awkward, Henry used his charms for the mothers, stepping up to Carol.

“Oh Mrs. Dubois, you are truly too kind. Believe me, I don’t much about tea.” He chuckled, offering his mother his arm as they went with Carol, both Aaron and Patrick already engaging their own conversation.

All of them walked in front to the dining room, leaving Camille alone with Ben, however Mel was there and slowly started walking back to give them a little moment. The tall man expected for Camille to be upset over the lack of a gift but he was greeted with nothing more than a smile and her blue eyes looking lighter than the night before.

On the other hand, Camille hadn’t caught a hand on Henry’s intentions but being left alone with Ben, filled her stomach with butterflies. It wasn’t like she didn’t want it, she was just afraid she’d ruin everything with her nerves.

“How was your hm.... your night?” He asked, trying to sound casual. It was amazing to him how amazing he felt to be with her again, just in her presence but he hated to stutter.

“It was wonderful... And also, thank you again for not telling ” Camille said quietly and Ben smiled.

“You can trust me. I admire how much you love your servants.” He said honestly and she tilted her head.

“They’re more than servants to me, they’re my friends, they’re my family.” Camille explained and Ben straightened up a bit, hoping he hadn’t offended her.

“I noticed,” Ben smiled softly, noticing the earrings she was wearing but before he could compliment on them, her father returned back to call them up so they would join.

The meal was mostly uneventful and Patrick was eager to get his alone moment with Aaron. It was clear that Benedict liked Camille and he was sure that the girl could be wooed with the proper attitudes and in due time. All he had to do was talk to Aaron and make sure they both agreed on that union.

Henry was sitting beside Camille and Ben in front of her. As much as Henry tried to keep others distracted to give his brother a chance, Ben’s nerves had taken the best of him. He had no subject and seeing Camille so quiet, nearly pained him. Why wasn’t he a bit more Henry? Why couldn’t he just strike conversation with every being without having a million thoughts on his mind. He wasn’t a natural at this and he wondered where all his courage from last night had went.

“What do you think of France so far, Benedict?”

His blue eyes darted up to Camille as she eyed him curiously. She was making the effort herself. Sitting ahead of the man she had been sighing about since last night without talking was killing her so she tried her hand at it, knowing everyone was too busy to notice them.

“I find it lovely.” Ben replied softly, letting words flow at their own pace as he grew calmer while telling her about his walk that morning, what he had seen but also taking her advice on what others things he had to see before he went back home.

They ended up smiling at each other again, under Aaron’s watchful eye. Seeing his daughter chuckle while Henry seemed more interested in discussing things with the mothers made him raise a slender eyebrow. Things were taking a turn he didn’t exactly expect. Once lunch was done with, he invited Patrick over to his office for a cigar.

“Papa,” Camille said softly, stopping me “May I show our guests around the garden?”

“Of course, mon ange.” Aaron said with a tender smile, kissing her head “Watch out, don’t get your beautiful dress dirty.” He said, brushing a long strand of hair back before he settled his eyes on Benedict. Despite her mention of guests, Camille immediately walked over to Benedict while Henry followed with the mothers.

Seeing the gardens in broad day light made Ben nearly speechless “Wow... is this all yours?”

“Yes.” Camille smiled, going down the staircase with him “All of this, until the fence. Outside, you have woods and a lake.” She explained.

“Do you go there often?” Ben asked curiously as he let her guide him around, the flowers making the air so better as they stopped by the fountain.

“To the lake?” Camille asked softly, glancing to make sure that nobody was listening before she nodded “Yes, plenty of times but Mel always goes with me. I am not really allowed to go anywhere outside of the house alone.”

Ben nodded, gently touching her shoulder “Your parents merely mean to protect you. You never know what lies outside of this garden.” He explained, feeling the same sense of protection towards her. She looked just like a little gem, whom he wanted to protect and cherish from any outside dangers.

“I think they protect me too much sometimes...” Camille confessed, her features darkening as she remembered how her parents stripped her from the thing she loved the most in the world: ballet. However that wasn’t something she wanted to share with someone that was practically a stranger.

Ben frowned as he saw worry etched on her face and his mind raced, searching for something else to talk about.

“Oh, what are these?” He asked, gently pulling Camille forward towards some flowers.

“Peonies.” Camille replied softly, inviting Ben to lean down and smell them. “My mother’s favourites.”

“And what are your favourites?”

“Forget me nots and tulips.”

Ben hummed, making sure to memorize that information because her taste wasn’t that usual. Feeling the box with the gift inside his pocket, he was tempted to pull it out but then she glanced up at him, like if she had just had an idea.

“Do you happen to like books?” Camille asked curiously, trying to find something they had in common at the same level so there were no awkward silences. She was also trying to desperately please him.

Ben blinked and nodded with a smile “I adore books. Why do you ask?”

“Let me show you something.” She smiled happily, taking his hand.

Ben felt a jolt go through his body as he followed her lead, staring down at their hands. Hers were warm but smaller and thin and he couldn’t help but to fluster. Henry noticed them disappearing and grinned, cheering for his brother to go well.

Guiding Ben upstairs, Camille chuckled as she led him inside the library. It was a massive room, mostly used by her. Ben’s smile turned into a gasp as he stepped inside, his eyes widening in amazement. He had a library itself but it was very small compared to hers.

“Wow... Camille, is this yours?”

“Well... it’s technically my father’s but most of the books are mine and I spend the most time here.” Camille said with a smile, closing the door as Ben stepped forward. The books were arranged by topics and then by author’s surnames. All of them were in great shape, clearly very loved and taken care of.

“This is absolutely wonderful, wow.” Ben sighed, running his fingertips across a few books in the music shelves and then on the play shelf.

“Thank you. You can pick one up, if you’d like.”Camille offered gently as she approached him, standing beside him “Perhaps we can read together?” She offered as their eyes locked and Ben smiled widely. That was something he would be comfortable with.

“You pick.” He said softly.

“I was wondering if you could help me with something, actually?” Camille said softly, earning Ben’s curiosity as she tiptoed to reach up and pull ‘Hamlet’ out. She blushed a bit as she showed him “This English is older than the one I was taught and I can’t... well I can’t quite read it or understand it. Could you help me Benedict?”

His eyes brightened up as she opened up to him, asking for his help on something. This was his chance to bond with her, like he wanted. He nodded almost immediately, getting them a seat near the window.

“I’ll teach you.” He said, smiling when he felt her sit closer to him. Camille inhaled his wonderful fragrance and smiled a little. Asking him had been a shot in the dark and since he was a doctor, she assumed that he was knowledgeable so asking him was only natural.

Watching as his slender fingers opened the book, Camille smiled softly as he began to read to her, while she read her few lines, sometimes asking him about any particular words. Ben would always reply patiently, forgetting about the gift for that moment as they sat there together, chuckling and reading.

In the room right next to the library sat Aaron and Patrick with their cigars. Aaron sighed as he pondered about Henry and Benedict and also on how he could approach a marriage subject to Patrick but his friend seemed giddy to tell him something.

“Just tell me what’s going on, my friend.” Aaron smiled kindly as Patrick practically put out his cigar, anxious to just share with Aaron his idea.

“I hope this doesn’t displease you to hear but, Aaron, Camille is truthfully a very beautiful young woman. I couldn’t believe my eyes when we met her, she is just a fully grown woman.” He said with a smile “I remember what you told me years ago about women in your family and about how they are supposed to get married after twenty one. I assume that Camille is no exception?”

“She is the least of exceptions. As my daughter, I do plan to marry her as soon as possible from now on.” Aaron said honestly with a nod of his head. He wondered where Patrick intended to go with all of this.

“I figured and that is why I wanted to speak to you. As you know, I have two sons and well, I’d like to know your thoughts on Benedict as a possible husband for Camille. I know you barely know him but they seem to get along well.” Patrick said hopefully but he tensed a bit when Aaron stood up.

“To be quite frank with you, I have my eyes more set on Henry for Camille.” Aaron said being as straight forward as he had always been.

“Henry?” Patrick asked in surprise “Henry is committed to the military, Aaron, I thought you didn’t want your daughter to marry a man of war.”

Aaron sighed “And I don’t but that is not a problem because Henry told me that he is considering leaving his military career and start his own business of horse breeding.” Aaron said calmly, not wanting to dish Benedict in front of his father.

Patrick was surprised at this revelation. He had no idea of Henry’s plans to have a civil life but even still, he wanted this for Benedict. For once, he wanted Benedict to have something other than his work and seeing his son getting along with Camille, gave Patrick hope. A hope he hadn’t felt in a while.

“But why do you disregard Benedict so immediately?” He asked as politely as he could “He is just as fit for your daughter as Henry.”

“Not in my eyes.” Aaron replied quickly “Patrick, you are a dear friend of mine and I am not offending your son but I do not see Camille being happy with him. For once, he’s eight years older than her. He seems too stoic and serious. He rarely smiles, chats or even laughs. I believe he is too dedicated to his career to provide with my daughter with a happy married life.”

While Patrick argued back, defending Benedict, both men failed to realise that someone was listening and it was Benedict himself. Camille had gone down to the kitchen to get them a piece from yesterday’s cake as dessert and, having been left alone, Benedict realised that the wall that separated the office from the library was so thin that he could listen in.

He knew he was rude to do so but when he heard his name, he couldn’t help but to press his ear to the wall and listen. He was shocked to hear Aaron speak of Camille almost like an object as he mentioned that he’d pick her husband and it was clear to him that she had no idea of what was being planned for her.

But then things got worse.

He wanted her to marry Henry. Henry, his brother. Benedict couldn’t believe it. Benedict was broken. This couldn’t be happening again, not to him, not like this.

He knew she wasn’t his, Camille wasn’t promised to him or meant for him, he didn’t even know her feelings but he had gotten attached to her somehow throughout their amazing afternoon together. Just as quickly as it started, it was doomed to end. If Aaron did not approve of him, Ben knew it was futile. He could already feel her slipping right through his fingers and he didn’t know if he could stand seeing his brother married to her.

His first feeling was of sickness, then anger and shock came over him. He felt almost dizzy as his heart hammered hard in his chest and he knew that he needed to get out of that house. He needed to do that right now. Leaving ‘Hamlet’ open, he left the library and he froze when he found Camille half way down the stairs.

“Benedict?” She asked softly, holding two plates with cake “What’s wrong?”

He did his best not to snap or burst out into angry tears but he was just so stressed that he wanted to explode. Her question was so terribly innocent that, if he could, he would just take her in his arms. He would never know what it felt to kiss her now.

“I have to go.” He said coldly, walking past her and down the stairs.

“Benedict!” Camille called again in surprise “Benedict, wait, what’s going on?” She asked, rushing after him. Setting the plates down, she stopped when she was right behind him, in front of the front door.

“It’s nothing, please, Camille.” He said, not turning to face her “Please... Leave me alone.”

“But... Benedict.” She said tenderly, reaching out to touch his arm and she flinched when he pulled back quickly, growling.

“I said leave me alone.” He stated firmly, hating himself for what he had just done. With a deep breath, he stormed out, knowing he would probably never see her again. If indeed their parents did agree, he’d rather never see her again.

Camille stood behind in utter shock. Ben had never spoken to her in that tone before and she feared it had been something she had done. Her eyes filled with tears and as she went upstairs, Henry caught a glimpse of her. The only thing he heard afterwards was his brother’s car unlocking.

“Ben?” He called, going outside, “Where in the bloody hell are you going?” Henry asked.

“Leave me the fuck alone!” Ben shouted, starting his car. Feeling the gift wrap in his pocket, he took it out with angry tears blinding his vision “Idiot. IDIOT!” He yelled throwing the gift out of the window before he drove off.

Henry stood there barely believing what he had just seen. His brother was usually so calm and collected, to see him break was rare and he wondered what had happened. Picking up the gift, he peeked inside to see what it was and returned inside. Finding Mel, he approached her.

“Excuse me, when you can, please give this to Camille. Tell her it’s from Benedict but say nothing about me, alright?”