"Roughly," he says, his awe at the information Palamedes is able to glean from a mere touch blunted by the clear frustration that still lingers in his friend's face. "It was built by my great-great-great grandfather with the first flush of the Arlington fortune, and it's been ours ever since." It's not as direct as Pal's use of genetic patterns, but it means the same thing, in the end.

Darlington winces in sympathy, seeing him pinch the bridge of his nose and press fingers against his eyes. "What can I do to help?"