“I’ve just turned eighteen,” she answered.
“And Sir Amery was your legal guardian?”
Judith nodded. “My papa died late last year as a result of a fall while hunting. My Mama passed away when I was a little girl. So that only left Sir Amery. I know of no other family to whom I might turn.”
“There are other Fairhursts, I understand, but you have no guardian at the moment? None of the rest of the Fairhursts have contacted you?”
“I’ve not heard a thing from anyone,” she replied. “I have no idea whether to expect to or not.” She looked downcast. “My family was not of the highest importance to the Fairhurst line, my Lady. I rather think my mama was of a lower class than ordinarily tolerated by society.”
“Your papa married beneath him?” Adalyn asked gently.
“I believe so. It was regarded as a remarkable boon that Uncle Amery accepted someone like me into his home.”
“Hmm.” Adalyn considered the implications. “You know, Judith, if you don’t mind I’d like to ask Giles to join us. He is a man of great wisdom and I rely on his counsel. Perhaps he could add something useful regarding your current situation.”
Judith looked hesitant. “I suppose that would be all right. If you think it might help…”
Taking that as an endorsement, Adalyn rose and tugged the bellpull. Giles responded within moments, leading her to believe he may well have been outside in the hall.
“My Lady?”
“Giles, we are wondering if you might be able to assist Judith. She has found herself without a guardian upon the sad demise of her uncle. What should one do under those circumstances? Do you have any idea?”
Giles walked to Judith’s chair and bowed to her, taking her hand. “Firstly, Miss Fairhurst, let me tell you how saddened I am that you have been visited by such a tragedy. And also that we here at Wolfbridge, all of us, are dedicated to offering whatever assistance we can.”
Judith’s shoulders relaxed and her tension left her at Giles’s kind words. “Thank you, Giles.” She managed a smile.
“Now. Your guardianship. You are not yet of an age, am I correct?”
“Judith is eighteen, Giles. Just.”
“Very well,” he nodded at Adalyn’s statement. “And you’ve had no legal notice, or letters or anything that might indicate anyone else who is now your guardian?”
“I have not. The lawyers who have visited have been more concerned about Fivetrees. As has Mr. Baxter Fairhurst. I was just telling Lady Adalyn about him.”
Giles glanced at Adalyn, one eyebrow raised in question.
“Not a positive experience, I’m afraid,” she answered his silent query. “Mr. Baxter Fairhurst surveyed the propertyandJudith with equal interest from the sound of things.” She shook her head. “She has given me to understand that the Fairhurst family are not inclined to look favourably on her parents, due to her mama’s background being—um—of a different class.”
He acknowledged that statement with a brief grimace. “I see.” He turned back to Judith. “Well then. The first thing we should do is establish your status, my dear. And I believe we should contact London to pursue this matter. The sooner the better, since although they may pay scant attention to you, it’s unlikely that a property like Fivetrees will be allowed to go untenanted for very long.”
Adalyn blinked. “London?”
“I think the Court at Chancery is the organisation tasked with the matter of guardianship, my Lady.”
“What do they do?” Judith looked at him, her nerves betrayed by the slight tremor in her voice.
“They can pursue your family line, Miss Fairhurst. If nobody has applied to be your guardian, they are free to appoint another.”
“But I know no one else,” she worried.
“Yes you do,” said Adalyn. “You know Giles.”
There was stunned silence for a few moments.
“My Lady?”
“Lady Adalyn…”
