Two surprised faces turned her way. She suppressed a grin. “If you think about it, it makes perfect sense. Giles is an excellent guide, father-figure and advisor. His proximity to Fivetrees cannot be bettered…we are neighbours after all. If he were appointed your guardian, he could offer not only his own wisdom, but the entire Wolfbridge family as your protectors.”
Judith blinked. “Oh.”
“That is who we are, my dear,” said Adalyn gently. “We are here to help. To do what we can to make the lives of others better. And in that way we also learn to appreciate our own.”
“Lady Adalyn has the right of it, Miss Fairhurst. However, she may have leapt a few steps ahead in the matter of your guardianship.” Giles shot a look at Adalyn that spoke volumes.
“I think it is an idea worth considering,” Adalyn lifted her chin. “There are many advantages for us both.”
“I’m sure you are right, Ma’am,” said Giles, his tone wry. “I look forward to hearing about them.”
“I’m ready for tea,” said Adalyn cheerfully. “Shall I ring?”
“No, no. Let me, my Lady. I believe Jeremy has the tray prepared. Just a moment.” He gave Judith’s hand a gentle pat and then left the ladies.
“I think you may have shocked Mr. Giles, Lady Adalyn.” Judith looked at her. “He didn’t know what you were going to say, did he?”
“You noticed?” chuckled Adalyn. “It’s all right. I very seldom ever surprise Giles. But the idea came to me as we were talking, Judith. I think it is a sound one. There are reasons why I cannot invite you to stay here at Wolfbridge, I am not able to be at your side every minute at Fivetrees, and I know what it’s like to be completely alone. To feel helpless, and…to a certain extent hopeless.”
“It is—awful.” Judith nodded.
“Yes, it is. Which is why I want to make sure you—and everyone—understands that you have the Manor standing beside you. It will offer a measure of protection and security you would not otherwise have.”
“I would sleep better at night, my Lady. I can tell you that right now.”
“Call me Adalyn,” she smiled. “I think I asked you that the first time we met.”
“It seems years ago, not weeks.” Judith stared at the fire. “I still would love to know what happened that night.”
Adalyn saw an opening for a question that had been niggling at the back of her mind. “Let me ask you something if I may,” she began. “Since that night, have any of your staff left?”
Judith frowned a little and turned to look at her. “That’s an odd question, but…I think yes? One of the footmen was getting married, so he left, since he wasn’t sure if he’d be paid anymore.”
“Are you paying them?”
Judith nodded. “Not me personally, but the estate accounts provide wages, and the housekeeper is now taking care of that.”
“That’s good,” Adalyn approved. “Anyone else that you can think of?”
“Well, let me see.” Judith pursed her lips. “Yes. Charles, who was Uncle Amery’s valet…he left since there was nobody to valet for anymore, and also…um…one of the other footmen, William. Then there was, oh what was her name,…” she snapped her fingers… “Margaret. She was a housemaid and would take care of guests, as I understand it. Those were the only other two to leave.”
“Hmm.” Adalyn thought about that. “Do you recall William’s surname?”
Judith looked as if she wanted to laugh. “Yes. It was—er—Fricklebottom.”
“Oh.” Adalyn blinked. “That is quite…memorable, isn’t it?”
The two women looked at each other, nodded, and then burst into laughter, sharing a completely inappropriate touch of humour.
Jeremy, bringing in the tea tray at that moment, was delighted to hear the sound, as was Giles, standing in the hallway outside, and wondering what the devil his mistress was up to.
Dear Diary,
I scarce know where to begin - so many things have been happening here, and so rapidly.
Sadly, I must report that Trick is not returned to us yet, but lingers in his incarceration. Being still at the Roundhouse, Jane can act as intermediary, and she is very devoted to her daily visits. I am deeply in her debt for her reports as to his health and demeanour, both of which she tells me are positive at the moment.
Once the legalities are affirmed, and our refusal to part with any Wolfbridge property relayed to Mr. Baxter Fairhurst, things will change for Trick - and not in a good way. He will be remanded into custody at Deepmere, a considerable distance further away from Wolfbridge.
