Bridgestone nodded. “Yes, Sam mentioned that. Won’t you have a seat? Sam has gone to find my secretary and have him retrieve the files related to your estate. Mr. Pettyjohn was in the process of readying them to be given over to Mr. Coulter when the earthquake struck.”
“Has my cousin been notified of her father and brother’s death?” Judith asked as she sat.
“No. We hoped to speak to you first. We felt that such news should come from you.”
“We have no idea how to reach her,” Caleb said, taking the seat beside Judith. “I’m sure you must have the name of her finishing school in Switzerland.”
Bridgestone reclaimed the chair behind his desk. “Of course. We are the ones who issue the checks for the school. I have all of that information and can make sure you have it as well. Especially now.”
“Why especially now?” Judith asked.
“Well, given the situation and your responsibility for Miss Whitley.”
“My responsibility?” Judith looked at Caleb. “What is he talking about?”
Caleb shook his head. “I’m not sure.” He looked at Bridgestone. “Maybe you should explain.”
“Well, the matter is very simple. Miss Victoria Whitley has not yet reached her majority. She is nineteen and unmarried. You, Miss Whitley, are her only living relative, and as such, and because you are of age, you have become her guardian and she your ward.”
Judith had never imagined that such a thing could happen. Victoria already hated her, and now that hatred would be fueled by the realization that Judith was in charge of her estate.
“But I don’t want that responsibility. My cousin hates me.” She hadn’t meant to blurt it out, but now that she had, Judith felt it important to continue. “She resented my arrival and that our grandmother arranged for my father’s money to come to me.”
“You don’t really have a choice in the matter,” Bridgestone declared. “Although you could appoint someone in your stead. A trustee could be put in charge, but he would still need your approval on matters of wealth distribution.”
Judith sank back in her chair. This news was not what she wanted to hear. She couldn’t imagine what Victoria would do or say when she found out.
“First things first,” Caleb said. “We need to let the school know what has happened and have someone there break the news to Victoria. Judith could write a letter, but as she said, Victoria hates her, and it might be better if your firm were the ones to get in touch with the school.”
“We’re happy to do so,” Bridgestone assured them.
Sam returned with several thick folders. Judith felt her eyes widen at the sight of the papers. Sam only chuckled. “This is only a portion.”
“My goodness, I’m glad you’re a lawyer, Caleb. I should never be able to understand it all without your help,” she said.
“That is the purpose of lawyers,” Bridgestone said. He took the folders from Sam and dismissed him. Once Caleb’s friend had gone, Bridgestone opened the top folder. “Mr. Coulter, I think you’ll find everything in order. The files will show a complete accounting of each business and industry owned by your fiancée. The companies will all be notified that you are managing the legal affairs of Miss Whitley in the future.”
“Thank you.”
Caleb’s assured tone helped Judith relax a bit. She was still overwhelmed by the thought that she was Victoria’s guardian. That was a matter that needed to be changed immediately.
“Can Caleb be appointed guardian—I mean, trustee for Victoria? We are soon to marry anyway, and I will gladly let him manage all of my affairs. Could we go ahead and appoint him to be in charge of her now?”
“If that’s what you want, Mr. Coulter can arrange it.”
Caleb looked at Judith. “Are you sure that’s how you’d like to set things up?”
“Do you mind?”
“No. Not at all.” He smiled. “If it puts your mind at ease. However, I’m very busy at present, so would you allow Mr. Bridgestone to arrange it?”
Judith looked at the older man. “Would you?”
“Of course. I can get my staff on it immediately. I will also have a letter sent to the school. I presume you wish for us to continue payments for her needs there?”
“Yes. Absolutely. Give her whatever she needs.”
“Within reason, of course,” Mr. Bridgestone replied. “Payment for the school and her clothing allowance and personal needs as set up by your grandmother should be sufficient.”
