Havyn passed a plate of cookies around. “And you know Whit. She would never deny children a doctor. If there’s anything she can do about it, she’ll do it.”
As much as he was miffed at the idea that Whitney was still gone and in the presence of that doctor, he gave the girls a smile. “Just one of your sister’s admirable qualities, yes.” He took another sip of tea. So he’d wasted all this time getting out here.
“It was thoughtful of you to come out and check up on us.” Madysen was so tiny, it would be easy to mistake her for a young girl.
“You know how much your family means to me, and with your grandfather gone, I felt it my duty to make sure all is well.” His disappointment would have to stay hidden. It wasn’t a complete waste of time and effort. Especially if the ladies shared with Whitney about his sacrifice to check on them.
“Would you like us to play some music for you?” Havyn’s face beamed with the offer.
“No. That’s quite all right. I’m satisfied that you are faring well. Besides, the road is quite difficult with all that fresh snow, so I better get back before dark.” He set his teacup down and stood.
Madysen stood as well and reached for his hand. “Oh, please stay. At least for a little bit longer. You need to catch us up on the news.”
Two hours later, he walked back into his office. Keeping tabs on Miss Whitney Powell shouldn’t be this hard. He dropped into his chair and stared at the ceiling. Was competition building from the good doctor?
Judas laughed. No. Peter Cameron wouldn’t stand in his way. Ever.
A knock at the door made him sit up straight. “Come in.”
The door opened, and in walked Charles Beck.
Judas waved him to a seat. “My favorite judge. What can I do for you this evening, Judge Beck?”
“I have an idea.”
Good grief, Beck was always bringing him ludicrous ideas. That’s how he owed Judas so much money. All his unwise and underhanded dealings had done nothing but pad Judas’s pockets even more. Oh, the man had made plenty himself with his schemes and gambling, but where the judge got his harebrained ideas was a mystery. Granted, they made money, but the judge couldn’t stick with one thing for the life of him. It was always something new. Exhausting.
Beck blathered on for twenty minutes. “What do you think?”
But this time, Judas really didn’t want to waste time or money on it. No matter how much it made him off the poor fool. “I think I will have to pass on this one, Charlie.”
The man cocked his head. “That’s the first time you’ve turned down one of my ideas.”
“And?”
“I’m not sure what I think of it.” The judge sat a little straighter.
“What you need to think is what Itellyou to think. You would do well to remember that.”
The man’s head dipped in a slow nod, but his eyes narrowed.
What was he thinking?
“It occurs to me you have no heir, Judas. You really should get your business affairs in order. Especially with this sickness going around. There’s talk of an epidemic.”
So that was his play. The man thought he could get into his good graces––and his will? “I fully intend to marry soon.”
“Do tell. Who is this lucky woman?” Beck leaned forward a bit too eagerly.
“If you must know, it’s Miss Powell. She’s upstanding, of high moral character, and I believe she holds me in high regard.”
“A good deal younger too.” The judge stroked his beard. “That will aid in producing an heir.”
“Exactly.” Judas leaned back.
“Good. Sounds like you have found a perfect match, my good man. Let me be the first to congratulate you. And please, don’t hesitate to come by my office. As soon as you are wed, I can draw up the necessary paperwork for your will so you can take care of your wife and family.”
The judge was too smooth. Well, two could play at this game.
