The next hour, the judge posed a series of questions, including input from both attorneys, about the current custodial arrangements and the tensions within the household. Julia breathed with relief as Jamie reported the two instances of Pippa running away to Wendell, once with Julia and once on her own. Jamie discussed the trauma of parental loss coupled with what would be a second trauma if the girls were moved away from their childhood home, school district, and friends.
Next it was Geoffrey’s turn. He shared Candace’s work in finance back in London and the details of the large house she kept there, which would accommodate the children. The way she’d dropped everything to come to the States to care for Pippa and Julia. The difficult decisions she’d had to make, including selling the horse. Julia glared at them. How could they use Raddy to argue their case?
After the attorneys presented, the judge had more questions. He asked Candace about the obligations she had outside of her career, considering she was now guardian to two children, and how she planned to balance parenting with her work and personal life. “Given all I have heard today, Ms. Lancaster, it seems you have crafted a neat and successful life for yourself in London. Are you certain you wish to maintain guardianship of these children, in light of the sacrifices you would need to make?”
Julia held her breath. She knew in her heart that Candace was doing this because she had been told to, not because she wanted to. Maybe she had some lifelong regrets about her poor relationship with her brother, Julia’s dad. Maybe she was just used to getting her way, and even if she didn’t want them, as Julia largely suspected,she wasn’t about to let a fifteen-year-old dictate that she would not have them.
Candace answered calmly and carefully. “I have never planned to have children, if that is what you’re asking, but I am well equipped to provide and care for them in all the ways a child needs. Indeed, I would say they would have many more opportunities and advantages living with me in London. Certainly more than if Julia emancipated herself and attempted to live as an adult before she was ready to.” She paused. “Especially since that would mean the children would likely be split up.”
At this, the judge turned to Julia. “Julia, I have reviewed the financial arrangements made on behalf of you and your sister by your parents’ estate. They are in a trust at the moment. Do you understand how that works?”
“I do. Mr. Banks, my dad’s lawyer, explained it all to me. He is the custodian of the trust, and I won’t have access to any of it until I’m eighteen. And even then it’s only given to me in small amounts over the years.”
“Correct,” the judge said. “Your situation is quite unique. Rather fortunate, I would say, in that you have a large sum that will eventually be at your disposal to care for yourself, get an education, and afford future living expenses. That works very much in your favor in regard to your petition for emancipation.”
Julia couldn’t hide her smile. “My parents took good care of us. My wish is to take care of myself, as they would have trusted me to, and to obtain guardianship of my little sister, so that we can remain together.” She made sure the judge was looking at her before continuing. “They would want us to be together. I know it in my heart.”
The judge nodded. “I do not doubt that. But obtaining guardianship is an entirely different process than emancipation. There is no guarantee that you would obtain guardianship of your younger sister.”
“I understand. But I’m not going to give up without trying.”
“There is one question I have. Your aunt is clearly willing to take care of you, despite your feelings about moving. Is there anyone else in your life whom you’d prefer to live with who has the willingness and capacity to care for you and your sister that you’d like the court to know about?”
“There is, actually. His name is Wendell Combs.” There was the scrape of a chair behind her, and Julia turned to look at Wendell. “He’s a good family friend,” she added. “My mom and dad liked him very much.”
Suddenly, Candace stood. “I’m sorry, Your Honor, but this man Julia is referring to is the caretaker of the estate. I am his employer. He’s agardener.”
The judge looked between them. “Do you feel there is a close relationship between this gardener and the children?”
“Only of a professional nature,” Candace replied. “Though Julia wishes it were otherwise.”
“That’s not true,” Julia interjected. “He has known us our whole lives, and he was close to my parents. They treated him like family. And he has become close to us.” She stuck her chin out. “He went to the farm my aunt sold my horse to and bought him back because he knew it broke my heart to see Radcliffe taken away. He was there that day. And I think it broke him a little bit, too.” She turned to Candace. “That’show well he knows us.”
“All right, all right, let’s settle down,” the judge intervened. “I am not making any suggestions or recommendations, simply trying to find a middle ground given the amount of trauma the children have already endured. Outright emancipation gives a minor adult freedom but also adult responsibilities. It is to be granted neither lightly nor easily. As such, I wish to explore all options.” He motioned for Wendell to come forward. “Mr. Combs, I would like to hear from you.”
Julia watched Wendell make his way to the front of the room. He took a seat beside her, which felt right.
“Mr. Combs, would you please describe the nature of your relationship with the Lancaster family?”
Wendell looked nervous, but he spoke clearly and with conviction. Julia listened as he detailed his early years working for her grandfather when he was just a teenager and during his college summers. Wendell had been at White Pines since he was just a couple years older than she was now! How had she not realized that before?
He described his relationship with Alan and Anne and how he’d enjoyed working for such good, fair people. But he didn’t stop there. Wendell told the judge how he’d seen the girls grow up, and how close the family was, to both each other and the connection they had to White Pines. “I can’t do it justice,” he said softly. “White Pines is the kind of storybook setting every child dreams of growing up in. And the Lancasters gave their daughters that kind of life there.”
But Judge Bartlett wanted to know about his relationship to Pippa and Julia.
“To be honest, I feel like I’ve known the girls almost their whole lives, even though our interactions were, as Candace noted, of a more professional nature. But everything changed since Alan and Anne passed away.”
“How so?”
Julia listened with her heart in her throat as Wendell told about the night they’d biked to his house. How surprised he’d been. And later, how concerned. How he’d wondered if he made a mistake by sending them home with Candace that second time. “I didn’t fear for their personal safety,” he explained carefully. “But I saw the hurt. There was so much hurt.” He glanced uncertainly at Candace. “For all three of them.”
The judge thought a moment, glancing between the parties in front of him. He had one final question for Wendell. “Thank you for sharing so eloquently, with the court, all of that. As you heard Julia say earlier, she wishes for you to be awarded custody at this time. What are your wishes regarding that request?”
Wendell did not answer right away. In fact, he hesitated for so long that Julia feared he would not. She fought the urge to leap up, to pinch his knee.Saysomething, she pleaded silently. Finally, he spoke. “Your Honor, I have no children of my own. And though there was a time I once thought I would, after my time in the military, those thoughts changed. Julia and Pippa Lancaster are remarkable little girls. Anyone here today can tell you that. I don’t know that I have the qualifications for taking care of them. I’m not nearly as equipped as their parents were. And I lack any and all experience necessary.”
No,Julia wanted to scream.That is not what you’re supposed to say!
“Are you suggesting guardianship is not in their best interest?”
