Lady Adalyn (The Saga Of Wolfbridge Manor Book 1), Sahara Kelly [the best e book reader .TXT] 📗

This news was disturbing indeed, and Adalyn thought carefully before speaking. From Judith’s words, it seemed as if Baxter Fairhurst might be intending to offer for h. It would be logical for him, but for her? A naive girl?

“How old are you, Judith, if you’ll forgive my asking?”

“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 property and Judith 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…”

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