Garden of Lies(37)

Judith smiled at the sight of the three males engaged in vigorous play.

“Crawford and Daniel are very fond of Slater,” she said. “When I said that I was going to come here today they begged to accompany me. I could not refuse. Slater is very generous with his time. Not every man in his position would be so kind to two half brothers who stand to inherit most of the family fortune.”

“Mr. Roxton is unique,” Ursula said, trying to sound noncommittal.

“I know what the gossips say about our family,” Judith said. “And, as is the case with most legends, there is some truth to the rumors. Slater’s mother and I do not move in the same circles, nor do we go out of our way to do so. But I respect Mrs. Lafontaine and she has never been cruel or unkind to me or the boys, even though she knows that they will inherit what should, by right of blood, have been her son’s inheritance.”

“Lilly Lafontaine is a very pragmatic woman and I can assure you that she is well situated financially.”

Judith did not take her attention off Slater and the boys. “My husband loved her. My marriage was the usual business arrangement but Edward was very kind to me and I think he was fond of me in his own fashion. Don’t believe everything you read in the papers. I can tell you with absolute certainty that Edward was enormously proud of all three of his sons. He made the mistake of trying to control Slater by cutting him off but when that effort failed it only served to make Edward respect Slater all the more.”

Slater tossed the ball one last time and then sent the boys off to play in the far corner of the garden. He walked along the graveled path and climbed the three stone steps to the broad terrace. He lowered himself onto a wrought-iron bench with easy grace and reached for the glass of lemonade that Mrs. Webster had provided.

“I wasn’t expecting you, Judith,” he said. “I assume a problem has arisen?”

Judith looked stricken. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I should have sent a message asking if it would be convenient for me to speak with you.”

“It’s all right,” Slater said patiently. “Tell me what this is about.”

Judith seemed to crumple in on herself. “I’m afraid it is the usual.”

“Hurley.” Slater said the name as though weary of it.

Judith bowed her head. “He came around early today. Stormed into the morning room at breakfast.”

“I told you not to allow him into the house.”

Ursula realized the conversation was becoming extremely personal. She rose and started to pull down her veil.

“Gracious, look at the time,” she said. “I must be off. Don’t worry, Webster will see me out the door.”

“No.” Slater got to his feet. “You may as well stay for this.”

Ursula glanced at Judith. “I really don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Judith did not seem to notice that there was a bystander. She gave Slater a helpless, imploring look.

“Mrs. Brody allowed him in without asking my permission,” she said. “He threatened her.”

Ursula made to step around Judith and move toward the house. Without a word, Slater caught her hand, chaining her. He did not speak but the look he gave her said it all. He wanted her to stay. She sank back into her chair and sat quietly.

“Hurley cannot be allowed to intimidate your housekeeper,” he said to Judith. “You will have to let her go. You need someone stronger at the door.”

“My stepfather will simply bribe or threaten the next housekeeper. He has become increasingly aggressive of late. It was bad enough when he threatened me. This morning he dared to imply that if I did not give him money, something dreadful might happen to the children. That is why I came here to see you. I’m frightened, Slater.”

Slater went very still. “He threatened the children?”

“It was a veiled threat but it was a threat.” Judith clasped her hands together in her lap. “I am terrified, Slater.”

“He has gone too far,” Slater said calmly. “I will deal with him. In the meantime, you and the boys will go to the country house and you will stay there until I have dealt with the problem of Hurley.”

Tears of relief glittered in Judith’s eyes. “I am more grateful than I can say, Slater. But when Hurley realizes you are the one standing in his way, I fear he will turn his attention toward you.”

“I told you, I will take care of him,” Slater said. He looked toward the house. “Here comes Mrs. Webster with sandwiches and cakes. Feed the boys while I see Mrs. Kern on her way.”

For the first time Judith seemed to remember Ursula’s presence. She turned quickly. She looked quite horrified and embarrassed.

“I do apologize, Mrs. Kern,” she said. “This is such an unpleasant family matter. I should not have exposed you to my problems with my stepfather.”

“No need to apologize,” Ursula said. She touched Judith’s arm. “This is none of my business but it is obvious that you and the boys are in danger. You were right to come here.”

Judith gave her a shaky smile. “I’m afraid that my husband quite deliberately dumped the problem of my stepfather onto Slater’s shoulders. I know the gossips say that Slater somehow cheated me out of my inheritance but the truth is that my husband knew full well that I could not protect the boys from Hurley. If Edward had left me in control of the fortune, Hurley would have done something terrible to force me to give him what he wants.”