The Blood Spell (Ravenspire, #4)(30)

“What are you doing here?” Blue asked before remembering that manners dictated that she greet them and say something pleasant first.

Manners be hung. This was her sitting room, and they were upsetting Grand-mère. And besides, the worry churning through her made it hard to speak gently.

“They were just leaving,” Grand-mère said firmly.

Nell sighed, and there was regret on her face as she lifted a piece of parchment she held in her hands. “Blue, this is a document signed and sealed by a solicitor in the Chauveau quarter and by both the magistrate in that quarter and in ours.”

Blue frowned. “You’re the magistrate in our quarter.”

“I am now, but this document was signed sixteen years ago. It bears the signature of the previous magistrate.”

“I bet my life that signature isn’t real.” Grand-mère moved as if to take the parchment from Nell, but the woman lifted it out of reach.

“I realize this is difficult, but I’ve already spent a great deal of time this morning comparing signatures and ascertaining the validity of this document. I’m sorry, but this is now binding.”

Grand-mère stared her down for a moment and then extended her glare to the Chauveaus.

“What does it say?” Blue asked, her voice smaller than she intended. She’d never seen Grand-mère this upset. What could’ve been signed sixteen years ago that would cause problems now?

Nell cleared her throat and gave Blue a swift pitying look before saying, “It’s an agreement between your mother and Dinah Chauveau giving Dinah full custody of you, your property, and your shop until you come of age, should both your parents die before your eighteenth birthday.”

Blue opened her mouth. Shut it. Tried to corral her racing thoughts, but nothing made sense.

She didn’t even know Dinah Chauveau. Papa had never mentioned her. Why would her mother sign custody of her daughter over to the head of the Chauveau family instead of to Grand-mère?

“That doesn’t make sense,” she finally said. “Grand-mère can take care of me.”

“Exactly what I’ve been saying.” Grand-mère stabbed a finger at the Chauveaus and then at the front door. “On your way, the lot of you. Blue is none of your concern.”

“Oh, I couldn’t bear to dishonor my good friend’s wishes,” Dinah said, her tone soft. “I’m sure she wanted Blue to have a mother and sisters if the unthinkable happened. We’ll move in to the farmhouse so that she doesn’t have to lose her home as well as her father in the same week.”

Her daughters flinched at that, though the youngest kept her eyes trained on the scarred wooden floor that hadn’t seen a broom since the night Papa died.

“I’m afraid there isn’t room for all of you here,” Grand-mère said. “And I’m sure a lady such as yourself wouldn’t be satisfied with such a simple house. You just stay in your fancy mansion in your quarter, and if you’re really that concerned, I’ll send you reports each week on how Blue is doing. I’m sure you’re very worried about a girl you’ve never bothered speaking to.”

Something flashed in Dinah’s eyes, so fast Blue almost missed it, and then the woman stood in a smooth, elegant motion. “I am Blue’s new guardian. I am responsible for the farmhouse and the shop. I take my responsibility seriously. My girls recently lost their father to a violent crime as well. A change of scenery would do them good. We can all grieve together.”

Grand-mère’s lip curled. “Your girls need the change of scenery you just said shouldn’t happen for Blue?”

Dinah’s gaze sharpened, though her voice remained soft. “Valeraine also signed a document stating that she’d become guardian of my daughters should they lose both their parents before coming of age. Maybe I haven’t stayed in touch with Blue over the years like I should have, but that doesn’t mean her mother’s wishes shouldn’t be honored. I’d love for you to continue to be an important part of Blue’s life, of course, but I must insist that the arguing stop immediately. We’ve all suffered a loss and arguing only makes it harder to cope.”

Grand-mère’s arm tightened against Blue’s, and she stared at Dinah until Nell said softly, “I’m sorry, but there’s nothing any of us can do. The document is legal and binding. Lady Chauveau can do as she deems best.”

Blue held on to Grand-mère, her heart thundering in her chest, her throat aching. “I’ll move in to Grand-mère’s cottage, then. If your girls want to stay in the farmhouse, you can have it until I’m eighteen.”

Dinah turned her gaze toward Blue. “Nonsense, my dear. I’m sure we’re all going to become fast friends. I’m very curious to learn how to run your shop, and I’m sure we’ll find common ground as you teach me. Now say good-bye to your grandmother for now. It’s clear she needs some time to calm down. We can discuss arrangements for you to see her again sometime in the next week or so.”

The next week or so? The air left Blue’s lungs as if she’d been struck.

She’d lost Papa. And now she was losing her freedom, her privacy, and the person she needed most. Surely Dinah Chauveau couldn’t think that was best for Blue.

“But—”