Read The Rebel Wife for Free Online Page A

something.”
    “How long will it be, Judge? How long, do you think, before you will know?”
    He pauses and scratches his beard. “Give me a week, Augusta. Maybe two. Don’t you worry. I am here to protect you. That’s why Eli made me trustee of his estate. He wanted me to protect you.”
    My hand pauses, holding the bright white handkerchief before my eyes. “Is that what he said?” Judge moves his hand over to my knee and squeezes. I put that sadness in my eyes like the woman on Mama’s memorial cards.
    “Yes,” Judge says, very earnest. “Those were his exact words. It’s been several years ago now, but I remember it as if it were this week. He said if anything should ever happen to him, he wanted me to protect you.”
    “Eli was so thoughtful. I’m surprised he never said it to me.” My left hand is clenched on my handkerchief, and I will it to soften.
    “He cared for you very much. You must have known that.”
    “I guess I did.”
    “He was not one of us, but he could show himself to be a man of honor on occasion. I hope you were able to find some happiness in your marriage.”
    I cannot meet Judge’s eyes. They are on me, probing. Small streams of water pour down the glass. The chips of ice have melted away so quickly, there is only a thin layer left. The chips are glassy, almost invisible except for the way they catch the half-light of the room.
    “Yes, I did. Of course I did. And I have Henry.”
    He nods. “Yes, and there’s Henry to think of. You focus your efforts on Henry. He may be Eli’s son, but there’s Blackwood blood in his veins. And I will see to everything else.”
    He sighs a satisfied sigh. I reach for my glass, wrapping my handkerchief around it, swabbing the moisture from the base so it does not drop on my dress. I take a long, slow drink. The tea is cool and sweet in my mouth and slides down my throat. I raise the damp handkerchief to my forehead.
    “What will you do—exactly—as trustee, Judge?” I ask.
    “Nothing for you to worry yourself about. Eli’s will is pretty straightforward.”
    “You have his will?”
    “Yes, of course. As soon as I heard he was ill, I pulled it out and reread it. Everything is in order.”
    “What does it say?” I should keep my voice softer. I look at him and smile.
    “Eli has left everything to Henry. You get the income from his investments. And I will oversee the whole. I can bring it to you if you like.” His voice is steely, and his mouth curls down.
    “No, thank you, Judge. That’s very kind.” I want to see it.
    “It was done with your best interests in mind. And Henry’s. Like I said, we have no idea who might come looking for a piece of Eli’s estate or where things stand. It protects you from—from all sorts of things.”
    “Yes, I can see that. It seems very proper.”
    “I can guarantee you that it is.”
    “And are there other trustees?”
    “Me alone. Are you worried I’m not enough?” Judge relaxes into the divan.
    My mouth feels stiff as I smile. He is more than enough. “No, that’s perfect. I was worried there would be other people.”
    Judge rises from his seat, and I rise with him. His mouth is still hard. He does not appreciate me intruding, no matter how gently.
    “We will have plenty of time to discuss it, Augusta. Trust me. I will manage it all.”
    “Thank you, Judge. Thank you so much.” The handkerchief in my hand is twisted into knots.
    We walk to the door. Judge turns to me. “One more thing. Buck wanted me to send word to you—his condolences. He asks permission to call on you.” Judge squints at me. The handkerchief is taut between my hands.
    “Oh—so soon, Judge. I don’t know.”
    “He wanted me to ask—not to upset you, of course, but as a good friend. He said, a good friend who has missed you.”
    I struggle with the handkerchief. “I don’t think so, Judge. It’s too soon. I cannot. I can’t think of it.”
    Judge frowns and puts his hat on. “I will let him know that