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“My grandfather is a brilliant man.”
“That he might be, but that hardly puts him above the law.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“Law says every child must attend school until they turn the age of sixteen. That’s why we pay them taxes.” Fiona placed her hard-worked hands on her ample hips and nodded in the direction her grandfather had left. “Some townsfolk approached Mr. Snowden about building a proper high school for ‘em children, but he turned down their request. With classes already full, teachers don’t have time or means to provide a proper education for the older ones. No sense them going if they ain’t going to learn anything.”
Erika immediately went to her grandfather’s defense. “It is not my grandfather’s responsibility to erect every building in this town. As it is obvious he is far beyond the age of bearing children, I hardly think it’s prudent that he be he
ld accountable. Surely there are other men.”
“It’s not his money they are after, you daft child,” Fiona glared down at her. “It’s his signature. Town Council must approve the erection of any new buildings on city property.”
“Then he must have been misinformed.” Erika flattened her spine and sat taller in her seat. “Perhaps if those who petitioned for the school were not so terribly intimidated by my grandfather, they may have gotten their request across more suitable.”
Fiona tsked crossly then turned her back on Erika. “Intimidated? Your grandfather hears only what he wants and does only what he wants.”
At this Erika did not respond, having already heard the woman’s dislike for her grandfather many times before. It was a wonder she remained employed to him all these years. She didn’t doubt somewhere down deep, the housekeeper held some respect and awe of Gerald Snowden as Erika herself did.
Shaking her head, she smiled up at the robust woman and brought the steaming tea to her lips. “Now come, Fiona, I think you are exaggerating.”
“Exaggerating, eh? If he bore more mind to what other’s had to say, he wouldn’t be demanding Mr. Colby out this early,” she muttered as she wiped huffily at the dark walnut tabletop. “What good he thinks ordering Jonathan Colby to do what the man doesn’t want, is stubborn if ever there was a case.”
This made Erika pause. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about your eccentric grandfather demanding Mr. Colby come by the house this morning so he could lecture him about that boy of his.”
Erika’s eyes grew wide. “That was who was at the door?”
She nodded. “I thought you knew.”
“Oh good God!” Pushing back her chair, she scrambled to get to her feet, grabbing at the crutches as she did. Erika had no idea what she would say or do, but she had to stop her grandfather. She desperately needed to make certain he did not say anything that could be detrimental to her union with Ryan.
Chapter 8
She hurried out of the dining room and down the hall toward the entrance of the house just as she heard voices from the front parlor. With a shock, she realized one of the voices belonged to Mrs. Colby. Not only would her grandfather insult Ryan’s father, but his mother as well. Erika groaned inwardly just as she reached the parlor. They had just arrived a few minutes before her and were still in the process of exchanging formalities when she hobbled into the room.
Lillith Colby turned to see her first, her face breaking out into a full smile. “Erika, dear, how good to see you up and feeling well I hope. I was terribly worried and had to come and see for myself that you were fine.”
A smile trembled on her lips as she tried to calm her taut nerves. “I’m fine thank you. Actually, I was just telling grandfather that I was feeling far better.”
The woman looked relieved as her husband said, “We’re glad to find you in good health.”
“My granddaughter has just come through a horrific ordeal.” Her grandfather interrupted. “One that a young woman of her class and status should never had to endure.”
“Yes, it was such a terrible accident and I’m sure very frightening for Erika.” Lillith Colby agreed.
“Mrs. Colby, I pride myself on keeping my granddaughter out of harm’s way. Up to this point I have been successful.” His deep baritone voice sounded very authoritative as he looked down his nose at the woman.
“As parents, we naturally want to keep our children safe.” She gave a nod of understanding.
“As you are aware, I have already buried one child and do not plan to bury another.”
“I’m certain you do not,” Mrs. Colby answered with the slightest dip of her brows, yet a look of sympathy flashed across her eyes, and when she spoke Erika was surprised at the level of empathy in her voice. “No parent wants to see their child leave this earth before them.”
“So you will understand my outrage and call for justice to be served.”
The couple simply stood there looking at him confused until finally Jonathon Colby said, “I’m afraid we don’t follow. What crime has been committed and who is it you believe needs to pay for this so-called crime?”
