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Jay swallowed, and the two men stood nose to nose. Yes, Urs had hinted at some chasm between her father and uncle, but not open hostility. How could Urs not know all the background? How hadn’t she dug and nagged and pressed until she found the truth? Where were her terrier instincts?
“It’s always my concern. I run this family, in many ways. You may run the business, but anything else—” Urs’ uncle threw his hands in the air. “Your sister is my life and once, you were my best friend, like a brother, not a brother-in-law.”
“Once, but that changed, didn’t it?” Judah turned his back to the other man.
Jay held as still as he could. This was becoming interesting.
“Not on my side.” Bernard’s exasperation vibrated through the house. He ran around his brother-in-law so they faced each other once more. “I still care about you.”
“Just me.” Judah folded his arms.
“Not just you. I’ve always cared for the girl.” Bernard reached in his pocket and shook a paper at Judah. “And based on what my children have said, there’s cause for concern. She’s attracting attention. The gossip pages can’t get enough of her and Mr. Truitt. Her name hasn’t been mentioned, but if it is...there’s trouble, lots of trouble there...trouble you can’t shield her from. If anyone outside our community does any digging...”
“You’re wrong.” Judah’s voice was cold.
Jay mopped his brow. As curious as he was, the room no longer held enough space for him. He had to find an exit. Perhaps he could just back out. No one would notice. He’d find Urs and figure out what was happening—what to do—warn her.
“Naïve as ever, Judah. It’s different for a female and different here. We have to live with these people and they have certain rules. The past is only half of it. Even without the danger and ruin its exposure will bring, there’s serious jeopardy for her.”
Levy wagged a finger at his brother-in-law. “You may work with J.T. Truitt, but you of all people should know that the child cannot be determined by the parent. Besides, I know the Hales.”
Jay froze.
No.
“Bernard, always thinking the worst of everyone.” Judah balled his fists, a dangerous note in his voice. “Always so concerned, always sorting, judging...”
Were they to come to blows? Urs’ uncle poked a finger into the other man’s chest. “Better than sticking my head in the sand. If the girl is anything like you—”
Judah pushed the hand from his chest, his face red. “Well, how would that be possible? I believe you made an argument along those lines once upon a time.”
“That was not the gist of the argument and you know that. You were in pain and I was ‘concerned,’ if you want to use one of your words. Concerned for you and I identified those specific concerns, but—” Bernard Levy’s hands shook. “I may only see her once a year, but from what I’ve seen and my children have said, she’s exactly like you.”
Jay leaned over the rail, peering to see the letter. The floorboards creaked. Both men turned and glared at him.
“And I mean, Judah, look at him.” Levy jutted a thumb in Jay’s direction. “What are you doing, wandering around my house, coatless?” the man asked.
Color rose in Jay’s face. He’d never been treated with such blatant disregard. What gave Levy the right? He’d never done anything to the man.
“It’s hot, Bernard, very hot. Don’t concern yourself with Mr. Truitt. He’ll be gone soon enough. We’ve been over this before, it’s Hugo Middleton she wants and once she gets him out of her system, we’ll do what you suggested. One of those young men will please her, the match will benefit the business and all will be well.” Judah sucked in breath. “Her inevitable jilting of Mr. Truitt will overwhelm the gossip columns, so the other matters will never come to light.”
Bloody Hell. Why did the honest summary of the scheme stab so mu
ch? Everything said was fair and true but somehow—Jay bit his lip. Doubts invaded every corner of his brain.
“He’s a headache for his own family.” Bernard wrinkled his nose at Jay, staring at his shirt. What...? He glanced down. Blast. Misbuttoned. Finger shaking, he corrected as Urs’ uncle clucked his tongue.
“Why does it matter?” Judah shrugged. “If only you could’ve gone to Newport with my sister, you’d have never known and could’ve saved us all the hysterics. After the season you’ll get your way. She’ll marry a Beer or Rothschild.”
“I’m trying to prevent a disaster,” Bernard snapped. “You’re as blind and foolhardy now as you were then. This time though, it’s not only your life on the line.”
“Since when do you care about her? I remember certain suggestions you made and if I’d taken those we’d never been standing here arguing about this in the first place.” Judah’s voice was a full yell.
Jay shrank against the stair, forgotten. Nothing good could come of this argument. Even in his confusion that was clear.
“You’re putting words in my mouth.” Bernard waved his hands. “I didn’t suggest any particular course of action. I asked you questions regarding your motives, your state of mind. I made a few points. Your sister and I never harbored any ill-will towards the child.”
“But you never accepted us. We’ve lived in Delaware for nineteen years.” Weariness wafted from Judah’s voice.
