"We're a little early," Emma said softly. "We were worried we'd be late and--"
Jonas waved away her explanation. He took out a silver engraved pocket watch from his vest and opened it. "We still have fifteen minutes before we're scheduled to begin. I'm glad you're here, because there's a couple of things I want to go over before we start. Let's sit down."
Sam held a chair for Emma, then sat down beside her. Jonas sat opposite them and leaned his elbows on the table. "The judge's name is Carstairs. From what I've been able to find out, he's old-fashioned and he doesn't put up with any nonsense in his courtroom. No political aspirations as far as I know. And he's fair."
"I suppose that's all we can hope for," Sam muttered.
Jonas nodded as the door opened and the Howards entered. Winston was dressed impeccably in a navy suit and starched white shirt. Mrs. Howard, on the other hand, was adorned from head to toe in bright yellow, from the feather in the hat perched on her hair to the yellow slippers. A parasol ringed with yellow feathers completed the look.
Jonas leaned across to Sam and Emma. "Kinda looks like a canary, doesn't she?"
Emma couldn't stop herself from smiling. She'd thought precisely the same thing.
"That's one point in our favor," Jonas went on. "Judge Carstairs is the conservative type. Her get-up will put him off right from the start. That's why I made a point of telling you to look as plain and insignificant as possible."
As the Howards passed them and took their seats at the other table, Winston glared at Emma. She almost flinched at the pure hatred in his eyes.
A tall mustached gentleman carrying a leather satchel followed the Howards into the courtroom. Emma's lips threatened to part in a grin as she took in the man's attempts to cover his balding pate by coming a few strands of chestnut brown hair across it. This must be Jackson Ambrose, their attorney.
In the next few minutes, the courtroom filled with spectators. Emma was gratified to see so many of their friends had come to support them. She was surprised to see Amanda and James, since Amanda was so close to delivering their child. Amanda gave Emma an encouraging smile, then sat down with James directly behind them. Fred and Lou took a seat to their right. The town doctor, the minister who'd married them, even some folks she'd never seen before filed into the courtroom and took up places to watch the proceedings.
Finally, the judge entered through a door beside his bench and sat down.
"Now, I've read over the documents submitted to me, so we can dispense with the formalities. This is not a trial. I want that made perfectly clear. This is a hearing to decide what's best for the three minors in question. Are the children present?"
Jonas stood up. "No, Your Honor."
"Fine. No point in exposing them to the unpleasantries of adults who can't get along."
Jonas sat back down.
"Anybody got anything to say before we get started?"
Winston bounded out of his chair. His attorney made a futile attempt to grasp at his sleeve to stop him from speaking. "Your Honor," Winston said. His booming voice filled the room. "Are you by any chance related to Garth Carstairs of the Boston Carstairs?"
The judge seemed a little taken aback. "Why, yes, as a matter of fact I am."
Winston sent a triumphant glance in Emma and Sam's direction. "Garth and his wife are dear, dear friends of ours. Wonderful people," he gushed.
The judge didn't acknowledge the fact they had something in common. Instead, he leaned forward and rested his elbows on the bench. "Mr. Howard, we are not gathered here to discuss mutual acquaintances. Now please sit down."
"Why ... of course ..." Winston blustered, then sank back into his chair. His attorney leaned over and spoke to him, and Winston nodded, but stayed silent.
Judge Carstairs spoke. "Are we ready to proceed now?"
Both sides answered appropriately.
"Mr. Ambrose? Call your first witness," the judge ordered, leaning back in his chair.
The attorney stood up. "Before I do, Your Honor, I would like to enter some letters of reference on my clients' behalf. Since they are far from home, it's impossible to call character witnesses to testify. Mr. Howard has, however, brought with him several letters from prominent citizens in Boston who will vouch for their character and their ability to provide a home for these children."
The judge waved the attorney forward, and took the letters from him. For several moments, he scanned the papers, then set them down.
"Your Honor, would you mind if I have a look at those?" Jonas asked, rising and crossing to the judge's bench.
"Not at all." The judge handed Jonas the pile of papers.
Silence settled over the courtroom as Jonas sat down and he and Sam perused the letters. Emma watched as Sam and Jonas whispered between themselves, but she couldn't hear what they were saying.