Fortune's rocks_ a novel - Anita Shreve [178]
“The judge will be here soon,” Tucker says. “In a few minutes, it will all be over.”
And indeed, as Tucker says this, the bailiff asks the court to rise and announces the judge. Levi Littlefield and Addison Sears come into the courtroom simultaneously from opposite directions, Littlefield once again entering with a great sweep of his robes, Sears running up the aisle like a boy late for class. Littlefield ignores the lawyer’s tardiness. Indeed, the judge seems somber this day, almost sad. His mouth is tightly drawn, and he does not look at either Olympia or Albertine, but only at his notes.
“I shall deliver the opinion of the court in the case of Biddeford v. Bolduc,” Littlefield says. He puts on his glasses. Olympia looks around at the dark wood paneling of the chamber, the electric lights in shaded sconces on the walls. In a moment, her future will be decided.
So this is it, she thinks.
“In this case, the writ of habeas corpus was issued at the insistence of Olympia Biddeford and directed to Albertine and Telesphore Bolduc, commanding them to have before the court the body of Pierre Francis Haskell, the infant son of the relator.”
Littlefield looks over his half glasses at the assembled in the chamber.
“The relator has argued that the infant boy was taken unlawfully from her, and by a series of unlawful actions then placed into the custody of Albertine and Telesphore Bolduc, who have raised the boy for more than three years now.”
With a sidelong glance, Olympia can see that Albertine is leaning forward, as though trying to translate Littlefield’s every word.
“Albertine and Telesphore Bolduc make return that they are possessed of the custody of the child; that, as its foster mother and father, they claim and are entitled to such custody for the proper and necessary purposes of its care and guardianship, and for no other purpose; that they have in no respect restrained said child’s liberty or detained him illegally; and that the child’s tender age does not admit of being separated from them due to the potential injury to his spiritual health.”
Littlefield takes a drink of water.
“In this sober matter thus presented to the court, we have seen that the issues of this case are far-reaching. We would, if we could, resort to legal principle; but occasionally, a case presents itself to the court for which there are no legal precedents.”
Olympia glances over at Albertine again and, as she does so, hears a slight movement at the back of the courtroom. She turns to see who has entered the chamber. Haskell sits immediately. The bailiff, noting Haskell’s physician’s satchel, must think he has been asked by Littlefield to be present in case of medical need, for he does not speak to Haskell or ask him to leave.
Tucker glances at Olympia, then turns to see what it is that has so captured her attention. He quickly turns back to Olympia. His eyes dart all about her face. He will not know Haskell by sight, but might he guess at the man’s identity from her demeanor? She watches Tucker’s expression as curiosity gives way to comprehension.
“There are two questions before the court today,” Littlefield continues. “The first is: Shall the court redress a wrong and recognize that the child was unlawfully taken from its mother? And second: To what extent is the court charged with guaranteeing the continued well-being of the child?”
Littlefield licks his finger and turns a page.
“The court not only must consider the care that the boy has received from his guardians to date but also must scrutinize the community into which the child will be given