Elias Ward are opposing the petition. Mr. Thornton, you may begin. Vincent's lawyer stood and Nora's heart sank. He was good.
Smooth and persuasive, he painted a picture of Vincent as the concerned uncle, the responsible family member trying to rescue a child from an inappropriate situation. Your honor, the facts are simple. Mrs. Ward, then Mrs. Gray, arrived at Mr.
Ward's ranch destitute and homeless. She lived there unmarried for several weeks before a sudden wedding took place, conveniently just before my client filed his custody petition. This hasty marriage is clearly a strategic move designed to block Mr. Gray's legitimate claim to his nephew. He called his first witness, Mrs.
Crowley from town, who testified with relish about the scandal of Nora living at the ranch unmarried, how the whole town had talked about it, how the marriage had seemed suspicious. It all happened so fast, Mrs. Crowley said primly. One moment she's a widow woman living in sin, next moment she's married. Very convenient if you ask me.
Margaret cross-examined but couldn't shake the woman's testimony. The damage was done. Vincent himself took the stand next, all false sincerity and concern. I love my brother James very much, he said smoothly. When he died, I wanted to help Nora and Thomas, but she disappeared before I could.
I've been searching for them for months. When I finally found them, I was horrified to discover my nephew living on a remote ranch with people he barely knew. I only want what's best for Thomas, a stable home, proper education, family who truly care about him. And you believe you can provide that? Thornton asked.
Absolutely. I have a successful business, a comfortable home in Tulsa, connections that can ensure Thomas has every advantage. Compare that to a struggling ranch and a mother who was literally homeless weeks ago. Margaret's objection was sustained, but again, the words had landed. Then it was their turn.
Margaret called Elias first. He took the stand stiffly, clearly uncomfortable, but his testimony was powerful in its honesty. Mrs. Gray Mrs. Ward now.
Came to my ranch in desperate circumstances, he said. Her boy was sick, she was exhausted and I helped them because it was the right thing to do. She worked for wages, same as any hand. The marriage came later, yes, but not because of Vincent Gray's threats. It came because He paused, then looked directly at the judge.
Because I fell in love with her and with her son. They became my family. That's the truth of it. But the timing, Mr. Ward, Thornton pressed on cross-examination.
You married Mrs. Gray just days before Mr. Gray filed his petition. Quite a coincidence. Not a coincidence, a necessity.