Chapter 6 #2
“John. Roman. I’m so glad we could meet on this fine day. I know you’re both quite busy. I know, too, that there have been many sick in the poorer neighborhoods. Have you any idea of the illness?”
Roman picked up his coffee. “There’s a variety of problems being passed around. Most are the usual issues. Hopefully we’ll not see any epidemics.”
“I’ve had quite a few patients suffering from the grippe. Seems the change of seasons sometimes brings it about,” John relayed, “but as Roman said, there’s been a variety of other issues as well. Keeps life interesting, don’t you know.”
“I do, only too well. Roman, how are those men who were injured at the mill?”
“Recovering well, Reverend. They’ll be back on their feet soon.”
“Good to hear. Have you given any more thought to the list of needs that we should keep in mind for the charity hospital? I count on you two to give more than just a little consideration to this project of ours. Before we have plans drawn up, I want every need addressed.”
“We are always quite thoughtful on the matter,” John Lester said, bringing the reverend a mug.
He took a seat before he poured the coffee.
“Roman and I were just bemoaning the lack of a good surgery. Having the ability to operate in a clean environment with plenty of available medical supplies and qualified help is of the utmost importance.”
“We’ve gone over this before, but more and more attention is being given to cleanliness,” Roman added. “Sinks with available hot water would be a tremendous bonus in surgical areas. Plans for good plumbing is critical.”
“I have been in touch with several folks back east who have been actively involved in putting together other charity hospitals. Some of the Episcopal nuns have taken extensive training as nurses and are open to relocating here.” The reverend took the cup of coffee. “Thank you, John.
“If we can just get a few more regular supporters,” the reverend continued, “things would shape up quickly. We need to convince some of the wealthier men to give more. I personally plan to speak to Washburn and Pillsbury. James Ashton as well.” He sampled the coffee, then put the mug down.
Roman hid his look of disgust as he bowed his head toward the table. Reverend Knickerbacker could talk to Ashton all he wanted, but there was no chance that stingy old man would give a cent to see the less fortunate benefited.
“We can hardly start a hospital unless we have solid pledges to keep it running. My goal is to get as many faithful supporters as possible. Even if their donations aren’t all that big, it will add up.
We must encourage the community to see the benefits.
We can also advertise that patients from any walk of life can stay for a fee.
That way those who don’t believe in charity, might also be persuaded to find value in our plans. ”
“I agree it’s good to make it available to all,” John said, looking at Roman.
“I do, as well. Soon enough someone with a good amount of money is going to feel the same way as we do, and a hospital for the community will be built.”
The reverend nodded. “Until then, we will focus on the poor. I’ve recently been speaking with Sarah about the need to make a proper orphanage. I want to challenge the state to see it through and have plans to meet with the governor and others in St. Paul next month.”
“I second the need for that. We’ve seen more and more children neglected and deserted.
” Roman’s voice betrayed his enthusiasm.
“I would very much like to see the local churches do more in the meanwhile. Perhaps in one of your meetings with other men of God, you could encourage them to create their own local support groups. If congregational members were willing to take in a child or two, or donate to others who are willing, we’d see fewer children on the streets.
That would go a long way to stemming disease and injuries. ”
“I agree. Believe me, the poor and neglected of all ages deserve our concentrated effort,” Reverend Knickerbacker declared. “We will see to it that Minneapolis takes care of its own.”
“Mrs. Deeters, I wonder if I might ask you a question?” Judith stopped the housekeeper after she finished laying wood for a fire in Judith’s hearth.
“Of course. What is it?”
“I need your advice on a church to attend. My grandfather has agreed to go with me, so it should probably be one of the larger congregations. I want him to feel comfortable, and if he’s just one man in a sea of many, then perhaps he won’t feel so out of place.”
The housekeeper’s eyes widened. “Mr. Ashton is going to attend church?”
Judith nodded, suppressing a laugh. “Yes, I know it is shocking, but it’s part of my agreement to remain here through the summer. He’s promised he will attend church with me so long as he’s physically able.”
“I see.” Mrs. Deeters momentarily bit her lower lip.
“Well, many of the wealthier families attend the Episcopal church. We call it Gethsemane, after the garden where our Lord prayed before He was crucified. I attend there myself, along with my sister and her two children, so it’s not all wealthy folks. ”
“That sounds good. We will plan to be at the services there on Sunday. Perhaps you could write instructions as to how to get there for the driver.”
“I’d be happy to. It’s quite close once you cross the bridge,” Mrs. Deeters replied, looking rather askance. “I do hope that Mr. Ashton will join you as he’s promised.”
“I believe he will,” Judith said, smiling. “He knows it’s important to me, and in order to get what he wants, he will need to yield on this matter. It’s that simple.”
Mrs. Deeters gave a nod and then moved rather quickly to the door.
Judith could tell she was more than a little bit uncomfortable.
Perhaps in time she’d come to realize that Judith was nothing like her grandfather.
In fact, she’d like very much if she and the housekeeper could form a sort of alliance to deal with the older man.
She supposed, however, that would take time. Mrs. Deeters had no reason to trust Judith. No one did. She noticed the looks from the rest of the staff. They tiptoed around her grandfather and did the same with her. She couldn’t really blame them.
Judith began to pull the pins from her hair.
Her grandfather had been quite exhausted from the day and their trip around town.
When he told her he would take a tray in his room for dinner, Judith asked if she might as well.
He had told her to do as she liked, and Mrs. Deeters had taken care of the rest. Now with dinner behind them and the evening to herself, Judith decided to get comfortable and pen a letter to Helen.
She would no doubt be quite curious as to what was happening and why Judith had decided to remain in Minneapolis.
Not only that, but Judith needed to detail what she wanted Helen to do with the money her grandfather had sent.
She smiled to herself as she brushed out her waist-length hair.
The day hadn’t gone all that badly. Her grandfather had been a bit testy at times, but they’d gotten through.
She couldn’t guess what the implications of spending time with James Ashton Sr. would be.
Her life was certain to be altered, but whether for the better or worse was still in question.
A thought came to mind that she’d been pushing aside since agreeing to come to Minnesota. Dr. Roman Turner lived in Minneapolis. At least, he did four years ago. Was he still around the area? Should she make an effort to see him?
It seemed silly, but he did tell her to look for him if she came to town.
Of course, he might well have married and moved away.
There was no telling unless she asked, but who might know?
A small sigh escaped her. She was still confused about why the Lord had brought her here.
Never had she imagined she might end up in Minnesota, getting to know her grandfather.
“Lord, what is my purpose here?”
Before writing her letter, she felt compelled to open her Bible. She had been taught to seek wisdom and direction from the Word of God.
“Show me what you want me to know, Lord.”
Psalm 116 was the place she turned to and read aloud, “‘I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the Lord; O Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful. The Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me. Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.’”
She leaned back as a sense of peace washed over her. How precious were the Scriptures. They would help to get her through this challenge with her grandfather, and comfort her heart during those lonely hours when she questioned her choice to remain single.
God alone knew what He had in store for her, and for Judith, that was enough.