Chapter 10
Judith read her grandfather’s ledgers and financial contracts until lunchtime, then went downstairs. She needed to get away from business dealings and focus on something else.
“Are you ready for lunch?” Mrs. Deeters asked.
Judith was more thirsty than hungry but nodded. “I think I’d like to eat outside under the shade trees. I just feel the need to do something different.”
“I can arrange that for you. It’s much cooler than the stuffiness of this house.”
“Perhaps if we opened up the windows it might help,” Judith suggested.
Mrs. Deeters nodded. “It would, but your . . . Mr. Ashton won’t allow it. He worries that being this close to the river might bring about the ague.”
“Is that possible?”
“I really have no idea, ma’am. You go on out, and I’ll bring a tray. There’s a small table and some chairs arranged for just such a situation.”
Judith made her way through the sitting room’s French doors, which opened out to a lovely stone-paved area with a dozen or more chairs.
Beyond that, the gardener had created a walkway with flower beds lining either side.
An abundance of tulips bloomed along the walk.
They were a riot of colors swaying gently in the breeze.
Beyond them were rows of rose bushes, just leafing out with a hint of blossoms to come.
Judith could imagine the wonderful scent that would come once they were in full bloom.
The air seemed much cooler in the garden, and Judith thanked God silently for the blessing.
She had dressed casually for the day, wearing a simple white blouse and linen skirt.
Taking a seat beneath the trees, Judith thought of her grandfather’s business dealings.
From the sound of things, they would soon be her responsibility. How had she gotten herself into this?
Just a few weeks ago, she hadn’t even known the man, and now here she was studying his finances in order to take over for him when he died.
Lord, I have no idea why You’ve brought me here, but given what everyone has to say about this man, and my own observations, it would seem there is a lot of pain and misery associated with the house of Ashton.
Just then Mrs. Deeters appeared, carrying a large silver tray. “I hope I didn’t take too long. Mrs. Markle had your luncheon ready, but I had to stop a moment to instruct one of the downstairs maids.”
Judith spied the glass of iced lemonade and reached for it first. “You were very quick, Mrs. Deeters.” She took a long, cooling drink.
“Please call me Mary,” the woman replied. “At least when we’re alone.”
“I’d like that, Mary.” Judith placed the glass against her cheek and sighed. “I’d like for us to be friends.”
Mary smiled. “I’d like that too. Especially now that I’ve gotten to know you.”
“I’m sure I caused quite the concern showing up and being so unknown. You probably feared I would be just like my grandfather.”
The housekeeper’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away as if embarrassed. Judith felt sorry for her.
“I didn’t say that to cause distress. It’s just something I’ve felt when I’ve been in the company of people my grandfather has wronged. Working for him must surely be a challenge.”
“I hardly think it’s appropriate to respond, but it’s always of concern when anyone new arrives. Your grandfather was quite firm on the fact that we were to make your stay perfect,” Mary replied.
“And it has been. I have no complaints, though I know that so many other people do. My grandfather does not have the reputation of being a kind or fair man. In fact, from what I see, he’s ruthless and harsh. A man who cares little about what anyone else wants or needs.”
“Then I suppose there’s no sense in me denying it. His business associates have a strong respect for him.”
“More like a strong fear of him, I would say. The household staff no doubt feel that way too. I’ve watched the way you all tiptoe around him.”
Mary bowed her head slightly. “If I’m perfectly honest, I would say that as well.”
Judith nodded. “Mary, would you sit with me a moment?”
The housekeeper took the chair at Judith’s right. “I can spare a few minutes.”
“I want to thank you for the things you purchased on my behalf. I appreciate that you took the effort to buy what you thought would please me rather than my grandfather.”
The woman glanced up, looking rather relieved at the topic. “Of course. You are a pleasure to buy for. Such a trim shape, and your skin tone goes well with most every color.”
“Thank you.” Judith glanced toward the house. “There, now if anyone asks, we were discussing my wardrobe.”
Mary gave her a momentary look of panic.
Judith shook her head. “Don’t be afraid of me, Mary.
I want to be perfectly honest with you. I didn’t come here out of any great love for my grandfather.
I came here only because he gave me money for my charities back east. Now I’m hearing about horrible things he’s done to others here in Minneapolis and elsewhere.
He wants me to take over his investments once he’s gone, but I can only agree to do that, to become his heir, on one condition. ”
Mary still looked fearful. “And what would that be?”
“That I can somehow right the wrongs he has made.”
A whisper of hope framed Mary’s next question. “Are you speaking truthfully?”
“I am. I would and do say the same before God Himself. He is, after all, my witness. Having learned who my grandfather really is, I’m more determined than ever to find a way to help those he’s harmed, starting with your sister Martha and her family.”
“Oh, if only you could. You don’t know the half of what Mr. Ashton did to my sister’s poor husband, Andrew. He was a dear man with a kind and gentle spirit. He was like a true brother to me.”
“I know there are those who blame my grandfather for your brother-in-law’s death. I would like to know more about that.”
“I will tell you what happened, and you can judge for yourself. Mr. Ashton was cruel and, indeed, did cause Andrew’s death, after a manner. It all began—”
“Miss Ashton, you have a visitor,” Harriet said, appearing on the path.
Bert Black drew alongside her and smiled. “I am delighted to have found you. May I join you?”
Mary looked at Judith and gave her a nod. “I’m glad to know you were pleased with my selections. There will be two gowns coming this week. I gave the seamstress your measurements and had her make adjustments to them first. They should arrive by Thursday.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Deeters. And thank you for bringing me lunch. Perhaps you could bring something for Mr. Black?”
“No, I’ve already had lunch, but I don’t mind sitting here with you while you enjoy yours.” He claimed the chair Mrs. Deeters had just deserted.
Mrs. Deeters followed Harriet toward the house. Judith had no desire to share her time with Bert Black, but there was no way to dismiss him without being rude.
“What brings you here today?”
“Business, as usual. I’ve been speaking with your grandfather and understand he is trying to teach you about his holdings.
It’s all quite complicated, and I’m certain it must be vexing to you.
I wanted to come and offer my help. You see, I’ve worked with him for so very long that I’m sure I know it as well as he does.
” He chuckled at this and shrugged. “I even might know it better.”
“You are kind to make such an offer, but currently I find that I understand it quite thoroughly. My grandfather and I will be discussing any questions I have this afternoon.”
“Good, good. That makes my other purpose in seeing you even easier.”
“And what is that purpose?”
“To ask that you allow me the pleasure of taking you out to dinner on Friday evening.”
Judith had feared this might be his approach.
“I’m sorry, but no. I cannot leave my grandfather for an evening of pleasure.
He has just suffered a serious attack, and his condition warrants his remaining in bed.
I will be here at his side until I feel it’s acceptable to leave.
Church will most likely be the only outing I allow myself. ”
Bert frowned. “I am sorry that he is growing worse. Of course, the doctor did make it clear that he only has a few weeks, perhaps months.”
“Yes, and that makes it even more important that I stay close. Besides, and I want to be perfectly honest with you because you deserve that much . . .” Judith tried to soften her tone.
“I have no interest in courtship at this time. I’ve acquired new responsibilities, as you know, and feel I must devote myself to them, as well as my grandfather. ”
“I certainly cannot fault you for your kindness, especially given you hardly know the man and he wasn’t exactly generous to your family.”
“No, but perhaps in dying he will come to see his need for the Lord and repent of his ways.” Judith picked up her lemonade again and sipped it slowly. She hoped Bert would tire of asking for her company.
“You know, I can tell you quite a bit about your grandfather. I’ve shared a great deal of time with him and learned a lot under his tutelage.”
Judith uncovered her lunch and found salmon mousse atop slices of cucumber and tiny dill and chicken sandwiches. There was also a plate with cheese and strawberries. “Are you sure you’ve had enough lunch? I could have another tray brought.”
Bert held out his hands. “No, I’m just fine. But please consider my offer of help. There’s a lot you don’t know.”
Judith arranged a couple of sandwiches onto the plate with the salmon.
“I’m sure that is true. It would seem I learn things every day.
If I have need of your assistance, I will call upon you.
For now, however, I want to allow my grandfather the time he desires.
It is his hope to teach me the things he wants me to know, and I am eager to give him that opportunity.
There is much we can accomplish together. ”