Chapter 11 #2
“It’s no wonder Winchell is so devoted.”
“It would be best if no one knew you were working up here,” Mary said as she unlocked the door.
Judith could well understand her concern. “Do you suppose it would be better if I were to take some of the records to my room? Perhaps you could help me.”
“Yes, we should just take a few at a time so there’s no sign that someone has moved things around. I doubt your grandfather will have the energy to come up here and check, but it’s best we not give anyone a reason to suggest it.”
An hour later, Judith was set up in her sitting room with a handful of business ledgers and stacks of correspondence.
All were dated from as early as 1855. Judith began reading and found herself completely immersed in the founding days of the area.
The civic leaders from both sides of the river came together to make plans for a suspension bridge that would span the Mississippi.
It would be the very first, and James Ashton did his best to impose himself in the planning.
He noted the importance of this being a toll bridge.
There would be plenty of people who would want to cross the river without having to make a lengthy ferry ride.
A toll would help to pay not only for the bridge but for its upkeep as well.
Judith noted he recommended fifteen cents per horse, ten cents per cow, and two cents for each sheep.
People were to be charged depending on their ages, anywhere from three to five cents.
He wrote down that these recommended prices were later accepted.
She continued poring through the papers and her grandfather’s notes.
There were several situations where he acquired a great deal of land.
The dealings were a mix of failed loans and prearranged agreements.
By the time Harriet came with her supper tray, Judith was more than ready to put her work aside.
“It’s funny that Mr. Ashton would have you reading all those business reports,” Harriet declared, uncovering Judith’s dinner.
Mrs. Markle had outdone herself. A filet of beef smothered in a burgundy sauce with braised garlic and rosemary potatoes awaited her sampling. There was also coffee, to which Judith immediately began to add sugar and cream.
“I suppose my grandfather sees the sense of utilizing people he knows to be trustworthy,” Judith replied.
“I don’t know how you do it. I can barely read through a letter. I can’t imagine reading all those papers and ledgers. I was never good with numbers.”
“We all have our gifts. You do an amazing job of ironing and mending. I’m not as good at that.”
Harriet straightened after uncovering Judith’s dessert of bread pudding with vanilla sauce. “I’ve never been praised for my work. I suppose it is a sort of talent. God gave us each our abilities.”
“Exactly,” Judith said, smiling. “And our responsibilities. For example, I’m the only remaining relative of James Ashton. It has left me with a critical job to do. Since I believe nothing happens by chance or without God’s knowledge, I will accept this as His will for me and do my best.”
“Oh, miss, I do love the way you talk about God. It reminds me of my mother. She’s gone now, but she was always encouraging me to put my trust in God’s goodness.”
“I would encourage you to do the same, Harriet. He’s never failed me yet.”
Harriet nodded. “I’m sure that’s true for myself as well.” She paused at the door. “May I ask you a question?”
“Of course, Harriet. What is it?” Judith stopped stirring her coffee and met the girl’s concerned expression.
“Well, the servants here know that Mr. Ashton isn’t long for the world. God bless him.” She paused, looking to see if Judith was willing for her to continue.
“Go on.” Judith put the spoon down and gave the girl her full attention.
“Well, it’s just that we’re . . . well, we’re kind of worried.”
“About what?”
“Our situations . . . our positions. If Mr. Ashton does die, will you retain us?”
Judith thought of Winchell’s look of worry earlier. She hadn’t considered how the others must be just as concerned about their employment.
“If my grandfather chooses me as his heir, and I choose to stay, you will all have a place here for as long as you continue to give good service. I wish I could offer you something more permanent at this moment, but decisions haven’t been made.
However, should you choose to take positions elsewhere, I will give good recommendations for each. ”
The look of relief on Harriet’s face was instantaneous. “Thank you, miss. It’s good to know.”
“You may tell the others if the subject comes up. However, don’t give yourselves over to lengthy deliberations. We don’t know what the future holds for any of us. God alone will guide us. Trust in Him.”
“Yes, miss.”
Judith waited until the girl had exited the room to pray her thanks for the meal.
She also prayed for wisdom to know how to deal with the information she was taking in.
Her grandfather had cheated most of the early settlers of Minneapolis and St. Anthony.
But there were also legitimate dealings that had merited him gain simply because he was a smart businessman.
He had made a fortune for himself through those things, which was what puzzled Judith.
Why should he stoop to questionable arrangements when he was able to make plenty of money through ethical means?
When Mary checked on her later that evening, Judith was ready for a new set of books and papers. Mary took the old books and returned them to the storage room, then brought Judith additional ones before bidding her good night.
“Do you have everything you need, Judith?” She held a hand to her stomach as if in pain.
“I do, but I’m concerned about you. Did you overdo it carrying those things upstairs? It was thoughtless of me not to help.”
Mary shook her head and grimaced. “No, it’s an old complaint.
I have pain from time to time. The doctor says it has to do with something in my body called a gallbladder.
Some kind of stone has formed, perhaps more than one.
It’s quite difficult to remove it. It’s all right, though.
It should pass in time, and I’m sure to feel better. Please don’t worry yourself.”
“You will let me know if you need something, won’t you?”
“Of course, but as I said, please don’t worry about it.” The mantel clock chimed. “Will there be anything else?”
“No, I’m fine. Please get some rest.”
Mary nodded and hurried from the room as if uncomfortable that anyone should know of her situation.
Judith had never heard of such a thing as a gallbladder. She prayed silently that Mary might find healing and that there would be no further trouble from these stones that were causing such pain. At times like these, Judith marveled at the intricacy of the human body.
“We truly are fearfully and wonderfully made.”
In the morning after breakfast, Judith began again sorting through the papers and ledgers.
She had to say this much for her grandfather: He was meticulous at keeping records.
He wrote down the details of each transaction, as well as his thoughts on the matter.
It was rather like being able to go back in time and know what the man’s motivations were.
None of them were good, and yet he noted them all.
It was almost as if he were proud of his decisions. Perhaps he was.
James Ashton Sr. was focused solely on greed and accomplishment.
The person he admired most in the world was himself.
He spoke of previous dealings that had taken place in Boston, leaving Judith to wonder about his deceptions and underhanded operations prior to coming to Minneapolis.
No doubt there were other records elsewhere regarding those situations.
I have offended Governor Sibley. Ridiculous man.
Sibley learned of my plan to purchase public school land for pennies on the dollar.
It would have been a simple matter, but he had to get involved and vetoed it for no better reason than his dislike of me, Judith read from a book marked 1858.
It seemed her grandfather was happy to steal from the state as well.
By noon, she was ready for additional materials, but Mary hadn’t yet come to see her. It concerned Judith enough that she carried the ledgers to the third floor and stopped at Mary’s room on the way.
She gave a light knock. Mary responded in a weak voice, and Judith hurried to open the door, despite the load she carried. She came into the room and placed the books on a nearby chair.
“Mary, are you all right?” She went to the woman’s bedside. “What can I do?”
“Nothing. The doctor was already here. Winchell brought him after he saw your grandfather. The doctor thinks the worst of it has passed. The pain in the night was so severe I could barely breathe. Now it’s but a minor discomfort.”
“There must be something that can be done.”
Mary closed her eyes. “He says there is nothing.”
“Have you asked your nephew, Dr. Turner?”
“No. I didn’t want to worry the family. I haven’t even told my sister. Usually, the nausea and pain pass within a day or so. I was just planning to get up and get to work.”
“You need to let your nephew know. As I understand from Sarah Knickerbacker, he is an exceptional surgeon. Perhaps he could remove this stone that is causing you so much trouble. He might have some new information that my grandfather’s doctor is lacking.”
“Mr. Ashton’s money pays for the best doctor. I’m sure he would know if there were more that could be done.”
Judith wasn’t convinced of that. Her grandfather would not be likely to encourage his own physician to give his attention to a mere servant. Judith wondered if he even knew that the doctor had looked in on Mary.
“How goes your research?” Mary asked, changing the subject.
“It’s quite alarming. I see how my grandfather has been responsible for harming so many people, and his own personal feelings are ones of selfish ambition and pride at what he’s accomplished.
It’s no wonder my father walked away. He was nothing like my grandfather.
” Judith sat down on the edge of the bed and felt Mary’s forehead.
She had a slight fever. “Who is taking care of you, Mary?”
“The girls check in on me. They’re good help. Don’t worry about me.”
“Of course I shall worry. But better still, I shall pray and endeavor to do whatever I can to aid you. Is there anything in particular that you need?”
“No, I’m all right. Even now, the pain is subsiding, and I need to get to my duties. This is the way of my condition. In a few hours, I’ll be right as rain.” She smiled, but Judith could see she was still hurting.
“Look, I’m taking charge. I want you to stay in bed today.
You have tomorrow off anyway. Remain in bed and rest. If anyone asks, I will tell them that I ordered you to do so.
I’ll speak to Harriet and Beth and see that they check on you hourly.
I’ll also arrange with Mrs. Markle to make you some chicken broth. That should sit easy in your stomach.”
Mary reached for Judith’s hand. “I appreciate that you are so kindhearted, but please don’t worry about me. Just do what you can to help my sister. Now that you can see the truth of your grandfather, you needn’t doubt that he was the cause of her husband’s death.”
“Do you feel good enough to finish telling me what happened?”
“Yes. It was just before the war when Andrew first started working with your grandfather. Andrew held a great deal of land. Most of it was located in much sought-after areas. In one particular location, Andrew intended to build a row of homes for newcomers who couldn’t afford to buy land and build.
He had figured he would rent out these places at a reasonable price and provide a steady income for the future.
He planned that there would be twenty houses all connected to the other.
“He went to your grandfather to arrange financial help. He needed a loan, despite having a good amount of money saved up. He felt certain that because of the number of people who were moving into the area, he could rent them out quickly and pay back your grandfather in no time at all.”
“So what happened?”
“Andrew misread the contract and the arrangements. The money was due back in full far sooner than he originally had thought. The entire thing collapsed like a house of cards, and Andrew lost his money and the land, which he’d had to put up as collateral.
Your grandfather refused to extend the time of repayment, and Andrew realized he’d been duped, although it was his own fault for not having read the contract more carefully, or better still, seeking legal counsel.
Your grandfather had legal right to do as he chose.
Andrew lost everything. He had no choice but to sell the lovely house he’d built for his family and find one that was of lesser cost to rent.
He did what he could to try to regain his financial foundation, but nothing seemed to work out for him.
He saw his dream realized for another man when Mr. Ashton built the houses elsewhere.
It killed something inside of him. Little by little, Andrew despaired of life.
He stopped eating and eventually took to his bed. He died there not long after.”
“How awful. I am so sorry.” Judith hadn’t yet read the information from her grandfather’s point of view, but no doubt he celebrated the land acquisition as a great victory.
“Judith, whatever happens to me, please promise you will try to make things right for my sister. Roman doesn’t make a large salary, although he could.
His heart is to work with the poor, to extend the healing of Jesus.
The charities pay him, but they can’t give him much money.
My sister and niece do what they can to add to the finances, and I give them money as well, but they deserve so much more.
They had great comfort and lovely things and lost them all.
My sister and I were from a well-off household.
Our father was a banker, and we wanted for nothing.
Still, Martha has never complained about losing any of it, save her beloved husband. ”
The sorrow in Mary’s eyes was enough to renew Judith’s desires for truth and justice.
“I promise you, I will do whatever I can to make it right. I’m ashamed to know that my grandfather would act in such a deceptive way, but if he makes me his heir, I will set things right in St. Anthony and Minneapolis. You have my word.”