Chapter 12 #2
“It is a bit much,” Judith commented as she followed his gaze.
“Indeed.” Roman looked at her. “I don’t mean to intrude and frankly wouldn’t have come if the Reverend Knickerbacker hadn’t assured me your grandfather is bedbound.”
“Yes, he is. The doctor says his heart is failing him fast.”
“He also told me my aunt is ill. She’s the reason I’ve come. I’d like to see her.”
“Of course. Mary didn’t want me to say anything to you, but she’s suffering with gallbladder difficulties. Apparently, it’s been ongoing for some time now. She said the doctor implied there was nothing to be done, but I thought perhaps you would have a different opinion.”
“I very well may. I’ll have to speak to her first, however.”
Judith smiled. It was such a pretty smile. Her entire face seemed to light up. Why did she have to be an Ashton? He drew in a deep breath and pushed aside the negative thought. He was truly determined to rid himself of this hatred.
“Come along, I’ll take you to her. I commanded her to stay in bed today and tomorrow.
I don’t even think she should exert herself to attend church.
I have the cook making her chicken broth and milk toast. It seemed the right thing to do, but if you have other suggestions, I can definitely instruct Mrs. Markle to do otherwise. ”
“It sounds as though you made good choices.”
Judith headed up the stairs. “She’s on the third floor, so just follow me.”
Roman did exactly that, watching her trim figure move quickly up the stairs. She waited until they were on the third floor to speak again.
“It’s considerably warmer up here. I’ve opened some of the windows to let in the breeze. I hope that wasn’t the wrong thing to do. I was told my grandfather worried about the river air causing the ague.”
“Airing out the place is a good idea. How are you managing the heat?”
“I’m dressing in lighter-weight clothes,” she said, holding her arms out. “As you can see.”
“I haven’t yet been able to find much information on conditions that cause a person to be unable to sweat. Make certain you drink plenty of fluids and keep a cloth and water available. You should be able to lower your temperature in such a manner. And tepid baths are also quite good.”
“Thank you, I will keep all of that in mind. For now, I’ve also enjoyed sitting beneath the shade trees in the garden. The air there always seems cooler.” She smiled, and Roman momentarily forgot about why he’d come.
“I’ll leave you to visit Mary. I do hope you can help her to feel better,” Judith said, stopping in front of one of the many doors. Roman had to force himself to keep from reaching out to push back an errant strand of her hair.
“She’s just inside. Would you like me to announce you?”
He regained his senses and cleared his throat. “No, that’s all right. Thank you for taking care of her.”
Their gazes locked for a long moment. Roman couldn’t help but remember the feel of her in his arms when she’d fainted.
He wanted very much to hold her again. Why couldn’t he just talk to her about his feelings?
Did it really have to matter that she was related to James Ashton? It wasn’t as if she had done the harm.
“There’s something I want to say.”
Judith cocked her head slightly to the right. “What is it?”
She sounded just as caught up in the moment as he felt. He started to reach for her, then stopped. This really wasn’t the time or place. Yet how could he let even another moment go by without telling her how he felt?
“I—well, that is—you are—” He stopped and shook his head. “I think the heat is getting to me. I just want to tell you that I have great admiration . . . for you.”
Her eyes widened. “I feel the same about you.”
He swallowed the lump in his throat. Why couldn’t he just speak in a coherent manner? He felt like a schoolboy caught doing something wrong.
“I wish . . . that is, I hope we might . . . well, get better acquainted.”
“Ah . . . yes.” She seemed rather breathless. Was she getting sick? “I’d like that.”
“I suppose I should see Aunt Mary.”
She nodded and stepped away. “I’ll, uh, leave you to visit.” She appeared flustered.
“Wait!” Roman’s gaze narrowed. “You sound . . . well, you sound uneasy. Is the heat causing you distress?”
Judith stared blankly for a moment. She shook her head. “No. I’m fine. You should see Mary.” With that she hurried away.
Well, you made a mess of that, he chided silently. Roman watched her until she disappeared down the stairs. He pulled himself together and reached for the door. His hands were shaking slightly. What was this power she had over him?
He drew a deep breath and gave a light knock. There’d be time to assess the matter later.
“Come in,” his aunt’s voice called.
He stepped into the room and glanced down at the woman who was propped up in bed. “I heard you were unwell.”
“Judith shouldn’t have sent for you.”
“She didn’t. Reverend Knickerbacker told me you were ill.” He pulled up the chair to her bedside. “But seriously, you should have sent for me.”
“I knew you didn’t want to come here.”
“But I would have, and now I have. Reverend Knickerbacker said you are having gallbladder trouble. Judith confirmed this.”
“Mr. Ashton’s doctor said there’s nothing to be done.”
“Mr. Ashton’s doctor doesn’t know everything. How long have you struggled with this?”
“Several months now. It comes and goes.”
Roman nodded. “And is it a little worse each time?”
“Yes. I usually have great nausea with the pain. Sometimes fever too. This spell was the worst yet. I was in severe pain all last night.”
“It might sound frightening, but there is a surgery to remove the stones. It seems to give instant relief to the patient. It is of course a risk to do surgery on anyone, but you can hardly allow it to continue getting worse.”
She frowned. “Can this kill me?”
He let out a deep breath. “Actually, yes.”
“Are you able to do this surgery?”
“I’ve never done it before, but I have read a great deal about it.”
“If you think I should, then I would trust you to do it.” His aunt smiled. “I believe in your abilities, Roman.”
“Better to keep your trust in God and ask Him to bless my abilities. You say you’re feeling better. Is the pain gone?”
“Mostly. Judith has taken good care of me.”
Roman nodded. “She told me what she’s been doing. She’s actually done all of the right things.”
“She’s quite special, Roman. Nothing like her grandfather. I really think you should get to know her for yourself and not judge her so harshly just because she’s an Ashton. I think you’d really like her if you did.”
He smiled and patted Mary’s hand. “I think you’re right. I think it’s quite possible I would really like her.”
“She’s really feeling much better, but you are, of course, welcome to come and visit her for yourself,” Judith told Martha Turner at church the next morning. “I am to blame for her not being here today. I told her to rest.”
“I’m glad you did,” Martha Turner replied. “She’s not good at taking time for herself.”
“Neither are you, Mother,” Roman said, joining them.
His mother laughed. “It would seem our family has issues with leisure time.”
“Or the lack thereof,” Roman added.
Judith felt a little strange anytime Roman came near. She supposed it was because of their intimate encounter the day before. She couldn’t be sure, but she thought perhaps Roman was having feelings for her. If so, it only served to heighten her own for him. There was just something about the man.
“Oh, Dr. Turner, before I forget, I have something for you.” She reached into her purse.
“I meant to give this to you yesterday, but you left before I could see you again.” She handed him five twenty-dollar gold pieces.
“I want to contribute this to your charity work. Your mother said you often treat the poor and receive nothing in return. Let this help you with your supplies and personal needs. The worker is worthy of his wages.” She met his dark-eyed gaze and felt the air leave her lungs.
Why did he have such a powerful effect on her?
“Thank you for the donation. This is a great deal of money.” He seemed genuinely surprised.
“There are so many needs. I know from my work in Philadelphia. This won’t take you all that far, but my hope is to donate more as time goes on.
And I would be happy to help in any way you might need me.
I have even done some nursing. I’m not formally trained, mind you, but I worked for a time as a nurse during the war and learned a great deal.
We had a great many wounded soldiers brought to the various hospitals in Philadelphia.
The need for nurses was great, and since I’m not squeamish, I volunteered after my husband was killed. ”
He looked at the money again and then smiled at her. “I would be pleased to have your company in my work. There are a great many needs in our city.”
His smile and approval warmed her to her toes. Judith felt her cheeks warm. “I should take my seat before the services start.” Or I faint again.
“Judith, I want you to meet my fiancé,” Claudette said, coming to join them. “This is Daniel Moretti.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, Daniel.”
He was a dashing young man with black hair and a winning grin. “The pleasure is mine.” Judith was glad for something else to focus on rather than Roman’s nearness.
“Judith, why don’t you sit with us since you’re alone and our Mary is absent?” Mrs. Turner asked, taking hold of her arm.
Claudette and Daniel were already moving to take their section of the pew. Martha followed, pulling Judith with her. Mrs. Turner sat down beside Daniel, and Judith had no choice but to take the seat beside her. It would have been rude to do otherwise.
Roman looked down at her for a moment, then slipped in next to her. The fit was tight, putting Roman’s broad shoulders against her. Judith could feel the warmth of his body. She could smell his cologne and hair tonic. She forced herself to breathe.
Why did he have to be so handsome? How in the world was she supposed to focus on the sermon?