Chapter 13 #2
“You might as well know, I nullified the will that you drew up for me. I’ve had two other lawyers take charge of it.
They each have a copy of the new will, and upon my death, they will handle the matter of disbursing my estate.
I’ve left most everything to Judith, but there are still provisions for you and Winchell. ”
Provisions? At one time, Ashton had talked about leaving him half of his wealth since he had no other heir. This was not the news Bert wanted to hear. It felt as if an iron band had tightened around his chest. How dare the old man try to ruin his plans.
“I can see this does not meet with your approval; however, in the long run it will prevent any confusion or suggestions of impropriety. It would be rather questionable if you were to manage it and inherit at the same time. I’ve simply saved you any conflict.”
Bert didn’t really believe that was Ashton’s intention, but he forced a smile. “I trust that all is as it should be.” He got to his feet. “Will there be anything more?”
“No.” Mr. Ashton reached over and pulled the cord that would signal Winchell. “You’re free to go.”
Bert did so immediately. He feared if he stayed even another minute, he might say things that would see him completely disinherited.
The old man had taken away some of his power, but Bert still felt confident he could convince Judith of his sincerity.
She really was starting to have feelings for him.
Of this, Bert was certain. Once the concern about her grandfather faded and the man was dead, she’d need a friend, and he intended to be there for her.
He’d just reached the top of the steps when Mrs. Deeters appeared. “Oh, Mr. Black, Miss Ashton asked that you meet her in the front sitting room. She only needs a moment of your time and will be down shortly.”
The news was exactly what he needed. She wanted to see him.
This was better than he could have hoped for.
He all but flew down the stairs and made his way to the appointed place.
He tried to think of where he might sit that would encourage her to draw close.
He studied the room and finally chose the sofa by the front windows.
He considered what he might say to her when they were alone.
For now, he would let her set the pace. She was a woman above reproach, so of course she couldn’t speak of courtship with her grandfather so ill.
Still, there were things that she might mention to encourage him, and things that he could say that would stimulate such conversations.
Judith appeared promptly and swept into the room like a regal princess. She didn’t even consider sitting beside him, however, and claimed a throne chair to the right of where he sat. He was disappointed but said nothing.
“I’m glad you could wait a moment,” she said.
“I would wait forever if you asked. You know how I feel about you.”
She frowned. “Yes, well, I asked you to wait so that we might discuss my grandfather’s request that you order the building materials for his block.”
“Is there something you want to say about it?”
“Yes. My grandfather is dying, and I would prefer you to refrain from ordering those materials. I realize I have no right to ask you to do so, but it seems that putting it off for the time being would be prudent. We need to focus on what comes next. I intend to speak to my grandfather about what kind of funeral he desires. Unless, of course, he’s already made arrangements with you. ”
“No, he hasn’t. He’s been far too consumed by the details regarding his block of buildings.”
“Yes. He sees that as his memorial to society, but we both realize he’s left an entirely different legacy through his business practices.”
Bert was surprised at her comment but kept it to himself. There was no telling how he might use this to his benefit later.
“I don’t believe it will matter if we wait. There is no hope of the materials arriving before he dies.”
“Good. Then I will trust you to hold off on any orders of materials.” Judith stood.
“Is that all you wished to discuss?” Bert asked, trying not to sound overly eager. “I was hoping perhaps you would allow me to extend an invitation to have dinner with me.”
“I thought I made myself clear.” Her tone was firm, but her expression softened.
“I do not have any interest in being courted by you. Please do not ask me again. I wouldn’t want things to become unpleasant between us.
” She headed to the pocket doors and turned with a smile.
“Now, if you’ll excuse me, my grandfather will want to see me right away. ”
Bert wanted to demand she return and agree to his request but knew that was hardly acceptable behavior.
And, after all, it was perfectly in keeping with proper etiquette that she should refuse him while dealing with such an overwhelming family situation.
He smiled. She cared for him. He knew she did.
Roman finished his examination of the man’s leg and smiled. “It’s healing nicely, Eb. You’ve kept it clean, and that was the best thing you could do for the wound.”
“Never held much store by washin’ up and such. Spent the first forty years of my life living in the wilderness. Not a lot of soap to be had.” The old man chuckled and lowered his trouser leg. “Seems I’ve always got a bar of the stuff in my hands these days.”
“Well, it’s probably saved you from amputation this time. Keep doing what you’re doing, and I believe you’ll be just fine.”
“What do I owe ya, Doc?”
Roman looked at him. “Have you been able to work this week?”
“Yes, sir. Been down at the rail yard loading.”
“Then ten cents will cover the new bandage and ointment.” Roman knew better than to suggest the service was free. Eb was very proud and would never take charity.
The man pulled some coins out of his pocket and found a dime. “Here ya are. Do I need to come back?”
“No, not if you keep it clean and dry. This should continue healing and scab over. If it doesn’t, or if it swells and becomes painful, come back and see me. You’ll be able to tell if it gets worse.”
The man nodded. “I know what proud flesh looks like. I’ll watch it close.” He headed for the door. “Thanks, Doc. Got to get back to work now.”
Eb was his last railroad worker for the day, and Roman was glad to be done. He collected his medical supplies and stuffed them back into his bag. Things had gone well today, despite his thoughts being constantly distracted by Judith Stanford.
He had considered her as he’d fallen asleep the night before.
She was also the first thing on his mind when he’d awaken.
The fact of the matter was that she was constantly at the forefront of his thoughts.
Even his mother had noted that he was awfully deep in contemplation that morning at breakfast.
It wasn’t going to fix itself or go away. That much he knew. Other things in life had bothered him in the same manner, and until he was willing to deal with them, they caused him no end of trouble. Judith wasn’t exactly trouble, but she was something, or rather someone, that he needed to deal with.
He thought of that moment outside his aunt’s bedroom.
He had never wanted to kiss anyone as much as he’d wanted to kiss Judith.
He found himself wanting to speak to her of love and a future.
In all honesty, there had never been any woman in his life that made him feel the way she did.
Judith Ashton Stanford had completely captivated his heart.
“See you next week, Doc?” one of the men asked as Roman made his way from the building.
“Of course. I’ll be here then and hopefully not sooner. Try to keep the men out of trouble.”
The man laughed. “We do our best, but sometimes accidents just find their way to us.”
“I understand that.” Roman gave the man a wave and put on his hat in one sweep of his arm.
He glanced skyward. The cloudless canopy reminded him of a crystal-blue lake he’d learned to swim in. Oh, for the carefree days of youth. When he’d been a boy, he might have asked his father what to do about his feelings for Judith.
“Take it to prayer, Roman. You can never go wrong by taking a matter to prayer,” he remembered his father telling him more than once.
Since allowing bitter hatred toward James Ashton to grow, Roman’s prayers had been limited. It was hard to pray when he knew the anger he held. Now that he was working to let that go, Roman found he considered prayer and Scripture more often.
“Well, Lord,” he murmured as he walked toward the toll bridge, “You know I’m trying to change my heart.” He glanced around, hoping no one heard him. The rest of his prayer was silent.
I need to know what to do. I’ve fallen in love with my enemy’s granddaughter. I know there isn’t another woman in the world for me. Judith is the woman I believe You would have me marry.
That realization nearly stopped him in midstep. This was where all of his thoughts had brought him. He wanted to marry Judith Stanford. And he wanted to do it soon. Now he just hoped she wanted the same thing.
Judith found her grandfather asleep when she returned and decided against waking him.
He was sleeping more and more these days.
A part of her was saddened at the thought of his passing.
She couldn’t honestly say that she was all that close to him, but he was her grandfather.
She had always known about him. Known about his anger toward her father and unwillingness to accept her mother.
However, she wished she could know him better.
Everything about him. Understand his reasons for the choices he had made.
Know the heart of a man who could turn his back on his only son and desert him.
She glanced back at the door to his suite. Perhaps if given time, she could find something to love about him. God knew there were probably more than enough people who hated him.
Including Roman Turner.