Chapter 17
“My niece Claudette is here. She’d like to see you, if you have a moment,” Mary told Judith.
“What a pleasant surprise,” Judith said, getting up from behind her grandfather’s desk. “Where is she?”
“I put her in the sitting room. Would you prefer I bring her back here?”
Judith considered it. “No. I’ll take her to the garden. It’s such a beautiful day, and in the shade, it’s quite pleasant.”
“I agree. It has turned out to be a perfect Fourth of July.” Mary Deeters headed for the door. “Would you like me to serve refreshments?”
“That would be lovely, and you should join us.”
Mary left to go to the kitchen while Judith made her way to where Claudette waited. “This is a grand surprise. Why don’t we go out to the gardens. The flowers are quite beautiful, and under those wonderful shade trees, you’ll find the temperatures considerably cooler.”
Claudette stood. “That sounds divine. It’s been such a warm summer.”
The two women made their way out to Judith’s favorite place and took seats. Mary appeared just moments later with glasses of lemonade and slices of Mrs. Markle’s famed ginger cake.
“Mary, please sit and join us,” Judith said, scooting over on the settee.
“Oh, do,” Claudette encouraged.
“I wish I could, but you caught me in the middle of something. Perhaps next time.” Mary kissed her niece’s cheek and made a hasty exit.
Claudette sampled her drink. “This is delicious. Lemonade is something I’ve not had in a very long time.”
Judith knew lemons were quite expensive and no doubt not on the list of affordable luxuries for the Turner family.
“Now, what has brought you here today?”
“The day itself,” Claudette replied, then tasted her drink again.
She looked so delighted. “We’re having a little picnic this evening at the lake.
Everyone goes there to celebrate, so there will be hundreds of people.
We’ll have lots of food. Everyone shares what they’ve brought, and there will be fireworks.
We thought since you’d not been here before to celebrate the Fourth, you might like to join us. ”
“That does sound like a wonderful time, but I really can’t leave my grandfather. He’s taken a turn for the worse, and the doctor feels his death will be very soon.”
“I’m so sorry, Judith. I thought Roman said he had a month or two.”
Judith glanced up toward the house. Winchell had kept her informed regarding her grandfather’s condition. “He’s progressively gotten worse. It seems each time the doctor comes, he declares the time to be shorter and shorter. I don’t think I can leave him.”
“Of course not. We understand. It’s so hard to watch someone die. I remember my father . . .” She fell silent.
“Do go on. I’d be honored to hear your story.”
Claudette looked up with tears in her eyes. “I’ve said very little about it. Mother was always so devastated and sad that I didn’t want to add to it. And with Roman—well, he blames himself for not being here. I still struggle with Papa’s passing, though.”
“But you suffer in silence because you care so much for others.” Judith smiled. “Let me be your confidant and bear your burden as the Bible encourages us to do.”
“Papa was my entire world. He was the kindest, gentlest man. He was such a good father, and I always knew I was so special to him. He loved Roman, of course, and was so very proud of him. But Papa said I was his precious gift from God—an unexpected gift. I came long after Mama thought she was unable to have more children. Papa was so happy, she told me. He had always wanted a daughter. We were very close, he and I, and when he was ruined financially, I did my best to cheer him, but I was just ten years old.”
“I’m sure in many ways, you were the only one who could offer cheering. You must have given him great consolation.”
“I like to think so, but even I can understand that it wasn’t enough. He felt the fool for having allowed Mr. Ashton to ruin him. He lost his will to live. Mama said he died from a broken heart. Oh, how I wished I could have mended it for him.” Tears slipped down her cheek. “But I wasn’t enough.”
“Oh, darling girl, it’s so much more complicated than that.
You mustn’t blame yourself. Men are focused on providing for their families.
It’s the way God has made them. They are to protect and provide, and when those things are stripped away from them, they are left feeling helpless and even worthless.
You could have done nothing more than love him. ”
“I certainly did that. Even as he took to his bed, having completely given up hope, I curled up next to him and read him stories and shared memories. I so hoped they would revive him.”
Judith reached over and took hold of Claudette’s hand. “How you must have suffered his loss. I am so sorry for all that you endured. And then to find your welfare threatened the next year when the Sioux made war.”
“It was a terrible time. My poor mother . . . She suffered so much but did so in silence. I could see the fear in her eyes, but she tried so hard to be encouraging. Friends would relate information, assuring us the Indians would never attack St. Anthony and Minneapolis because of Fort Snelling being so close. But we went to sleep each night wondering what would happen. We worried we might be murdered in our sleep. Mama did her best to keep to our routine. She told me God would see us through, and no matter the outcome, we would remain in His care.”
“How awful. I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”
“I sometimes still have nightmares, but please don’t tell Roman.
He already feels guilty for not having been around to save Papa.
Then when he heard about the attack in Minnesota, well, Mama said he nearly left the army to come to us.
She doesn’t ever want him to know how afraid we really were.
” She bit her lip and wiped at her tears.
“My guess is that he already knows. Your brother is quite tenderhearted. He wouldn’t work with the people he’s chosen to care for if not for that. He’s also smart. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have become such a renowned surgeon.”
“It’s almost as if you’ve known him for a long time.”
Judith gave a nervous laugh. “There are times when it seems that way to me as well. But I believe it’s probably more that I’m good at deducing situations. It’s what has helped me to help others.”
“I think Roman likes you,” Claudette said and quickly covered her mouth.
Judith couldn’t hide her surprise for a moment, then burst out laughing.
“I like him too. I like all of you.” She sobered as Claudette lowered her hands.
“I’m only sorry that my grandfather was the cause of so much trouble and pain.
However, I intend to do what I can to make up for his cruelty.
I don’t know yet what exactly can be done, but I will endeavor to see that your family reclaims some of its losses. ”
“Oh, that would be wonderful. I hate seeing Roman and Mama work so hard. Mama says she loves to sew, but I know she gets very tired. I sometimes worry about her.”
It troubled Judith to hear these things. She knew it wasn’t her responsibility that such things had happened, but it was her responsibility to see that they were made right.
“I should be going. I promised Mama I’d deliver the message and come right back.”
“You haven’t finished your cake,” Judith said, holding up her own plate. “Mrs. Markle makes a very nice ginger cake.” She sampled the small piece and smiled.
Claudette did likewise, taking a much larger bite. “Mmm.” Her eyes lit up in approval. “Delicious.”
They ate their cake in silence and then drank the last of their lemonade. Judith dabbed her napkin to her lips. “There, now you can return home fully refreshed.”
Claudette laughed. “Given all the food that I know will be at the party tonight, I’m certain to be refreshed all evening.”
Laughing, they got to their feet and began the stroll to the front of the house. Judith liked the younger woman very much.
“I know that there are quite a few years between our ages,” Judith told her as they reached the front walk, “but I’d like to be your friend.”
“I want that as well,” Claudette replied. “And perhaps we can be even more.”
Judith wasn’t at all sure exactly what she meant by that but smiled and nodded. Just then Mr. Black arrived in a buggy. He had driven himself, which somewhat surprised Judith.
“Farewell, Claudette. I’m sure we’ll see each other soon.” She gave the girl a wave as Claudette headed down the drive.
It was only moments before Bert Black had dismounted. To Judith’s relief, one of the stableboys appeared to take control of the horse. Bert bounded up the walk and gave Judith a huge smile.
“I’m back, just as I said I’d be. Isn’t the weather lovely?”
“It is. Hopefully you can convince Grandfather to limit his work today. After all, it is a celebration day.”
“You know your grandfather. He doesn’t know the meaning of the word holiday. I doubt he’ll have much to do, however, since many others have agreed to put aside work today.”
“I doubt he’ll have much to do because he’s taken another bad turn. The doctor was here earlier and said my grandfather is nearing his time.”
“I am sorry to hear that. I know it grieves you. I would save you from this pain, if I could.”
“Thank you.” Judith hoped that would be the end of it.
“Who, might I ask, was the young lady?” Bert glanced down the street at Claudette’s retreating figure.
“Just a friend. Someone from church,” Judith replied. She had no desire for Bert to share information regarding Claudette’s visit with her grandfather. “Feel free to go on up, but don’t be surprised if Grandfather is less than concerned with business. He’s sleeping more and more these days.”
Bert nodded, but then gave Judith a long look. She didn’t like the way he studied her and turned to go back to the gardens. At least this way she wouldn’t have to make conversation with him as they entered the house.
“Where are you going?”
She didn’t even pause but glanced over her shoulder. “About my business. You should do likewise.”
Her steps quickened but not enough. Bert was soon at her side. “Please give me a moment of time.”
With great reluctance, Judith stopped and turned. “What is it, Bert?”
He smiled. “I just want to be near you.”
“Bert, please. We’ve already discussed this.”
“I know.” His brow furrowed. “Mr. Ashton is your first concern. I do agree that he should be exactly that, but the man is soon to die, and you’ll need me.”
Judith couldn’t imagine any situation in which she’d need Bert Black. Still, she didn’t wish to hurt his feelings. He was quite sweet in his own way.
“I assure you, Bert, if I need you, I will send for you. Right now, I have more than enough to do on my own, and besides, I’ll be following you up shortly so we can all go over that contract together.”
Disappointment was evident in his expression, but he gave a nod, and Judith let that be their farewell.
She reached the garden area to find Mary cleaning up the last of their refreshments. “Bert’s here again,” she told the older woman. “Apparently Grandfather isn’t of a mind to observe the celebratory spirit of Fourth of July.”
“He doesn’t even see Christmas as a reason for commerce to halt,” Mary said, putting the last of the dishes on her tray.
She straightened and gave a shrug. “I suppose each man must make his own decisions regarding such things. No doubt in dying, he feels it necessary to utilize each day and moment.”
Judith nodded. “Claudette invited me to come celebrate with the family this evening, but I told her I didn’t feel I should leave Grandfather. Still, I was deeply touched that they invited me to come.”
“It will be quite the celebration. I plan to be there myself. Once my work is done, of course.”
Judith laughed. “Oh, Mary, I think you should leave as soon as possible. It’s a glorious day, and the revelry will be exceptional, I’m sure.”
“There are fireworks planned, although individuals are not to be shooting them off themselves. The sheriff posted a large notice in the paper. I’m sure he means to arrest those who disregard his instructions.”
“Just be sure to mind yourself, then.” Judith chuckled. “Why don’t you get going? I can return this tray to the kitchen.”
“Oh no, that definitely wouldn’t be proper.”
“Since when do we care about that?”
Mary laughed but picked up the tray. “It will only take a moment, and then I will be on my way.”
“God bless you and your family, Mary.”
Judith thought of Roman and hoped he would be able to enjoy the evening. Hopefully accidents would be at a minimum, and he wouldn’t find himself caught up in medical repairs all evening. She supposed, however, that was the routine of a doctor.
“Judith! Judith! Come quickly!”
It was Bert again. He was running from around the front of the house and coming at full steam. “It’s your grandfather! Hurry. He’s not breathing!”
Judith had known this moment would come but even so felt completely unprepared.
“I’ll send for the doctor,” Mary declared and hurried toward the back of the house.
Judith froze. What was she supposed to do? What could she do?
“Why don’t you come and sit down,” Bert suggested, reaching out to take hold of her arm.
She pulled away almost angrily. “No, Bert! I need to be at his side.”
Racing into the house, Judith gave little thought to having offended the man. She was tired of dealing with him.
Winchell was standing at the foot of the bed. His face revealed the truth of the situation. Judith stepped to her grandfather’s bedside and took hold of his hand. It was still warm, so his death must have not come more than a few moments ago.
“Were you with him?” she asked, looking to his valet.
“No, ma’am. I had checked on him earlier, and he was sleeping deeply. I had stepped out to tend to his suits, and then Mr. Black called out for help a short time later.”
“It must have come fast,” Mary said, having joined them. “He didn’t ring for any of us.”
Judith sat down on the bed beside her grandfather. He looked to be at peace, but how could she know? She had shared the Gospel with him, but he’d never so much as indicated that he saw the value of making peace with God.
She continued to hold his hand and didn’t attempt to hold back the tears that came. She wanted so much to believe he had accepted the truth about God, but now she would never know. At least not until making her own way into eternity.
“Oh, Grandfather.” She sighed the words and sniffed back tears. “If only I knew.”