Chapter 18 #2
She glanced across the carriage as the driver pulled into the Ashton drive. Winchell seemed quite lost in his thoughts.
“Winchell, did you and Grandfather ever speak of spiritual matters?”
“Only once, ma’am. It wasn’t long ago. He asked me if I believed in God and considered myself a Christian. He wondered if I thought there was something of life beyond the grave.”
“And what did you say?”
The carriage came to a stop, and the driver climbed down to open the door.
Winchell waited until they had left the carriage to answer her question.
“I told him that I did believe in God and considered myself a Christian. He asked me what I thought was required to become a Christian, and I told him that he must accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.”
“And did he reject that idea?” Judith had told him much the same, but it seemed at least a little hopeful that her grandfather asked Winchell his thoughts.
“Not exactly. He asked how one might do that.”
Judith felt her spark of hope ignite into a flame. “He did? Oh, that suggests he was considering it, doesn’t it?”
“I believe so, ma’am. I told him that he must ask for salvation, that God was willing none should be lost. I also told him that the Bible states clearly that Jesus is the only way to the Father.”
Judith couldn’t help but reach out to touch Winchell’s arm. “And what did he say to that?”
“I believe he was quite . . . well, perhaps disturbed is the best way to put it. He asked me to remove his dinner tray. He said he had no appetite. Later when I spoke to him, he seemed changed, as if he’d taken the words to heart.”
“But he never said for certain that he did?” Judith tried to hide her disappointment.
“No, ma’am. But I believe that something did change.
From the time the doctor informed him of his impending demise, your grandfather had a certain uneasiness.
When I last spoke to him, that seemed to have been replaced.
He was at ease. Whether that came from accepting his circumstances or making peace with God, I cannot say for certain. But I believe it was the latter.”
“Oh, I hope and pray you’re right. I wanted so much to help him see the truth. I know it was my father’s dearest wish that Grandfather might know God and put his trust in Him. It would really make everything I’ve done here worth the trip and the pain.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He patted her hand as one might a child seeking approval.
Judith was surprised at the comfort she found in his words.
She had chided herself the last few days for not having pushed more for her grandfather to make peace with God.
She knew it wasn’t her place to save him; only God could do that.
But she longed to be used by God to see Grandfather find peace and eternal security.
Please, Lord, I pray that You would have mercy on my grandfather and accept him into Your embrace, just as You did the thief on the cross.
Roman knocked on the Ashton front door. He couldn’t help himself.
He needed to know that Judith was all right, and he’d told her he might come check in on her.
It seemed to him that she welcomed the idea.
Still, with his aunt Mary given the day off and the household in mourning, it was rather brash for him to come calling.
What should he say if she questioned his appearance?
A young woman opened the door. She gave him a questioning look. “Good evening, sir. We are in mourning, and the family is not receiving at this time.”
“I’m Dr. Turner. I came to check on the health of Mrs. Stanford.” There, that was the perfect excuse. It would be impossible for the young maid to turn him away.
“Please come in.” The young woman didn’t hesitate. “Mrs. Stanford is in the garden. I will show you the way.”
She led him through the house to double French doors, which led out the back. Normally, Roman might have paid close attention to the details of each room, but at the moment his mind was solely fixed on Judith.
Outside, the air had cooled and made for a most pleasant evening. Roman had enjoyed the walk over, but here in the Ashton garden, it was even more pleasant.
“Mrs. Stanford, excuse me please,” the maid called out. “Dr. Turner has come to inquire after your health. Will you receive him?”
Judith was sitting in that place where she had spoken to Roman once before.
Their special place. A place that he hoped would be theirs for a long, long time.
Her feet were tucked up under her, and her skirts were spread out over the settee to spill onto the ground.
It reminded him of a painting he’d once seen.
“Of course I’ll receive him,” Judith replied. She stood and looked at Roman with a smile. “I’m so glad you came.”
The maid took her leave, and Judith waved Roman over. “I was just out here contemplating the day.”
“I worried about you overheating. I couldn’t bring myself to attend the fundraiser with that on my mind,” Roman replied. Judith reclaimed her place on the settee, and he came to sit just opposite her. “I hope you’re feeling well.”
“I am. I have been considering how to get started on my very important duties.”
“And what duties are those?”
“My grandfather was quite concerned about leaving a legacy. He wanted to build a marble block memorial downtown, but I have something else in mind.”
Roman frowned. “That man’s legacy is already set in stone.”
“I know. Sadly, there are those who will never think of him without bitterness. I pray you won’t be one of them, but I surely understand if you are.
Still, it is my desire to see to a new legacy.
That memorial block he wants me to build will be assembled, but not out of marble and not for the benefit of financial institutions.
I believe it would be far more beneficial to create hospitals, orphanages, and other more helpful organizations. ”
“That would be amazing.” Roman could see the pleasure such thoughts brought to Judith.
“Not only that, Roman, but I’ve been long at work going through my grandfather’s records since his arrival in Minneapolis. There are a great many people he took advantage of or outright cheated. I intend to see them properly reimbursed.”
“That won’t be easy.”
Judith smiled. “I know, and I’m perfectly fine with that. I will, however, need help. That is why I intend to start with your family. It’s my hope that eventually, you might be willing to assist me in seeing these wrongs righted.”
“How would I do that?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but you know most everyone in this area due to your duties.
I know you can help me locate the people who were cheated.
But first I must meet with the lawyers. I haven’t yet heard from them.
Once I do, I will move ahead with my plans.
I intend to return the land Grandfather stole from your father, for a start. ”
“That property has been fully developed with high rents being reaped.”
“I know, and it will be returned to your mother. There will also be a cash settlement. We will discuss what you believe to be fair. Obviously, nothing can make up for the loss of your father’s life, but reinstating your financial position is the best I can do.”
Roman couldn’t help himself. He stood and went to her.
Reaching out for her hands, he pulled her to her feet.
“Judith, I don’t know what to say. I already came with overwhelming thoughts and feelings for you, but this goes beyond anything I imagined.
Kindness and mercy from an Ashton was something I never thought possible.
Since I first met you back in Philadelphia, I’ve known you were to have a special place in my life. ”
Without thinking, he pulled her close to him and lifted her chin. “I never thought love was possible for me. I presumed God had called me to a life of being single. I thought my purpose was to offer my services and help better the lives of others.”
“I thought God had called me to the same,” she said, her voice soft and low. “Perhaps, we can answer that call together? Perhaps God no longer wants us to face these duties alone.”
Roman nodded and lowered his lips to hers. For the first time in his life, Roman felt as if the chains of the past had truly fallen away. He could forgive James Ashton Sr. He could let go of his anger and hate and replace it with love.