Chapter 22
“I’m glad that these legal matters are finally settled,” Judith said as Roman helped her into the carriage. It had been nearly seven weeks since Norbert Black was taken to jail for the attack he’d made on Judith and the others, as well as the death of James Ashton.
“I believe the judge was wise to keep him at the insane asylum. I don’t think Mr. Black is a killer at heart. I think he simply lost the ability to reason and understand reality.” Roman settled into the seat opposite her.
“I would think that spending the rest of his life in a hospital for the insane is certainly better than hanging. Still, I can’t help feeling sorry for him. He looked so sad and confused in court. He once had a brilliant mind.”
“He’ll get the help he needs at the hospital.
There are new therapies coming to light, as well as medications for people like him.
Studies of the mind and personalities are up and coming.
There are quite a few doctors who are turning to this area of study so that rather than simply leave someone in this state of mind, they may find a way to transform them.
It might one day be possible to help the insane regain their sanity. ”
“I felt particularly sorry that his family refuses to have anything more to do with him. I would have thought his father would come to be with him, at least during the sentencing. It seems from the letter the elder Mr. Black sent me that he wants nothing more to do with his son. He asked only that I conclude my grandfather’s arrangement with his firm and pay any remaining monies due. He was all business.”
“It is sad. It’s a special bond between father and son. I would give anything to have my father back in my life. And I look forward to one day having a son of my own.”
“I hope that will be so. I want very much to have a large family. Of course, there is adoption, and I believe we should also consider that as well. After all, there are a great many babies without mothers and fathers to love them.”
“I agree, and as I’ve told you before, I am perfectly happy with whatever size family you desire. I have enough love for a dozen or more.”
Judith smiled and nodded. “I know you do. Oh, before I forget, I had a note from Reverend Knickerbacker. He said November fourth is perfectly fine with him for our wedding. We can just come to the parsonage, and he will perform the ceremony there with our family and Mrs. Knickerbacker to witness it.”
“I like the sound of that. Only, I wish it were going to be October fourth or perhaps the day after tomorrow.” He grinned. “Or today. Waiting another two months or so was hardly my idea.”
Judith laughed. “I apologize. I just wanted this affair with Mr. Black to be well behind us, and I had thought your sister and Daniel were marrying this month. Now that they’ve put off their wedding until after the new year begins, I suppose we could move our date up.
However, I am making that trip to Philadelphia with Mrs. Van Cleve next month.
I’d just as soon settle my affairs back east before starting up all my new ventures here. ”
“So now marriage to me is nothing more than a new venture?”
She could see the teasing in his eyes. “Yes, but it’s the very best of all my new ventures.”
He roared in laughter as the driver pulled onto the toll bridge. Traffic was rather heavy today as business carried on as usual. It seemed Minneapolis had grown even in the short time since she arrived.
“So what new business dealings are you up to?”
“You know I have made great progress with some of Grandfather’s dealings.
I’m trying out a man from church to help me manage shipping here in Minneapolis.
The Knickerbackers recommended him. He’ll coordinate the rail and river shipping.
I’ve also purchased a steamboat right here in Minneapolis and ordered two more.
I’m arranging for them to carry some of the Ashton lumber mill shipping, as well as freight for other businesses.
One of the boats will be devoted to passenger travel. ”
“Sounds like you’ve been busy. I’m surprised you’ve still had time for your charity work, but Mother assures me you’ve been quite busy there as well.”
“The needs are so great here. In some ways, even more than in Philadelphia. I suppose because Philadelphia is so much older and better established, its charities are firmly organized and used to receiving proper attention. Although I do remember lean years when the donations were quite limited. Right after the war, no one seemed to care about helping the less fortunate. They were just happy to be done with the fighting. It took quite a bit of encouragement to get people to attend the fundraisers and see the need for themselves.”
“You’ll find some good people here in Minnesota,” Roman said, glancing out at the river.
“They have that pioneer spirit mingled with the Scandinavian and German work ethic. We’re also seeing more Italians and Irish.
We’ve become like New York City with all sorts of people.
Of course, once they endure a Minnesota winter, they may well decide to move again. ”
“Does it get so very cold here?” Judith had heard several people talk about the upcoming winter and was beginning to think she’d better order some heavier clothes.
“When people write home to their families in other countries, they always encourage them to bring warm clothes. The temperatures can go well below zero in the winter. That’s why it’s so imperative to have places for those without homes to live, rather than see them try to make it outside or in tents. ”
“I can well imagine it would be. I’m thinking I should probably update my wardrobe, not with Worth gowns and frippery but with heavy woolen stockings and fur-lined coats.”
“You wouldn’t be sorry if you did. I know Mother mentioned something the other day about it as well.
You might talk to her about where she and Claudette intend to shop.
” He looked at her with such an expression of love.
“Thanks to you, they’ll have what they need.
I can’t tell you how grateful I am for what you’ve done for my family. ”
“I’m so glad they agreed to move in with me once the construction is finished, which should be in another couple of weeks. Well before winter. After Claudette and Daniel marry, your mother would have been all alone, and that I cannot allow. She is much too dear.”
“Well, the house we are building for Claudette and Daniel’s wedding present is quite large. Claudette said she wanted it that way in case Mother wants to live with them.”
Judith nodded. “I realize that, but they will be newly wed and need their privacy for a time.”
“And what about us?” Roman asked, chuckling.
“The house is enormous, as you well know. And with the complete change to the third floor and remodeling of the second, we need never see another soul if we so desire.”
“Well, for a time after we marry, you’re the only soul I want to see.” The look on his face was full of mischief, and Judith couldn’t help but look away as her cheeks grew warm.
“You’ll see me so much you’ll be desperate to flee,” Judith murmured.
“That will never happen. I want to be at your side every day for the rest of my life.”
Judith sighed with sheer joy. “It’s a good thing you feel that way, because I feel exactly the same.”
At dinner that evening, Roman thought back on the years behind him. There had been such a hopelessness after the death of his father. In his bitterness and sorrow, he had allowed Satan a foothold, to be sure, and he didn’t intend to ever make that mistake again.
“Have you settled on a wedding date?” Mother asked.
“We have,” Judith said as she picked up her fork. “November fourth. Reverend Knickerbacker and his wife have invited us to come to the parsonage for the short service.”
“You really should have a beautiful church wedding and invite the entire town,” Claudette said, glancing with a smile at Daniel. “Like us.”
“Well, we’re not inviting quite the entire town,” Daniel countered, “but with all my relatives, it feels that way.”
“As much as Judith is doing to see people compensated for her grandfather’s wickedness, I’m sure there will be hundreds of folks who would like to join in your celebration.”
Roman was sure his mother was right on that account. Judith had been hard at work undoing the problems caused by her grandfather. Her generosity had dumbfounded the hardworking citizens of Minneapolis and St. Anthony. The newspaper had even written two articles on her deeds.
For himself, Roman could say that the actions of his betrothed had brought about healing. He was made keenly aware that even from an evil man, God could bring about good. And, just like Judith, Roman hoped that her grandfather had turned to God before drawing his final breath.
“You aren’t even listening, Roman,” his mother chided.
He looked up, trying to feign innocence. “Who me?” Everyone laughed, and it did Roman’s heart good like a medicine.
“We were asking you about the reverend’s charity hospital. Since you’re involved with the plans, we wondered if everything had been agreed upon?” his mother questioned.
“Yes. The property is chosen, and the hospital plans were already drawn up.” Roman had seen the final sketches just yesterday.
“It’s going to be built a few blocks from the church.
Not far at all. The reverend thought it important to keep it close to the mills and railroad due to injuries that are commonplace for both.
“There will be a ground level, as well as second and third floors, although the third floor may be mostly storage. For the time being, we’re planning to only have between six and eight beds.”
“And the donations have been quite generous, I’m told,” Judith added. “The Masons, workers in the machine shop at the Milwaukee Railroad, St. Mark’s Parish, the Ladies’ Aid, and the Brotherhood of Gethsemane Church have all donated various items and furnishings.”