“Very well,” she said, looking up at Mr. Black. “It would appear that I can be bought.”
He shook his head. “I don’t see it that way at all. I see that you regard the needs of others above your own desires. That makes you quite admirable in my thoughts.”
“Well, I’m not sure I’m deserving of your praise, but I can hardly allow such generosity to be forsaken.”
“We can leave tomorrow. I have your grandfather’s private train car at the ready.”
“I will need a couple of days to put my affairs in order. I couldn’t possibly leave until Friday.” Judith was already making a mental list of things that would have to be done. Leaving for any great amount of time would require putting additional responsibilities on Helen.
By Friday, things were set in motion to allow Judith to leave Philadelphia without great concern that others would suffer in her absence. Helen would distribute her grandfather’s money according to her instructions. Thankfully they hadn’t yet sent invitations for the garden party and would wait until Judith’s return to move forward on their plans. It would make for a good midsummer event.
Helen had readily accepted the additional responsibilities. She would oversee the charities as well as Judith’s household. Judith knew that Mr. Barnes, her business manager, would be more than capable of handling all the riverboat financial affairs and her other investments. Oh, the blessing of having capable assistants.
Norbert Black was on her doorstep precisely at the agreed-upon hour of ten. Judith had her staff load her trunks onto his hired carriage. She’d had little idea of how long she’d be gone and so planned as concisely as possible. Still, it was difficult to know exactly what to bring.
Her grandfather was known to have one of the finest houses in Minneapolis, according to Mr. Black. Therefore, she was certain they would dress formally for the evening meal. Black had also told her that her grandfather was not given to evenings on the town or social gatherings. She’d decided againstbringing any of her finer things for events like operas and ballroom parties. If such occasions arose in the short time she planned for her visit, Judith would simply beg off.
At the train station, the crowds were overwhelming. The rush of people coming and going was enough to make Judith question her sanity. Thankfully, James Ashton Sr. had a well-appointed private rail coach for travel, and she wouldn’t find herself packed into the overcrowded passenger cars. The Ashton coach would allow for comfort and privacy. Perhaps too much privacy, where Mr. Black was concerned, but given that the porter would be constantly checking in with them, Judith felt it would be acceptable. Thankfully he would be sleeping elsewhere.
“I think you’re going to like traveling this way. It’s quite refined, and your grandfather spared no expense.”
She was rather impressed by the car, though for its sensibility rather than its opulence. The walls were paneled in walnut, and the upholsteries were done in a sturdy damask. The sage-green background with cream-colored fleur-de-lis patterns made a stately, almost regal appearance.
At one end of the main room was a dining table and four chairs. At the other end were several overstuffed chairs and a small sofa. The row of windows on either side of the car had heavy green velvet draperies and shades for complete privacy.
“This is quite lovely,” Judith said, observing every nook and cranny.
“Mr. Ashton hates traveling and figured if he had to go back and forth to Boston to attend his business affairs, he might as well do so in comfort. This particular car is only a year old. He had read that Queen Victoria was getting a new railcar and paid to learn the details. Her car has lighting and a bathroom of its own. He demanded no less.”
“I do hope he finds some pleasures in life. It would be a shame to know nothing but work and distrust of others.”
Mr. Black surprised her by laughing. “You so amply describe him. It’s as if you have known him your entire life. He is definitely not a man of pleasures. He allows himself luxuries; however, I cannot say he finds any joy in such things. If he does, he certainly never says as much.”
“How very sad. Again, I find great pity in my heart for such a man.”
A knock sounded at the door, and the conductor came in. “We’re ready to leave the station. Your lunch will be served once we’re on our way. The porter will check on you regularly to see if there is anything else you need. Mr. Black, your sleeping quarters are directly ahead in the next car.”
“Thank you.” Mr. Black smiled. “See? All prim and proper. Your reputation will suffer no loss.”
The conductor gave Judith a nod before leaving the room. It wasn’t long before the train gave a series of jerks and groans as it pulled slowly from the station. Judith took a seat by the window to watch Philadelphia pass from view. She had traveled plenty in her adult years. Raising money for her charities had taken her to numerous places to offer encouraging speeches and solicit monies. She was well-known in the East for her passionate pleas to the wealthy on behalf of the poor. How very different this trip would be.
“I hope you’re comfortable,” Mr. Black said, joining her in the chair opposite. “I’ve traveled several times with Mr. Ashton, and this car allows for the best comforts.”
“So it would seem. I’ve never known anything quite like it.”
“Yes, well, Mr. Ashton wanted to make certain you were able to travel in style.”
“Why?”
He looked at her oddly for a moment. “I beg your pardon?”
“Why should he care? He doesn’t even know me.”
“He knows you well enough. He had me learn what I could about you.”
Judith didn’t like the idea of being studied by strangers, but she supposed there was nothing to be done about it.
“A person can learn a lot about the day-to-day activities of someone and still not know them. I am doubtful that either of you have a true understanding of my nature.”
