“Well, it is obvious that you’re generous and compassionate,” Black countered.
“I suppose anyone involved with charities could be considered such, Mr. Black.”
“Please call me Bert. Even your grandfather does on most occasions. Mr. Black is far too formal.”
“Very well. And you may call me Judith.” She studied the handsome man for a moment. His black hair and mustache were carefully coiffed, and his clothes were obviously tailored for his tall, slender frame. There was truly no fault in his appearance. However, there was something about his attitude that gave her pause.
“Thank you, Judith. I will enjoy that very much. I find your company to be ... well, delightful.”
“How did you meet my grandfather, Bert?” She hoped to keep him from focusing too much attention on her.
“My father was his solicitor in Boston. Before that, I believe he worked with my grandfather. They had a legal firm that handled all your grandfather’s business dealings. When Mr. Ashton came to Minnesota in 1857, he encouraged my father to extend his services. I moved to Minnesota to become Mr. Ashton’s private attorney. He even managed to keep me out of the war.”
“But the war was brought on by many concerns and injustices. Were you not of a mind to see an end to slavery and the country unified?”
“It mattered little to me one way or another. I did not own slaves but could certainly not fault those who did.”
“I could and did. Slavery is an abominable thing.”
“Even the Bible made provision for slaves,” he argued.
“Perhaps provision, but not approval.”
“Either way, it wasn’t for me to impose my desires on another.”
Judith had much less respect for him with that statement. “Sometimes we must take a stand in order to help our fellow man.” She could see that she wasn’t going to change his mind easily. “Well then, you are my grandfather’s lawyer. Do you also have other clients?”
“No. I handle all of his legal affairs and only his. It commands all my time.”
“I’m sure it does.”
“Your grandfather is not one to sit idle and allow others to arrange his affairs. He’s very active in his business.”
“And what is his business?”
“Making money.” Bert gave a laugh and crossed his legs. “Your grandfather has his hand in just about anything that turns a profit. He has vast forests that are being logged and sawmills to turn those logs into lumber. He’s invested in the brickyards, railroads, steel and flour mills, and a bevy of smaller businesses, as well as shipping out of Boston and textile mills.”
“And what does he do with that fortune of his?”
“Invests it wisely and makes even more money.”
“But to what purpose?”
“I don’t follow you.” Bert truly looked confused.
“For what purpose does he continue growing his fortune? He doesn’t help anyone with it, nor does it sound as if there has been any great benefit to himself or his family.”
“He lives in luxury. That’s a great benefit, given so many others live in poverty and have little.”
“My point exactly. How can one live happily knowing that they have the means to make life better for others, but then do nothing? It seems to me that though my grandfather has accumulated vast earthly treasures, he now finds himself atthe end of his life. He cannot take such treasure with him, and yet he has no one to share it with. He could give it to charities and bless thousands, but that is not his heart either.”
“Which is why he’s considering you.”
Judith glanced back outside as the train picked up speed. Had she made the right decision? Perhaps she should just get off at the next station and make her way home. This entire affair troubled her in ways she couldn’t begin to explain, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that her entire life was about to be turned upside down.
“You look a great deal like your grandmother,” Bert said, turning the conversation back to Judith. “She was a great beauty. I didn’t know her personally, but there’s a portrait of her in your grandfather’s house. You could be her twin.”
“My father told me as much.” She had always liked that she resembled her grandmother. Her father held deep affection for the woman, and not just because she continued to sneak correspondences and money to him after Grandfather had removed them from his life. She was a woman of faith who offered sage counsel and godly encouragement. Father had always maintained that his mother was a prized jewel among women.
