“She had the same wavy, dark brown hair and even arranged it in a similar fashion like you with the part in the middle and the two sides swept back. But not tight. Some women pull their hair back so tightly that it appears unnatural. Yours is fashioned in such a manner that seems refined and yet almost casual.”
Judith laughed and touched her hand to the back of her neck. “Yes, well it’s hardly casual. There’s so much of it that it takes a little bit of time to see it all put in place. But enough of that. Tell me more about my grandfather’s home in Minneapolis, please.”
“His estate is actually on the St. Anthony side of the river.”
“And what river is that?”
“The Mississippi, of course. It is a vital part of our city. Congress is even considering all manner of projects for bettering that waterway. I’ve heard it said that one day, everyone will use the river for travel.”
“I would love to see that. I grew up on riverboats.”
The conversation continued until lunch was served, and after that the porter suggested perhaps Judith would like to rest. He opened a door beyond the dining area to reveal a lovely bedroom that had a private washroom. On a stand not far from the door, someone had deposited a few pieces of her luggage.
After the porter left, Judith closed the door and locked it. She had no desire for anyone to just walk in on her while she rested. Despite what Bert claimed to know about her, Judith was an extremely private person. People might well know about her charitable work, but few knew much about Judith Ashton the woman. And frankly, she intended to keep it that way.
Life had dealt her some heavy blows. Death had come too early and often in her life. Her heart was quite scarred from those visits, and she was determined to refrain from close relationships.
While she cherished many of her riverboat memories, her first encounter with death had been on one when she was seven and her little brother Franklin was four. At the time, her father owned and piloted a paddle-wheeler. Despite their parents’ warnings to stay away from the railing and never go near the water without one of them at their side, Franklin fell from the paddle-wheeler and drowned in the river.
Her youngest brother, Jonathan, was just a year old at the time. Death came for him seventeen years later during the War Between the States, shortly after she had lost her husband and just before she lost her parents. Death was more than a casualacquaintance, and Judith wasn’t at all certain she could bear to lose even one more person she loved.
Perhaps that had been the reason she’d never ventured to Minneapolis to inquire about Dr. Turner. She had definitely been attracted to him, but thoughts of losing her heart to him, and the price that might have to be paid, prevented her from taking any action.
But seeing Grandfather Ashton wasn’t something she felt would cause her pain. She supposed that was the only reason she had finally agreed to go see her dying grandfather. That and his generous donation to her charities.
She’d like to say that indifference was all she could offer James Ashton Sr., but there was unfortunate regret when she thought of him. The grandfather she’d never known. The man who rejected his own son all for the sake of pride and social standing. What was she to do with such a man?
Was this all a mistake?
4
Judith’s first thoughts of Minnesota were quite positive. The place was in full spring bloom, and the air, although a bit humid, was filled with a variety of scents. Bert had explained that her grandfather lived on the east side of the Mississippi River in a community called St. Anthony. Minneapolis, on the west side of the river, was where her grandfather conducted most of his business.
Judith had never seen the Mississippi River but knew from what Bert told her that only a fraction of its volume ran through Minneapolis. Still, it was a busy river, with falls that aided the mills and small islands that had been utilized for rich and poor alike. Bert shared that there was a wealthy community of folks who had built extravagant homes on Nicollet Island, while at the other end were sawmills. One of which her grandfather owned.
Her grandfather’s neighborhood in St. Anthony was well groomed with lovely homes. Nearby, the wealthier folks had spared no expense to cultivate impressive grounds. Her grandfather’s acreage had lush lawns with perfectly trimmed bushesthat lined the circle drive of carefully positioned paving stones. The house itself was a three-story masterpiece done up in blond-colored brick.
“As you can see for yourself, Mr. Ashton has put quite a bit of money and effort into having one of the most beautiful homes in the area,” Bert said as they drove up the lane.
“I was just admiring the color of the bricks. I must say I find them charming.”
“People all over the country demand that brick. It’s produced in the brickyards of Chaska, just a few miles from here. Your grandfather owns one. He quickly saw the value of the product and has used it on multiple occasions. His home is considered one of the finest examples of the brick’s quality.”
“It is lovely.” Judith let her gaze travel the full length of the house as the driver came to a stop at the front door. There were four cream-colored circular columns supporting an entryway portico. The windows were all trimmed out with arched embellishments and dark green shutters.
“There’s a beautiful garden in the back for strolling. Your grandfather takes daily walks, even in the winter. At least he used to,” Bert corrected himself. “His health has not allowed him to do that of late. But you’ll find that the gardeners have created quite an oasis. There are fountains and flowers of every kind. Just wait until you see it in full summer bloom.”
“How nice.” Judith drew a deep breath. She was more than a little bit nervous about meeting her grandfather.
The footman came to open the door to the carriage. Bert jumped down and quickly offered her a hand. Judith descended the steps and kept what she hoped was a calm expression on her face, just in case her grandfather was watching from one of the windows. She neither wanted to seem too eager, nor indifferent to the situation.
She ran her gloved hand down the side of her burgundy-colored jacket. The traveling suit was quite smart. She hadordered it made in a durable but lightweight material and found it most comfortable for long journeys.
“I suppose I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” she said, looking at her companion.
“You look lovely, and remember, you favor his beloved wife. He’s going to be quite taken with you, I’m sure.”
They climbed the three steps to the landing, and Bert went to the door and knocked. “I will say this much. He can be quite intimidating, but you have a strong spirit. I know you’ll be able to hold your own.”
