Judith nodded, and it was only a few moments before a rather attractive woman opened the door. She nodded and stepped back.
“This is Mrs. Deeters, the housekeeper,” Bert announced.
The woman glanced at Bert. “Mr. Black.”
“How is he today?”
“Quite well. He’s been anxious for your arrival.” Her tone betrayed a hint of discomfort. Perhaps she felt the anxiety of the moment.
“Well, this is Mrs. Stanford, the woman he’s been waiting for.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, Mrs. Stanford.” Mrs. Deeters ushered them farther into the foyer and closed the door.
“The pleasure is mine.” Judith smiled, hoping the woman would relax.
Judith took the time to glance around. There was far too much to take in. The highly polished staircase was to one side of the foyer, while a hallway ran down the other side. To her left and right were pocket doors that were closed as if to keep prying eyes from making an examination.
The foyer itself was a stately receiving room with fine art hanging on the walls and an entryway table gracing the center of the room. Upon this, there was a lovely arrangement of flowers—white peonies, lilacs, and a variety of other blooms.
“This is all so beautiful,” Judith whispered.
“Mr. Ashton would like you to be seated here. He will join you momentarily.” Mrs. Deeters opened the door to the left and revealed a well-appointed sitting room.
Judith followed Bert into the room, once again trying to take it all in at once. It was obvious that her grandfather demanded the finer things of life. The furnishings were of the highest quality. Judith was used to being in opulent homes, as she spent her life convincing the wealthy to donate to her causes for the poor. She recognized the Axminster rug in its regal hues of cream, red, and orange with just the right splashes of green and blue—one of the few types of rug whose origins were English rather than oriental.
Equally impressive was the array of Hepplewhite tables and stuffed-back chairs. The chairs’ carved tapered legs and intricate scrolling left little doubt to their value. She claimed one for herself, while Bert took an identical chair across from her.
Judith had just caught sight of a marble statue in the far corner when an old man entered the room. His gaze rested upon her. She returned his stare without thought. He was balding with snowy white hair encircling the lower half of his head. A white mustache was neatly trimmed beneath a slightly bulbous nose. But it was his eyes that drew Judith’s attention. They were deep-set and dark. Even though he said nothing, she felt that James Ashton Sr. was passing judgment upon her.
Bert rose. “Mr. Ashton, may I introduce you to your granddaughter, Judith.”
“I know who she is.” Her grandfather might well be dying, but his voice did not betray any weakness. It was strong and bore the tone of a man used to giving orders and being annoyed with the world.
“I’m pleased that you arrived without incident,” he said, giving Judith yet another once-over. “Mrs. Deeters will show youto your room, where you may rest until dinner this evening. Mr. Black, you may go.”
The old man turned to leave, but Bert was clearly disturbed by being dismissed. “I thought you might want to discuss the trip with me.”
The older man looked at him for a moment as if trying to decide what to do with him. He shook his head. “There will be time. Go now. I have business.”
“I can aid you in that.”
Judith wasn’t sure why Bert was trying so hard to remain in her grandfather’s company, but it was clear he was unneeded.
“Just go,” her grandfather commanded, leaving the room.
Mrs. Deeters immediately entered and went to Judith. “I will show you to your room. I’ve already had your trunks taken upstairs, and two of the maids are attending to your wardrobe. You’ll be in the Lilac Room.”
Judith turned to Bert, who seemed at a complete loss. “I suppose we shall meet again. Farewell for now.”
“Yes.” He smiled. “I should very much like to continue seeing you.”
“I’m sure you will, since you work for my grandfather.” She left the matter at that and followed Mrs. Deeters from the room.
As they climbed the stairs, the housekeeper began to explain some of the workings of the household. “Your grandfather keeps an office on the first floor. It is forbidden for anyone to step foot in that room without the specific invitation of Mr. Ashton. Otherwise, the house will be at your disposal on the first and second floors. The third floor contains servant quarters and storage, so there is no need for you to concern yourself with it.”
They reached the top of the grand staircase, and Mrs. Deeters crossed to the left. Here again the furnishings were of the finest quality.
“To the right of the stairs is the hall that takes you to your grandfather’s suite. He despises noise and asks that the house be shrouded in silence from ten at night until eight o’clock in the morning. Therefore, please refrain from singing or any type of noisemaking that might disturb him.”
