“He could have left you more if he’d done my will.”
“I’m glad he sought God’s will instead. He lived by example, and through his instruction and beliefs, my faith grew and matured. I will never regret that he sought his heavenly Father at the abjuration of his earthly one. It was to his blessing and benefit, as well as mine.”
If her words caused pain, James Ashton didn’t reveal it. He remained stoic in his expression, and after a moment of contemplation, he lowered his gaze and went back to eating. Judith wondered at his thoughts but let the matter drop.
They finished breakfast in silence, but as her grandfather stood, he took out his watch and addressed her once again. “Iwish to take you for a ride around town at ten. Be ready.” He left without another word.
Judith breathed a heavy sigh. She felt as if she’d just done battle. If every breakfast was this exhausting, she might well have to plan for a time of rest afterward. She smiled nevertheless. She had gotten what she wanted. Her grandfather would attend church, and the women and orphans of Philadelphia would have lodgings and food. So far, she’d done a good day’s work.
James Ashton was more than a little impressed with his granddaughter. She was able to hold her own with him, and that alone made her unique. Bert had told him she was quite intelligent, handling all sorts of business dealings for her various charities. Bert had also dug up some information on her personal investments. Unlike many others who relied upon financial advisors, Judith was known to investigate matters for herself and make her own decisions. James liked that about her, even though he would advise her in the future to seek his counsel.
Of course, he wouldn’t be around much longer if the doctors were correct in their assessment of his health. That would necessitate acting fast, pushing her to learn the things that he had in mind to teach her. They barely knew each other, and although he had maneuvered her into spending the summer in his company, there was no telling if she would willingly take instruction.
Bert Black showed up at eight thirty as usual. He appeared at the office and was announced by Mrs. Deeters.
“Come in, Bert. Let’s get right down to business. I need you to attend to several things for me today.”
“That’s why I’m here.” He opened his case and pulled out a small book. “What would you like to discuss first?”
“I have made an arrangement with Judith. She’s going to remain here for the summer. In return, I am donating thirty thousand dollars to her widows and orphans fund. See her for the address and arrange for the money to be wired from the bank in Boston.”
Bert jotted down notes. “Very good, sir.”
“When am I meeting with the new architect regarding my block?” His plans for the Ashton Block had been delayed when the original architect moved to Chicago.
“You have a meeting scheduled with them tomorrow at ten.”
“Very good. I expect you to be there. Oh, and I want Judith there as well. It’s important she learn the plans and know what my wishes are since she will most likely be the one to see them carried out.”
“Yes, of course.” Bert continued writing.
“And as much as I detest the idea, we should probably plan some sort of engagement to introduce Judith to our society. Speak to Mrs. Deeters and Mrs. Markle regarding the arrangements. Perhaps we could host a dinner party.” He frowned. “I hate such affairs. It vexes me to even think about strangers making their way through my house.”
“Maybe someone in the community might be encouraged to host a gathering on Judith’s behalf,” Bert suggested.
“She has insisted that I join her for Sunday church services. She might meet someone there who might do the job.”
“I could attend with you and keep a view toward such a goal.”
“Yes, yes. That might work. Let’s delay on hosting, then, and see what might develop.”
“Yes, sir.” Black looked up. “Which church has she chosen to attend?”
James scowled. He hadn’t even thought to ask her if she had some place in mind. Then again, why should she? It wasn’t like she was from the area.
“I have no idea. I suppose she’ll tell me when she has decided.”
“Most likely. She’s probably already researched the matter. Is that all the new business?”
“Yes. Now what have you brought me regarding the old?” James knew the man would have a variety of business dealings for him to manage.
“I have the contract you wanted to put together with the Redford Logging Company. I believe you’ll find the changes you requested have been made. I’ve brought it for your review.” Black produced a stack of papers from his case.
Black prattled on regarding various investments that needed James’s attention. The man was worth the money he paid, but James wasn’t of a mind to focus on business. Judith’s presence had somewhat disoriented him. His entire world seemed turned upside down. Even given the way Black had described his granddaughter, James had not expected the woman who showed up at his door.
Then again, maybe it was just his growing heart problem. He gave a light rub to the center of his chest. He didn’t like knowing that his time was short. The doctor had made it seem that no matter what he did at this point, James could not stop the inevitability of his passing. Having been in control of himself for nearly sixty years, James found it inconceivable that he should have that power stripped away without warning. But all the money in the world could not buy him extra time, and that reality was only starting to sink in. It was a rather empty feeling.
6
