Roman had wondered the same thing himself. He’d been so busy with patients that one day had blended into another. Still, he continued to think about Judith. She consumed his thoughts day and night, and he’d become determined to meet up with her one way or another.
“I’m glad you could come home for lunch,” his mother said, taking up her gloves. “I suppose you will rush right back to work now?”
“Yes. Dr. Lester needs me to help him with a rather difficult surgery. One of the flour mill workers mangled his arm in an accident. We thought we could save the arm, but it looks like amputation will be the only solution to saving the man’s life. He’s finally stable, and it’s safe to operate.”
“I’m sorry to hear that he’ll lose his arm. Poor man will need a lengthy recovery. Does he have family?”
“Yes, actually. And they seem qualified and willing to take care of him. I’ve already spoken at length to his mother.”
“What a relief. I know you and Dr. Lester are already stretched to the breaking point caring for others.”
“Yes, but as John is always telling me, times like these are what faith was made for.” He smiled and gave a shrug. “God will provide.”
“Indeed He will.” Mother glanced toward the narrow stairs. “Claudette, are you coming?”
“I’m on my way, Mother.” She bounded down the stairs like a young girl rather than a woman of nineteen.
“You might mention to your ladies that there has been an increasing number of children hanging around the river,” Roman related. “I’m not sure if they’re orphans or just part of the destitute masses. I thought I recognized one as being from a family I called on. They seem to be somewhere in the age of twelve to sixteen. It’s a dangerous place for them to be. The potential for accidents as well as run-ins with unsavory characters is high. When I try to talk to them, they just run. The police are aware of them and tell me that so far they haven’t caused any trouble that they’re aware of. Perhaps if the Ladies’ Aid set up some sort of refreshment stand as you did that time last winter, then you could talk to them and encourage them to gather elsewhere, perhaps go to the friendless refuge for a hot meal.”
“We can certainly try. I’ll mention it at the tea,” his mother assured him.
Claudette stretched up and pulled Roman’s head downward to place a kiss on his cheek. “Roman, Daniel is hoping you can join us for dinner tonight. He would like a chess game after the meal. He says he’s been able to beat everyone but you and wants another chance to win.”
“Well, given the fact that I’m the one who taught him to play, that’s high praise. I’m sure at this rate, he’ll surpass me in no time at all. But, yes, I plan to be here for dinner tonight.”
“Thank you, Roman.” Claudette turned away to check her bonnet.
“Good. Then on our way home from tea, we’ll stop at the grocer’s and pick up a few things. Bring the basket, Claudette,” Mother instructed. “Roman, we will be praying for the young man and for you and Dr. Lester as you perform the operation.”
“Thank you. We’ll need all the prayers we can get to pull this poor man through.”
Roman was already apprehensive of the surgery given the wound had gone gangrenous. Once such a bad infection entered a person’s system, it took a terrible toll on the body. Roman had seen such things many times on the battlefield and could almost recognize on sight those patients who would and wouldn’t make it. The way John had described the young man they’d be working on, Roman wasn’t at all confident they could save him. Still, all they could do was try.
“What are you all dressed up for?” Judith’s grandfather asked as she prepared to leave the house.
“I’ve been invited to join some of the church ladies for tea this afternoon.”
“But I’ll be needing the carriage and driver, so you must remain here.”
Judith chuckled. “Sir, I walked all about Philadelphia. I’mcertainly not too good to do the same with St. Anthony and Minneapolis.”
“It’s hardly appropriate for you to walk unescorted. You are from a wealthy family, and there are those who would take advantage of that fact.”
“I am not from a wealthy family. Your financial situation is your own. Mine, while comfortable, has never been that of the upper classes of society. A thief has only to glance at me to know I wear no jewelry and my clothes are not fancy.”
He studied her for a moment and frowned. “It might do well to order you a new wardrobe.”
“My clothes suit me perfectly well. I do not need more clothes.”
“I’ll be the judge of that. I can hardly have my granddaughter going about in rags.”
Judith fumed. “My clothes are not rags. They are handmade by a very gifted seamstress. When I pay calls on the ladies of society in Philadelphia, they always ask who made them and in turn hire the woman for themselves. You needn’t concern yourself with me. I’m only staying the summer.”
“Yes, but there will be times when we will entertain,” he said, shaking his head. “Or be entertained. I will expect you to dress accordingly. I will not have it said that my granddaughter is unkempt.”
“I am hardly that. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must be about my business. Mrs. Van Cleve is expecting me.”
“Horatio Van Cleve’s wife?”
