She knocked on the door instead of flinging it open as she felt like doing. Winchell appeared almost instantly, however, so no flinging was needed.
“I want to see my grandfather. I was just told he’s suffered some sort of attack.”
“Yes, miss. He was overcome with chest pains in the night. The doctor came and issued something stronger for him to take. He seems calmer this morning.”
Judith drew a deep breath and forced herself to relax. “Is he awake?”
“Oh, yes. Wait here. I’ll see if he’s up to speaking with you.”
Judith did as instructed. Winchell returned almost immediately. “He said he will see you.”
The valet led the way. Judith was impressed with her grandfather’s suite of rooms. It was clearly designed with a man in mind. He had chosen dark colors and large pieces of furniture. Over the fireplace hung the head of a grand stag, and rifles lined the walls. There must have been fifty guns displayed.
Judith continued following Winchell into the massive bedchamber, where a large mahogany four-poster bed was positioned at one end of the room between equally impressive floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out in the direction of the distant river. In the bed, looking quite small and frail, James Ashton Sr. had been propped up with a breakfast tray over his lap.
“I heard you weren’t feeling well.”
“Just a minor spell in the night. The doctor insisted I remain in bed for a few days. I won’t be able to attend services with you today.”
“I can stay home and help care for you.” Judith didn’t know why she offered such a thing. It was far too intimate a task to volunteer for. She didn’t even really know this man.
“I have Winchell. I have no need for anyone else. I’ve instructed Charles to drive you to church and wait for you there.”
Judith moved closer to the bed. “Thank you, I appreciate that. Is there anything I can do for you before I go?”
“No, nothing. However, there is something that I have in mind for you to begin on tomorrow.”
“What is that?”
“I’d like you to familiarize yourself with my various business dealings. I have a great many holdings, and my investments are quite diverse. Since you have extended yourself to a higher education, I believe you’ll be able to comprehend these things. Plus, Bert tells me you head up several of the charities youwork with. It would seem you are no stranger to running a business.
“In the morning, Winchell will have ledgers and paperwork related to some of the basic holdings brought to your room. Read through those and get an understanding of them. Write down any questions you have. Then you and I will discuss at length the purposes for each one and what I had in mind when pursuing each investment or project.”
Judith couldn’t hide her surprise. “You want to involve me in your personal business?”
“Last night reminded me that my time is very limited.” He fixed her with a frown. “I have no choice but to educate you on the matter. There is no one else I can trust to manage things after I’m gone.”
“But your lawyer surely has an understanding of all of this and could continue managing it for you.”
“No. Mr. Black has been useful to me, but there is a great deal of which he has no knowledge. In time ... in the weeks we have left ... I will confide it all only in you.”
It was only then that Judith realized just how serious the attack must have been. James Ashton Sr. was afraid. She could see the fear in his eyes. He had finally accepted that his death was near. And he desperately needed to know that his heir could manage his holdings.
“Very well.” Judith squared her shoulders and nodded. “I’ll devote myself to it, starting tomorrow.”
She thought about her pledge all the way to church. She could barely pay attention to the sermon for trying to figure out how this was all going to work. Not only that, but the temperature inside the church was climbing, and Judith had to admit to feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Her grandfather’s plans for her were even more consuming than the heat. What if she learned all about his dealings and saw for herself the deception? The thievery? The swindles thatwere just barely legal? What could she do then? How could she face these people, the new friends she was making? She worked her fan vigorously.
The pastor was praying the benediction before Judith even realized what was happening. All she knew for certain was she needed fresh air. Several people came to her side almost immediately to ask her how she was doing. A couple even asked where her grandfather was. Judith didn’t feel like speaking to anyone. It was as if her collar had tightened around her neck. She tried to move toward the door but found the crowds of people slow, and her steps halted.
“Judith, can you wait a moment?”
Judith turned around and found Martha Turner. Beside her was Dr. Roman Turner. He watched her with such an intensity that Judith found she had to look away as her cheeks warmed.
“Judith, I believe you’ve met my son, Dr. Roman Turner.”
Judith had no choice but to look up; however, the effect was not at all what she’d expected. The room began to swirl around her as darkness closed in. She reached for Roman’s shoulder and felt his arms go around her. It would seem once again she had made a spectacle of herself in front of Roman Turner.
