Normally such a topic would seem out of place and embarrassing, but Judith only nodded. He was, after all, a doctor and would know the importance of such things.
“I will.” She held his gaze and then said the only thing that kept coming to mind. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize. I’m glad I was there to catch you ... again. If you’d hit your head on the pew, it could have resulted in the need for stitches.”
“It’s not that.” Judith leaned forward just a bit. “I’m sorry for what my grandfather did to your father ... your family ... you.”
His expression was stoic. “You owe me no apology for that. I’m surprised you even believe wrong was done.”
“I realize that I had nothing to do with it, but after hearing a great many people speak of him doing similar things, I’ve no doubt he’s guilty. My only question is how it can be made right.”
“Made right? It can hardly be made right. You can’t bring my father back to life.”
“I know.” She studied him for a moment and then looked away as they reached the other side of the river.
They rode in silence after that. Judith couldn’t seem to put her thoughts into words, and Roman seemed unwilling to broach the subject further. This wasn’t at all how she had planned to come together with the man who had haunted her dreams these last four years. But she was a firm believer that things happened for a reason. In time, no doubt God would reveal those reasons, but for now it seemed best to remain silent.
10
Judith read her grandfather’s ledgers and financial contracts until lunchtime, then went downstairs. She needed to get away from business dealings and focus on something else.
“Are you ready for lunch?” Mrs. Deeters asked.
Judith was more thirsty than hungry but nodded. “I think I’d like to eat outside under the shade trees. I just feel the need to do something different.”
“I can arrange that for you. It’s much cooler than the stuffiness of this house.”
“Perhaps if we opened up the windows it might help,” Judith suggested.
Mrs. Deeters nodded. “It would, but your ... Mr. Ashton won’t allow it. He worries that being this close to the river might bring about the ague.”
“Is that possible?”
“I really have no idea, ma’am. You go on out, and I’ll bring a tray. There’s a small table and some chairs arranged for just such a situation.”
Judith made her way through the sitting room’s Frenchdoors, which opened out to a lovely stone-paved area with a dozen or more chairs. Beyond that, the gardener had created a walkway with flower beds lining either side. An abundance of tulips bloomed along the walk. They were a riot of colors swaying gently in the breeze. Beyond them were rows of rose bushes, just leafing out with a hint of blossoms to come. Judith could imagine the wonderful scent that would come once they were in full bloom.
The air seemed much cooler in the garden, and Judith thanked God silently for the blessing. She had dressed casually for the day, wearing a simple white blouse and linen skirt. Taking a seat beneath the trees, Judith thought of her grandfather’s business dealings. From the sound of things, they would soon be her responsibility. How had she gotten herself into this?
Just a few weeks ago, she hadn’t even known the man, and now here she was studying his finances in order to take over for him when he died.
Lord,I haveno idea why You’ve brought me here,but givenwhat everyone has to say about this man,and myown observations,it would seem there is a lot ofpain and misery associated with the house of Ashton.
Just then Mrs. Deeters appeared, carrying a large silver tray. “I hope I didn’t take too long. Mrs. Markle had your luncheon ready, but I had to stop a moment to instruct one of the downstairs maids.”
Judith spied the glass of iced lemonade and reached for it first. “You were very quick, Mrs. Deeters.” She took a long, cooling drink.
“Please call me Mary,” the woman replied. “At least when we’re alone.”
“I’d like that, Mary.” Judith placed the glass against her cheek and sighed. “I’d like for us to be friends.”
Mary smiled. “I’d like that too. Especially now that I’ve gotten to know you.”
“I’m sure I caused quite the concern showing up and being so unknown. You probably feared I would be just like my grandfather.”
The housekeeper’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away as if embarrassed. Judith felt sorry for her.
“I didn’t say that to cause distress. It’s just something I’ve felt when I’ve been in the company of people my grandfather has wronged. Working for him must surely be a challenge.”
