“I am an Ashton, after all.” She waited for him to challenge her.
“Indeed, you are that.”
She smiled at this new acceptance. “Good. Now, are you ready to discuss business?”
“Mary, I’ve poured over all of the books and contracts in my grandfather’s office,” Judith began, “but I’m wondering where I might lay my hands on his older dealings.”
“There is a room on the third floor where his oldest records are stored. He’s always said that no one is to have access, but I have a key. I go in from time to time to dust and make sure things are still in order.”
“I want to go there. I need to read through the old contracts and see for myself how he cheated people in the early days. It seems to me that I have a great deal of work to accomplish once he’s gone.”
“What do you mean?”
Judith got up from behind her grandfather’s desk. “I mean, James Ashton Sr. wasn’t as good at hiding his manipulations and schemes as he might have thought he was. Perhaps God has given me the ability to read between the lines, but I can easily see what my grandfather has done. And, while he might have managed to conduct business in a legal manner, it certainly wasn’t done in an ethical one.”
Mary Deeters nodded and produced a ring of keys. “I’ll show you up there at once. You’ll need a lamp.”
Judith grabbed one of the lamps from the hall table and followed Mary up to the third floor. Mary pointed out the rooms of various staff, including her own, as she moved to the far end of the hall. “Mr. Winchell is the only staff member to have a room on the second floor. It’s attached to the back of your grandfather’s suite. He wanted to have the man close at all times.”
“It’s no wonder Winchell is so devoted.”
“It would be best if no one knew you were working up here,” Mary said as she unlocked the door.
Judith could well understand her concern. “Do you suppose it would be better if I were to take some of the records to my room? Perhaps you could help me.”
“Yes, we should just take a few at a time so there’s no sign that someone has moved things around. I doubt your grandfather will have the energy to come up here and check, but it’s best we not give anyone a reason to suggest it.”
An hour later, Judith was set up in her sitting room with a handful of business ledgers and stacks of correspondence. All were dated from as early as 1855. Judith began reading and found herself completely immersed in the founding days of the area. The civic leaders from both sides of the river came together to make plans for a suspension bridge that would span the Mississippi. It would be the very first, and James Ashton did his best to impose himself in the planning. He noted the importance of this being a toll bridge. There would be plenty of people who would want to cross the river without having to make a lengthy ferry ride. A toll would help to pay not only for the bridge but for its upkeep as well. Judith noted he recommended fifteen cents per horse, ten cents per cow, and two cents for each sheep. People were to be charged depending on their ages, anywhere from three to five cents. He wrote down that these recommended prices were later accepted.
She continued poring through the papers and her grandfather’s notes. There were several situations where he acquired a great deal of land. The dealings were a mix of failed loans and prearranged agreements. By the time Harriet came with her supper tray, Judith was more than ready to put her work aside.
“It’s funny that Mr. Ashton would have you reading all those business reports,” Harriet declared, uncovering Judith’s dinner.
Mrs. Markle had outdone herself. A filet of beef smothered in a burgundy sauce with braised garlic and rosemary potatoes awaited her sampling. There was also coffee, to which Judith immediately began to add sugar and cream.
“I suppose my grandfather sees the sense of utilizing people he knows to be trustworthy,” Judith replied.
“I don’t know how you do it. I can barely read through a letter. I can’t imagine reading all those papers and ledgers. I was never good with numbers.”
“We all have our gifts. You do an amazing job of ironing and mending. I’m not as good at that.”
Harriet straightened after uncovering Judith’s dessert of bread pudding with vanilla sauce. “I’ve never been praised for my work. I suppose it is a sort of talent. God gave us each our abilities.”
“Exactly,” Judith said, smiling. “And our responsibilities. For example, I’m the only remaining relative of James Ashton. It has left me with a critical job to do. Since I believe nothing happens by chance or without God’s knowledge, I will accept this as His will for me and do my best.”
“Oh, miss, I do love the way you talk about God. It reminds me of my mother. She’s gone now, but she was always encouraging me to put my trust in God’s goodness.”
“I would encourage you to do the same, Harriet. He’s never failed me yet.”
Harriet nodded. “I’m sure that’s true for myself as well.” She paused at the door. “May I ask you a question?”
“Of course, Harriet. What is it?” Judith stopped stirring her coffee and met the girl’s concerned expression.
“Well, the servants here know that Mr. Ashton isn’t long for the world. God bless him.” She paused, looking to see if Judith was willing for her to continue.
“Go on.” Judith put the spoon down and gave the girl her full attention.
“Well, it’s just that we’re ... well, we’re kind of worried.”
