“About what?”
“Our situations ... our positions. If Mr. Ashton does die, will you retain us?”
Judith thought of Winchell’s look of worry earlier. She hadn’t considered how the others must be just as concerned about their employment.
“If my grandfather chooses me as his heir, and I choose to stay, you will all have a place here for as long as you continue to give good service. I wish I could offer you something more permanent at this moment, but decisions haven’t been made. However, should you choose to take positions elsewhere, I will give good recommendations for each.”
The look of relief on Harriet’s face was instantaneous. “Thank you, miss. It’s good to know.”
“You may tell the others if the subject comes up. However, don’t give yourselves over to lengthy deliberations. We don’t know what the future holds for any of us. God alone will guide us. Trust in Him.”
“Yes, miss.”
Judith waited until the girl had exited the room to pray her thanks for the meal. She also prayed for wisdom to know how to deal with the information she was taking in. Her grandfather had cheated most of the early settlers of Minneapolis and St. Anthony. But there were also legitimate dealings that had merited him gain simply because he was a smart businessman. He had made a fortune for himself through those things, which was what puzzled Judith. Why should he stoop to questionable arrangements when he was able to make plenty of money through ethical means?
When Mary checked on her later that evening, Judith was ready for a new set of books and papers. Mary took the old books and returned them to the storage room, then brought Judith additional ones before bidding her good night.
“Do you have everything you need, Judith?” She held a hand to her stomach as if in pain.
“I do, but I’m concerned about you. Did you overdo it carrying those things upstairs? It was thoughtless of me not to help.”
Mary shook her head and grimaced. “No, it’s an old complaint. I have pain from time to time. The doctor says it has to do with something in my body called a gallbladder. Some kind of stone has formed, perhaps more than one. It’s quite difficult to remove it. It’s all right, though. It should pass in time, and I’m sure to feel better. Please don’t worry yourself.”
“You will let me know if you need something, won’t you?”
“Of course, but as I said, please don’t worry about it.” The mantel clock chimed. “Will there be anything else?”
“No, I’m fine. Please get some rest.”
Mary nodded and hurried from the room as if uncomfortable that anyone should know of her situation.
Judith had never heard of such a thing as a gallbladder. She prayed silently that Mary might find healing and that there would be no further trouble from these stones that were causing such pain. At times like these, Judith marveled at the intricacy of the human body.
“We truly are fearfully and wonderfully made.”
In the morning after breakfast, Judith began again sorting through the papers and ledgers. She had to say this much for her grandfather: He was meticulous at keeping records. He wrote down the details of each transaction, as well as his thoughts on the matter. It was rather like being able to go back in time and know what the man’s motivations were. None of them were good, and yet he noted them all. It was almost as if he were proud of his decisions. Perhaps he was.
James Ashton Sr. was focused solely on greed and accomplishment. The person he admired most in the world was himself. He spoke of previous dealings that had taken place in Boston, leaving Judith to wonder about his deceptions and underhanded operations prior to coming to Minneapolis. No doubt there were other records elsewhere regarding those situations.
I have offended GovernorSibley. Ridiculous man. Sibley learned of my plan to purchasepublic school land for pennies on the dollar. It wouldhave been a simple matter,but he had to getinvolved and vetoed it for no better reason than hisdislike of me, Judith read from a book marked1858. It seemed her grandfather was happy to steal from the state as well.
By noon, she was ready for additional materials, but Mary hadn’t yet come to see her. It concerned Judith enough that she carried the ledgers to the third floor and stopped at Mary’s room on the way.
She gave a light knock. Mary responded in a weak voice, and Judith hurried to open the door, despite the load she carried. She came into the room and placed the books on a nearby chair.
“Mary, are you all right?” She went to the woman’s bedside. “What can I do?”
“Nothing. The doctor was already here. Winchell brought him after he saw your grandfather. The doctor thinks the worst of it has passed. The pain in the night was so severe I could barely breathe. Now it’s but a minor discomfort.”
“There must be something that can be done.”
Mary closed her eyes. “He says there is nothing.”
“Have you asked your nephew, Dr. Turner?”
“No. I didn’t want to worry the family. I haven’t even told my sister. Usually, the nausea and pain pass within a day or so. I was just planning to get up and get to work.”
“You need to let your nephew know. As I understand from Sarah Knickerbacker, he is an exceptional surgeon. Perhaps he could remove this stone that is causing you so much trouble. He might have some new information that my grandfather’s doctor is lacking.”
