“She’s quite special, Roman. Nothing like her grandfather. I really think you should get to know her for yourself and not judge her so harshly just because she’s an Ashton. I think you’d really like her if you did.”
He smiled and patted Mary’s hand. “I think you’re right. I think it’s quite possible I would really like her.”
“She’s really feeling much better, but you are, of course, welcome to come and visit her for yourself,” Judith told Martha Turner at church the next morning. “I am to blame for her not being here today. I told her to rest.”
“I’m glad you did,” Martha Turner replied. “She’s not good at taking time for herself.”
“Neither are you, Mother,” Roman said, joining them.
His mother laughed. “It would seem our family has issues with leisure time.”
“Or the lack thereof,” Roman added.
Judith felt a little strange anytime Roman came near. Shesupposed it was because of their intimate encounter the day before. She couldn’t be sure, but she thought perhaps Roman was having feelings for her. If so, it only served to heighten her own for him. There was just something about the man.
“Oh, Dr. Turner, before I forget, I have something for you.” She reached into her purse. “I meant to give this to you yesterday, but you left before I could see you again.” She handed him five twenty-dollar gold pieces. “I want to contribute this to your charity work. Your mother said you often treat the poor and receive nothing in return. Let this help you with your supplies and personal needs. The worker is worthy of his wages.” She met his dark-eyed gaze and felt the air leave her lungs. Why did he have such a powerful effect on her?
“Thank you for the donation. This is a great deal of money.” He seemed genuinely surprised.
“There are so many needs. I know from my work in Philadelphia. This won’t take you all that far, but my hope is to donate more as time goes on. And I would be happy to help in any way you might need me. I have even done some nursing. I’m not formally trained, mind you, but I worked for a time as a nurse during the war and learned a great deal. We had a great many wounded soldiers brought to the various hospitals in Philadelphia. The need for nurses was great, and since I’m not squeamish, I volunteered after my husband was killed.”
He looked at the money again and then smiled at her. “I would be pleased to have your company in my work. There are a great many needs in our city.”
His smile and approval warmed her to her toes. Judith felt her cheeks warm. “I should take my seat before the services start.”Or I faint again.
“Judith, I want you to meet my fiancé,” Claudette said, coming to join them. “This is Daniel Moretti.”
“I’m pleased to meet you, Daniel.”
He was a dashing young man with black hair and a winninggrin. “The pleasure is mine.” Judith was glad for something else to focus on rather than Roman’s nearness.
“Judith, why don’t you sit with us since you’re alone and our Mary is absent?” Mrs. Turner asked, taking hold of her arm.
Claudette and Daniel were already moving to take their section of the pew. Martha followed, pulling Judith with her. Mrs. Turner sat down beside Daniel, and Judith had no choice but to take the seat beside her. It would have been rude to do otherwise.
Roman looked down at her for a moment, then slipped in next to her. The fit was tight, putting Roman’s broad shoulders against her. Judith could feel the warmth of his body. She could smell his cologne and hair tonic. She forced herself to breathe.
Why did he have to be so handsome? How in the world was she supposed to focus on the sermon?
13
With Mary fully recovered and back to work, Judith could devote her full attention to her grandfather’s business records once again. She came to look forward to their afternoon discussions, although his weakening condition was evidenced in his quieter demeanor. Even so, he seemed more than willing to relate stories of past dealings and didn’t hesitate to answer when Judith asked questions regarding his transactions. It didn’t appear to bother him in the least that he’d taken advantage of others. His mind was still able to recall details with amazing accuracy, and to him, business was simply business. If someone was hurt in the process, well, that was their problem.
“If a man can’t look out for himself, he has no business working for himself.”
Judith’s brow furrowed. “But what about helping your partners to learn so they wouldn’t get taken advantage of?”
“It wasn’t my place to school them. Nor is it yours.”
His attitude was alarming to Judith. He honestly didn’t careabout duping people. With each improper business deal, Judith wrote down names and suggestions for how she might right the wrong. She was getting quite a long list.
She started to say something, but just then Mr. Black came into the room. He was dressed in a dapper gray suit with a white shirt and red tie. He glanced at Judith with an expression that suggested he knew exactly how good he looked.
Her grandfather struggled to sit up a little better. “I asked Bert to join us to go over the plans for my block downtown.”
Judith quickly forgot all about Bert’s finery and went to help her grandfather. His skin bore a sickly yellow-gray pallor. His eyes, which always seemed alert, were dull, and his gaze fixed on something across the room. Judith helped him to straighten, then did her best to put his condition from her mind. Even so, she wondered when the end would come.
“I was happy to accommodate,” Bert said, smiling at Judith. “Miss Ashton is such a pleasure to work with. I must say that there aren’t many women who are as astute and knowledgeable.”
