“Stop trying to pay court to my granddaughter.” Her grandfather eyed the man with contempt. “I didn’t ask you here to play the part of suitor. Now give me the figures for my building materials.”
Judith listened as Bert read off a list of numbers and their corresponding items. Her grandfather wanted the buildings in his block to be hewn out of marble. He wanted his block to stand out as a shimmering memorial. It was akin to erecting a huge gravestone downtown, at which all could come and worship. But she had other plans. He might well desire to have an Ashton Block downtown, but Judith intended the use for those buildings to be quite different. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if one building was a hospital and another an orphanage? Perhaps there could be a place to facilitate the coming together of area churches to coordinate aid and shelter for the destitute. Shewould still call it the James Ashton Block, but with her father in mind, as well as her grandfather.
“And I believe we can get those items shipped to Duluth and then sent by railroad to Minneapolis,” Bert summed up.
“Good. I like the sound of that. When will you place the order?”
“Immediately, if that is your desire.”
The older man nodded, and Judith made a mental note to speak to Bert before he left. She didn’t want him ordering up marble and brass for buildings that could just as easily be built of brick.
“Judith, I have a great deal of work to do with Bert, so if you’ll leave us for the time being, you and I can continue our discussion later.”
She nodded and got to her feet. “Just have someone come for me when you’re ready to continue.”
Outside his door, Judith ran into Mary, who was instructing a new housemaid on the finer details of cleaning.
“Use the linseed-oil mixture. It brings out the sheen of the wood,” Mary told the girl. “Polish every piece of wood in the hall with it.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The girl seemed eager to please.
“How are you feeling, Mrs. Deeters?” Judith refrained from calling her Mary to maintain the façade of employer and employee.
“Better, miss. Thank you.” She smiled. “Would you care to have coffee brought to your room?”
“Yes, that would be nice.” With that, Judith disappeared down the hall. She would await Mary in her sitting room, where they could speak in private.
About fifteen minutes later, Mary appeared with a tray. “I brought some of Mrs. Markle’s berry scones. She is quite gifted in her baking.”
“Yes, she is. I’m glad my grandfather was particular in hiringa cook. The woman is extraordinary. I shall be happy to keep her on.”
A look of surprise crossed Mary’s face. “Does that mean you intend to remain in Minneapolis?”
Judith smiled. “I am considering it. I like it here. It’s fresh and exciting. I’m asking God to show me exactly where He wants me.”
Mary placed the tray on the small table by the sofa. “Would you like me to serve?”
“No, just sit and let’s discuss what’s happening. Please help yourself to the refreshments.” Judith poured herself a cup of coffee. “I was just listening to my grandfather’s plans for his downtown block. The man is thinking to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars. It’s quite ridiculous. And for what? A bank, an investment firm, and other financial institutions.”
Mary handed her the cream. “I’ve never understood the way the rich spend their money. But then, I’ve never been rich.” She chuckled as if she’d made a great joke.
Smiling, Judith poured the cream and set it aside. “It just seems that people who have the means to make others happy, or at least taken care of, have little sense in how to do so.” She took up the sugar before stirring. “I need to speak to Mr. Black before he leaves. Would you direct him to the front parlor when he is ready to leave? Then just let me know, and I will join him there.”
“Of course.” Mary adjusted the front of her apron. “Do you need anything else?”
“No, but stress with Mr. Black that it will take only a moment. I don’t want him thinking I want to sit and bask in his company.”
Mary nodded and smiled. “It won’t be any trouble. I’ll see to it that he waits.” She stood. “You know, my sister is quite fond of you. She said you volunteered to go with some of the women to serve refreshments to the homeless down by the river.”
“I did.” Judith frowned. “I’m very troubled that there are so many children who seem to be without homes or guidance. Philadelphia has many great institutions that help with these matters. I keep thinking perhaps my help here would be better needed than back east.”
“Yet another reason to favor Minneapolis. I’m sure that some of these children have run away from bad situations.”
“No doubt. I hate that such a life only serves to worsen their lot. If they don’t get a strong foundation with a basic education, then it’s harder for them to find jobs with decent wages as they grow older. It’s like a stone rolling out of control. I know we do what we can to lend aid, but they need so much.” Judith shook her head. “I feel so inadequate to help.”
“But you’ve a good heart, Judith. God has given you the desire to serve, and you do it beautifully. I’m praying that He’ll show you exactly what you need to do. And you know, it wouldn’t hurt to have a good man at your side. Someone like my nephew.” Mary smiled. “I think you two would make a fine couple.”
“I’ve admired him since I first met him, but your nephew hates my grandfather. I’m not sure he could look past that for long.”
