“He’s learning to forgive and let go of the past. He confided to us that he wants to let go his anger toward Mr. Ashton. With the right woman, he would find it much easier to look forward than behind.”
“Especially if that woman could help make amends.” Judith sampled the coffee and shook her head. “Oh, Mary, there’s just so much to do.”
“Will there be anything else?” Bert asked James Ashton. The man was completely worn out, so Bert presumed he would need to rest.
“Just this. Don’t think you can change my will.”
Bert’s eyes narrowed. “Sir?”
“I know you’ve an eye on my money. I know you’ve tried to woo my granddaughter, thinking that if I don’t leave you enough, you’ll get my money by marrying her.”
“Sir, that’s hardly the reason I’ve taken an interest in your granddaughter. She’s a beautiful woman, and I found her charming from the moment we first met. It was love at first sight for me, and her feelings for me are growing each day.”
“Bah! She’s too sensible for that. As for you, you’re in love all right, but it’s with my money. If you manage yourself properly, there will be something for you. However, if you continue to annoy me, I will have you cut out.”
Bert knew he would need to tread lightly. “I apologize if I’ve offended you, but I truly have fallen in love with your granddaughter. And I believe she’s starting to return my affections. I do hope to win her heart.”
“She’s not for the likes of you. She’s smarter than you, and her faith will never allow her to settle for anyone who doesn’t feel as she does about God. But that’s beside the point. I forbid it. I don’t want you thinking you can marry her.”
Bert had to bite his tongue to keep from blurting out that the old man would soon be dead and have no ability to interfere. He knew Judith’s feelings for him were growing. She smiled at him all the time. She even complimented him on his clothes from time to time. He thought perhaps he would tell Mr. Ashton about those incidents, but they were so tender and special to him. Why let the old man ruin his moments? Instead, Bert remained silent and figured James Ashton could think he’d won this round.
“You might as well know, I nullified the will that you drew up for me. I’ve had two other lawyers take charge of it. They each have a copy of the new will, and upon my death, they will handle the matter of disbursing my estate. I’ve left mosteverything to Judith, but there are still provisions for you and Winchell.”
Provisions? At one time, Ashton had talked about leaving him half of his wealth since he had no other heir. This was not the news Bert wanted to hear. It felt as if an iron band had tightened around his chest. How dare the old man try to ruin his plans.
“I can see this does not meet with your approval; however, in the long run it will prevent any confusion or suggestions of impropriety. It would be rather questionable if you were to manage it and inherit at the same time. I’ve simply saved you any conflict.”
Bert didn’t really believe that was Ashton’s intention, but he forced a smile. “I trust that all is as it should be.” He got to his feet. “Will there be anything more?”
“No.” Mr. Ashton reached over and pulled the cord that would signal Winchell. “You’re free to go.”
Bert did so immediately. He feared if he stayed even another minute, he might say things that would see him completely disinherited. The old man had taken away some of his power, but Bert still felt confident he could convince Judith of his sincerity. She really was starting to have feelings for him. Of this, Bert was certain. Once the concern about her grandfather faded and the man was dead, she’d need a friend, and he intended to be there for her.
He’d just reached the top of the steps when Mrs. Deeters appeared. “Oh, Mr. Black, Miss Ashton asked that you meet her in the front sitting room. She only needs a moment of your time and will be down shortly.”
The news was exactly what he needed. She wanted to see him. This was better than he could have hoped for. He all but flew down the stairs and made his way to the appointed place. He tried to think of where he might sit that would encourageher to draw close. He studied the room and finally chose the sofa by the front windows.
He considered what he might say to her when they were alone. For now, he would let her set the pace. She was a woman above reproach, so of course she couldn’t speak of courtship with her grandfather so ill. Still, there were things that she might mention to encourage him, and things that he could say that would stimulate such conversations.
Judith appeared promptly and swept into the room like a regal princess. She didn’t even consider sitting beside him, however, and claimed a throne chair to the right of where he sat. He was disappointed but said nothing.
“I’m glad you could wait a moment,” she said.
“I would wait forever if you asked. You know how I feel about you.”
She frowned. “Yes, well, I asked you to wait so that we might discuss my grandfather’s request that you order the building materials for his block.”
“Is there something you want to say about it?”
“Yes. My grandfather is dying, and I would prefer you to refrain from ordering those materials. I realize I have no right to ask you to do so, but it seems that putting it off for the time being would be prudent. We need to focus on what comes next. I intend to speak to my grandfather about what kind of funeral he desires. Unless, of course, he’s already made arrangements with you.”
“No, he hasn’t. He’s been far too consumed by the details regarding his block of buildings.”
“Yes. He sees that as his memorial to society, but we both realize he’s left an entirely different legacy through his business practices.”
Bert was surprised at her comment but kept it to himself. There was no telling how he might use this to his benefit later.
“I don’t believe it will matter if we wait. There is no hope of the materials arriving before he dies.”
