“The Bible does say that Jesus is the only way to the Father.”
James thought about his servant’s answers for a moment, then nodded. “That will be all, Winchell. Take the tray. I’ve no appetite.”
15
“I’m so glad you could join us,” Martha Turner declared as Roman helped Judith into the back of an old buckboard. If her grandfather saw this, Judith knew he’d be absolutely appalled. That the granddaughter of James Ashton Sr. should ride around in the back of a wagon like freight would have caused him great displeasure.
“Sit here by me, Judith,” Claudette said, patting the wooden seat. Someone had thoughtfully built a bench behind the driver’s seat, and it was to there that Judith made her way.
Judith noted the barrels and crates all around them. “What is all this?” she asked, looking to Claudette.
“Supplies. These are some of the things Roman was able to buy with the money you donated. We’ll use it all at the orphans’ home. It seems like a lot, but it really isn’t. Not when it comes to helping so many children.”
Judith nodded. Yesterday after church, Martha had invited her to come along on a trip to lend a hand with the children. It seemed there was an outbreak of scarlet fever, and the two Sisters who ran the place were quite desperate. Judith had eagerlyagreed to help, assuring Roman that she’d had the disease as a youngster and knew it was rare to catch it a second time.
Roman paid the toll and drove the buckboard across the river while his mother explained what they might be up against. “It’s not a formal orphanage, but rather something that’s been cobbled together by a few well-meaning folks. Roman attends to the medical needs along with his good friend Dr. Lester.”
“And how many children are being cared for?” Judith asked, glancing over her shoulder.
“At present, there are ten,” Roman replied. “They range in age from infants to twelve years old. A farm family is about to adopt the twelve-year-old. His parents were killed in the Dakota War. He was just four years old, and his mother managed to hide him during the attack. He still sometimes has nightmares.”
“I can’t imagine being so young and watching your parents be killed.” Judith offered a silent prayer for the boy.
“The people who are adopting him were friends of his folks. They managed to leave the area when the war started. They didn’t return until just last year. When they learned about Samuel’s plight, they came forward with the request to have him become a part of their family. I think it will be healing for all.”
“That’s wonderful. He will have people around who knew his family and can share stories and keep their memory alive.”
Judith couldn’t help but feel sorry for the child, however. It had been hard enough to lose her parents as an adult. How terrible for a young one to have his family taken from him in such a violent manner.
When they finally arrived at the house, Judith wasn’t impressed. It was just a little two-story wood house. It hardly seemed big enough to house the two nuns, much less an additional ten children. The barn in back of the house was bigger.
Roman parked the wagon near the back door, then led the way to the front. He knocked and waited until one of the Sisters came to answer. The older woman who appeared walked with a limp but gave Roman a radiant smile. “It was good of you to come, Dr. Turner. I’m afraid some of the children are gravely ill, but blessed be the name of the Lord.”
“I’ve brought a great many supplies. We’ll start unloading them in a moment, but first I’d like you to meet someone. You of course know my mother and sister.” The women nodded and smiled at one another. “This is our friend, Mrs. Stanford. She’s quite active with a variety of charities in Philadelphia and wanted to join us in helping here today.”
“We’re grateful for all the help we can get,” the woman explained. “I’m Sister Agnes. I work here with Sister Ann.”
“I’m pleased to meet you.” Judith took hold of Sister Agnes’s hand and just held it a moment. “And I’m very glad to help you in any way I can.”
“We have a great deal of need. Some of the children have grown quite ill. I fear they simply haven’t the strength to endure.”
Judith fought to keep from frowning. The idea of children dying was always difficult to consider. She looked to Roman, hoping he might have something to say.
“We will see what we can do to get them back on the road to recovery,” Roman offered. “Is Mr. Brannon here to help with unloading?”
“He is in the barn. I’d be surprised if he hasn’t already started unloading.”
“Wonderful. Now, I want you and Sister Ann to go and rest. We will be here for a couple of hours, and during that time, you both should nap.”
“Oh dear, no. We couldn’t do that.”
“I’m the doctor, and it’s what I believe you need to do in order to remain healthy.” He gave her a smile. “A short restwill do you good. I’m guessing you and Sister Ann have been getting nothing more than the briefest of sleep.”
“God provides the strength we need. We trust Him for our rest.” She had a perfect expression of peace on her face.
“All right, let’s get the wagon unloaded. Show us where you want the supplies.” Roman looked at Judith and winked. “While I unload things, I’ll pray that God convinces you that rest is in your best interest. Mother, why don’t you go with Sister Agnes and see that we have plenty of hot water and towels available. Claudette, you come with Judith and me.”
Judith hid her smile as they moved out to return to the wagon. She liked the way Roman managed things. He treated people with great respect but was firm in the way he thought things ought to be done.
