“Yes. Yes. Leave us to work.”
Ashton was propped up in bed but looked worse than he had on Friday when Bert had last seen him. Bert knew better than to comment on the man’s condition, however. He pulled up a chair next to a small desk that Ashton had put in for him.
“I have the contracts you asked for. I finished preparing them late Friday. The terms are exactly as you dictated.” He took the papers to the old man’s bed.
Ashton reached up to take them, and Bert could see that his hands were barely able to grasp the pages. Bert returned to his seat and took up his pen. Ashton was prone to suddenly dictating instructions and even letters without warning.
“Did you buy those additional stocks I asked you to purchase?”
“I did. This morning before coming here.”
“Good.” Ashton appeared to consider the papers, then placed them on the bed at his side. “I’ll have Judith look these over when she comes this afternoon.”
Bert said nothing. Ashton had no interest in him courting his granddaughter. He’d made that quite clear. There was no sense stirring up an argument.
“The time is coming when you’ll handle all these thingswith Judith. I’m not pleased at the prospect, knowing you will no doubt torment the poor woman with words of love and nonsense. However, she is strong and capable.” He closed his eyes and fell silent.
Bert wondered for the moment if the great man had passed away but knew soon enough that he was still drawing breath.
“Have you ordered the building supplies for my block?”
Bert lied. “Of course. It’s all been taken care of. It will take some time to get the marble, of course, but the lumber will come from your own mills. The steel will be shipped into Duluth and brought down by train. I’ve arranged to warehouse it on site.”
“Good. I think that’s all I care to discuss for now. Come back this afternoon when I speak with Judith. You may go.”
Bert frowned. It wasn’t even ten thirty yet. “Are you certain? I can stay on and be here should you think of something additional that needs our attention.”
“Just go.” Ashton’s voice was barely audible. The man was weak and tired. It was a good sign that the end would come soon.
Bert put away the pen. He was in no hurry to go and took his time putting things back in his satchel. “I’ll be back at one.”
Ashton said nothing.
Making his way back downstairs, Bert contemplated how to remain at the house until Judith came home. Thankfully, she had just returned and was busy in conversation with Mrs. Deeters.
When he appeared in the foyer, they stopped and turned to look at him. He wasn’t sure, but there seemed a hint of annoyance in Mrs. Deeters’s expression.
“Hello, Bert,” Judith said in greeting. “Mrs. Deeters was just telling me that you wished to see me. Have you time now, or has Grandfather sent you on some errand?”
“I have time. Mr. Ashton is far too tired to work. He told meto return this afternoon when you and he will discuss business. I left a contract that he intends for you to go over. If you like, I can remain and explain it to you.”
“No, that’s quite all right. I’m sure I can manage with the contract, and I’m busy at the moment. We’re taking small cakes and cookies over to the orphans’ home. I’ll look at the contracts this afternoon and discuss them then.”
Bert didn’t know what to say. He needed to get her alone.
She seemed to sense this and looked at Mrs. Deeters. “Would you mind asking Charles to help load everything? Tell him that I’ll be ready to leave shortly. He can bring the carriage around.”
“Of course,” Mrs. Deeters said, glancing at him.
“I’ll speak with Bert for a moment.” Mrs. Deeters nodded and took off down the hall. Judith turned to him. “What is it I can do for you?”
“Why don’t we sit for a moment?”
She shook her head. “I don’t have the time, Bert. Now what is it?”
“I was hoping you might accompany me this evening to a Fourth of July party. It’s going to be a beautiful night and a grand affair. I know you would have a wonderful time, and with you at my side, I would as well. I want very much to court you, Judith. I’m most serious about a future with you. I’m sure until now you’ve been trying to judge my sincerity, but I believe you can see given our time together that I’ve come to care very deeply for you.”
She sighed. “Bert, I have spoken plainly on the matter. I’m not interested in being with you. I feel I’ve been clear about this, but apparently not clear enough. I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but my attentions lie elsewhere.”
