“It was a terrible time. My poor mother ... She suffered so much but did so in silence. I could see the fear in her eyes, but she tried so hard to be encouraging. Friends would relate information, assuring us the Indians would never attack St. Anthony and Minneapolis because of Fort Snelling being so close. But we went to sleep each night wondering what would happen. We worried we might be murdered in our sleep. Mama did her best to keep to our routine. She told me God would see us through, and no matter the outcome, we would remain in His care.”
“How awful. I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”
“I sometimes still have nightmares, but please don’t tell Roman. He already feels guilty for not having been around to save Papa. Then when he heard about the attack in Minnesota, well, Mama said he nearly left the army to come to us. She doesn’t ever want him to know how afraid we really were.” She bit her lip and wiped at her tears.
“My guess is that he already knows. Your brother is quite tenderhearted. He wouldn’t work with the people he’s chosen to care for if not for that. He’s also smart. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have become such a renowned surgeon.”
“It’s almost as if you’ve known him for a long time.”
Judith gave a nervous laugh. “There are times when it seems that way to me as well. But I believe it’s probably more that I’m good at deducing situations. It’s what has helped me to help others.”
“I think Roman likes you,” Claudette said and quickly covered her mouth.
Judith couldn’t hide her surprise for a moment, then burst out laughing. “I like him too. I like all of you.” She sobered asClaudette lowered her hands. “I’m only sorry that my grandfather was the cause of so much trouble and pain. However, I intend to do what I can to make up for his cruelty. I don’t know yet what exactly can be done, but I will endeavor to see that your family reclaims some of its losses.”
“Oh, that would be wonderful. I hate seeing Roman and Mama work so hard. Mama says she loves to sew, but I know she gets very tired. I sometimes worry about her.”
It troubled Judith to hear these things. She knew it wasn’t her responsibility that such things had happened, but it was her responsibility to see that they were made right.
“I should be going. I promised Mama I’d deliver the message and come right back.”
“You haven’t finished your cake,” Judith said, holding up her own plate. “Mrs. Markle makes a very nice ginger cake.” She sampled the small piece and smiled.
Claudette did likewise, taking a much larger bite. “Mmm.” Her eyes lit up in approval. “Delicious.”
They ate their cake in silence and then drank the last of their lemonade. Judith dabbed her napkin to her lips. “There, now you can return home fully refreshed.”
Claudette laughed. “Given all the food that I know will be at the party tonight, I’m certain to be refreshed all evening.”
Laughing, they got to their feet and began the stroll to the front of the house. Judith liked the younger woman very much.
“I know that there are quite a few years between our ages,” Judith told her as they reached the front walk, “but I’d like to be your friend.”
“I want that as well,” Claudette replied. “And perhaps we can be even more.”
Judith wasn’t at all sure exactly what she meant by that but smiled and nodded. Just then Mr. Black arrived in a buggy. He had driven himself, which somewhat surprised Judith.
“Farewell, Claudette. I’m sure we’ll see each other soon.” She gave the girl a wave as Claudette headed down the drive.
It was only moments before Bert Black had dismounted. To Judith’s relief, one of the stableboys appeared to take control of the horse. Bert bounded up the walk and gave Judith a huge smile.
“I’m back, just as I said I’d be. Isn’t the weather lovely?”
“It is. Hopefully you can convince Grandfather to limit his work today. After all, it is a celebration day.”
“You know your grandfather. He doesn’t know the meaning of the wordholiday. I doubt he’ll have much to do, however, since many others have agreed to put aside work today.”
“I doubt he’ll have much to do because he’s taken another bad turn. The doctor was here earlier and said my grandfather is nearing his time.”
“I am sorry to hear that. I know it grieves you. I would save you from this pain, if I could.”
“Thank you.” Judith hoped that would be the end of it.
“Who, might I ask, was the young lady?” Bert glanced down the street at Claudette’s retreating figure.
“Just a friend. Someone from church,” Judith replied. She had no desire for Bert to share information regarding Claudette’s visit with her grandfather. “Feel free to go on up, but don’t be surprised if Grandfather is less than concerned with business. He’s sleeping more and more these days.”
Bert nodded, but then gave Judith a long look. She didn’t like the way he studied her and turned to go back to the gardens. At least this way she wouldn’t have to make conversation with him as they entered the house.
