“Where are you going?”
She didn’t even pause but glanced over her shoulder. “About my business. You should do likewise.”
Her steps quickened but not enough. Bert was soon at her side. “Please give me a moment of time.”
With great reluctance, Judith stopped and turned. “What is it, Bert?”
He smiled. “I just want to be near you.”
“Bert, please. We’ve already discussed this.”
“I know.” His brow furrowed. “Mr. Ashton is your first concern. I do agree that he should be exactly that, but the man is soon to die, and you’ll need me.”
Judith couldn’t imagine any situation in which she’d need Bert Black. Still, she didn’t wish to hurt his feelings. He was quite sweet in his own way.
“I assure you, Bert, if I need you, I will send for you. Right now, I have more than enough to do on my own, and besides, I’ll be following you up shortly so we can all go over that contract together.”
Disappointment was evident in his expression, but he gave a nod, and Judith let that be their farewell.
She reached the garden area to find Mary cleaning up the last of their refreshments. “Bert’s here again,” she told the older woman. “Apparently Grandfather isn’t of a mind to observe the celebratory spirit of Fourth of July.”
“He doesn’t even see Christmas as a reason for commerce to halt,” Mary said, putting the last of the dishes on her tray. She straightened and gave a shrug. “I suppose each man must make his own decisions regarding such things. No doubt in dying, he feels it necessary to utilize each day and moment.”
Judith nodded. “Claudette invited me to come celebrate with the family this evening, but I told her I didn’t feel I should leave Grandfather. Still, I was deeply touched that they invited me to come.”
“It will be quite the celebration. I plan to be there myself. Once my work is done, of course.”
Judith laughed. “Oh, Mary, I think you should leave as soon as possible. It’s a glorious day, and the revelry will be exceptional, I’m sure.”
“There are fireworks planned, although individuals are not to be shooting them off themselves. The sheriff posted a large notice in the paper. I’m sure he means to arrest those who disregard his instructions.”
“Just be sure to mind yourself, then.” Judith chuckled. “Why don’t you get going? I can return this tray to the kitchen.”
“Oh no, that definitely wouldn’t be proper.”
“Since when do we care about that?”
Mary laughed but picked up the tray. “It will only take a moment, and then I will be on my way.”
“God bless you and your family, Mary.”
Judith thought of Roman and hoped he would be able to enjoy the evening. Hopefully accidents would be at a minimum, and he wouldn’t find himself caught up in medical repairs all evening. She supposed, however, that was the routine of a doctor.
“Judith! Judith! Come quickly!”
It was Bert again. He was running from around the front of the house and coming at full steam. “It’s your grandfather! Hurry. He’s not breathing!”
Judith had known this moment would come but even so felt completely unprepared.
“I’ll send for the doctor,” Mary declared and hurried toward the back of the house.
Judith froze. What was she supposed to do? What could she do?
“Why don’t you come and sit down,” Bert suggested, reaching out to take hold of her arm.
She pulled away almost angrily. “No, Bert! I need to be at his side.”
Racing into the house, Judith gave little thought to having offended the man. She was tired of dealing with him.
