Winchell was standing at the foot of the bed. His face revealed the truth of the situation. Judith stepped to her grandfather’sbedside and took hold of his hand. It was still warm, so his death must have not come more than a few moments ago.
“Were you with him?” she asked, looking to his valet.
“No, ma’am. I had checked on him earlier, and he was sleeping deeply. I had stepped out to tend to his suits, and then Mr. Black called out for help a short time later.”
“It must have come fast,” Mary said, having joined them. “He didn’t ring for any of us.”
Judith sat down on the bed beside her grandfather. He looked to be at peace, but how could she know? She had shared the Gospel with him, but he’d never so much as indicated that he saw the value of making peace with God.
She continued to hold his hand and didn’t attempt to hold back the tears that came. She wanted so much to believe he had accepted the truth about God, but now she would never know. At least not until making her own way into eternity.
“Oh, Grandfather.” She sighed the words and sniffed back tears. “If only I knew.”
18
A funeral was held on Friday for James Ashton Sr. It was poorly attended, as Judith had presumed it would be. There were a handful of suit-clad strangers, men who she figured had done business with her grandfather or felt obligated enough to pay their respects. Otherwise, the household staff was on hand and, to her great surprise, the entire Turner family.
Reverend Knickerbacker gave the eulogy, admitting he didn’t know James Ashton all that well but believed that every man was deserving of decent burial. The service was quite short, relating the usual information about Grandfather’s birth and marriage. Judith had shared what information she could, relying on Winchell to fill in many of the details she wouldn’t have otherwise known. For herself, she could offer very little. The man had simply not allowed himself to be intimately known by family or foe, and the things she had learned through his business records were not the kind one would want shared.
When the services were over, the reverend and his wifecame and gave their consolation. “We’re here for you in any way you need,” he assured her.
“Yes, Judith. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if we can do anything,” Sarah added.
“I do hope you’ll give my excuses tonight at the party.” Judith had only just now remembered the fundraiser. “I do intend to give you a large donation for the hospital, Reverend. As soon as I know for sure how the financial situation stands with my grandfather’s estate.”
“You are very kind, and I will look forward to discussing this another time. For now, please don’t worry about a thing. We will of course explain your absence,” the reverend said, patting her gloved hand.
Judith took up her black fan and began to wave it. The warmth of the day was growing, and she didn’t want another fainting incident. Thankfully a breeze blew across the open cemetery, giving immediate relief.
Winchell came to her side as if uncertain as to what should be done next. She had asked him to ride with her in the Ashton carriage and was grateful for his company. Dressed in black livery with a mourning band on his arm, he looked quite properly outfitted for the funeral. It was his expression that suggested he was completely displaced.
“I’m so glad you’re with me, Winchell.” She was just about to suggest they head to the carriage when Bert approached, hat in hand.
“I am very sorry for your loss. Mr. Ashton was a great man.”
She looked at Bert for a moment, then nodded and continued to fan herself. She knew Bert would see her grandfather’s demise as the perfect opportunity to continue pursuing her. She had thought a great deal about the future, and while she wanted very much to continue in her new relationship with Roman, she had no desire to keep time with Bert. Not even as her attorney. Of course, she wasn’t going to say as much atthe funeral, but in the days to come, she would have to call him to the house and dismiss him. That was going to be difficult at best.
“Judith, I believe you should make your way home.” She turned to find Roman looking at her with great concern. “The heat may become too much, especially given you’re wearing all black.”
“I had thought about that,” she admitted. “Winchell has been good enough to assist me.”
Roman looked to the valet and nodded. “Mrs. Stanford has difficulty in the heat. You should take her home immediately.”
“Yes, sir. I will do that.” Winchell extended his arm for Judith to take.
“And if I might add, when she gets home you may need to remind her to put on cooler clothing and drink plenty of water or tea. Iced if possible. The heat tends to cloud her thinking, and she might forget.”
“I will see to it, sir.”
“Thank you, Winchell,” Judith said. “And thank you, Dr. Turner. I appreciate your concern. I’m also very sorry that I cannot attend the fundraiser with you this evening. I do hope it’s a success.”
“As do I. I know the reverend has worked hard for this hospital.”
“As I told him, I will be making a large donation once I have my grandfather’s affairs in order.” Judith noted that Bert looked quite put out. “Good day, Bert. Thank you for coming to Grandfather’s funeral.”
“I’ll be coming by this afternoon to go over things with you.”
Grief, but the man was positively officious. “No, please don’t. I won’t feel up to it, I’m sure. This has all been much too much.”
