“Would you like me to check on you later?” Roman asked. “I could easily come by on my way to the fundraiser.”
Judith smiled. “That would be nice. Given your medical knowledge, you can advise me if I need to do something more to improve my situation.”
With that, she let Winchell guide her to the carriage. She noted the look of dismay on Bert’s face. He was clearly put out that she had dismissed him. A sigh escaped her lips.
“Are you all right, ma’am?” Winchell asked.
“Yes. I’m completely exhausted, however. I didn’t sleep well last night.”
“Nor did I,” he replied, then immediately apologized. “That was uncalled for. Speaking of my personal well-being is completely out of line.”
“Not at all, Winchell,” Judith said as he helped her into the Ashton carriage. Once she was seated, she waited for him to join her in the open conveyance. “I want to know that you are doing well. Or that you aren’t, for that matter.”
“The times are not without difficulties, to be sure.”
“Yes, but I want to reiterate that your position is secure.” The driver started the carriage for home and hit a rather large dip in the road. Judith bounced hard across the seat, barely righting herself.
Winchell reached out to steady her, then quickly pulled away once she was upright again.
“Goodness, but that was quite the hole we fell into.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Winchell actually gave a hint of a smile. “The newspaper just carried a story on the poor conditions of some roads. There are plans for improvements.”
Judith leaned back against the fine leather upholstery. “That’s good to hear.” She smiled and shook her head. “But back to what I was saying, Winchell, you are secure in my household.”
“Then you have decided to remain in Minneapolis?”
She considered this for a moment. “I have. It seems the right decision. Like it was always meant to be. My assistantback in Philadelphia can manage my affairs there. I also have a businessman who handles the steamboat services my father created. There’s really nothing in Philadelphia that beckons me to return. Here, however, there are people I’ve come to care about. You’re one of those.
“I know my grandfather was not easy to work for, and yet you remained with him from the time you were hardly more than a boy. I admire your loyalty and hope you will be frank with me in the days to come, Winchell. I don’t need servants; I need friends. I need that same loyalty you gave my grandfather.”
“Madam, I am happy to attend you in whatever capacity you request. However, I only have skills and training to perform as a valet. There is also my age to consider.”
Judith smiled. “I know. I believe having you around to oversee the men who work in the house will be most beneficial. Also I’ll have you close by to offer me advice when needed. I have long missed the advice my father offered, and there’s something about you that reminds me of him.”
Winchell’s left brow raised. He was not one to show emotion, but this clearly betrayed his surprise. Judith shrugged. “I’ve a feeling we will have a great many difficult days ahead of us. I intend to right the wrongs my grandfather committed. At least, I hope to do as much as possible.”
“You should know that Mr. Ashton changed the handling of his will. I’m sure within a few days you’ll be notified by the gentlemen who now manage it.”
“Gentlemen? There is more than one?”
“Yes. Mr. Ashton feared Mr. Black’s attachment to his money and removed the will from his care. Mr. Ashton instead turned the matter over to another law firm. In fact, two law firms. He wanted no opportunity for either to try anything underhanded. He trusted no one.”
“Somehow that doesn’t surprise me. I suppose when you aregiven to underhanded business dealings, you come to expect that from everyone around you.”
“Perhaps, ma’am. I do know that he rewrote the will leaving most everything to you. He told me that he had made provision for me, and I believe there was to be a small amount settled on Mr. Black for his faithful service.”
“Well, as you know, I’ve familiarized myself with all of his business records. I know the current projects he has going on, as well as his earliest dealings here in Minnesota. I didn’t attempt to go back further than that, but I do intend to try and help those he damaged so badly.”
“Like the Turners?”
“Yes, especially them. I feel terrible for what happened.”
“As do I. That was a most difficult situation, and not one that was managed well at all.”
Judith considered this as they drove. It troubled her more than she could say to know her grandfather had caused the death of Roman’s father. How could their love grow with such a horrendous thing between them?
Love?
