She knew her thoughts were going toward that possibility more and more. She found Roman quite attractive, and not only that, but his heart was fixed on the same things as her own. She had never expected to fall in love again, much less to do it so quickly, but there was no denying her heart.
But whether or not Roman and his family could completely forgive her was an entirely different matter. While it was true that she had nothing to do with what happened, no doubt she brought them memories of her grandfather’s betrayal of trust.
How she wished there’d been more time with the old man. More than just a couple of summer months to be with him and speak to him about God and the Bible. She had no idea if his heart had changed or if he’d even considered the things she’d told him.
She glanced across the carriage as the driver pulled into the Ashton drive. Winchell seemed quite lost in his thoughts.
“Winchell, did you and Grandfather ever speak of spiritual matters?”
“Only once, ma’am. It wasn’t long ago. He asked me if I believed in God and considered myself a Christian. He wondered if I thought there was something of life beyond the grave.”
“And what did you say?”
The carriage came to a stop, and the driver climbed down to open the door. Winchell waited until they had left the carriage to answer her question. “I told him that I did believe in God and considered myself a Christian. He asked me what I thought was required to become a Christian, and I told him that he must accept Jesus as Lord and Savior.”
“And did he reject that idea?” Judith had told him much the same, but it seemed at least a little hopeful that her grandfather asked Winchell his thoughts.
“Not exactly. He asked how one might do that.”
Judith felt her spark of hope ignite into a flame. “He did? Oh, that suggests he was considering it, doesn’t it?”
“I believe so, ma’am. I told him that he must ask for salvation, that God was willing none should be lost. I also told him that the Bible states clearly that Jesus is the only way to the Father.”
Judith couldn’t help but reach out to touch Winchell’s arm. “And what did he say to that?”
“I believe he was quite ... well, perhaps disturbed is the best way to put it. He asked me to remove his dinner tray. He said he had no appetite. Later when I spoke to him, he seemed changed, as if he’d taken the words to heart.”
“But he never said for certain that he did?” Judith tried to hide her disappointment.
“No, ma’am. But I believe that something did change. From the time the doctor informed him of his impending demise,your grandfather had a certain uneasiness. When I last spoke to him, that seemed to have been replaced. He was at ease. Whether that came from accepting his circumstances or making peace with God, I cannot say for certain. But I believe it was the latter.”
“Oh, I hope and pray you’re right. I wanted so much to help him see the truth. I know it was my father’s dearest wish that Grandfather might know God and put his trust in Him. It would really make everything I’ve done here worth the trip and the pain.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He patted her hand as one might a child seeking approval.
Judith was surprised at the comfort she found in his words. She had chided herself the last few days for not having pushed more for her grandfather to make peace with God. She knew it wasn’t her place to save him; only God could do that. But she longed to be used by God to see Grandfather find peace and eternal security.
Please,Lord,I pray that You would have mercy on my grandfatherand accept him into Your embrace,just as You didthe thief on the cross.
Roman knocked on the Ashton front door. He couldn’t help himself. He needed to know that Judith was all right, and he’d told her he might come check in on her. It seemed to him that she welcomed the idea. Still, with his aunt Mary given the day off and the household in mourning, it was rather brash for him to come calling. What should he say if she questioned his appearance?
A young woman opened the door. She gave him a questioning look. “Good evening, sir. We are in mourning, and the family is not receiving at this time.”
“I’m Dr. Turner. I came to check on the health of Mrs.Stanford.” There, that was the perfect excuse. It would be impossible for the young maid to turn him away.
“Please come in.” The young woman didn’t hesitate. “Mrs. Stanford is in the garden. I will show you the way.”
She led him through the house to double French doors, which led out the back. Normally, Roman might have paid close attention to the details of each room, but at the moment his mind was solely fixed on Judith.
Outside, the air had cooled and made for a most pleasant evening. Roman had enjoyed the walk over, but here in the Ashton garden, it was even more pleasant.
“Mrs. Stanford, excuse me please,” the maid called out. “Dr. Turner has come to inquire after your health. Will you receive him?”
Judith was sitting in that place where she had spoken to Roman once before. Their special place. A place that he hoped would be theirs for a long, long time. Her feet were tucked up under her, and her skirts were spread out over the settee to spill onto the ground. It reminded him of a painting he’d once seen.
“Of course I’ll receive him,” Judith replied. She stood and looked at Roman with a smile. “I’m so glad you came.”
The maid took her leave, and Judith waved Roman over. “I was just out here contemplating the day.”
