“I’ve retained the lawyers that Grandfather used for the will. I figured perhaps having two men working together would be better than one. They have separate practices but have agreed to put them aside and become my combined legal counsel. I assured them, given all that I needed to accomplish, they would have more than enough work to do. I am, however, having them investigated so that I know their full history.”
“And how did the reading of the will go, if I might ask?” Roman asked, his tone cautious.
“You may ask anything.” She smiled and shrugged. “I am his heir in everything, but he left a small amount to Winchell and Bert.”
“And what about restrictions on things you must do with the money?” They had discussed this prior to the reading. Roman knew that Judith was concerned about such things.
“There weren’t any. The matter of his legacy block was stated in such a way to require only that I utilize the land, build a certain number of buildings as already set out, and include an engraving at the top announcing it as the ‘Ashton Block.’ All of which I can do in my own fashion, and I can utilize the buildings for whatever I choose. None of that was stipulated.”
“What an answer to prayer.” Roman blew out a short breath. “No marble, eh?”
Judith laughed. “No. No marble.”
“What about Mr. Black?” Mary asked. “I know he helped your grandfather plan it all, and I’m sure he is also anxious to know about his inheritance.”
“I sent him a letter Monday to come see me. I know he won’t be happy at being dismissed, but I cannot work with the man. He has pestered me to court him and doesn’t seem to be willing to accept my lack of interest.”
“Perhaps I can persuade him,” Roman said, smiling. “I can let him know that you are already spoken for.”
Judith returned his smile. “I may well need you to discuss that with him, but for now I feel able to manage. Each time he’s come to the house, I’ve had Winchell or Mary let him know that we are in mourning and not conducting business.
“Business, of course, is being managed, but Mr. Black is not a part of it. I know dismissal will come as a shock to him after working faithfully for my grandfather all these years. Now that Grandfather’s will has been read, I will have to inform himthat he’s not reaping the fortune he originally counted on. Although, Grandfather was quite generous with him.”
“He must have his disappointment and move on,” Mary said, shaking her head.
“I agree.” Judith was excited to share the next bit of news. “I had the lawyers prepare the transfer of deeds for the property that was once your father’s, Roman. They will have things in order within a week or so. I’ve also been working with some figures that I want to go over with you and your mother. I want to make certain you feel that they are fair. I’ve taken several issues into consideration, and if there are additional ones, I want you to speak up and let me know.”
“I can hardly believe the way God has answered our prayers.” Mary’s tone held amazement. “When I came here to work, it was my hope that I might find the evidence necessary to show how the Turners were cheated. This goes beyond my hopes and prayers.”
“It’s clear to see how God has been in the midst of this since the beginning. I hate to think what might have been had I continued to refuse my grandfather and not come to Minneapolis.”
“I do too.” Roman met Judith’s gaze and grinned. “I can hardly believe I let so much time go by after first meeting you. I must have been crazy not to immediately come back to Philadelphia and seek you out. I thought a great deal about you, to be honest, but my work consumed me.”
“I thought a great deal about that as well and, like you, lost myself in my charity work,” Judith admitted. “I just convinced myself that our being together wasn’t meant to be. I had my work in Philadelphia, and you had yours here. Now I can clearly see that it’s possible to continue doing what I was called to do and have you in my life as well. And, Mary, you have been such a dear friend. I’m so glad we were able to work together and accomplish all that we have to set things straight.Oh, and I keep meaning to speak to you about interviewing a new housekeeper.”
“A new one? Have I done something wrong?” Mary looked quite concerned.
“No, Mary. It’s just that I would rather have you as a personal assistant than housekeeper.” Judith hoped the woman would be happy with this news. “You do an amazing job keeping things running, however. It may be difficult to find someone as good at the job as you are.”
“I thank you for the compliment, and I will immediately begin the process of acquiring a new woman to take on my duties. I had thought to discuss the matter with you anyway, because I am hoping to have my dear nephew remove these painful gallbladder stones. So for a time, I won’t be able to work.”
“Oh, of course.” Judith had wondered if Roman was able to help the poor woman.
“It will require a good amount of recovery time.” Roman reached over and patted Mary’s hand. “But I believe she’ll do well. My good friend Dr. John Lester will assist me. He has a very nice operating room, and we will manage quite well.”
“She may recover here, of course. In fact, I could set her up a bedroom downstairs. The music room could easily be transformed into a bedroom for you, Mary. We could bring your bed and set up a nice place there for you to recover. And I will hire a nurse to watch over you.” Judith looked to Roman for his approval.
“I think that would be perfect. After she recovers a week or so at John’s, we could transport her here. She’ll need at least a couple months of rest and care.”
“Then that’s what she shall have.” Judith was adamant.
Mary touched her hand to the center of her chest. “I’m so blessed by your concern. Thank you. It gives me great peace of mind to know that God has already provided my needs.”
“It’s settled, then. Just let me know the dates and I will arrange for the men to bring down your things.” Judith was happy that she would be able to take care of the woman. Mary had been such a good friend to her, and it seemed only right that she pay back the woman in some way.
“Well, with that in mind, I hope you’ll excuse us,” Mary declared. “Roman and I need to discuss the details of when we should accomplish this operation.”
“Of course. I have plenty of business to attend to myself.” Judith went back to her desk. “I shall see you this evening, Roman.”
