Judith laughed. “I seem to recall you telling Mr. Black that I was going to marry you. I just wondered if that was your offhanded way of asking for my hand?”
Roman laughed, and even Mary couldn’t help but chuckle. Judith raised her brow as if to emphasize her question.
Without hesitation, Roman dropped to one knee. “I have no ring and no fortune, but my heart is clearly yours for the taking. Would you do me the honor of agreeing to marry me?”
The look on her face was one of absolute adoration and joy. “I will. Thank you very much for asking.”
Roman got to his feet and swept Judith into his arms for a kiss. As he bent her back, Judith clutched at his arm for fear of falling.
“Don’t worry,” he said, giving her a wink. “I have you. Now and always.”
She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Roman’s neck as they kissed. He had never known such happiness, and to imagine ... he was sharing that joy with an Ashton.
Mary cleared her throat. “There’s still the matter of dinner.”
Roman straightened, and Judith did likewise. She looked at him for a moment and then turned to Mary.
“Let’s have all the Turners to dinner and share the news of our engagement, as well as the details of the deed transfers.We’ll make it all a true celebration, and you and Winchell will join us, Mary.”
Roman considered the idea for only a moment. “I don’t know of anything my family will be otherwise occupied with. I think that sounds perfect.”
“Tell Mrs. Markle to whip up a feast and include the crab cakes. We shall be celebrating in grand fashion. I’ll tell Winchell.”
“And I’ll head home and inform Mother and Claudette.”
“Make sure she brings Daniel as well. It won’t be complete without him.” Judith rubbed her hands together. “Oh, I’m so excited. This shall be such a great occasion.”
Seeing her so happy and safe blessed him, and Roman couldn’t help but hug her close once again. “The first of many we shall have.”
Judith found Winchell in her grandfather’s room. He had been packing away the clothes at her instruction. They had discussed the matter and figured to donate the clothes to the poor. Her grandfather had worn quality garments but not overly fancy ones. He hadn’t worried about keeping up with the times but rather preferred his wardrobe simple and modest. The pieces would be perfect to pass along to those who had nothing.
“I’m so glad that you’re all right, Winchell. I feared we might all be killed before the day was out.”
“As did I, ma’am.” He set aside a stack of shirts, then gave her his full attention. “Is there something I can do for you?”
“Yes. We’re having a dinner party tonight with Roman’s family. I want you and Mary to join us. It’s been a difficult day, and we deserve to celebrate the outcome.”
“The outcome, ma’am?”
“Our safety, and my engagement to Dr. Turner.”
“Congratulations, ma’am. That is good news and worthy ofcelebrating. However, I hardly think it fitting that I be a part of that gala.”
She went to where he stood and put her hand on his arm. “I want you there, Winchell. I was so glad that you didn’t return to the room after leaving. I know that must have been hard.”
“It was. I warned the rest of the staff and bid them hide in their rooms. Then I came and retrieved your grandfather’s revolver but feared I might well just make things worse. I knew Mrs. Deeters would bring the law and decided it would be best to wait.”
“It was the wise thing to do.” She squeezed his arm. “There’s something you need to know. Bert ... Mr. Black admitted to killing Grandfather.”
Winchell’s eyes widened, and the look on his face was one of pure shock. “Did he smother him?”
“Yes. How did you know?”
“I found Mr. Ashton’s pillow strangely positioned and wondered at it.”
“Apparently, Bert felt that if he hurried Grandfather’s death along, I would then agree to court him. I’m so sorry, Winchell.”
“I should have been there with him.” Winchell’s eyes dampened. “He might have been safe had I remained.”
