“Perhaps, but only God chooses the hour of our death. Had Grandfather been meant to live longer, God would have made a way. We must accept that it was simply time. We have no way of knowing why one goes at a young age and another lives to be quite old. We don’t know why one passes in violence and another in peace. But we can rest assured that God sees all and will be in control of our destiny.”
A tear slipped down Winchell’s cheek, and Judith reached up to wipe it away. “No more tears, dear man. We are going to celebrate. From this moment on, this will be a house of love and joy. And you will be a part of it for as long as you desire.”
22
“I’m glad that these legal matters are finally settled,” Judith said as Roman helped her into the carriage. It had been nearly seven weeks since Norbert Black was taken to jail for the attack he’d made on Judith and the others, as well as the death of James Ashton.
“I believe the judge was wise to keep him at the insane asylum. I don’t think Mr. Black is a killer at heart. I think he simply lost the ability to reason and understand reality.” Roman settled into the seat opposite her.
“I would think that spending the rest of his life in a hospital for the insane is certainly better than hanging. Still, I can’t help feeling sorry for him. He looked so sad and confused in court. He once had a brilliant mind.”
“He’ll get the help he needs at the hospital. There are new therapies coming to light, as well as medications for people like him. Studies of the mind and personalities are up and coming. There are quite a few doctors who are turning to this area of study so that rather than simply leave someone in this stateof mind, they may find a way to transform them. It might one day be possible to help the insane regain their sanity.”
“I felt particularly sorry that his family refuses to have anything more to do with him. I would have thought his father would come to be with him, at least during the sentencing. It seems from the letter the elder Mr. Black sent me that he wants nothing more to do with his son. He asked only that I conclude my grandfather’s arrangement with his firm and pay any remaining monies due. He was all business.”
“It is sad. It’s a special bond between father and son. I would give anything to have my father back in my life. And I look forward to one day having a son of my own.”
“I hope that will be so. I want very much to have a large family. Of course, there is adoption, and I believe we should also consider that as well. After all, there are a great many babies without mothers and fathers to love them.”
“I agree, and as I’ve told you before, I am perfectly happy with whatever size family you desire. I have enough love for a dozen or more.”
Judith smiled and nodded. “I know you do. Oh, before I forget, I had a note from Reverend Knickerbacker. He said November fourth is perfectly fine with him for our wedding. We can just come to the parsonage, and he will perform the ceremony there with our family and Mrs. Knickerbacker to witness it.”
“I like the sound of that. Only, I wish it were going to be October fourth or perhaps the day after tomorrow.” He grinned. “Or today. Waiting another two months or so was hardly my idea.”
Judith laughed. “I apologize. I just wanted this affair with Mr. Black to be well behind us, and I had thought your sister and Daniel were marrying this month. Now that they’ve put off their wedding until after the new year begins, I suppose we could move our date up. However, I am making that tripto Philadelphia with Mrs. Van Cleve next month. I’d just as soon settle my affairs back east before starting up all my new ventures here.”
“So now marriage to me is nothing more than a new venture?”
She could see the teasing in his eyes. “Yes, but it’s the very best of all my new ventures.”
He roared in laughter as the driver pulled onto the toll bridge. Traffic was rather heavy today as business carried on as usual. It seemed Minneapolis had grown even in the short time since she arrived.
“So what new business dealings are you up to?”
“You know I have made great progress with some of Grandfather’s dealings. I’m trying out a man from church to help me manage shipping here in Minneapolis. The Knickerbackers recommended him. He’ll coordinate the rail and river shipping. I’ve also purchased a steamboat right here in Minneapolis and ordered two more. I’m arranging for them to carry some of the Ashton lumber mill shipping, as well as freight for other businesses. One of the boats will be devoted to passenger travel.”
“Sounds like you’ve been busy. I’m surprised you’ve still had time for your charity work, but Mother assures me you’ve been quite busy there as well.”
“The needs are so great here. In some ways, even more than in Philadelphia. I suppose because Philadelphia is so much older and better established, its charities are firmly organized and used to receiving proper attention. Although I do remember lean years when the donations were quite limited. Right after the war, no one seemed to care about helping the less fortunate. They were just happy to be done with the fighting. It took quite a bit of encouragement to get people to attend the fundraisers and see the need for themselves.”
“You’ll find some good people here in Minnesota,” Romansaid, glancing out at the river. “They have that pioneer spirit mingled with the Scandinavian and German work ethic. We’re also seeing more Italians and Irish. We’ve become like New York City with all sorts of people. Of course, once they endure a Minnesota winter, they may well decide to move again.”
“Does it get so very cold here?” Judith had heard several people talk about the upcoming winter and was beginning to think she’d better order some heavier clothes.
“When people write home to their families in other countries, they always encourage them to bring warm clothes. The temperatures can go well below zero in the winter. That’s why it’s so imperative to have places for those without homes to live, rather than see them try to make it outside or in tents.”
“I can well imagine it would be. I’m thinking I should probably update my wardrobe, not with Worth gowns and frippery but with heavy woolen stockings and fur-lined coats.”
“You wouldn’t be sorry if you did. I know Mother mentioned something the other day about it as well. You might talk to her about where she and Claudette intend to shop.” He looked at her with such an expression of love. “Thanks to you, they’ll have what they need. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for what you’ve done for my family.”
“I’m so glad they agreed to move in with me once the construction is finished, which should be in another couple of weeks. Well before winter. After Claudette and Daniel marry, your mother would have been all alone, and that I cannot allow. She is much too dear.”
“Well, the house we are building for Claudette and Daniel’s wedding present is quite large. Claudette said she wanted it that way in case Mother wants to live with them.”
Judith nodded. “I realize that, but they will be newly wed and need their privacy for a time.”
“And what about us?” Roman asked, chuckling.
