“The house is enormous, as you well know. And with the complete change to the third floor and remodeling of the second, we need never see another soul if we so desire.”
“Well, for a time after we marry, you’re the only soul I want to see.” The look on his face was full of mischief, and Judith couldn’t help but look away as her cheeks grew warm.
“You’ll see me so much you’ll be desperate to flee,” Judith murmured.
“That will never happen. I want to be at your side every day for the rest of my life.”
Judith sighed with sheer joy. “It’s a good thing you feel that way, because I feel exactly the same.”
At dinner that evening, Roman thought back on the years behind him. There had been such a hopelessness after the death of his father. In his bitterness and sorrow, he had allowed Satan a foothold, to be sure, and he didn’t intend to ever make that mistake again.
“Have you settled on a wedding date?” Mother asked.
“We have,” Judith said as she picked up her fork. “November fourth. Reverend Knickerbacker and his wife have invited us to come to the parsonage for the short service.”
“You really should have a beautiful church wedding and invite the entire town,” Claudette said, glancing with a smile at Daniel. “Like us.”
“Well, we’re not inviting quite the entire town,” Daniel countered, “but with all my relatives, it feels that way.”
“As much as Judith is doing to see people compensated for her grandfather’s wickedness, I’m sure there will be hundreds of folks who would like to join in your celebration.”
Roman was sure his mother was right on that account. Judith had been hard at work undoing the problems caused by her grandfather. Her generosity had dumbfounded thehardworking citizens of Minneapolis and St. Anthony. The newspaper had even written two articles on her deeds.
For himself, Roman could say that the actions of his betrothed had brought about healing. He was made keenly aware that even from an evil man, God could bring about good. And, just like Judith, Roman hoped that her grandfather had turned to God before drawing his final breath.
“You aren’t even listening, Roman,” his mother chided.
He looked up, trying to feign innocence. “Who me?” Everyone laughed, and it did Roman’s heart good like a medicine.
“We were asking you about the reverend’s charity hospital. Since you’re involved with the plans, we wondered if everything had been agreed upon?” his mother questioned.
“Yes. The property is chosen, and the hospital plans were already drawn up.” Roman had seen the final sketches just yesterday. “It’s going to be built a few blocks from the church. Not far at all. The reverend thought it important to keep it close to the mills and railroad due to injuries that are commonplace for both.
“There will be a ground level, as well as second and third floors, although the third floor may be mostly storage. For the time being, we’re planning to only have between six and eight beds.”
“And the donations have been quite generous, I’m told,” Judith added. “The Masons, workers in the machine shop at the Milwaukee Railroad, St. Mark’s Parish, the Ladies’ Aid, and the Brotherhood of Gethsemane Church have all donated various items and furnishings.”
“It’s true, and our own dear Judith recommended several marvelous ideas to secure continued support for the hospital after it’s open. Lectures will be held, as well as concerts and a variety of other entertainments. On each occasion, there will be a small entry fee for the support of the hospital, and we’rehopeful to find people who will donate their time and skills for the events.”
“I already have a list of people and groups who have agreed to perform for free. We’ll also host tables at the events where we can tell interested donors what our needs are and what they can do to help,” Judith jumped in. “It’s surprising what people will do to support a charity when they know more about it. That’s the most important thing I’ve learned over the years.”
“It’s all too wonderful to imagine,” Mother said, slicing into her pork roast. “And to think Roman will head up this new hospital.”
“I’ll be the head physician, but there will still be a board to answer to. I also plan to continue making my rounds to the various destitute neighborhoods. Not everyone with needs will think to come to the hospital.”
“And we’ve plans for an orphanage as well. The Episcopal Sisters are already excited to help with that plan, as well as act as nursing staff at the hospital. We’ve even discussed the idea that in time we might expand and start a nursing school.”
“And is this going to be part of your grandfather’s block?” Mary asked.
Roman nodded. “It is. Judith and I have talked at length about where the location will be. It seems the area James Ashton chose for his memorial block is on land he confiscated under false pretenses. Judith is arranging for it to be returned to the original owner. They’ve already agreed to sell it back to her so that the plans laid out can continue.”
“That is so very admirable, Judith. I’m proud to have you for a daughter-in-law,” his mother said.
“Well, here’s the remarkable thing about doing what is right in the eyes of God.” Roman picked up a slice of bread. “Even as she has given away property and money, the Good Lord has blessed her investments, and she has managed to keep very nearly the same amount in the bank. It’s like the loavesand fishes that were shared in the Bible.” He looked at Judith and smiled. He couldn’t begin to tell her how proud he was of her efforts to locate the people her grandfather had wronged.
“It’s true.” Judith returned his smile before looking at Roman’s mother. “God has clearly been the orchestrator of all of this. It has been proven many times over to be exactly His will for me. I feel this was the reason He brought me to Minneapolis.” Her gaze settled on Roman once more. “Along with finding my own dear love.”
“We’re so glad you followed God’s prompting. I stand amazed at the way God has answered this old woman’s prayer.”
