Against the wall were sparsely furnished bookshelves and a window seat that allowed for comfortable reading and daydreaming. A few small tables and a mahogany Hepplewhite desk and chair rounded out the sitting room arrangements.
“I like that it’s quite secluded here at the end of the wing,” Roman said, closing the door and locking it. He leaned back against it as if shutting out the world and fixed her with a look of love that nearly caused Judith to melt into a puddle. Goodness, but this man had a way about him.
“I suppose it’s time to get back to our affairs,” Judith said as she finished dressing her hair. For the last week, she and Roman had enjoyed a honeymoon of sorts right there at the house. The weather had turned cold, and the first snows had left the area blanketed in white, so much of the time they stayed together in their suite, talking of the past and dreaming together for the future.
“I’m sure Dr. Lester is probably more than ready for me to reclaim my duties,” Roman said, watching her as she pinned her hair. “Although I find I could easily forsake it all to remain here with you.”
She laughed and got to her feet. “I won’t tolerate lies from my husband. I know you’ve been longing to return to your patients.”
He came and took hold of her shoulders. “It’s no lie that I would much rather linger here with you, my beautiful wife. You’ve quite bewitched me, and I find myself completely devoted to your company.”
“As am I with yours.” She stretched up on tiptoe to kiss him.
He wrapped her in his arms as she had known he would and kissed her quite thoroughly. Then without warning, he released her and went to retrieve his coat. “Come. I’m sure the others are awaiting us for breakfast, and if I stay here any longer, it will be lunch before I even attempt to leave.”
Judith gave an exaggerated sigh. “I suppose you’re right.”
Roman chuckled and slipped on his coat. He then headed for the sitting room, pausing only a moment to glance back. “I hope this day passes quickly.”
Epilogue
November15, 1871
All eyes were on Judith as she took her place beside the mayor of Minneapolis. She smiled out at the gathering of citizens who had come to see her open the first of several new buildings that would grace the Ashton Block.
“Thank you all for coming today.” She was glad she had thought to wear her fur-lined cloak instead of the plain wool wrap. The wind was a bit blustery, and the gunmetal gray skies looked ready to open up with snow.
“It is my pleasure to share this new building with the city of Minneapolis. We have long planned and worked to see this block developed as a memorial to my family. Therefore, I give you the first of four buildings that will comprise the Ashton Block.”
She paused for applause and looked down at her husband, who stood faithfully awaiting her. He gave her a smile, which bolstered her courage to continue. She had both looked forward to this day and dreaded it, knowing that there were bound to still be those who hated the name Ashton.
“This building will house a new orphanage that will be run by the Episcopal Sisters. The facilities will also accept the helpof volunteers who apply through the church. These volunteers are much-desired to assist with the children, who will need a great deal of love and kindness. I want to encourage you to seek more information by speaking to Mrs. Sarah Knickerbacker at the Gethsemane Episcopal Church. And now the mayor has a few words to say.”
She stepped back and let the older man take charge. His words were thankfully few, probably because he wasn’t dressed in the warmest of clothes. He did encourage the citizens of Minneapolis to remember those less fortunate, as the holidays were soon to be upon them and winter had already begun.
With the speeches concluded and her obligations met, Judith hurried to join Roman. “Let’s hurry.”
Roman signaled for the carriage and smiled. “We aren’t much for being away from home long, are we?”
Judith gazed up at him and shook her head. “At home with my family is the very best place in the world. I long for nothing more.”
Judith felt overwhelmed with gratitude for all that God had done in her life. So many times she had despaired that nothing good could be reborn from the tragedies that beset her. She was ever so glad to be proven wrong.
Once they reached home, Roman helped her down from the carriage, and Judith couldn’t help but quicken her steps. Inside the house awaited the finest blessing of all.
“Are they awake?” she asked Winchell as he opened the door for them.
He smiled. “They were when I left them just a few minutes ago.”
Judith glanced over her shoulder at Roman. “Hurry.”
They raced upstairs to the nursery, where Roman’s mother was watching over two very attentive babies. She held a rattle to keep their attention, but they seemed more than happy to be with their grandmother.
“I still can’t believe you had twins,” Roman said, shaking his head.
“I can’t believe you never even suspected. I was as big as a house,” Judith said, lifting their daughter into her arms. The baby immediately began to root. “I think we got here just in time. She seems quite hungry.”
“Yes, I think they’re both ready to nurse,” Martha replied.
