Today's Reading

"You are too kind." Judith smiled at the older woman. Mrs. Silverman had been working quite feverishly to entice her to join a committee overseeing housing for widows with children.

"Mrs. Silverman, I was encouraged by your speech. Thank you for inviting me," Dr. Turner said. "There is a definite need to better the living conditions of the poor. Getting the stray animals off the streets alone will greatly improve health conditions amongst the people."

"I've said as much for years, Dr. Turner. And I will continue to advocate cleanliness. However, it is difficult to choose soap over soup when your child is hungry."

It was true. Hunger was a nagging need.

The older woman tapped Judith on the arm. "If you'll excuse me." Mrs. Silverman was distracted by a couple of wealthy-looking men and left Judith and Roman to continue their conversation.

"You mentioned Minneapolis. Is that where you live?" Judith asked, wishing the temperatures would abate.

"For the last few years, yes. Prior to that, my family was in Maryland."

"And the war sent you west?" She drew her fan and began to use it.

"Not at all. My father inherited property in Minnesota. I remained in Baltimore to finish my education and training, but before I could return to my family, the war broke out, and doctors were very needed in the army."

"I can well imagine. The numbers of wounded must have been difficult to deal with. My own husband was lost at Gettysburg."

"I'm sorry to hear that." His expression changed to one of concern. "I thought I heard it mentioned that you had lost your parents recently."

She continued to wave the fan. "Two years ago. My father owned a steamboat service on the river, transporting goods and people. They were on a trip, and the boiler blew up. Their cabin was just above, and they were killed instantly."

"Was it sabotage?"

"No. At least, those who investigated said there were no indications of such. My father had expressed concerns about the boiler days before the accident. He thought he'd dealt with the problem, but obviously he was mistaken." She reattached the fan's cord to a button on her waistband. The lacy piece hadn't helped cool her at all and, in fact, waving it about had only served to make her hotter.

"Your losses have been great. My father also passed away during the war."

"In battle?" she asked.

He shook his head. "It's a long story, but he died in Minnesota." Dr. Turner glanced past her into the crowd behind them. "It was one of those senseless and unnecessary things."

"I'm so sorry." She couldn't help but notice something about his expression that suggested his grief was still strong, but she didn't feel the situation warranted the intimacy of her questioning him.

"I realize it's quite forward of me, but I wonder if you might consider having dinner with me tonight? Mrs. Silverman has known me for years and can vouch for my character."

The idea of attending supper with the dashing doctor enticed Judith, though she probably shouldn't even consider accepting an invitation from a stranger. Before she could answer, Mrs. Silverman put an end to any romantic notions.

"Judith! Judith!" Mrs. Silverman called, motioning her to come.

"If you'll excuse me, I believe I'm needed elsewhere. It was a pleasure to meet you, Dr. Turner."

"For me as well, and if you come to Minneapolis, please be certain to look me up."

She nodded and gave him a smile. "I'd like that."

*  *  *

Roman watched the young woman move through the throng of people. She was as graceful as a swan swimming among the reeds. He found himself mesmerized for a long while. She was beautiful, there was certainly no doubt about that. Her voluminous brown hair had been carefully pinned into place, held by ebony lacquered combs. Her gown, although trimmed in black, was not that of mourning. The dark green suited her complexion, and the lightweight material was sensible for an extremely warm day.

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