The students giggled, and she joined them as she walked over to hug him. “You best remember who is your elder, Timothy Grafton. I could still take you over my knee if I had to.”
The kids’ laughter echoed throughout the room. He waved her toward the door. Oh dear, it must be serious.
She turned her face toward the young people. “All right. Work on writing the phrases I gave you earlier in braille music using the octave designations we’ve discussed. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
“Yes, ma’am,” the four youngsters replied in unison.
Celestia moved toward the door and followed Grafton down the hall. He motioned to a small bedroom, she entered, and he closed the door behind them.
“You’re teaching them Chaisley’s code, aren’t you?”
“I am.” She folded her arms over her chest. “They’re old enough to understand what’s going on and they are all smart as whips. I thought it would be wise to have others who can help.”
He nodded, his face grim. “That is wise. We really don’t know what’s coming and communication is getting difficult with all the moving pieces and people spread out over Europe. I’ve taught all of my contacts the New York Point and Boston line, but I haven’t had the chance to teach them the rest. I should make that a priority.” He rubbed at the stubble on his chin and sat in one of the chairs beside the large bay window. The sun caught the grey flecking his hair. Celestia’s heart broke a little. It hadn’t been there a few months ago.
“Celestia, I need to ask for your assistance. There’s a family downstairs that needs a place to stay for a while.”
She sat in the chair opposite him, resting the hook of her cane on her wrist. “That’s not a problem, I’ve got plenty of room.”
The shadow in his eyes darkened. “They’re Jewish.”
“As I stated before, it’s not a problem.”Thank You, Lord, for preparing me for such at time as this. To help Your people.
One of his eyebrows lifted. “In time, it might become a problem, and you know that. Otherwise you wouldn’t have built those rooms. But before I introduce them to you, you need to prepare yourself.” He picked at his thumbnail for a moment before meeting her gaze. “They have been mistreated. I’m not sure by whom, but they are malnourished and haven’t had a decent meal in who knows how long. The father has been out of work for months,and no one in Germany would hire him. It took me weeks to get visas for all of them.”
She patted his arm. Grafton had done an amazing job convincing government officials he’d connected with in five different countries to help with visas. But at the rate people were fleeing, legitimate visas were becoming increasingly difficult to procure. And even with legitimate ones, sometimes the Nazis still chose not to allow people to cross borders and instead shipped people off to the work camps. “We will thank the Lord for His provision and do whatever we can to help.” She moved toward the door. “Please, introduce me to our new friends and I’ll get them settled.”
But he stopped her with a hand on her arm. “Celestia. There are more coming. Are you prepared for that?”
She stiffened. “Of course. Are you insinuating I cannot handle what is coming, Grafton?”
He appeared to weigh his words before speaking. “I don’t think you fully understand what is happening in Germany. It’s much worse than we ever thought. Far beyond what happened in the Great War, and it will only get worse from here.” He reached out and covered her hand with his, his tone softening. “I know you have the heart for this and the room ... but eventually, the people coming and going won’t go unnoticed.”
In the back of her mind, she’d known that. Which was why she’d felt prompted to prepare the hidden rooms. “I know. But let’s take one day at a time. Are you still able to find transport for people? Especially the children?”
“Yes. For now. Our best options are still England, the United States, and South Africa. But the latter two cost a great deal more money. Word is spreading, but many are too scared to leave. Especially those who still have family here. Chaisley alerted me to the students Rick drove here and started sending word to blind schools across Europe about what is being done in Germany to those whoare disabled. I don’t know what it will take to get people to rise and help before it’s too late.”
He rubbed his jaw and stood, staring out the window that overlooked the back gardens. “I made a vow to help people. To heal the sick. To save lives.” He turned back to her, his eyes so very sad. “And now we are fighting a monster who wants to snuff out life with a snap of his fingers.”
Celestia lifted her shoulders and clamped her jaw against the anger swelling inside her. “That’s just it. We’re fighting. We’re doing everything we can and we’re trying to let other people know.”
“I feel like I should be doing more.” His face fell, and he looked at the floor and shook his head. “But maybe that’s just the Lord preparing my heart for what He has in store.” He took a long breath and straightened his shoulders. “Let’s go meet this family.”
Her heart broke at the expression on his face. Determination and a soft smile had attempted to cover the defeat she’d glimpsed. “You need some rest.”
“This is also true.” He opened the door, and they journeyed down the stairs together.
In the large parlor, a family of six huddled together in front of the fireplace. It wasn’t chilly today, but they shivered. Little wonder.
They were skin and bones.
“Welcome to my home.” Celestia sent them a warm smile and stepped closer as she spoke to them in German.
“Thank you.” The father had his hat in his hands.
“Let’s get you settled in a couple of rooms”—she stopped abruptly and changed her mind—“Actually, why don’t we get something to eat.”
The children’s eyes lit up. Yes. That was what they needed first. She motioned them to follow her to the dining room, and she left Grafton with them to chat at the table as she headed into the kitchen to speak with her cook.
