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Susanna nodded. “I think that would be good. I’ll tell them tonight, and maybe you could arrange it. Even with such grave news, my parents wouldn’t dream of turning down an invitation from your folks.”

“All right. I’ll go home and explain it to Mother. She’ll manage the rest. No matter what, Susanna, remember that God is still in control. Only He can create a life, so there is already a reason this child is alive. We must trust that even though it was wrong for you to engage in such activities, God can and will guide you in what you should do next. Just know that I’ll be here for you and help in any way I can.”

“I only went along with his—his wooing because he said it would prove my love for him.” Her face wrinkled as the tears came again. “I thought he loved me.”

“I know,” Leah said. She went to Susanna and wrapped her arms around the girl’s shoulders. “I know. He betrayed the love you gave him. I’m so sorry. But don’t despair. I will be here for you. You can count on me.”

“Thank you, Leah. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

That night after supper, Leah asked her younger brothers to give her some time alone with their folks. Being teenagers, they were happy to get away and tend to their own interests.

“You were awfully quiet during dinner, darling girl. Are you unwell?” Mother asked.

“No, just heavy of heart.”

“What in the world is wrong?” Father asked, taking a seat beside Mother on the settee.

Leah pulled the pocket door closed and took the chair to the right of her parents. “I need your promise that you won’t say anything about what I’m going to tell you. At least not just yet.”

“Leah, you know we’re not going to blindly promise anything. Tell us what’s going on, and then we’ll do what we can to reassure you.” Father’s tone was firm but loving.

“My friend Susanna is in trouble.” Leah drew a deep breath. There really was no way to sugarcoat this. “She’s going to have a baby.”

“What?” Mother’s eyes widened, and she looked from Leah to Father and back again. “When?”

“January, as close as we could figure. She’s beside herself. The cad who put her in such a delicate position wants nothing more to do with her. He has no intention of marrying her and doing the right thing. In fact, he’s headed off to Europe for the summer.”

“I presume you’re speaking of Terrance Deveraux?” Mother stated more than asked. “I heard their whole family was leaving for the rest of the summer.”

“No doubt to distance themselves from any rumors or responsibilities,” Leah said, heaving a sigh. “It’s so much easier for the man to just walk away. Susanna is overcome with the weight of what she’s done. She even considered ending the pregnancy.”

“Oh goodness.” Mother closed her eyes and sighed. “That poor girl.”

“I suggested she arrange with her parents to stay with a relative until the baby is born and can be given up for adoption. Susanna, however, says there’s no one who could help.”

“There are a few homes for unwed mothers in various locations,” Father offered.

Mother opened her eyes and nodded. “We could surely help them find such a place. We’ve worked with a great many charities. There’s Bethany Home, but it’s full at the moment.”

“She can’t very well go to Bethany Home with prostitutes and down-on-their-luck women. Although they are precious in God’s sight and mine, Susanna’s been raised in luxury and never had to work a day in her life. She wouldn’t be able to survive there.”

“Sometimes we don’t get to choose when we put ourselves in positions of despair,” Father replied.

“Perhaps not, but there must be a better answer. Besides, I doubt her parents would ever allow for her to remain here.” Leah straightened. “Look, I wanted to let you know so you could help. Susanna plans to tell her parents tonight. I thought you could encourage them to join you for supper soon, just the four of you. You’re all very close. They’ll listen to you.”

“Of course.” Mother already seemed to be thinking about what could be arranged. “I will check into a few things first, but I’ll issue the invitation tomorrow for the following evening.”

“Thank you both. I know this is difficult to manage. If you could have seen her, however, I know you would have thought all of this up yourselves.”

Father smiled, and his compassion was evident in his voice. “I’m just glad you feel at ease telling us the truth, Leah. A lot of young women would have tried to hide it away.”

Leah felt comforted by his words. “I’ve listened to stories of such women since I was young. Helping Mother and Grandmother at Bethany Home and in the poorer parts of town has opened my eyes to the injustice done to women. I can’t help but feel a tremendous amount of anger toward men who abuse women in such a fashion. They do as they will and bear no consequences for their actions.”

“Oh, they bear them. Perhaps not in this world, but they will answer for them elsewhere. The Lord is the one who will call them to account,” Father said with a reassuring look. “Society will judge them as well. A man lives or dies by his reputation and good name, or lack of one. Everyone in Minneapolis knows that Terrance Deveraux and Susanna Anderson have been a couple for years. It won’t bode well when society sees her slip away to the unknown and him turn to others for female companionship. Word will get around, and the daughters of polite society will be guarded from such a man.”

The next morning, Leah returned to Susanna’s house with the invitation her mother had penned. When the housekeeper opened the door, she had a strange frown on her face. “I’m sorry, Miss Garrison, but Susanna is no longer at home.”

“I actually came to deliver this invitation from my mother for Mrs. and Mr. Anderson.” Leah handed the envelope to the woman. “But what do you mean Susanna is no longer at home?”