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“Do you suppose we’ll ever see a time when it will change?”

“We can pray so, but it will take the strength of all people working together to bring the powerful to heel.”

Leah wondered if she could offer any comfort or reassurance to this poor girl. The world had already proven to her that her feelings were unimportant—that more powerful men would use her as they pleased—and worse yet, that no one, not even the father who had given her life, could countermand the wrongs done to his child.

“We will offer Natasha what love and kindness we can. I don’t understand why God allows such things to happen to the innocent.” That truly was the part that haunted Leah’s thoughts. How could a loving God permit such evil?

Natasha Smith arrived at Turner House nearly an hour later. Snows had made the roads impassable, so they had taken the train. She came with her maid, Agnes, an older woman who had been with the family for generations. Leah presumed the woman’s silence had been assured and was actually relieved to have her join them. Natasha deserved to have something familiar around her. Leah hoped that Agnes was a comfort to the child.

And child she was in so many ways. She had only a minimal education, having focused instead on the duties of a society wife. She knew very well how a formal dinner should be given, but little about current affairs or even her own body.

Given her height, a few inches taller than that of Leah, she had been able to hide her pregnancy quite well. Even at five months, in dresses fashioned with full skirts and overlays, Natasha looked merely like a teenager who had yet to shed the pudginess of childhood.

“Natasha, this is my granddaughter Leah Garrison. She is the proprietress of this home and will be here for you throughout your confinement.” Grandfather turned to Leah. “Natasha Smith will be with you at least through May, possibly longer depending on her choices regarding the baby.”

“I want nothing to do with this . . . baby. The sooner it’s gone, the better,” Natasha said, not even bothering to exchange pleasantries with Leah.

“Why don’t we go into the sitting room?” Leah suggested. “Our other resident is there waiting to meet you, Natasha.”

The girl frowned. “I didn’t give you leave to call me by my first name.”

Leah smiled. “We choose to be open and familiar here. I believe you’ll find it easier in the long run if you allow yourself to accept this as a home away from home. You may call me Leah.”

Natasha looked as though she might say something but then gave a curt nod. She glanced over her shoulder. “This is my maid, Agnes.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Agnes. I have quarters for you on the third floor.”

“Miss Garrison,” she replied with a polite nod. She would maintain the formality of staff.

“My grandfather, Dr. Turner, will join us, and we’ll go over the details of what you may expect living here at Turner House.”

Leah led the way into the large formal sitting room at the front of the house. Brigette was already sitting by the fire. She rose and smiled as the others entered.

“Natasha Smith, this is Brigette Van Dyke.”

Natasha gave Brigette the once-over. Leah had already had some rather nice maternity clothes made for Brigette so that she might look the part of a refined young woman. The navy-colored wool skirt was topped with a matching jacket that was belted just above the waist. The belt allowed for expansion, as did pleated tabs in the skirt.

Brigette smiled. “I’m happy to meet you.”

Natasha tightened her lips for a long moment, then let out a sigh. “Good morning.”

“Please, sit here near the fire so you don’t take a chill.” Leah motioned to the chairs and sofa in front of the fire.

Natasha took a seat on the sofa while Agnes situated herself on a ladderback chair by the door. It was typical of a servant to make herself as invisible as possible. Leah said nothing to suggest otherwise.

“For the time being, you are the only guests at Turner House. The entire staff, however, are comprised of women for the sake of your comfort and security. The only men allowed here in the house will be Dr. Turner and Dr. Sjolander. I’m told you’ve both met Dr. Sjolander.”

Brigette nodded, and Natasha gave a sort of shrug. Leah could see the girl was not going to be all that cordial.

“We have put together a list of rules that might help you to settle in and feel more comfortable such as mealtimes, staff duties, and doctor appointments, as well as other things that we offer here.” She held up the typed notice.

“For example, you’ll see that breakfast will be served in the small dining room at precisely eight o’clock. Luncheon will be at noon, tea at four, and dinner at six thirty. However, if you desire refreshment any other time, you may ring for the housekeeper, and she will arrange something for you. We want you to eat whenever you’re hungry for your sake and your child’s.

“Laundry will be collected on Monday morning and handled by the staff. If you have special instructions for any item, please be certain to tell the maid who picks up your items. Natasha, you have brought your lady’s maid, but Brigette has not. Therefore, we have several young women on staff who can act in that capacity for you, Brigette. I will appoint one of them to manage things for you and assist in everything you need.

“There are two bathrooms on the second floor where you will have your rooms. Both are fully fitted with every modern luxury. At this point we won’t need to make a schedule for baths, but in the future, once we take on more young ladies, we will assign set times. Your bedrooms are arranged with all that you should need. Natasha, your trunks have been delivered, and as per your instructions Agnes will manage your things. Agnes, if you would care to tend to those things now, I can have my housekeeper, Mrs. Astor, show you to Natasha’s room.”

“If that is Miss Natasha’s wish.”