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As if reading her mind, Erik jumped to his feet without warning. “I should go. Call if there are any further problems with Brigette.”

Leah rose slowly. “I will. And thank you again.”

He seemed momentarily frozen in place. His eyes searched her face for the answer to a question he’d not yet posed. Then, as if realizing he was about to overstep, he turned and hurried from the room.

She didn’t bother to follow him. She waited until she heard the front door close before stepping into the foyer. She went to the door to lock it and heard a car crank to life. She hadn’t even realized Erik had driven.

Leaning back against the jamb, Leah struggled to understand what was happening to her. Yielding her will to Erik Sjolander was one thing, but giving him her heart was another. She would have to guard herself better in the future. With a sigh, she turned off the light and headed upstairs, still unable to keep from wondering what it might have been like to kiss the handsome doctor.

12

“Grandfather, it’s Leah,” she said, speaking into the wall-mounted phone. When her grandparents owned the house, they had arranged for the telephone to be installed. Grandmother did not want it to interfere with the family and so had it placed in the kitchen. Leah already planned to have a candlestick-style phone put in her office. The inconvenience of always having to come to the kitchen to make a call was annoying.

“Leah, it’s good to hear your voice.” He coughed for a moment, giving her cause for concern.

“It sounds like you’re coming down with a cold.”

“Just some mild winter malady,” he replied. “What can I do for you? Or did you call to speak to your grandmother?”

“No, you’re the one I wanted to talk to. I had thought to come visit you, but it’s snowing, and I didn’t want to get stuck on the way.”

“Smart girl. So what is it you wished to discuss?”

“We need a nurse for the house. Someone who can be here full-time for the girls. Brigette had some bleeding last night while I was out, and it forced me to deal with the matter head on.”

“I see. Why didn’t you call me?” Again he coughed.

“Mrs. Astor called the doctor’s office, and Erik came. I was out with Randolph Vanhoutte, or I would have seen to it you were called. Anyway, given your state of health, it was for the best, I’m sure. I’ve no doubt Erik will be in touch with you and let you know all about it since you are Brigette’s doctor. Nevertheless, as I told Erik last night, it’s been on my mind to have someone here at the house ever since he pointed out my lackings.”

Grandfather chuckled. “I knew you’d come around in time.”

“You should have just told me how it would be. You knew we needed a nurse, and yet you let me run things my own way. It wasn’t like I didn’t realize the need. Once the subject was brought to mind, I knew it was necessary. Honestly, I’ve had a great deal to think about and am sorry to say I just let the matter go. Now I realize how tragic it might have been for Brigette.”

“I suppose it could have, but it wasn’t. Stop being so harsh with yourself. Your grandmother felt certain you would know what to do in times of crisis. It’s not like you haven’t had quite a bit of experience in helping out at Bethany Home.”

“Yes, but this is different. I was merely volunteering my time with nurses on staff. We need a nurse here. I can see that now, and Erik felt certain you would know someone or be able to find us someone.”

“I have a lady in mind who would benefit greatly from the position. Let me speak with her, and I’ll get back to you.” He began to cough again. This time the attack was worse.

“Grandfather, you need to drink some honey tea and go to bed. I’m worried about you.”

The attack abated, and he cleared his throat. “Your grandmother just stepped into the room, so I’m certain she’ll be overseeing my needs immediately. I’ll be in touch, Leah. Love you.”

“I love you, Grandfather,” she replied before replacing the earpiece on the switch hook. She whispered a prayer for his recovery, then went to the office to go over the inventory. Mrs. Astor was to provide her with a list of items that were being ordered for the house.

Leah lost track of time studying inventory and occasionally getting sidetracked with thoughts of Erik. When her mother arrived just before noon, Leah couldn’t hide her surprise.

“Why did you get out in this weather?”

“I just felt like it,” Mother replied with a smile. “I thought I’d come and see how you were doing. Besides, we’re only a couple of blocks apart. If the car had gotten stuck, I could have just walked.” She had already shed her coat, gloves, and hat and took a seat opposite the desk. “Now tell me how things are going.”

“Well, Brigette overdid it yesterday and started to bleed while I was out to a play and dinner. Erik came and saw to her care, but it definitely put me of a mind to hire a nurse. First thing this morning, I called Grandfather. He knew I would come around to making this decision and already had someone in mind.”

“That’s my father. He’s always one or two steps ahead of everyone. Is Brigette all right?”

“She is. She’s resting today and taking some time to improve her reading. Natasha, on the other hand, hates reading and plans to sit by the fire and embroider. Lunch will soon be served. Would you like to stay?”

“No, I kept my driver waiting. I don’t intend to stay long. We can just visit until you’re summoned. How did your evening out go with Randolph? You know he is quite serious about you. Jared told me the other day that he speaks of nothing but the war and you.”