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“That is true, but Charlotte Van Cleve was a wife and mother, not a single woman of youth. Your reputation is at risk in all of this,” Mrs. Nickerson replied. “Were you married and older, I would have no concern in the matter.”

“Frankly, this is none of your concern. My youth gives me strength and energy to handle the day-to-day workings of my ministry. Being single frees me to be there in full for the women who need my help. During my work at Bethany Home, I’ve seen heartless women turn their backs on those who were deserted by suave, smooth-talking men who used them and then cast them aside like so much trash. I pray you never have a daughter who finds herself abused in such a manner. But for those who face such things, I want to offer safety and protection. If you think me so wrong, then I charge you to pray for me. Pray that I will have my eyes opened to the truth. Pray that God will guide me into the right choices. Prayer is much needed for all of us.”

With that, Leah turned and walked away. It was just as well. She could tell by the look on Mrs. Nickerson’s face that she had no reply. Mother had always encouraged Leah to ask disagreeing or accusing people for prayer rather than to continue to argue a point that would not be resolved.

“Nothing quiets a critical Christian faster than to ask for prayers of direction and wisdom,” Mother used to say.

Leah smiled to herself. Mother was very wise. Leah would share what the women had said and that she’d managed the affair using Mother’s wisdom. She knew it would please her.

“There you are,” Randolph said, coming to Leah. “Did I do a good job?”

“You were wonderful, Randolph. Although, I do feel that the uglier details are better given in closed sessions with men. I noticed many of the women grimacing.”

“They need to know the truth, Leah. It might well be uncomfortable, but there are times when it must be spoken. You know that full well.”

“I do.” She found herself glancing at the clock. The party would no doubt continue for at least another hour. She looked to Randolph and smiled. “You should go and speak to the potential donors. I’ll be just fine on my own.”

He nodded and moved away from her far more quickly than she’d expected. She watched as he approached a group of men. They welcomed him, and Randolph immediately began to talk and gesture. He was in his element.

It was funny how that scene gave Leah thoughts of Erik. She’d seen him talking to other men as well. Where Randolph was boisterous and demanded attention, Erik was more observant. He could say nothing and yet be fully engaged. She liked that about him. In fact, there was quite a bit she liked about him.

That thought caused her to wonder why she was allowing herself so much time with Randolph. Because she’d known Randolph all her life, he was comfortable and easy to spend time with. There was no real concern of how he might treat her or if he’d try to take liberties. He knew the entire male population of her family would hunt him down if he wronged her. Still, she didn’t love Randolph.

But I do care about him, and he’s going through so much.

Maybe that was why she was humoring him now. And truly it was little more than that. Leah didn’t have time to consider marriage.

When Randolph was finally ready to leave, Leah was more than grateful. She’d made enough small talk to last her a lifetime. Once inside the car, Randolph moved close and covered them both with the blanket. Leah gratefully accepted. She knew in the back of her mind that perhaps she was leading him on with her willingness to cozy up, but she was shivering and barely able to keep her teeth from chattering. It came to mind in that moment that she would have done the same with her brothers or cousins.

“I had a wonderful evening,” he whispered against her ear. “I find that any evening with you is double the pleasure.”

“Did you raise a lot of money for the CRB?” She hoped to get his mind off their nearness and back on the cause.

“I think we did. I’ll know better after I get the funds in my office tomorrow and throughout the week. Of course, no one has been as supportive as your father and grandfather, but I’m not to say anything about that. They desire to remain anonymous.”

“I’m sure they have their reasons. I hope the money will make a big difference. Have you heard anything from your mother?”

“What?” He sounded almost confused.

“Your mother and grandmother. Have you had any word from them?”

“No, there’s been nothing. The authorities are telling me it’s getting harder and harder for them to get information in or out of the country. They feel it’s a miracle that Germany allows the CRB supplies to be given, but Hoover made sure the Germans agreed up front to not interfere with that. They’ve been most cooperative. Do you know that Hoover’s passport even has Germany’s stamp that he should never be stopped for any reason?”

Leah’s brow furrowed. “I didn’t know that. It seems that would be extremely helpful. Pity he can’t be the one to get the mail in and out of the country.”

“Yes. That would be good if they could get England to cooperate.”

“England? I thought Germany was the problem.”

He sighed and shook his head. “Of course. I’m tired. As I said tonight, there are quite a few Americans stranded in Belgium. The government is working to get them home, but it has already been two . . . no, nearly two and a half years. I have my doubts they’ll ever see those people returned before the war is over.”

“What does Germany stand to gain by keeping them there?” Leah asked, hoping to keep him talking about the war since they were nearly back to Turner House.

“I suppose they see it as a bargaining tool. Maybe with the Americans there, the German powers believe America will be less likely to enter the war. Who can say?”

“I read in the paper this morning that very few believe peace will come anytime soon. Do you feel that way?”

For a long moment, Randolph didn’t speak. Leah turned to look at him. His expression seemed a bit perplexed. He met her gaze. “I cannot say for certain how I feel. There is so much more to consider than one battle or one country’s plight. We have our problems with Mexico as well as the European war. The conflicts seem certain to increase, so perhaps immediate peace is impossible. I do know there is much to be accomplished, and I intend to lend my support in every way I can.”