Page 55

She smiled as Sarah let her go. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you for braving the opinions of others to show me such kindness.”

It was Sarah’s turn to look surprised. “Of course, Leah. You’re my dear friend and always will be.”

“I saw you talking with Sarah Morgan,” Mother said on the drive back to Turner House. “Isn’t it wonderful they’ve managed to return home?”

“It is. I didn’t even know they were gone, but Sarah explained. She also told me that she and her mother support what I’m doing.”

Mother smiled. “I know. Her mother and I talked at some length about it. She wanted to know how best they could help.”

“I suppose it was such a surprise because others have been so condemning.” Leah glanced out the window as they crossed the river.

“That’s only because they don’t really understand. Once God lays it on their hearts and they see the good you intend to do, they’ll become more supportive.”

“I do understand that I’m young and unmarried. And perhaps it does seem a poor choice of career, but I listen to those women, hear their pain and sorrow, and it does something to my heart. I feel so much compassion for their circumstances.”

Mother put her arm around Leah’s shoulders and hugged her close. “I’m so proud of you. The women in our family have always pushed against boundaries and made our thoughts and opinions known to those around us, and we’ve followed through with actions that were less than applauded by others. I see myself in you, and it pleases me that you have overcome the past to move forward into what I pray is a very successful future.”

“I wasn’t sure I could ever overcome the past. I was so angry and bitter at what happened to Susanna. It was hard to forgive and even harder to make peace with God. But I have.” She could see the happiness in her mother’s face. That alone made it worth the trials and struggles. “I’m sorry it took so long.”

“That’s unimportant now. What matters is that you are moving forward with the Lord. Satan would have loved nothing more than to render you useless for God’s purposes. It’s hard sometimes for us to understand the spiritual warfare that goes on around us. It’s a battle for our hearts and minds, Leah. We cannot fight it for ourselves. We must rely on God.”

“I think God is making that very evident to me. I’m truly regretful for ever turning away from Him.”

“But He understands your pain and your fears. He knew what would take place before you ever made a single decision. Now, however, I hope that you can see the senselessness of turning from God, and the dangers. You had so many people praying for you, and it’s my belief that those prayers kept you from further harm. Now it’s time to make a strong stand with the Lord and allow Him to guide. You’re involved in an important ministry for Him, and Satan is going to fight you every step of the way. But you don’t need to fear that. So long as you cling to the Lord and seek Him first, He will direct your ways.”

18

On Saturday, Leah found herself at the opera. She had agreed to go when Randolph called her at the last minute, apologizing for not having asked sooner. Now as she sat beside him, clapping at the conclusion of Cavalleria Rusticana, Leah wondered at his lack of interest. He had been brooding and quiet even prior to entering the opera house.

As they made their way through the crowds, nodding and speaking with people they passed, Randolph surprised Leah by pulling her to one side.

“I must speak with a friend of mine. Please wait for me here.” He gave her no chance to respond and quickly crossed the crowded room.

Without knowing why, Leah felt compelled to follow him. She figured she could always feign having not understood his directions. She raised the heavy velvet skirt of her long gown and edged through the people until she caught sight of him standing in an alcove with Mr. Aubert, the man he’d spoken to in the restaurant. The two seemed quite animated in their conversation, and Randolph was waving his arms as if leading an orchestra. What in the world had him all riled up?

“Leah Garrison, how lovely you look this evening.” This came from Mrs. Nickerson, who carried herself in the smug, superior manner she was known for. She looked down her nose at Leah. “I noticed you with Mr. Vanhoutte. I’m surprised you could find time to enjoy the opera.”

“Good evening, Mrs. Nickerson.” She decided against saying anything related to her comment.

The old woman was hardly stifled by Leah’s lack of comment. “That burgundy gown seems a perfect complement to your complexion and hair.”

Leah nodded. “And it’s warmer than most of my other dresses.” She knew that etiquette would have her return praise for Mrs. Nickerson’s clothes but didn’t feel like playing the game. Besides, the woman was stuffed into a brown, floor-length velvet that made her look rather like a sausage. Leah could hardly compliment her appearance without lying.

“Did you enjoy the opera?” Leah asked instead.

“Oh my, yes. Although I suppose such a tragedy is hardly beneficial. People are already in a state of worry and sorrow over what’s happening in the world. The music, on the other hand, was quite lovely.”

Leah agreed regarding the music. “I’m particularly fond of the intermezzo.”

Leah glanced to where Randolph and his cohort were still speaking, then looked at Mrs. Nickerson. “I’m sorry, but I must go.” She didn’t wait for the woman’s reply, slipping through the noisy crowd to where she could stand and hopefully overhear Randolph’s conversation.

“The ship was sunk in international waters. All were lost, and the cargo too. There’s nothing more to do about it,” Mr. Aubert said in French. “We knew there was a big risk.”

“That was a most important shipment,” Randolph countered. “Our friends were relying on it to make weapons and equipment. I can’t hope to get another to them anytime soon.”

“It was a huge loss to our efforts,” Mr. Aubert agreed. “You will simply have to find a way to replace it. They are counting on you, and you can’t let them down.”

“I can’t create something out of nothing. The mill is running at full capacity, and I have other contracts to fill as well. Not everything can go to the war efforts without arousing suspicion.”