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“Which it is, and you’ve accomplished a great thing. But honestly, there is no reason you cannot run it from afar. You have hired qualified staff to operate the day-to-day functions. You can keep the books and correspondences from our home. You needn’t be involved in the experiences of those . . . those poor women.”

“But I want to be involved. God has given me a ministry to help them. My grandparents were generous enough to give me Turner House to provide for them. I just received a new young lady two days ago, and two more may be arriving within a few weeks.” Leah put down her fork. “I thought you understood how important this was to me. How personally responsible I feel regarding these women.”

“I do, my dear. Honestly, I do. It’s a marvelous thing, and you are worthy of much praise for your generosity. Please know that I hold you in the highest esteem. You are an incredible woman, which is all the more reason for me to love you.”

Leah didn’t know what to say. She had a strange feeling that Randolph wasn’t being completely honest with her.

“With America facing the possibility of war, I want very much to secure you as my wife before anything might happen to separate us. I know that you care for me. Please at least consider my proposal.”

Leah thought about it for a moment. She had no desire to make a scene on such a celebrated evening, but even more than that, she still wanted to understand what Randolph was up to. Something was going on. She just needed time to figure out what it was. “Very well. I will think about it.”

But even as the words were out of her mouth, she regretted having agreed to such a thing. She should have just said no. Randolph wasn’t the man she intended to marry. He had never been anything more than her uncle’s good friend. And she could never see herself loving him. Not when her mind went constantly to Erik Sjolander.

“Wonderful. You can give me your answer Sunday. Your parents invited me to lunch at their house and said you would be there too. It would be the perfect place to announce our engagement.”

Randolph continued to speak of his devotion, but even now Leah felt it was a betrayal for her to have given him hope. She wanted only to return home and be done with the evening. His proposal had ruined her ability to ignore his desired intimacy. There was no hiding his feelings anymore, and Leah could no longer pretend to be ignorant. Not only that, but her parents were apparently aware of his intentions, for they’d invited him to share the Sunday meal that was normally reserved for family. Oh, why hadn’t she just said no?

Erik finished his examination of Natasha. He looked at Nurse Foster and smiled. “I think she’s fine. Probably just overdid. I suggest she rest tomorrow. Keep her in bed and give her plenty of fluids.” He put his things in his bag. “I’ll check on you tomorrow afternoon, Natasha.”

She folded her arms and frowned. “I had hoped I’d see an end to this. I won’t rest tomorrow. I will do whatever I can to lose this . . . situation.”

Erik knew she didn’t want to bring this baby to term. He had even feared at times she might do herself harm, but what could he do about it? They could hardly lock her in a room. Besides, if she was truly determined to cause herself harm, she’d no doubt find a way to do exactly that. He had prayed for insight, but so far nothing had come to mind.

As he made his way downstairs with Nurse Foster, he realized he’d seen nothing of Leah. He was about to ask after her when, like a whirling dervish, Leah Garrison came bounding through the front entry, slamming the door behind her. She ripped off her long coat, revealing one of the most beautiful gowns he’d ever seen her wear. She was absolutely stunning, and he froze on the steps while Nurse Foster continued her descent.

“I swear the entire world has gone mad, but especially those in my little corner of it.” She looked up, then spotted Erik. Her eyes widened. “What are you doing here?”

“Natasha was having some discomfort, and Nurse Foster called me to check on her.”

“She’s perfectly fine,” Nurse Foster added. “And I figured her to be, but she was hysterical in insisting that he come.”

“So, what has you so riled?” Erik asked, finally coming down the last few steps.

Leah looked at him a moment and shook her head. “It’s none of your concern.” She stormed past him and up the stairs, leaving Erik to watch after her without another word.

“She was out with Mr. Vanhoutte tonight,” Nurse Foster said. “My guess is that it didn’t go too well.”

“Or went in a direction she wasn’t expecting,” Erik replied.

“Well, it seems to have made her most unhappy. I believe I’ll fetch her up some tea. No, better yet, some warm milk. That will calm and soothe her nerves. Good evening, Dr. Sjolander,” Nurse Foster said, heading down the hall toward the kitchen.

Erik stood alone for several long minutes. He wanted very much to follow Leah upstairs and get her to talk about what had upset her, but he knew he had no right. As she said, it was none of his concern.

But he wanted it to be.

19

By Saturday, Leah was absolutely convinced she should speak to someone about what she’d overheard Randolph say regarding the war. But who would be willing to listen? Her father was dealing with the aftermath of lumber strikes that had started just after Christmas. They had finally drawn to a close, but he was still busy with making sure things were back to running smoothly. He’d even taken off time from his position at the college.

Mother would listen but be just as unaware of what could be done about it. Leah had already indicated her concerns about Randolph, and Mother had given little wisdom on the matter.

Erik came to mind, but Leah’s thoughts regarding him were so jumbled and conflicted already that she found herself afraid to even face her feelings. She was fairly certain she’d fallen in love with the good doctor, despite her determination to never allow that to happen. How could she go to him regarding her suspicions of the man who considered them to be all but engaged?

By the time breakfast concluded and she’d managed to read the morning paper, Leah had settled on Uncle Evan. As a lawyer, he was quite knowledgeable about what was happening in the state. Perhaps if she shared the things she’d overheard, he could ease her worries or else take up the mantle and advise her on how to proceed. Besides, if she went to see him, she could visit her grandparents as well and give them the latest information on Turner House.

Because of the distance to Evan’s place, Leah called to make certain he’d be at home. He assured her he’d love to see her and looked forward to discussing what she had on her mind. With that, Leah hurried to dress and then asked Vera to ready the car.

“Mrs. Astor, I’m heading out to see my grandparents and uncle. I’m going to have Vera drive me, so she’ll be gone most of the morning.”