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Leah looked at her grandfather and thought back to her previous conversation with Grandmother. “Are you enjoying your new home? It is quite the change in size.”

“Yes, it is, and quite perfect for the two of us. We are enjoying it very much. How about you? Are you finding yourself overwhelmed to be mistress of such a large estate?”

“At times, but we’re still trying to hit upon the right number of staff. Not having men working at the house requires finding just the right combination of women to hold down all the jobs. Vera has proven to be quite capable and very dedicated. I could use another three or four just like her. She used to work for the lumber camp, however, and although I asked her about other female workers there, she said she was the only one.”

“Well, put it to prayer. God has never failed to provide for us,” Grandfather assured her.

“Leah,” Grandmother called from the doorway, “Evan sent one of the footmen to ask if you’d like to stay for lunch. They’ll be sending it over soon, and you could eat with your grandfather and me.”

“No, I really need to get back home. I have things to do, and Nurse Foster is off today. Nurse Weston has just started, so I don’t like to leave her alone too long in case she has questions. In fact, I should be on my way.”

“You just got here,” Grandfather protested.

“I promise I’ll come visit another day when Nurse Foster is in charge.” Leah stood and leaned over to kiss him on the top of the head. “Be a good patient and continue to recover your health. I shall look forward to when you can come and visit me and care for the girls. In the meantime, perhaps you could be thinking about a way we could quarter off the front part of the house for visitors without exposing the girls to unwanted company.”

“What did you have in mind?” Grandfather asked.

“Just a small area where I could visit with family or friends of either gender and not worry about the girls being seen by them. It would also work for the girls should they have family come to see them. The whole idea of the house is to offer privacy and anonymity. I can hardly give that and have people over. Even having my brothers stop by creates a conflict with my desire to keep men away from the house.”

“I understand. I’ll start looking into the matter. I’ll ask Erik what he thinks too.” He frowned. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but I’m afraid Erik is going to have to take over for me. You see, I’m not going back to work. Your grandmother is adamant about that.”

“I don’t blame her,” Leah said, doing her best to hide her disappointment. “Erik is a qualified doctor, and the staff and expectant mothers know him.”

“He’s a good man, and I’m sure he’ll have some thoughts on the matter.”

Leah nodded and forced a look of full acceptance. She was sure Erik would have thoughts on the matter.

“I think she’ll be just fine. I’ve given her something to help her sleep. The next twenty-four hours are going to tell the story.” Erik put away his stethoscope and closed his bag.

Natasha, either on purpose or by accident, had fallen down the stairs earlier in the day and was now resting under sedation. Erik knew she didn’t want the child that grew inside her. He couldn’t blame her, but at the same time, he certainly didn’t like to think she’d done this to herself.

“When Nurse Foster returns this evening, tell her that I’ll be back around seven.”

“Very good, Dr. Sjolander,” Nurse Weston replied.

“Is Miss Garrison at home?”

“No, she went to see her grandparents.”

Erik moved toward the door with the nurse following closely behind. “I should probably go out there myself. Dr. Turner should hear about this because he knows the family. I’ll check in on Carolina and then be on my way.”

“I’ll stay here with Natasha and keep an eye out for any problems. Should I call you at Dr. Turner’s if there’s trouble?”

Erik thought about it for a moment. “Try me at home first. If I’m not there, then yes, try Dr. Turner’s house.”

“Very good, Doctor.”

Erik heard the arrival of someone in the foyer and decided momentarily to forgo seeing Carolina. As he descended the stairs, he was delighted to find Leah had returned. “I’m sure you’re surprised to see me here, but Natasha took a tumble down the stairs and the nurse called for me.”

Leah put her hand to her mouth, then slowly lowered it. “Is she . . . is she all right?”

“Banged and bruised, but otherwise she seems to be in one piece. The baby seems fine as well.”

Leah handed her things to Mrs. Astor and waited until the woman was gone. “Did she mean to fall?”

“No one knows. It’s probable. I mean, she mentioned throwing herself down the stairs on more than one occasion, but no one saw, and she’s said nothing about it. When I asked her what happened, she merely said, ‘I fell.’ I decided to leave it at that, but I don’t want her left alone. Nurse Weston is sitting with her.”

“I can arrange for someone to sit with her around the clock.” Leah let out a heavy sigh. “That poor child. She’s been through far too much.”