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But the frigid cold was intense. The temperatures had dropped significantly, and visibility was getting worse. It dawned on Erik all at once that they were much closer to Evan’s estate than to Turner House.

“Vera, do you know how to get to her Uncle Evan’s place?”

“Of course. It’s a half mile or so away.”

“Go there instead of Turner House. It’s much closer.”

As the wind picked up and white-out conditions grew worse, Erik found himself praying for their safety. Vera fought the winds and snow and finally managed to get them to Evan’s drive. She pulled in and stopped at the barely visible stairs to their entryway. Without waiting, Vera jumped out of the car and helped Erik get Leah up to the house. She didn’t wait for someone to answer the door and instead went inside, much to the surprise of the butler.

He looked from the snow-covered Vera to Erik and the pile of covers. “What is this?”

“It’s Dr. Sjolander. Please get Mr. Turner. This is his niece Leah, and we need to get her warm.”

The butler hesitated, but just then one of the boys arrived to see what the commotion was. Erik recognized Roman and appealed to him. “Roman, I need to get Leah to a warm fire.”

The young man didn’t hesitate. “Come this way.” He pushed back pocket doors and cleared the way to the fireplace. “I’ll get Dad.”

He hurried from the room as Erik sank to the floor in front of the fire. “Vera, get me some hot coffee for Leah. Strong coffee.”

“I’ll do it.” The woman went to the still-stupefied butler and turned him toward the foyer. “Take me to the kitchen?”

Erik might have laughed at the stunned look on the man’s face. Here they were arriving in a snowstorm when no sensible person would even be out. They were covered with wet flakes, carrying a bundle of blankets with an unconscious person peeking out from them. It must have made quite the impression.

It was only a moment before Leah’s color began to return. Erik could feel her arms warming and continued speaking to her in an encouraging manner.

“Wake up, Leah. Wake up. We’re at your Uncle Evan’s house. Don’t you want to say hello?” He saw her eyes flutter. She was trying to fight the effects of the medication.

“What’s going on?” Evan asked as he rushed into the room with his wife close on his heels.

“It’s a long story, but Vanhoutte drugged her. I’m not even sure why, except that he was up to no good.”

“He’s involved with the Germans. She knew it or at least knew something about it,” Evan offered as he came to Erik’s side.

“Is she going to be all right?” his wife asked.

“I sent Vera for some coffee. It should stimulate her system and counter the effect of the medication. He said it was just sleeping powders, but I don’t know how much he gave her.”

“I’ll go help,” Evan’s wife said. “Let me know what else you need.”

Evan took the damp blankets from atop his niece. “The cad. How could he treat her like this? She’s only ever been kind to him.”

“She’d gone to tell him she wouldn’t marry him.”

Leah moaned and whispered Erik’s name. He worked her into more of a sitting position. “I’m here,” he reassured her.

“Is there anything I can do?” Evan’s expression was filled with worry.

Roman and his brothers joined them. “We can get more blankets,” Roman offered.

“No, I think we’re all right for now. The fire is good and hot.”

“Here’s the coffee,” Vera announced, bringing an old porcelain mug to Erik. “I put cream in it the way she likes, but it’s not real hot.”

“That’s fine.” Erik took the mug and pressed it to Leah’s lips. “Leah, you need to drink some of this.” He managed to get a little bit down her throat.

She coughed, and coffee dribbled down her chin. Erik paused. “Leah, wake up and drink.”

He knew she understood and was trying her best. No doubt she wanted to overcome the effects of the drug as much as he wanted it for her.