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“I made it quite clear to my husband that I would no longer stand by and allow things to continue as they had. I’m sorry to say that if I had only found my courage sooner, Natasha might have been spared all that she’s going through.”

“I’m still not sure I understand.” Leah leaned back in her chair. “Why don’t you start at the beginning?”

“I’m sure Natasha’s situation is not unknown to you. She was compromised by one of my husband’s powerful colleagues.”

Leah nodded. “Yes, I know that much.”

“My husband is not a strong man, although he strives to be. His ambitions were stoked by the man who hurt Natasha. He made all manner of promises to my husband prior to his attack on our daughter. My husband, hungry for power, fell in with the wrong sort of people. When Natasha revealed the truth of what had happened, he barely found the strength to address the matter with his mentor. The man had no trouble admitting his sin but reminded my husband that if he wanted his help achieving his political goals, he would say nothing. He gave him money to remain silent and to deal with the problem in whatever manner we deemed fit.”

“And you chose to send her here to Turner House.”

“Yes. But now I regret that we did not offer her our love and support. Your grandfather told me she was desperate. He said it was very likely she threw herself down the stairs in an attempt to . . . well, to rectify her situation.”

“Yes, it is possible that’s what happened.”

The woman nodded and looked toward the ceiling. “I am not proud of our decision to send her away. I told my husband he was a coward and a fool. That this could not be allowed to continue. I know my daughter is dreading not only the delivery of her baby but also her return to our home, where it is likely the abuse will continue. My husband’s vile friend speaks of her constantly, asking when we might expect her return. Miss Garrison, I cannot allow her to come back to such a situation.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” Leah had been praying about how to help Natasha. “She is quite discouraged about that very thing. As you well know, the law does very little to protect women in situations like this. I believe Natasha feels that everyone has abandoned her.”

Mrs. Cornwall met her gaze. “I’ve no doubt you speak the truth. It has troubled me greatly since I first learned of her condition. As I said, I tried to speak to her father on numerous occasions, but he felt he had no ability to refuse his . . . friend. Now, however, he knows I will no longer stand by and do nothing.”

“What are your plans, Mrs. Cornwall?”

“I’ve come to take Natasha with me to my parents’ home in California. I told my husband that this was how it would be, or I would no longer remain as his wife. My daughter needs me, and I intend to see her through this situation.”

“And what of her assailant?”

“That’s a harder situation. The man is close friends with the governor and even the president. He’s wealthy and used to getting others to look the other way. I spoke to a lawyer, but he said there was little we could do. Lawrence Briarwood has always operated outside of the law.”

The name was familiar. Her father had once spoken against the man for having openly pledged a large amount of money for the St. Paul Orphanage, only to take back his offering when the board wouldn’t change the orphanage’s name to honor him.

“Mr. Briarwood has a terrible reputation, to be sure. But if we do nothing, he’ll be able to go on hurting young women. I doubt Natasha was the first.”

“No, probably not, but we are hardly equipped. The lawyer suggested we simply go elsewhere, and that’s what I intend to do.”

Leah didn’t like the idea of the man getting away with what he’d done to Natasha, and yet, she felt a huge weight lift from her heart knowing the girl wouldn’t have to face her attacker again. “What can we do to help you?”

Mrs. Cornwall smiled for the first time. “Nothing. I am quite well situated with money of my own. I told my husband my plans to leave. He was of course appalled. A divorced man is not ostracized as a divorced woman might be, but it still wouldn’t bode well for his career. I believe he’s properly motivated to see things my way. I also suggested he tell his mentor that Natasha died in childbirth and join us in California at his earliest opportunity. That way the man will give up thoughts of finding her. Otherwise, I believe he would hunt her down. He’s obsessed with her and, as I’m told, has men looking for her even now.

“I’m glad to say Mr. Cornwall finally saw the sense of it. He will remain in St. Paul and explain that I went away to grieve. I told him he must make it clear that Natasha is gone. The last thing I want is for that monster to follow us. However, if he tries, my father has assured me he will have enough security and protection that no one will ever harm us again. He has powerful friends in California.”

“Did you really do that, Mother?”

Natasha stood in the doorway to the office. Leah wasn’t sure how she’d come to join them, but she was glad the girl was there.

Mrs. Cornwall rose and went to her child. She wrapped Natasha in her arms and wept. “I have done it. I have made all the arrangements, and we will leave on the afternoon train for Kansas City, then head west.”

Natasha sobbed and held tight to her mother. Leah fought back her own tears. This had to be of the utmost relief to the girl. Now she would never again have to deal with the man who had so badly used her.

Leah rang for Mrs. Astor, knowing time was of the utmost importance. When the housekeeper appeared, she motioned her to the desk. “We have a great deal to accomplish and very little time to do it. Natasha will be leaving with her mother. I need you to find Zelda and have her help Natasha dress in traveling clothes. Tell Agnes she needs to pack all their things for immediate travel. I’ll get Vera to bring the trunks down and if necessary follow you to the station with them in my car,” she said, looking to Natasha’s mother.

Mrs. Cornwall pulled back from her daughter. “None of that matters. We can send for them later if need be.”

“Nonsense,” Leah said, smiling. “It’s easy enough to manage. I have a great staff here. Natasha, you should go upstairs with Mrs. Astor and change. It’s nearly noon. Would you stay for lunch with us?”

“No. The train departs at one.”

“Then there is less time than I thought. I’ll give Dr. Sjolander a call and make certain Natasha is well enough to travel. She hasn’t been eating.”