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“But I will. I promise,” Natasha declared. “I promise.”

Leah met the girl’s eyes. “I told you God would find a way.”

Natasha glanced at her mother. “I didn’t think you loved me.”

“You should have known better. I was in shock for a time, but once it all came clear to me, I knew there was no choice but to get you away from St. Paul for good. Now come on, we must do as Miss Garrison suggested. You can hardly travel in a dressing gown.”

“I’ll show you upstairs,” Mrs. Astor told her.

Once they’d gone, Leah called the charity hospital and asked to speak to Erik. He was quick to approve the plan and felt certain Natasha was still healthy enough, although probably weak from not eating.

By ten after twelve, Natasha along with her maid and mother were ready to depart for the train station.

Leah hugged Natasha close in parting. “I will continue to pray for you. You know you will always have a special place in my thoughts. You and Brigette were the first to be under my care.”

Brigette had come to say good-bye and stood off to one side. Natasha pulled away from Leah and went to her. “I’m sorry for the way I’ve acted. I didn’t treat you kindly.”

“It’s all right. You were afraid, and so was I. We were lost in our fears and sorrows.”

“Yes, but I should have seen you as an ally rather than another problem in my life.”

Leah marveled at the turnaround of the young woman. She had hope once again, and it made all the difference.

“Come, Natasha. We must hurry,” Natasha’s mother said.

Leah and Brigette followed them outside and watched until the cars had disappeared down the street.

“That all happened so fast, I don’t know what to think,” Brigette said, turning to Leah. “The house is feeling rather empty.”

“There are two more to join us next month. We shan’t be without patients for long.” She sighed and gazed up at the beautiful blue sky. Leah hadn’t really considered how God might answer her prayers for Natasha, but the fact that her mother had boldly chosen to make a stand was unexpected. But then again, God often worked in the unexpected.

A week later, Leah and Erik, along with his dad, joined her parents for supper. Erik had been a little nervous about the invitation. He knew they’d be expected to discuss their wedding plans, and so far, he and Leah really hadn’t decided anything.

The talk was casual through the beginning of the meal. Once the soup was served, Erik began to relax a little bit as Leah’s father discussed the previous two days of snow that nearly closed the city down. He questioned how money was going to be found for snow removal after already having had such a busy winter. Erik was glad for the topic to keep them occupied, but then Leah’s mother interrupted as the entrée was served.

“So, have the two of you set a wedding date?”

Leah glanced at Erik and shook her head. “We’re watching to see what happens with the war. Everyone is certain there’s no hope for America to remain neutral.”

“And if we go to war?” Mr. Garrison asked. “What will that mean for you, Erik?”

“I wish I could give you an exact answer, sir. Leah and I have talked long and hard about that very thing.”

“Doctors will definitely be needed on the battlefield.” Leah kept her gaze on the plate. “Erik wants to do whatever is needed of him, but of course, I think he’s needed right here in Minneapolis.”

“True enough,” her father replied. “We will certainly need to keep good doctors on hand.”

“My father said he will come out of retirement if we go to war,” Mrs. Garrison added with a sigh. “He knows he’ll be needed to fill in for others.”

“He’s about to turn eighty-four years old,” Leah protested. “He’s earned his retirement.”

“But as he once told me, a doctor’s calling is one that never really ends.” Mrs. Garrison smiled. “He’d be happiest working with patients until the Lord calls him home.”

“I feel the same way,” Erik said, glancing at his father. “Don’t you, Dad?”

Erik’s father seemed momentarily preoccupied, then nodded. “I can’t imagine not having patients to care for. I’ve very much enjoyed adding to my volunteer hours at Dr. Turner’s charity hospital. I wish I could devote myself to the poor as your father has done.”

Leah’s mother lifted her glass and paused. “Yes, but he had the family inheritance to count on. Besides, he feels working without pay is his calling to serve God. Not everyone feels that way, nor should they. God gives us all different callings.”