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Erik had not intended to offend Leah Garrison, but that was clearly what he had done. He felt an apology was due his mentor and employer, and when Dr. Turner came back to the sitting room after seeing her off, Erik jumped to his feet.

“Sir, I am sorry. I should not have been so outspoken. I apologize for offending your granddaughter. And if in doing so I also offended you and Mrs. Turner, I deeply regret it.”

“Nonsense. You didn’t offend us,” Dr. Turner said, reclaiming a seat by his wife. “You made good points, but you also should learn not to be so quick with judgments.”

“Yes,” Mrs. Turner added. “Leah is young. She just turned twenty-one, but she’s seen a lot in her short life and has had a great deal of informal training. I believe she’s well-equipped to be the caretaker of such a house, and she’ll have staff to fill the gaps where her experience is lacking.”

“Again, I apologize. I figured she was perhaps eighteen. I trust your opinion on the matter.”

“You should also understand that her response in part was due to her friend’s death. They were very close,” Mrs. Turner continued. “The girl was abandoned by her parents and immediately sent out of the house. They wouldn’t tell Leah where she’d gone or when she might return. Leah’s father even had someone search for her, but her parents did an impressive job hiding her away. It was devastating for Leah, and when notice came of her friend’s death, she was beyond consolation. Seeing her finally come out of her pain to focus on something like this is frankly an answer to prayer.”

“She’s right, Erik. We have been quite concerned for Leah over these past few years.”

“It’s not that I don’t think her idea has merit, but again, she has no formal training, and we both know how quickly things can go wrong.” Erik knew he should probably just stop giving his opinion, but for reasons he couldn’t explain, it seemed most important.

“You know, I’m a firm believer that God puts callings upon our hearts. I believe He has brought Leah to this place, and because of that, I believe He will help her to see and understand what she needs as she moves forward in this situation,” Dr. Turner assured him. “Leah’s a smart girl too. I think when she considers all that has been said, she’ll come to the conclusion that having a full-time nurse living at the house will be of particular use to her. And if she doesn’t bring the matter up, I’ll be sure to suggest it. She’ll listen to me.”

Erik had no doubt about that. The man had a way of expressing himself that helped the other person to not only know what was needed but often to come up with the solution for themself.

“Now tell me, Erik, what are you and your father doing for Thanksgiving?” Mrs. Turner asked.

He looked at the older woman. She was still quite lovely for her age. Elegant and refined were the two words that came to mind first. Graceful and intelligent followed close behind.

“We have no plans but will most likely volunteer at our various offices to help anyone who needs a doctor.”

“I had forgotten your father is also a physician. How proud he must be of you, Erik.” She smiled, and for a moment Erik’s heart felt the pain of loss. His own mother had deserted their family when he was but fourteen. He had stifled all emotions after that, determined that no woman would ever break through his barriers, but Mrs. Turner had a way about her.

“He is proud,” Erik replied. “He often tells me so, at least. I am also proud to follow in his footsteps.”

Dr. Turner leaned forward and grabbed a scone, not bothering with a plate. “Your father is a most capable physician. I’m glad he agreed to help at the charity hospital. We need all the volunteers we can get.”

“Well, I would like to invite you both to join us here on Thanksgiving Day. We’re having a large number of people, mostly family, in for a large, sumptuous meal,” Mrs. Turner continued as she handed her husband a plate. “I would love for you to be here and celebrate with us.”

Erik thought of Leah. Perhaps he could apologize to her. “I’ll let my father know. If we are able to get away from work, that would be quite acceptable to me.”

“Wonderful. We’ll sit down to eat at noon. Come by eleven thirty and get to know a few people. I’m sure you’ll enjoy yourselves immensely.” Mrs. Turner stood. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a meeting to attend.”

“We’ll be leaving shortly, and I’m sure the driver has returned by now. Can we drop you somewhere?” Dr. Turner asked.

“That would be lovely, thank you.” She crossed the room. “I’ll need only a few moments, and then I’ll be ready to go.”

Once she was gone, Erik felt it essential to further explain. He needed Dr. Turner to know why the idea of this home for unwed mothers was so important to him. “Sir, I’d like to share something with you and ask that you keep it to yourself.”

Dr. Turner’s brows raised. “A secret?”

“Of sorts. My family has experienced a situation much like your granddaughter’s friend. My sister was taken advantage of by a long-time suitor. We had our concerns about his sincerity, but he came from a good family and had the appearance of being completely loyal and trustworthy. My father approved their engagement.

“However, he wooed my sister and took liberties. When she found herself in a family way, the young man declared he’d had no part in the matter and that she was of questionable morals, then broke their betrothal. My sister was devastated. He disappeared from our neighborhood, and my sister was allowed to go stay with my father’s aunt in Wisconsin. She’s there still and will soon give birth to her baby. Our great-aunt was once a midwife and is fully capable of seeing to her needs, otherwise I could never have approved of her going there.”

“I’m sorry to hear your family has endured this painful experience,” Dr. Turner replied. “I wish you’d told me sooner.”

“The story really isn’t mine to tell, but given the situation, I wanted you to know that I fully support the idea of there being places for such women. As your granddaughter mentioned, many charities are set up for the poor and uneducated, not that they don’t need our help as well. I just didn’t want you to get the wrong idea.”

“I understand. It’s never easy to see our loved ones hurt. I’m glad your sister was not abandoned by her family.”

“No, that will never happen.”

“And what of the babe?” Dr. Turner asked, his expression so compassionate.