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“And you believe you should take on those who work in such houses as well?” her father questioned, seeming not to fully comprehend Leah’s desires.

“Yes. I know they’re working people, but the servants I’m thinking of are the ones who spend most of their days working side by side with their employers. The companions and lady’s maids who are used to the refined life of upper society. It would be hard for them to go to a place like Bethany Home or other institutions for the poor when they’re used to having a better life than most.”

“I think that makes perfect sense. Although, some of the society women will probably resent them being treated as equals.”

“Given their condition and fear of social retribution, they will learn quickly enough how fortunate they are to have that care. Otherwise, they might find themselves no better off than poor Susanna.”

Leah didn’t usually like to bring up her friend, but today seemed to be the day for it. “I asked Grandfather to be the physician who’d look after these young women, and he assured me he would. As we walked out to the car, he promised that he would get everything in motion for me, so you won’t have to do anything. Still, I would like your help in finding a house and decorating it. I know you have a good friend who sells real estate, Father. And, Mother, your taste in carpets and draperies has always been sheer perfection.”

“A house agent who attends our church probably knows of some fine places for sale that would suit your purpose,” Father said. “Perhaps we can arrange to see some after Thanksgiving.”

“That would be perfect.” Leah finished her roast just as the footmen appeared to take their plates and bring dessert.

“How did your meetings go today?” Leah asked, knowing her parents had been quite busy.

“They went well. The charity hospital is well staffed and continues to meet a great many needs,” Mother declared. “And I attended a meeting regarding Bethany Home just this morning, which recalls some of the rules they have for that organization. As you know, the unwed mothers are required to pledge a year to the house. They agree to stay there, learn job skills, and help with the duties required to run the place. Will you have any kind of requirements for your young ladies?”

“I’ve given it some thought and believe that given the type of women we’ll be dealing with, we should have something of an ordinary routine based on the life they left. Those who haven’t yet finished school can continue their studies. I have the proper qualifications and could take on their instructions. Perhaps Father could help me with the curriculum.”

“Certainly,” her father replied.

Dessert was placed before them, and Leah smiled at the sight of her favorite apple crisp. She picked up her fork but continued to address her thoughts. “We could encourage sewing and painting, music and reading just as they would have taken on at home. Have afternoon teas, perhaps call in people to speak from time to time on important issues.”

“I still have doubts about treating the women equally.”

Leah nodded. “I’m not saying it will be ideal. Most likely if there are several women staying at one time, they will keep to their own social group. And so long as they aren’t doing each other harm, I think that would be just fine. I won’t tolerate fighting. However, I know people will disagree and criticize.”

“You’ll have to deal with that no matter what.” Her mother’s expression turned quite serious. “Something more important comes to mind, however. Leah, have you given any thought to the fact that your own reputation may suffer? You will no doubt face attacks, perhaps even heavy-handed protest. There will be women who applaud your decision, but at the same time an equal number who will question your sanity and reputation. You may find yourself shunned by proper society, even though you will be alleviating a problem for them.”

“Your mother is right, unfortunately,” Father agreed. “You may be completely cut off from your friends and the social events you’ve known over the years. At this point they only know you to be a volunteer at Bethany Home. They have no idea to what degree you have exposed yourself to the details. However, once you’re actually the owner of a home for unwed mothers, fine society will know your full involvement.”

“I don’t care about that. Fine society has done nothing for me. My family is all that matters, and I know they will love me despite my choices. If society deems me unfit, then so be it. God will know the truth.”

“But what of suitors?” Mother asked. “You may find yourself at a loss for that as well.”

Leah looked at her mother for a long moment. She meant well by the question, but she also knew how Leah felt.

“I don’t care about suitors. In fact, I think I may very well be one of those women called to remain single as I serve mankind, or womankind in this instance. I feel men are untrustworthy, with exception to my family.”

“That’s hardly fair, Leah,” her father countered. “You cannot blame all men in society for the actions of a few.”

“There are more than a few who seek their fun and abandon all thought of responsibility. I’m not saying that the young ladies involved are without accountability, for certainly they are. However, they are the ones who bear the consequences, and the men seldom ever do. A man can deny involvement and pretend all that happened was in the name of a good time, if they admit to any participation at all. And there is absolutely no possible means of proving that they are the cads who ruined the lady in question.”

“It is a difficult situation, to be sure,” Mother said, her voice full of love. “But, Leah, you may well find that there are honorable men beyond your family, for I am certain they exist. Furthermore, I believe there is love for you with the right man. I can’t help but think you would make an amazing wife and mother.”

“Ha! What man would want to join me in my work to benefit unwed mothers of any rank? As you said, the consequences will most likely be far spread. I won’t be acceptable to society. Who can say? I might even be forbidden a seat in church.”

“Hardly that.” Father shook his head. “Many a woman in our circle has gone before you in related endeavors. Our family is well known for charity work, and your mother has suffered no ill effects for her commitments.”

“Yes, but I am a married woman.”

Leah looked to her mother and realized she was making a good point. Her grandmother and mother, her aunts, and even the famous Mrs. Van Cleve, now gone on to glory, were all married women with children of their own. This might very well create a situation of embarrassment for her family that she’d not even considered.

“If you’d rather I not do this in order to keep the family from shame, then I could go elsewhere. Some place that I’m not known.”

“Nonsense.” Mother’s tone made it clear that Leah had misunderstood. “That’s not at all what I’m getting at. We’re merely concerned for you. The things people say may well be cruel, and we don’t want to see you hurt.”

“Your mother is right. You have our full support, but we want to caution you against what may come.”