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“I think you’ll be pleased with the outcome. At least I hope you will.” Grandmother squeezed her hand. “We’ll make the announcement just after dinner concludes.” She glanced past Leah and smiled. “Erik! I’m so glad you could come. And, Dr. Sjolander, it’s good to see you again.”

Leah turned to see Erik and an older man.

“Leah, have you met Erik’s father?” Grandmother asked. “He’s also a doctor. Dr. Sjolander, this is my granddaughter Leah Garrison.”

Unable to escape without being rude, Leah smiled and gave a nod. “Happy Thanksgiving, Dr. Sjolander.”

The older man smiled from behind a neatly trimmed mustache. He and Erik bore a strong resemblance to each other. “I’m pleased to meet you, Miss Garrison.”

“Please call me Leah.”

“Does that go for me as well?” Erik asked, grinning. No doubt he knew he was an irritation to her just by being there.

“Of course. It’s my name.” She forced a smile. “Now if you’ll both excuse me, I need to speak to my mother.”

Leah turned quickly, hoping to avoid further discussion. Thankfully neither man said a word. She moved through the house, greeting one relative after another. There were numerous aunts and uncles and dozens upon dozens of cousins. She had always enjoyed these family gatherings. Although there were often more people than she could ever make the rounds to, she loved being a part of such a large and special group. She felt safe with these people, and that alone was worth the noise and upheaval they brought en masse to any affair.

Coming to where her parents stood chatting with Uncle Evan, Leah waited patiently until they acknowledged her.

“Leah, we were just speaking to Evan about your plans. I hope you don’t mind,” Mother declared.

“Not at all. In fact, Grandmother just asked me if they might announce it today, and I gave my consent.”

“I think it’s a wonderful plan,” Uncle Evan said, kissing her cheek. “It will bless a great many people. I’ve already been working with Dad regarding the legal papers.”

“Thank you,” Leah said, smiling. It was true to form in her family. Once an idea got into someone’s head, it wasn’t long until the project was formed and activated.

Before Leah could say anything more, Grandfather called everyone to prayer and blessed the families and the food. He also prayed that the war might end soon.

Leah pondered that even as they ate lunch and conversed with one another. The war weighed heavily on everyone and was at the forefront of most conversations. Still, America clung to neutrality. But for how long? Her father said it couldn’t last, and he was desperately concerned for his two sons, which in turn left Leah feeling overwhelmed. What if the neutrality ended and the draft began?

Her brothers were just the right age for such things. Micah was twenty and working back east on his pharmaceutical science degree. Clayton, nineteen, was absolutely brilliant. After graduating high school early, he immediately went off to Harvard, where he was studying government and political science. He had it in mind to be a senator one day, perhaps even president.

Would war ruin the dreams of both?

Dinner was a huge and noisy event with people spread out in three rooms. When the time came for Grandfather’s announcement, everyone was brought into the main dining room. As friends and relatives crowded in, Grandfather took a stand near the butler’s passage door.

“Quiet down, everyone. I have some wonderful news to share,” he declared.

Leah hoped everyone would see it as wonderful news. Randolph sat across from her and had endeavored to speak to her without much success. Erik and his father were also seated near enough that Leah had caught Erik looking at her more than once.

“First of all, let me say that this has been a marvelous gathering, and I know Judith and I will remember it for all of our days, especially since this is the last Thanksgiving we shall host here.”

There were gasps and a few barely audible comments. Leah wasn’t at all sure why he’d said that. They’d been celebrating the holidays at her grandparents’ house since before she was born.

“We will of course have our family Christmas celebration here, but that will be the end of hosting such events. God has been ever faithful to draw us together, and I’m sure we will continue to do so as the years go by.

“However, those things won’t happen here. Things are changing. We’ve grown quite elderly over the years, and we have decided the time has come for us to move on. Judith and I will be moving to a smaller venue—a cottage on our son Evan’s estate. And as for this place, we are giving it to the care of our granddaughter Leah Garrison. It will become the headquarters for her new home for unwed mothers of society.”

The silence was deafening. Leah felt all gazes turn to her, and for just a moment, she worried there might be a riot. But then that concern passed as the crowd around her began to applaud. Grandfather was beaming in joy.

“She didn’t know I was going to donate Ashton House, or I suppose it’s longer been Turner House, to her ministry. Her grandmother and I discussed it, and it only seemed right. Leah wants to create a home of beauty and refinement for upper-class women who find themselves in delicate situations. It is a ministry that we wholeheartedly embrace, and we felt it was only right that we donate this lovely home to that cause. I hope you will do what you can to support and promote Leah’s endeavors. Leah, have you decided on a name for this home of yours?”

Leah had considered a lot of ideas, but at the moment, none seemed appropriate. “I’m still praying on it.” She supposed praying wasn’t exactly the right word, but it would satisfy her religious family.

Grandfather smiled and nodded. “That’s the best way to do it. Now, everyone feel free to walk about the grounds and house. The kitchen staff will be available to issue bicarbonate for those who overdid.”

Everyone laughed at this, but Leah still felt as if everyone was watching her. She glanced at Randolph, who looked at her with a strange expression. No doubt he was concerned about being thrown over for such a questionable opportunity.