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Erik was surprised to hear his mentor’s announcement. Dr. Turner had said nothing to him about giving up their beautiful estate for Leah’s plans. He was still uncertain she could take on such a mission and couldn’t help wondering what might happen if she got started, then decided it was just too much. It was highly possible she might face such condemnation from friends and strangers alike that she would feel it necessary to give up her idea. Then what?

Still, a part of him wanted to be happy for her at the very generous donation of this grand, palatial estate. It certainly would suit her needs. Erik had been at the house many times, and while he hadn’t explored the upstairs, he knew the design had numerous bedrooms and baths. There was even a third story with servant quarters. How convenient that would be in housing a full-time nurse. If Dr. Turner had convinced Leah of the need for such a person . . .

At the conclusion of Dr. Turner’s announcement, a good number of people had flocked to Leah, congratulating her and no doubt making all sorts of promises to support her. That was the way the Turner family operated. At least, what little he had seen firsthand. Mrs. Turner was the quintessential mother figure for the entire group. Her children sought her advice and approval constantly. Dr. Turner often joked in her presence that he wasn’t at all needed when it came to running the business or the family. He was just a simple physician and surgeon. His wife, he insisted, was the genius behind the family’s success.

Dr. Turner once said that her grandfather had been responsible for his father’s death, and that nearly caused him to avoid getting to know her better. But God had encouraged him to forgive the past and start a new future with Judith. Dr. Turner said he was so very grateful for God’s direction.

Having had nothing of a mother’s love, Erik always felt a little envious when various members of the family told stories about Mrs. Turner. For all intents and purposes, she sounded perfect in every way. Of course, Mrs. Turner had told him otherwise on more than one occasion. She was a humble woman who loved the Lord and was cautious of men’s praise, even when it was the praise of her own children.

Still, Erik imagined how wonderful it might have been to grow up with such a woman. All her children were successful in their careers and families. She had an entire army of grandchildren, including the lovely Leah Garrison.

He glanced again at her. She was laughing at something her brother was saying to her as a tall, blond-haired man stepped up to join them. Erik wondered who the man was and what he meant to Leah. He seemed quite easy with her, so perhaps he was another of her uncles or cousins. But he didn’t look at her like a relative. For a moment Erik thought maybe he’d met the man before. There was something that seemed oddly familiar.

“That’s Randolph Vanhoutte,” Dr. Turner said, coming up from behind.

“What?” He turned rather abruptly.

Dr. Turner chuckled. “The man with Leah is Randolph Vanhoutte. Your study of him suggested you were wondering who he was.”

“He looks familiar.”

“He should. He’s been in the public eye for his support of occupied Belgium. He has family there and does what he can to raise funds for relief.”

“Perhaps that’s it, then. I must have seen him in the newspaper or maybe in a public setting.”

“No doubt.” Dr. Turner glanced to where he stood with Leah. “He’s been rather in love with Leah for several years, and he’s best friends with my son Jared. Loving horses as he does, he is often at Jared’s horse farm. I think riding helps him to forget his worries. You see, his mother and grandmother are trapped in Belgium.”

“But they’re Americans?”

“His parents were both born in Belgium and came to America at a young age. As I understand it, his grandmother longed for the old country, and when Randolph’s father died, his mother decided to take her back to Belgium, where they could live quietly. Of course, Randolph was on his own by that time, and no one had any idea of the war.”

“Of course not.”

“So the horse farm brings solace. I think it did for Leah as well. She was always a great rider, but after losing her friend, I think it soothed her soul.”

“I didn’t know she loved horses. I’m fond of them myself. I see all the motorized conveyances coming to popularity and feel a sense of loss in losing our horse and buggies. I used to ride all the time prior to becoming a doctor. I miss it.”

“Well, you would always be welcome at Jared’s farm. They give riding lessons there and raise some of the most beautiful animals you will ever see. Since you’re a good friend of mine, Jared would allow you to come out and just enjoy the day. If you have a horse of your own, you could even board him there. The horses are well cared for.”

Leah’s gaze met Erik’s just then, and she moved away from Vanhoutte and the others to join them. No doubt she hoped to speak to her grandfather, but Erik didn’t do anything to dismiss himself.

“Grandfather, I am in a state of shock.” She hugged him close. “I can’t believe you and Grandmother are giving up this house.”

“It’s time,” Dr. Turner said, brushing back a stray curl from her face. “Your grandmother and I talked it over and quickly came to the same conclusion. The place will be turned over to you on the first of the new year.”

“Everything is moving so fast.” Leah gave Erik a quick glance, then refocused on her grandfather. “I’m so grateful to you for this. This house is exactly what I had in mind. There are plenty of rooms for whatever we might need.”

“Exactly so, and we’re leaving it furnished, at least for the most part. There are things we will take with us to the cottage, but not so much that you will struggle to replace the items. Mostly you’ll want to consider purchasing new linens and bedding, towels and such. We’ve spoken to the staff, and most would like to stay on to help, if you’re of a mind to keep them.”

“Of course. How wonderful. But what of you and Grandmother? You’ll need care too.”

“And we’ll have it. Your grandmother is taking her lady’s maid, and I will take my valet. Otherwise, our needs will be few. Evan has a full staff who will come and clean our cottage, cook for us, and care for the grounds around the house. Frankly, it will be a relief to both of us. We’ve already turned over much of our charity work to the family, and your mother has agreed to head up much of what Judith did, and Evan of course has also volunteered to continue with the legal works. It’s all working out quite perfectly. That’s why I know this is the Lord’s doing and not just your kind heart.”

“Well, Randolph was not very happy about it. He believes people will talk badly about me. That concerns him greatly.”

“Probably because he hopes to make you his wife,” Erik said without thinking.

Both Dr. Turner and Leah looked at him for a long moment. He shrugged. “It’s obvious that he’s laid a claim to you.”