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Leah reluctantly took it, dabbed her eyes, and handed it back. “I’m fine. What are you doing in Grandfather’s office?”

He laughed. “This is where he told me to wait for him. We’re to have a talk.”

“About what?”

“That’s none of your concern.” He raised a brow as if daring her to challenge him.

For a moment she thought of reprimanding him, but the comment actually brought a smile to her face. “Touché.”

The door opened on the opposite side of the room, and Leah’s grandfather entered. “Goodness, it’s noisy out there. Sorry to keep you waiting. The musicians are taking a short break, but then the dancing will begin, and I promised Mrs. Turner a dance or two.” He glanced across the room and saw Leah. “Oh, Leah. I wondered where you got off to. You left so quickly. I hope you aren’t letting talk of the war cause you grief.”

“It certainly isn’t pleasant.” She started for the door. “I was just leaving.”

“No, please stay, Leah.” Her grandfather’s voice was firm. “I think it would be good for you to be here. I asked Erik to meet me so I could talk to him about the transfer of my patients.”

“You’ve finally decided to retire,” Leah said, coming to where her grandfather had just taken a seat behind his desk.

“Yes. So to speak. I told you I would handle the cases here for the unwed mothers. But Erik will take over my regular practice, including the charity hospital and orphanage. Of course, you won’t have to handle it alone. A nice number of doctors in the area pledged volunteer hours to help.”

“That is good news,” Erik said, moving closer.

Grandfather nodded. “Yes, just tonight I managed to talk two more physicians into giving at least one hour a week. If we get enough on board, no one person will find it all that taxing. Nor will it strain their profits much.

“The charity hospital offices will of course be yours to run, Erik. The staff there will continue to aid you in the tasks at hand. I’ve spoken with the nurses, and they are happy to stay on and answer to you. Nurse O’Brien will remain in charge and is quite competent. I think she could actually manage everything without me. She’s a phenomenal surgical nurse, and she thinks highly of you.”

Erik chuckled. “I’m glad to hear it. It’s good to have the head nurse on your side.”

“Well, you have been with me for over a year. They’ve seen your abilities and assisted you in surgeries and bedside care. They know you are more than qualified. And with the new unwed mothers’ home, I hope that you will agree to be my back-up.” The older man leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. “The winter could make it difficult for me to get into town.”

Erik looked at Leah. “Is that something you would agree to, Miss Garrison?”

“If my grandfather wishes it so, then of course. I trust him.” She couldn’t very well say that she didn’t want Erik having any part of her work.

“But not me?” Erik looked at her with a hint of a smile.

Leah tried to appear undaunted, but it was as if he’d read her mind. “I do not know you well enough to trust you. But I trust Grandfather with all my heart.”

“Good. Then you can also trust Dr. Sjolander, Leah,” Grandfather replied. “I’ve the utmost belief in this young man. He’s proven himself honorable in every way. I’m sure he will be an asset to you, if you allow him to be.”

Leah looked at Erik, figuring to find a mocking expression. Instead, it almost seemed a pleading glance. Was he silently asking her to trust him?

7

Erik found it difficult to understand his feelings toward Leah Garrison. A part of him was drawn to the pretty young woman, but then the past and all the pain his mother had caused reared its ugly head. He had vowed to never trust a woman, to never get caught in a loveless marriage like his father, and yet in this situation, it was Leah’s trust he wanted. Surely that would require some of the same on his part.

“Leah will take over the house on the first of January,” Dr. Turner said. “There are a few changes we’ve discussed, including some painting and repapering, new draperies and carpets. I’ve helped her to plan out a large nursery based on what has worked for us elsewhere. And, Leah, we drafted several notices that we’ll need your approval on before sending them out to newspapers. I also have a letter that will go out to other doctors I know in various parts of the country, mostly big cities. We’ll get the word out slowly but surely.”

“Thank you, Grandfather. I appreciate your support.”

Erik said nothing about his concerns that a full-time nurse be in residence. Dr. Turner had assured him that in time Leah would come around to believe the same thing.

“She’s a brilliant young woman, Erik,” his mentor had declared just the week before. “Give her time to think it through. She’ll do the right thing.”

He had to admit, she seemed to have given plenty of thought to this. She wasn’t at all silly like a lot of women her age. He wondered what had brought her to tears when she first came into the office but knew she didn’t trust him enough to share her thoughts with him.

“Just estimating totals from tonight, I believe we will have plenty of money to keep the hospital and orphanage running for a time, as well as your new home, Leah. Erik, are you satisfied with the salary we discussed?”

“Yes, it’s more than generous.”