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There was great sincerity in her tone, and Erik regretted his teasing. He watched her pick her way through the crowd and head for the door. He wanted to go after her and apologize, but something held him in place. He just couldn’t quite bring himself to trust what he might say or do.

“Leah, wait.”

For a moment, she thought Erik had followed her, but turning, she found Randolph Vanhoutte and forced a smile.

“Hello, Randolph. Are you enjoying your evening?”

He was dressed fashionably, but it was the dashing figure of Erik Sjolander that came to mind. Leah had been quite captivated by how well-tailored his clothes were and how grand he looked. Why did he have to be so alluring?

“I would enjoy this evening a fair sight more if you would agree to allow me to speak to your father about courtship.”

Leah walked from the room, leaving the orchestra and dancers behind. She knew Randolph would follow, and she’d much rather have this conversation away from eavesdroppers.

“You know how I feel about you,” he continued. “I’ve felt this way for years.”

She finally stopped near the stairs. “I have so much on my mind that courtship has little room for consideration. You are a fine man, Randolph. Of that there is no question. You’ve been a good friend all these years to my Uncle Jared, and I know you to be a man of your word.”

And it was true. She had to admit that Randolph had proven himself worthy of her trust. But with the work she was about to take on, how could she squeeze in time for courtship?

“Leah, I’ve been so patient. Just hear me out.”

“Very well.” She folded her hands and awaited his pleading.

“I’ve been considering your plans. At first, I was rather put off. Not because you were a caring individual who wanted to lend aid and support to young women in delicate situations, but because it is rather risqué. However, after spending some time in thought on the matter, I’ve had a change of heart. If this is the desire of your heart, your calling, then let me be a part of it as well. Surely we can accomplish more together than apart. You have kindly been supportive of my work for the relief of Belgium. I want to be the same for you.”

Leah had never considered that Randolph would be accepting of her plans. “Aren’t you afraid of the possible ruination of my reputation? As you said, it is risqué.”

He chuckled. “I believe people who matter will know your character and nature. If they know you, they won’t doubt that your heart is fixed on doing good. No, I’m not afraid of any such concerns.”

“Perhaps you should be. My own parents and grandparents have warned me there will be people who question the propriety of my work. No doubt there will be those who classify me as weak-minded and easily given over to temptation. They don’t know me, however. If they did, they’d know I’m not easily persuaded by anything or anyone.”

“Which is exactly what attracts me to you and always has. You’ve always been a woman to speak her mind and stand for what she believed in. I’ve long admired that about you, Leah.” He reached out to gently take her gloved hand. “I don’t want to stop you in your endeavors. I want to come alongside you and help in whatever way I can.”

Leah was touched. She met his blue eyes, and something inside gave way. He had proven himself trustworthy over the years and was very nearly family. She had watched him grow into a man and had known him to be quite honorable in his nature. Perhaps his acceptance of her work and her years of knowing him made him the only man she could ever see herself marrying. Still, marriage was hardly on her mind. It created quite a dilemma.

“I cannot make you promises just now. I need to focus on my work. You have my permission to speak to my father, but not for courtship. That’s far too important.” She bit her lower lip. “We can spend time together in order to get to know each other as a precursor to courtship.”

“I suppose I must take what you offer. Once you spend time with me, your heart will show you the way. I just need a chance to show you what the two of us can be for one another. What we can accomplish together. I think you’ll be surprised.” He kissed her hand. “I’ll go speak to him right away.”

“It’s a busy night, Randolph. You might want to see him another time.”

“I will at least make my interest known. He and your grandfather gifted me with a special donation tonight, a very large one with a request that they remain anonymous. I will thank him again and casually bring up the possibility of us meeting for lunch this week. I should be able to speak to him then.”

Leah nodded. There wasn’t anything else to say. She wasn’t going to dissuade him, and she wasn’t entirely sure she wanted to. Randolph had never shown her anything but the highest respect and kindness. Besides, if she needed a husband to be taken more seriously in her charity work, she could do a whole lot worse. Not only that, but most everyone in her family expected her and Randolph to end up together. There had never really been other suitors.

Erik Sjolander came to mind. Although handsome, he’d been nothing but trouble since she’d met him. He was critical and judgmental. Opinionated too. He might be very handsome, but that didn’t filter down to his spirit and attitude. It seemed to Leah that someone might be extremely handsome and still nothing but an irritation.

Randolph Vanhoutte watched Leah walk away. His gaze never left her, and that irritated Erik more than he understood. Why should he care if Vanhoutte romanced her? Leah was his employer’s granddaughter. Erik wasn’t foolish enough to allow her to be more. She might think it was men who couldn’t be trusted, but Erik had never been deceived by a man the way he’d been by a woman. His own mother.

Vanhoutte finally turned and met Erik’s gaze. Unfortunately, he smiled, seeming to think Erik wanted to exchange thoughts, and immediately joined him. “Dr. Sjolander. It’s good to see you once again. I believe our last encounter was a few days ago at the CRB meeting.”

“I think you’re right,” Erik said, shaking the man’s hand. “It was certainly a sorrow to hear the news of Belgium and other oppressed nations. I hope that your mother and grandmother are faring better.”

“There has been no word. Prayers are all that we can offer,” Vanhoutte replied.

“Have you tried to get assistance from the government?” Erik asked. “I read just the other day of the governor of New York helping to track down a family member for someone. Perhaps our state governor or senator might lend you assistance.”

“I have a request in with the governor. So far they haven’t been able to learn anything. At least I feel that I’m doing something.” Vanhoutte looked past Erik and suddenly smiled. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to speak to Leah’s father regarding something quite important.”