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“We’re only nine years apart, and Albert was never meant to be the king. His brother died in 1909, however, and that put him on the throne. Prior to that, we had many encounters, and his heart for the poor influenced me greatly.”

“How wonderful. And impressive that a king should care for the impoverished.”

“Oh, he did,” Randolph replied, taking a sip of his wine. “He used to go incognito around poorer areas of town. I journeyed with him on many occasions. He thought it aided his disguise to have a young boy with him. We would judge for ourselves the situation and discuss what could be done.”

Leah had to admit that Randolph and the king-to-be taking note of the poor and coming up with ideas for change was a noble and honorable action. “Did he manage to change things?”

“Some. Not nearly as much as he would have liked. But before the war, he was still devoted to it. Now he’s busy leading his men into battle.”

“The king himself is leading troops?”

“Yes. Germany demanded King Albert open the Belgian borders and allow the German armies to march through the country unhindered. They wanted to take Paris and knew that no one would expect an attack from Belgium. But Albert said no and rallied the people to war. Though they knew they would not be able to defeat the German forces, they fought bravely and slowed the enemy down enough that France and Great Britain could mobilize. He is an amazing man, and some say we are quite similar in appearance.”

“He does sound remarkable. Perhaps he will assist you in locating your mother and grandmother.”

“He hardly has time for that, my dear. Rest assured, however, if he were able to help, he would. The entire family is quite extraordinary. His wife, Queen Elisabeth, joined in service as a nurse, and the king allowed his son, Leopold, to enlist in the military when he was just twelve, some two years ago.”

“I could hardly approve of children going to war,” Leah said, shaking her head. “Still, when your country is so overcome by the enemy, I suppose such things become necessary.”

“Sadly, yes. You have such a great heart, Leah. It’s one of the things I’ve always admired about you. You care for others before even considering yourself.”

The waiter came to clear the table and offer dessert. Leah shook her head, and Randolph waved the man away. It was funny. In the midst of their discussion about Belgium and their king, Leah had forgotten about how cold she was.

“I apologize for talking about the war,” Randolph said as he ushered her to where they would retrieve their coats. A woman appeared and took their claim check. “Normally I avoid such topics, especially when seeking to woo and impress the woman I love.”

Leah looked at him oddly. “‘The woman you love’? You’re declaring your love here?” A smile came unbidden. “What a strange world we live in. I suppose all the old standards are falling away rather quickly.”

“You’ve known for years that I care for you. You shouldn’t count it strange that I would speak so casually. You are such a part of my thoughts that it seems quite normal.”

The woman returned with Leah’s heavy fur coat and Randolph’s black wool. Randolph helped Leah into her coat and then quickly pulled his on. The woman then produced his hat and gloves and Leah’s muff.

Within a few moments they were seated in Randolph’s car, heading for the Garrison house. She wasn’t sure what to say. She didn’t want to bring up his feelings again, and yet she didn’t want to lead him on. It was true they had a lengthy history together, more so than many couples. Still, Leah wasn’t convinced that she even needed a husband, much less wanted one, so she returned to the subject of his mother and grandmother.

“I haven’t been much for praying these past few years, but I find myself more inclined as each day goes by. I will pray for your mother and grandmother. I hate that they should suffer.”

“Yes, the English are savages.”

“The English?”

He looked at her a moment as if not knowing what to say. Then he shook his head. “The Germans. I meant the Germans. My mind is just so overwhelmed. I was momentarily thinking of how the English had received so many refugees, and yet my mother and grandmother were not able to get to safety.”

Leah nodded. “Well, as I said, I will pray for them. Pray for them as if they were my own.”

Randolph took her arm and slipped her hand from the warmth of the muff, then kissed her fingertips and smiled. “I will pray that they soon will be exactly that. Your own.”

Leah’s gaze never left his. She wanted to feel something for him, something more than years of friendship via her uncle, but nothing came to mind or to heart. Alarmingly enough, it was Erik’s blue eyes and smile rather than Randolph’s that she saw in the shadows of the car.

9

Christmas was always a joyous occasion in the Turner family. Every issue or conflict was put aside so each person could focus on the birth of their Savior. People from far and wide were invited to join in, some from as far away as the east coast. Uncle Andrew and his family surprised everyone this year by showing up late on Christmas Eve. Grandmother had wept tears of joy, and even Grandfather’s eyes were damp. It was a time of family and friends, love and hope.

For Leah, it was a time of those things as well. She was doing her best to figure out her relationship with God. This morning, she had even taken time to read the second chapter of Luke, the Christmas story. But even with others so happy around her, Leah struggled. She immediately thought of Susanna and the brief time that had passed since her death. How she missed her friend. Susanna had loved the Christmas season. She loved to give gifts and always came up with the most unusual ones. One year she had given Leah a clock from Switzerland. Another year, she had bestowed a beautifully carved music box. Leah still had both but had put them away when the sight of them grew too painful. She’d have to remember to bring them with her to Turner House. Perhaps with her new focus on helping those like Susanna, the gifts would be pleasant reminders.

While people roamed the house and music played in various rooms, Leah sought solace in the library. She stood at the window, watching it snow and wondering how in the world she was going to manage all she had volunteered to do. If Susanna were still alive, she would have helped Leah in any way possible. Her parents probably wouldn’t have liked it, though. Given their attitudes, they would have been the first to stop them from engaging in such a mission.

“You look very festive today.”

Leah jumped. She hadn’t expected anyone to seek her out behind the closed doors. She met Erik Sjolander’s gaze. He looked as handsome as always in his gray suit and red tie.