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The temperatures warmed a bit after the first of the year, but Leah found herself too busy with the opening of Turner House to worry about the weather. The newspaper had run an article about her grandfather retiring from his practice as a physician and surgeon, mentioning all his great philanthropic efforts over the years. Accompanying this article was another that announced the opening of Turner House. It was brief and tasteful for the most part, but the journalist responsible had commented about the home being needed for “weak-minded women who had been deceived by the devious intentions of less-than-honorable men.” Thankfully, they associated the entire matter more with her grandfather rather than naming her as director.

“I wish they wouldn’t call them ‘weak-minded women,’” Leah said, putting the paper aside. She picked up her coffee and took a long sip of the now lukewarm liquid.

Her grandfather had stopped in unannounced and was being served coffee and a warm cinnamon roll. “I thought otherwise the article was tasteful and not overdone. It did suggest donations and gave information on where to contribute.”

“Yes, I suppose I should be grateful for that. And the same journalist did a wonderful job on your article. I think people will find it fascinating to see all that you headed up and were responsible for, Grandfather, as well as your dedicated war record. It was also good to read that you will still sit on the board of several charitable services.”

“I told your grandmother that I could hardly give up everything.” He picked up a fork and cut into the roll. “She knows it benefits her as well, so she agreed.” He smiled and sampled the pastry. After a moment, he took a drink of his coffee. “Delicious as always. Cook makes the best cinnamon buns in the state. Perhaps even the country.”

“I agree. They are quite good.”

“Oh, I nearly forgot to mention, Evan says he and the boys will come to get the billiards table as soon as the weather permits. He realizes you will probably want the space for something else now but asked that you be patient.”

“Of course. It’s not a problem, especially since it’s just Brigette and me. Now, you mentioned that you had another young lady for us. Do you happen to know when she’ll join us here?” Leah asked.

Her grandfather took out his watch. “That’s why I’m here. She’ll arrive in about thirty minutes. Sorry not to give you better warning. I had difficulties getting the family to nail down a date and time. They are quite devastated over all that has happened.”

Leah was startled by the news of the quick arrival but took it in stride. It was so like her grandfather to wait until the last minute. “You mentioned the complications of this situation were quite troubling.” Just then movement by the door brought to mind that the maid was still there. “Cora, you may go now.” Leah nodded toward the young woman, who curtsied and exited the room.

“That was probably wise, although servants always seem to learn the details.” Grandfather put his coffee down. “The young lady is the daughter of an important man involved politically with the state and prominently known in St. Paul. He needs all of this to remain unknown to the public. You see, his daughter was put upon by another man. She was not a willing participant.”

“Poor thing. And you said she’s just sixteen?”

“Barely, and five months along in the pregnancy. She’s due in May, I believe. She hides her condition well, however. Carrying quite low and has kept to herself for the most part. Her parents put out a rumor that she had contracted leishmaniasis, even suggesting it’s the worst form—kala-azar or black fever, a sickness that requires isolation and rest and can cause death if not properly treated. They visited Egypt last summer, and one of their party came down with it after returning to America. It seemed to fit their need and made a perfect excuse to hide Natasha’s condition.”

“I’ve never even heard of such a thing.” Leah glanced at the clock. “And they’ll be here very shortly. Well, I suppose it’s not a problem. Everything is ready.”

“She’s quite an angry young woman,” Grandfather said in warning. “You should know that she’s even threatened harm to herself.”

“Oh dear. How very sad.” Leah knew from having worked with her mother and grandmother that suicide was not uncommon among these desperate women.

“She’s not without justification. That was the main reason I wanted to get here a little early. You need to understand her situation. But no one must know the details except us.”

“Of course.” Leah steadied herself for what was yet to come. Hearing of these situations was never going to be easy.

“As I said, Natasha was taken by force. The man responsible is a colleague of her father and a very wealthy man of great influence and power. If Natasha’s father were to openly declare what he did, the man would ruin him.”

“Instead he says nothing and ruins his daughter?”

“So it would seem. I talked to him and his wife with Natasha present. He stressed the fact that this man has the ability to see them financially and politically ruined. Politics has long been the center of Natasha’s father’s life. His reputation and the good opinion of others is vital to him. The man who took liberties with her was thought to be a good friend and man of equal respect. However, when he joined the family on their journey to Cairo, he showed his true colors. When confronted, he warned her father to say nothing and gave him money to send her away.”

“In other words, he’ll be allowed to get away with what he’s done.”

“Sadly, yes.”

Leah shook her head and felt momentarily sick to her stomach. “Poor girl. Not even a woman and dealt such a blow.”

“Yes. You can see the situation is quite delicate. No one is to know she’s here. We are calling her by a different last name. She’ll be Natasha Smith. No record of her parents or former address will be allowed, and she will not attend any public functions.”

“Well, we had figured that most of the young ladies would remain secreted here, for their own sakes. Does Natasha agree to this?”

“Yes. She was most anxious to get away from St. Paul, even if it was just to Minneapolis. She is supposedly going to a spa in the Alps, where she is certain to be cured of her disease.”

“All the lies.” Leah shook her head. It had never been her desire to deal in deception. “Meanwhile, she is sent away from all she knows and loves. I don’t mind telling you, Grandfather, I would be bitter as well.”

His expression revealed his sorrow. “I couldn’t help but think what if it had happened to one of my daughters or granddaughters? That the family is too afraid to address this with the police is tragic, but worst still is the fact that it’s very likely nothing would be done even if brought to the attention of the authorities. The man would simply buy his way out, as he’s always done. I doubt this is the first time such a thing has happened with him. Powerful men who are without conscience care little for the cost of such a matter or the devastation it might inflict on others.”