Page 31

“Yes, go ahead, Agnes.” Natasha gave a wave of her hand in dismissal.

Leah smiled at the older woman. “Let me ring for Mrs. Astor.” Leah pulled the cord, and a woman wearing gold-rimmed glasses appeared almost instantly. “Please show Agnes to Miss Smith’s room so that she can manage her trunks. Agnes will also require a room of her own on the third floor, as she will be with Miss Smith for the duration.”

“Very good, ma’am.” Mrs. Astor was new to the household. The former housekeeper had chosen to retire and move in with her daughter.

Once they were gone, Leah looked at Natasha. “I realize you hadn’t planned to go on with your scholastic studies, but should you desire to do so, I am qualified to help you with your education.”

“I have no desire for books and studies. A lady of my standing has no need for such things.” Natasha looked at her as if Leah were suggesting the girl dig ditches or slop pigs.

“Well, I do know that the winter can cause malaise. We have a large library here, and you are both welcome to read the books there. There’s also plenty of stationery and pens to write letters. And, if you are artistically minded, you have only to let me know what you need, and I will arrange for it to be brought here for you. Brigette enjoys making charcoal drawings on occasion. Do you have any such hobbies, Natasha?”

“No,” she said, sounding irritated. But before Leah could comment, she spoke again. “I do embroider. I brought several pieces with me. Sometimes I needlepoint.”

“Very good. Just let me know if you need something else.” Leah didn’t wait to hear a response. “Now, Dr. Turner will come to see you each Friday. If need be we can call him should we need him sooner. He will see to all of your medical needs during your time at Turner House, and if he’s not available, then Dr. Sjolander will take over. Do you have any questions?” Leah looked at Natasha, knowing that Brigette was more than a little bit aware of the situation.

Natasha said nothing. She looked away again, taking on an air of boredom. Leah just smiled and did her best to be pleasant. “Then I will take you both on a tour of the house so you can familiarize yourself with where things are. It will be a short tour, and then you may go to your rooms and rest. Luncheon will be served at noon, as I mentioned earlier.”

She wasn’t sure if she’d managed things well or not, but Leah felt it was important to keep moving forward. She showed them the house, pointing out the music room and library. The once private sitting room at the back of the house had some of the same furnishings but had been converted into a place for school studies and artistic endeavors.

Leah pointed out the French doors to the patio and snow-covered gardens. “In a few months it will be beautiful out there. The flowers are quite lovely, and there are walking paths and places to sit and reflect. We are going to have the area enclosed with a beautiful brick wall.”

“Hiding us away so that no one can be embarrassed by our being here, eh?” Natasha asked, her tone more than a little sarcastic.

“That isn’t the thought at all. Your safety is of the utmost importance to us. Your privacy as well. We don’t want you to suffer in any way for your situation but know that people can be cruel. You aren’t prisoners here. If you desire outings, we will arrange them. However, the purpose of coming here was to give birth to your babies in private, and we want to ensure that in any way we can.”

“I’ll be glad for the privacy,” Brigette spoke up in defense. “I don’t want anyone to know I’m here. I’m not proud of what I’ve done.”

“Well, you may have played loose with your morals, but I’ve done nothing wrong,” Natasha shot back, hands on her hips. “I was taken by force, and my only fault was being the daughter of a coward.”

Leah didn’t want to get an argument started and interceded as quickly as possible. “We are all here for personal reasons. I want to encourage you both to talk to one another about your circumstances. You need to know that there will be no condemnation here, nor will it be accepted. No matter the reason for your condition, we will treat one another with kindness and respect.”

She led them to the billiards room. “I have my doubts that either of you will wish to play, but for the time being we have a billiards table. Through that door is my office. It can also be accessed through the library, however I would ask that you stay out of it unless you are invited in. That and private bedrooms are really the only rooms off-limits to you. Now we’ll make our way to the dining room.”

She finished the tour of the downstairs rooms just as Erik arrived. Leah hadn’t really expected him, but he seemed to have business with her grandfather.

“Feel free to use the office. I will go on with settling the ladies.” Leah looked at her grandfather. “You’re both welcome to stay for lunch.”

“Thank you, sweetheart.” Her grandfather gave her a wink. “We just might do that.”

Leah ushered the girls upstairs and paused at the top. She pointed out the bathrooms and storage closet where they could get more blankets if they needed.

“This is Brigette’s room,” she told Natasha. “She’s been here since right after Christmas, so if you lose your way around the place, I know she’ll be happy to help you.” Leah continued moving down the hall. “And this is your room.”

Leah stepped into the room, wondering if Natasha would be satisfied with the arrangement or immediately find fault.

The young woman moved across the floor, scrutinizing the hardwoods and rugs. Her gaze followed upward to take in the wallpaper and draperies, then the furnishings. It was quite a large room with a small sitting area and fireplace. She walked to the bed and then glanced out the window. Leah noticed that someone had placed a doll on the pillow, no doubt Agnes.

“There’s a dressing room to the right,” Leah announced. Agnes chose that moment to peek out.

“Is it adequate, Agnes?” Natasha asked.

“It’s quite nice, miss.”

Natasha looked back at Leah. “I suppose it will do.”

Leah smiled. The room had once belonged to her mother, so she knew it was more than merely adequate. “Well, if there’s anything else that you need, please let me know. We intend for you to be comfortable and happy while you’re here. I’ll leave you now to rest and see you in the dining room at noon.”

“What if I prefer a tray in my room?”