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“Jean Pierre, how good to see you. I didn’t realize you were in town.” Randolph extended his hand rather than exchanging the cheek brushings of the more European greeting. “This is Miss Garrison. Leah, this is my dear friend Jean Pierre Aubert.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Aubert.” Leah continued to warm her fingers around her coffee cup.

The man glanced at Leah and gave a slight bow before turning his attention back to Randolph. He seemed upset, or perhaps just excited at discovering Randolph in the restaurant. He leaned toward Randolph and spoke in barely audible French, explaining that he had come to town to take care of important business.

Leah wasn’t sure if Randolph realized she spoke French. German too, but she said nothing and pretended disinterest. However, when Mr. Aubert spoke of a ship they were trying to sneak into some harbor, she wondered what was going on. She knew Randolph was quite active in arranging supplies for Belgium. No doubt they were hard at work to get past the German authorities to provide food and medical goods to the Belgian people. Still, it was dangerous business, and Leah feared Randolph and Mr. Aubert were risking their lives for the cause.

A few other things were discussed regarding money and an assault on some location that neither man seemed willing to name. When they leaned even closer, their mouths all but pressed against each other’s ears, Leah felt almost fearful. What were they discussing that couldn’t be overheard?

Leah put her cup aside and touched her napkin to her lips. Randolph seemed to have forgotten they were in the middle of a restaurant rather than behind closed doors in private. She noted several people taking interest in the discussion and knew Randolph would be appalled at the added attention. He was a very private man when not working to fund-raise for Belgium.

“Randolph,” she said, reaching for the edge of his sleeve. “People are beginning to stare.” She offered the concern in a low, hushed tone, then motioned to the empty chair at their table. “Perhaps Mr. Aubert would care to join us.”

The men looked at her for a moment, then Randolph glanced around the room. “Of course, my dear. Jean Pierre and I haven’t seen each other in some time. We were caught up in the news of family.”

She knew that was a lie but said nothing to contradict him. “Even though we were just finishing, Mr. Aubert, you are welcome to sit and talk with Randolph.”

“Non. Non. Je m’excuse. I apologize,” he said, his French accent quite thick. “I will see him another time. Please pardon me.”

Leah nodded, knowing that both men had seemed to grow uncomfortable. Randolph gave his friend a stern glance, then bowed. “I will see you tomorrow. Please come to the house at ten.”

Aubert smiled. “I will be there.” He looked down at Leah. “Good evening, mademoiselle.”

Once he’d gone back to where the restaurant host was waiting, Randolph held out his hand to Leah. “We should probably be on our way. I know you’re tired.”

Leah found his change of attitude rather surprising. Earlier, despite his edginess, he had commented on hoping their evening could go on and on. Now he seemed anxious to end it.

They retrieved their coats and waited for the car. Randolph no longer paid her the attention he had earlier. He seemed far too caught up in his own thoughts. Once they were secure in the car, Randolph apologized.

“I am sorry, my dear. I don’t mean to be so preoccupied, but seeing Jean Pierre caused me great concern. He shared news from Flanders, and the situation is quite grim. I fear for those I love.”

Leah shivered under the car blanket, drawing his attention. Randolph moved closer. “Here, let me help warm you.”

She didn’t refuse his nearness but immediately wondered about the conversation she’d overheard. So far, Randolph hadn’t shared a single thing they had talked about. Instead, he was lying. But for what purpose?

“Your friend seemed quite upset. I suppose he has family there in Flanders?”

“Yes, of course. There was a terrible gas attack, many were killed.” He shook his head. “The horrors of this war are not easily understood.” He put his arm around her. “But let us talk of more pleasant things.”

“I do care about what is happening there, and you know I’m not squeamish. If it helps you to discuss the situation, I don’t mind.” Leah hoped her comment might encourage him to explain what Jean Pierre had been talking about regarding sneaking into port.

“You are a good woman, Leah. I so appreciate your concern about my family and those in Belgium. So many terrible things are going on, and the enemy is quite vicious and seeks to destroy us completely.”

“I am sorry.”

“Even in America, no one seems to really understand the things that are happening. The information sent is often wrong and given with such hatred.”

Leah nodded. “Father says that propaganda is being used to sway the hearts and minds of people in this country. It’s nothing new, of course. Rumors and campaigns to persuade the public have always taken place during war as well as times of peace. We have no further to look than the newspapers to see examples of enticement. They are full of advertisements and ploys to get us to buy things we don’t need. The articles written are no different. Father says that each man writes with an agenda to convince the reader to see things his way.”

“It is true, and some are more easily persuaded than others.” He kept his arm around Leah but settled back against the leather seat. “There is so much to be done to win this war.”

“Hopefully those in charge will start listening to reason and a peace treaty can be signed. We must pray that evil is defeated. Otherwise, the future may be quite grim.”

Randolph said nothing for several moments. They were just pulling into the Turner House drive when he finally spoke. “It is difficult to promote a love affair when such trouble is waiting behind every door. I am sorry, my dearest. I have ruined our evening.”

“Not at all. The play was lovely and the late supper divine.” Leah felt sorry for the man. She had enjoyed herself that evening but felt nothing overly romantic toward him. She did, however, have a strange feeling that Randolph was more distraught from his conversation with Mr. Aubert than he was letting on.

“Randolph, please try not to worry about things. God is still in His heaven, and He will prevail. We must pray for Him to overtake those who serve evil.”