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“That’s just fine. I’m starved. Didn’t eat breakfast. Dad went to Chicago for some lecture he wanted to hear about new medicines to fight infections. Without him around, I didn’t even put on a pot of coffee.”

Dr. Turner sipped the tea. “Once I’ve had my tea, I won’t be much good for discussion. I find the syrup makes me sleepy.”

“Well, to heal properly, you should get as much rest as possible.” Erik took up a plate and helped himself to several small sandwiches and a couple cookies. He put the plate to one side, then poured himself a cup of coffee. Reclaiming his seat, he waited for Dr. Turner to serve himself, knowing better than to impose his assistance on the fiercely independent man.

“Have you heard from your sister?” Dr. Turner asked.

Erik almost laughed at the rapid way he changed the topic. “Ellie is doing well. She’s enjoyed staying with Aunt Agatha. Dad says he wouldn’t be surprised if she decided to remain there after the baby is born. The two seem to help one another in great ways, and Aunt Agatha offers Ellie the mothering she’s never had. I doubt Ellie will ever marry. She says she never intends to fall in love again.”

“Poor girl. It’s sad to think of love eluding anyone.”

“She’s always been on the search, to be sure. I think having our mother abandon us gave us both skewed ideas of love and romance. Ellie married young to an abusive man who died the very next year in some barroom brawl. She tried one relationship after another in the years that followed, but nothing ever worked out for her. When we came here and Edward Sorenson began to prey on her, Ellie was just desperate enough to believe his every word. If I ever find him, I’ll . . .” Erik shook his head as he fell silent.

“You’ll what?” Dr. Turner looked at him with a curious expression.

Erik shrugged. “I used to think I’d beat him to a pulp. That’s what I wanted to do when I first found out he’d left her to face being with child on her own. Now, I don’t know. I’ve spent most of my spare time trying to track him down, but it’s clear the man has left Minneapolis.”

“Maybe it’s time to let it go.”

“That’s what Dad says. He says there’s nothing we could do even if we found him. The law wouldn’t force him to marry her.”

“Would you want such a man married to your sister?” Dr. Turner took a long drink of the tea, then added, “I wouldn’t want my daughters forced to marry such a man.”

“You’re right, of course. I wouldn’t want Ellie to have to marry a man she didn’t love. Our mother did that, and we both know how terribly that worked out.” Erik tried not to let the bitterness bleed through, but he knew it had. “I try not to blame our mother, but I know she played a huge part in all of this.”

“A parent has a profound effect on their children,” Dr. Turner agreed. “They have so much influence over how they turn out, what they believe, and how they handle things in everyday life. It’s a huge responsibility for mere mortals.”

Erik frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

Dr. Turner shrugged. “I suppose I mean that we are all flawed and imperfect and expecting perfection from us is going to result in disappointment every time. Parents make mistakes just like children do. We can only give it our best, and yet we start the job without training or understanding of what’s fully expected. We think we have learned the task by the experience of being a child and watching our parents. We vow to do or not do what they did and plunge into the game with eyes wide open, only to find it’s not a game at all and real flesh and blood and feelings are all at risk. Oh, the mistakes I’ve made. How I regret them.”

“You? You are spoken of by your children as though you were perfect. They praise you and tell of their wonderful relationship with you and Mrs. Turner.” Erik shook his head. “If I were to choose an example of exceptional fatherhood to learn by and follow, it would be you.”

“Oh, please don’t say that.” Dr. Turner put down his cup and saucer. “I loved my children dearly but failed them just as most parents do. I gave it my best for the most part but admit to times when I selfishly chose my own needs and desires. I’m just as flawed as any other parent, Erik. I am sorry that your mother chose herself over her children. One can understand resenting a forced marriage. One can even see the reasoning behind her never wanting anything to do with your father. But to leave her children without a mother’s love . . .” He sighed and fixed Erik with a look of sympathy. “That I could never understand. My heart breaks to think of what you endured, but don’t make me into something I’m not. Look to your Heavenly Father for the best example. He has been faithful and just, generous and loving. His is truly the only example worth imitating.”

“I know you’re right. I can even say some of the pain has faded from those early years of longing and trying to understand what I did wrong to make her hate me so. I know now it wasn’t me.”

“No. And it wasn’t Ellie. Though both of you have borne the brunt of bad decisions by your parents.”

For several long moments neither one said anything, but Erik knew something had changed in his heart. It was subtle, but nevertheless there. Finally, he looked Dr. Turner in the eye.

“I guess I’ll stop my search.” His thought was more on Edward Sorenson, but a dozen other things came to mind.

Dr. Turner nodded. “Just regarding the futile things. Keep pursuing the ones that matter—the ones you can use to make a difference for good . . . for God.”

13

“Nurse Foster, it’s so nice to have you join us here at Turner House.” Leah observed the uniformed woman and smiled. She was a little on the stocky side, but certainly not by much. Her salt-and-pepper hair was neatly pinned up in a tight coil, and her nurse’s cap sat squarely on her head.

“I was delighted when Dr. Turner called me. I’ve worked for many years in hospitals, and a job like this sounds like heaven.”

Leah smiled and motioned the woman to sit. With her grandfather sick in bed, Grandmother had called earlier to say Nurse Foster would be arriving at three, so Leah arranged for tea to be served early. The girls would arrive shortly to meet the new nurse in the formal sitting room.

“I don’t know how heavenly it will be, but your wisdom and insight will be much appreciated.”

Mrs. Astor arrived with the tea cart, and the girls soon followed. Leah took charge. “Ladies, have a seat. I want to introduce you to our newest resident, Nurse Foster. My grandfather arranged for her to join us so that you will always have access to medical care. Nurse Foster, this is Natasha Smith and Brigette Van Dyke.”

The older woman nodded to each of her patients. “How do you do. I am a nurse of thirty years and quite knowledgeable regarding pregnancy. I will be available to you throughout the day and evening. I have familiarized myself with Dr. Turner’s notes on each of you, so be assured that I understand the details of your circumstances. I will endeavor to care for you according to your needs.”