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“Yes, my grandfather has worked with a team of orphanages over the years, and we know people who have connections in cities across the country. It’s long been a ministry near and dear to my grandmother’s heart. She and my grandfather even adopted quite a few children themselves.”

Leah listened as Nurse Foster continued talking about her work and life and asking the girls questions from time to time. She found the woman quite calming and capable of moving past Natasha’s angry rants while equally embracing the child with support. What a gift.

Once the tea had been consumed and questions answered, Leah dismissed the girls and led Nurse Foster upstairs. “I had your things put away in one of the second-floor bedrooms. I wanted you to be close to the girls for the sake of handling emergencies. You aren’t a household servant, and I’ve made that clear to everyone here. You answer only to me and the doctors.” They reached the top of the stairs. “My room is down the east hall, all the way at the end on the right. Yours is situated at the other end on the left.”

They walked together down the long hall. “There are two bathrooms to the left and right of the stairs, as well as a large storage room where you’ll find extra blankets, pillows, and bath linens. Feel free to take whatever you need. If you have a need that isn’t met, just ask. We have wonderful staff here. All women, of course.”

“That seems wise.” Nurse Foster glanced around. “It’s a very nice arrangement. Dr. Turner told me there were eight bedrooms total and most of those could be shared if needed.”

“Yes, but we’re hoping it won’t be necessary. We want to offer the kind of care and atmosphere that these daughters of society have known in the past. They’re used to being waited on and cared for, and we will provide for them in that way. Most will be paying for the privilege.”

Leah opened the door to the nurse’s suite of rooms. “You’ll find a sitting room, a dressing room, and a bedroom. The house is heated by a coal furnace, but there’s a fireplace as well.”

“Goodness, but I’ve never known such luxury.” Nurse Foster moved from the sitting room into the bedroom, and Leah followed.

“You will have staff to assist you in any way you need. If you require someone to help with your dressing and hair, I can assign someone.”

“Nonsense. I might well enjoy that beautiful bed, probably softer than anything I’ve ever known, but I will attend to myself for dressing and grooming. I can pick up after myself as well.”

“Nonsense. The maids will clean each of the rooms, as is their routine.” Leah glanced out the window. The gunmetal-gray skies seemed to suggest snow was on the way. She turned back to find Nurse Foster inspecting the room.

“I’m so blessed that you could join us on such short notice.”

Nurse Foster turned and gave Leah a most serious glance. “Dr. Turner told me all about you and your desire to help these young women. I’ve long had a heart for these types of patients, and I want to be useful to you. I always felt it was God’s calling for my life, Miss Garrison.”

“Then please call me Leah.”

A smile spread across Nurse Foster’s face. “I’d like that very much.”

Sunday morning, Leah woke from a restless sleep. It seemed dark, so she went to the window and pulled back the draperies to see what was going on outside.

Snow, and lots of it. Sometime in the night, a blizzard ensued and the wind had picked up, creating white-out conditions. Snow fell thickly. She could barely make out the shrubs that lined her lawn. They were blanketed in white, along with everything else.

Leah let the drapes fall back into place and went to turn on the lights. They flickered a moment but remained on. She hadn’t considered that they might lose power. She would have to make sure they were ready with plenty of candles and lamps full of oil.

She noted the time. It was still quite early. She thought about crawling back into her warm bed but decided against it. This house was her responsibility, and she wasn’t sure they’d adequately prepared for being snowed in, possibly without electricity. She began pulling on heavy wool stockings.

Leah had rested so much better these last two nights knowing Nurse Foster was in the house. The older woman had spent part of her first day tending to her own needs, but having her there at night was such a relief. And she fit in quite well. Leah had worried that her grandfather might send someone incompatible with the lifestyle Leah hoped to maintain, but Nurse Foster eased into their midst without trouble.

When meals were served, she comported herself with the same manners as the others and maintained conversation that Leah might have known at her family’s tables. Nurse Foster was a pleasant surprise and perfect addition to the household.

Leah managed to layer petticoats and a dark brown wool skirt and was just about to pull on a long-sleeved blouse when Zelda, one of the new housemaids, entered the sitting room as quiet as a mouse. Her arms were loaded with firewood, and she nearly dropped the load when Leah bid her good morning.

“Miss Garrison! You’re up early.” She placed the wood on the floor beside the hearth. “I was just coming to build up the fire. Thought you might need the extra warmth for dressing.”

“I awoke early, probably because of the wind’s howling. How are things with the others? Are Brigette and Natasha still sleeping?”

“Yes, miss. Nurse Foster has been up and on duty since five.”

“Don’t worry with the fire. I won’t be here anyway.”

Zelda wiped her hands on her apron. “Let me do up the buttons and then get to your hair.”

Leah allowed the girl to finish with the blouse, then sat for Zelda to arrange her long, thick tresses. She had inherited her mother and grandmother’s thick wavy hair and knew it could be a real chore to manage.

“Are the servant quarters warm enough?” Leah asked.

“Oh yes, miss. Plenty warm. And we have all those extra wool blankets Mrs. Turner gave us. She always wanted to make sure we were set for the weather.”