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“Glad to help. Although, it’s still coming down. I’ll probably just have to do it again in a few hours.”

Zelda appeared just then with a broom. “If you give me your boots, I’ll see to it that they are brushed clean.”

Erik looked down. “I tried to clean them off myself, but it was a little difficult.”

“No problem, Erik. We can take care of it.” Leah went to where he stood. “Let me help with the laces.” She knelt and began to undo the ties.

Once the boots were off and cleaned, she helped him from his coat and handed it to Tamar, another of the housemaids. She smiled at Erik and took his arm. “Let’s get you to the fireplace. Breakfast will be served in just a few minutes, but you might as well warm up first.”

Erik followed her without protest, padding after her in his socked feet. By the time the large grandfather clock chimed eight, he was much warmer. Leah walked with him to the dining room with the distinct feeling that things had changed between them. She felt more causal around him, not at all condemned or judged. Perhaps Nurse Foster’s words had hit deeper than she’d known.

Nurse Foster and the expectant mothers were seated on one side of the table with a single place setting on the other side. Leah directed Erik there, then took her place at the head of the table.

She nodded at Tamar. “You may serve.”

Biscuits and gravy were added to the table, as well as a tray of Danish pastries. This was followed by a large platter of scrambled eggs and another of bacon. Leah wondered if the latter had been added after learning Erik was joining them. Tamar poured coffee starting with Leah while Zelda came in with milk for Brigette and Natasha.

“Shall I offer grace?” Erik asked.

“Of course,” Leah said. “That would be fine.” She bowed her head.

“Father, we thank You for this food and ask a blessing on those who prepared it and those who partake. In Jesus’s name, amen.”

“Amen,” Nurse Foster offered with enthusiasm. “I like prayers kept short, especially when hot food awaits.”

Erik laughed. “I feel the same way, Nurse Foster.”

They all dug in. Leah supposed the cold weather had stirred their appetites. She was helping herself to an extra piece of bacon when it dawned on her that she had no idea why Erik had come to the house.

She looked at him. “Not to interrupt your eating, but what was it that brought you here so early? Especially in the storm?”

“I had a very early call to your grandparents’ cottage. I wanted to let you know that your grandfather won’t be able to come and tend to everyone, so if you need a doctor, you must call me.”

“Why won’t he be able to manage us?” Leah asked, surprised.

“That cough of his got worse, and he finally allowed me to listen to his lungs. He has pneumonia.”

“Oh no.” Leah shook her head. “Is it bad?”

“Bad enough. I think we caught it early, and we’re doing all we can to see him through it. Your grandmother is running things like a well-kept hospital. He has the best of care.”

“I’m sure. Grandmother gives great attention to detail.”

Erik smiled. “Now I know where you get it from.”

Leah laughed. “My mother was the same way.”

“Well, I wanted to make sure you knew I was the one to call and that their telephone was out of service. Your Uncle Evan sent his sleigh and driver for me, and when I finished there, I asked if he’d just drop me off here instead of my place.”

“Oh dear.” Leah frowned, hating to think of her grandparents out there without the ability to telephone.

“Your Uncle Evan promised they would be just fine. He has a great staff and will see to everything they need. You mustn’t worry. He’ll send for me if I’m needed. Thankfully, I’m not on call at the hospital.”

“I’m glad you won’t be needed there, and I’ll try not to worry, but Grandfather is an old man.”

“A tough old man,” Erik reminded.

“And we’ll be praying for him,” Nurse Foster added. “That will make all the difference.”