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Nurse Foster gazed at her compassionately. “But the child you carry did nothing wrong. He or she had no part in the matter. No say. Just as you had no say. You can hardly blame the babe, just as no one can blame you for that man’s actions. You had no power to refuse him, but you do now. Letting go of your anger and bitterness in forgiveness will set you free from his final hold.”

Her words seemed to sober Natasha, and for several minutes she said nothing. Nurse Foster let the silence settle on them.

Then in a surprisingly quick move, Natasha was on her feet. “I’m tired. I’m going to my room to rest.” She left them and headed upstairs at a quick pace.

“Thank you, Nurse Foster, for your kind words of wisdom,” Leah said. “I believe as Natasha said, it is time for a rest.” She rose and looked at Erik. “Let me show you to your room. Nurse Foster, should you need the doctor, he’ll be in the bedroom next to the east-wing bathroom.”

He didn’t argue with her or bother to comment. His only real concern was a lack of any personal toiletry items or change of clothes. Maybe he’d address this with Leah when they were upstairs.

“I asked the staff to make up a fire in your room for extra warmth. I hope you’ll find it comfortable,” she said as she led the way.

“Since I wasn’t planning to stay, I didn’t bring anything with me.”

Leah nodded. “I’m sure we can find a nightshirt and a razor for you. Grandmother said there were several crates of clothes left in the attic. I’ll have Mrs. Astor check into it. For now, just lock your door for the sake of privacy and be . . . well, be comfortable.”

Erik smiled. “I’m sure I’ll be quite . . . comfortable.”

Leah’s cheeks reddened, and she looked away. “Tea is at four and supper at six thirty. Frankly, with the way Natasha is feeling about things, I might offer to let the girls take their meals in their rooms.”

“And you?”

“You and I can eat in the dining room by the fire, if you like. Nurse Foster will no doubt join us. By tomorrow morning, perhaps they’ll have some of the snow cleared and my father or brother can drive you home.”

Erik met her gaze as they stopped at the top of the stairs. “It’s a kind offer, and I thank you.”

Leah cleared her throat. “It’s quite all right. I’m happy to help.”

Erik did his best to rest, but whether it was the unfamiliar setting or his growing feelings for Leah, he found it impossible. After about an hour, he got up and dressed, then went back to the front sitting room, where he was happy to find the fire had been maintained.

He sat down once again in the wing-backed chair and gave thought to his unsettled feelings. There was so much he’d hoped to accomplish with his life, but he hadn’t included the idea of falling in love and marrying.

His parents’ marriage had left a decidedly bitter taste in his mouth for such things. He had honestly seen himself as a confirmed bachelor, but Leah Garrison was making it very hard to remember that commitment.

Still, Nurse Foster’s words about forgiveness had given him reason to reconsider. It was time he forgave his mother for her lack of love toward him and his sister. It was more than time to give it over to God and move forward. Then there was the matter of the man who’d deserted Ellie. Erik had hoped to hunt him down and make him pay for what he’d done, but what would such payment even look like? Ellie planned to give her baby to another family. She didn’t want to marry this man now, and Erik certainly wouldn’t want to force her.

Edward Sorenson was a lost cause and certainly not worthy of Ellie’s love or affection, not that she had any remaining for him. She’d made it clear in her letters that having endured his rejection and cowardice, she had no more desire to be with him.

“It’s time to let go,” he murmured.

“To whom are you speaking?” Leah asked, coming to join him.

Erik looked up in surprise. “I suppose myself. You know, one of those rousing speeches to convince yourself to strike out on a new path, leaving the past behind. To forgive.”

“I do. I’ve had that very conversation with myself quite a bit lately.”

15

By Monday morning, the snow had finally stopped. The land was covered with a thick blanket of white that coated everything from trees to shrubs. Snow was so thick that the streets disappeared, and cars found it impossible to maneuver. Mother, knowing the situation at Turner House, had thoughtfully sent not only Micah but also Clay and two footmen to help shovel. Leah had instructed the girls to remain in their rooms for privacy’s sake, then went to join the crew of workers.

All came with shovels in hand. With their help, as well as Vera and Erik’s, Leah was able to clear the walkways and drive in record time.

In this finer neighborhood, most of the houses utilized their staff to clear the road out front rather than wait to see if any assistance would come from other sources. With that in mind, Leah put her group to work on the street with the promise of a hearty lunch as soon as they were finished. Shortly before noon, they all left their boots and shovels in the mudroom and traipsed through the kitchen to the dining room, where Cook had laid out a veritable smorgasbord for their pleasure.

The laughter and story-telling chatter made the house seem a lively place, much less gloomy than it had been over the weekend. Leah spoke to Brigette and Natasha, who were happy to take lunch in their rooms.

The situation only served to remind Leah that she would have to do something if she were to have male company on a regular basis. This place wasn’t exactly set up for such things. She had wanted it to be a safe haven for the girls. It was the reason she’d employed an all-female staff. When Micah had come to visit, she had sent word upstairs like today, but what would she do in the future should family wish to stop in or others showed up to learn more about the home? She would have to give the matter a great deal of thought.

By two o’clock, everyone had gone home with exception to Erik. Leah was almost sorry to hear him announce that he was going to call for a cab.