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With the snow and cold came the need to remain indoors. The ladies of Turner House were more than a little anxious for spring. Brigette, who was now recovered from her miscarriage, had suggested to Leah she be allowed to help on staff. After all, working was better than doing nothing.

Leah had the perfect solution. She hired Brigette to help as her personal secretary. Brigette eagerly accepted the position.

“We’re expecting our new young lady on the twelfth,” Leah told Brigette as they sat down together in her office. “Her name is Carolina Hancock. She’s from Boston and will be nearly three months along when she finally arrives. She comes from a prestigious family. Her father is a banker and politician.”

“What is her story?”

“Well, as best as her father explained in his letter, she’s a bit on the unruly side. Spoiled and does as she pleases. Loves parties and social events that allow her to show herself off. This in turn led to her getting in trouble. For the sake of the father’s political situation and social status, the decision was made to send her to Turner House.”

“Sounds like another difficult young woman.” Brigette shook her head. “I’m sure Natasha won’t be bested by her, however.”

“No. I would think Natasha, for all her youth, will be able to hold her own. I’ve had additional correspondence from a couple of other sources. One is a doctor in South Carolina who has what he described as a very amiable young woman in need of privacy and consolation and another from a family in Texas looking to assist a niece.”

Leah handed Brigette a typed letter. “This is the style of letter we will send in return. It states the basic idea behind Turner House, speaks of attached pages that will detail more concisely what we can and cannot offer, as well as a price per month for room and board, administrative fees, physician and medical charges, et cetera.

“When we meet, I will give you personalized information for each letter, and then you will need to type them up. It may take a little bit of reworking for us to get this down exactly as I have in mind, but I’m certain the outcome will be good. I’m also so glad you told me about learning to type at school.”

Brigette glanced at the letter and then back to Leah. “I really do love to type. My teacher said I was a natural.”

“Perhaps in time you’ll want to work for some big office elsewhere, but for now I shall be happy for your skills.”

“I have no desire to go anywhere else. I grew up in this house, and I’ve loved working for you and your family. My mother used to say that your grandparents were the best people in all the world to work for. She said she always felt like she was a part of the family and that her work was just a gift she could offer in return for their love.”

Leah liked the idea of people feeling that way toward her grandparents. They were such good people. She wondered for a moment if anyone would feel that way about her one day.

“My grandparents are amazing people, and I love that so many people speak highly of them. Grandmother told me that the same could not be said for her grandfather. Apparently, he was quite the ruthless character. He cheated a great many people out of their property and fortunes, but Grandmother went out of her way to right his wrongs. She gave everything back. Mother said she once asked Grandmother why she was so determined to do that. After all, she’d done nothing wrong. She replied that God had always blessed her and helped her when bad things were done to her, and she wanted to offer such kindness in return.”

“I remember my mother talking about it as well,” Brigette admitted. “She said it cost outrageous amounts of money. It was rumored she spent well over a million dollars to make restitution with people the old man had wronged.”

“Yes. I’ve heard that a number of times. But Mother said no matter how many people Grandmother helped, God always kept multiplying the money. She and Grandfather never suffered for their generosity. It seemed the more they gave, the more they got.”

Brigette straightened. “Such things are too wondrous for me to even understand. I will tell you one thing, however, it gave me an even stronger faith in God. That He would do something like that despite Mrs. Turner’s grandfather being so evil . . . well, it made me see God in a different light.”

“Miss Leah, Dr. Sjolander has arrived,” Mrs. Astor called from the doorway.

“Send him in,” Leah instructed, then turned back to Brigette. “I think that’s all I need to tell you for the time being. We’ll discuss those letters in more detail this afternoon.”

Brigette stood and crossed the room to a smaller desk situated in the corner, taking the papers with her. “I’ll leave these in my desk should you need them.”

“Knock, knock,” Erik said, strolling into the room as if it were his own office. “The housekeeper told me I’d find you here.”

“Of course.” Leah got to her feet and tried to still the nervous energy that flooded her body. What was it about this man?

“Certainly nice and warm in here.” He paused a moment in front of the fireplace.

“If that’s all, Miss Leah, I’ll go see about fetching you two some coffee,” Brigette said.

Erik turned. “I didn’t see you there, Brigette. How are you feeling?”

“Perfectly well, thank you, Dr. Sjolander.” She moved to the door.

“Thank you, Brigette.” Leah came around from behind the desk. “Why don’t we sit by the fire, and you can let me know how Natasha is doing?”

“She’s very good, despite her desire to miscarry,” Erik said, waiting for Leah to take her seat before sitting.

“Yes, we had a long talk a few nights ago. It’s still all so difficult for her. She feels so betrayed by her family and God. I can’t say that I blame her.” Leah glanced toward the open door and lowered her voice. “She’s terrified to go home. She said this abuse will never end. It’s been going on for two years.”

“Two years?” Erik looked at her in disbelief. “Who could do such a thing to a child?”