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“Natasha feels that her parents don’t care for her. She said her mother told her there was nothing to be done about it—that she must merely endure it.”

“What did you tell her?”

“I suppose I overstepped my bounds, but I promised I would help her.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. You have a fighting spirit to right wrongs.”

“I feared you would say it was none of my concern, but I can’t ignore what is going on. Natasha is terrified of what will happen to her after the baby is born. Erik, I don’t want her to have to go back to that evil man, but what can be done?”

“I’m not sure. I suppose it might be something to discuss with your Uncle Evan. As a lawyer, he might have answers or at least suggestions.”

“She has no one else but us. We must do right by her. But doing the right thing isn’t always easy. I would venture to say that it’s rarely easy. There is always a price for doing the right thing,” she replied.

He met her gaze and looked as if he might say something more, but just then Brigette returned with the refreshment cart.

“Here you are, a fresh pot of coffee and some lovely scones.” Brigette wheeled the cart to a spot between them. “May I get you anything else?”

“No, thank you.” Leah shook her head and reached for the pot.

“Then if you don’t mind, I promised to play a game of cards with Natasha.”

“By all means. I’m sure it will help her to get her mind off her situation, at least for a short while.” Leah felt a sense of sadness that she couldn’t quite shake. No matter what they did for Natasha, the damage had already been done, and if they couldn’t find a way to help her, more damage was yet to come.

That afternoon, Leah accompanied her mother to a ladies’ aid meeting. As was often the case these days, the discussion focused on the war and problems along the Mexican border. When the meeting was called to order, Leah tried to pay attention to her mother’s words as she opened them in prayer.

“Lord, only You know the future we face. Only You have made provision for our needs. As women, we fear the loss of our husbands, sons, fathers, and brothers. We pray You will bring peace and order to this world once more. Help us to know how best to lend aid to those who are suffering, Lord. Guide us each and every day, every moment, to be Your ambassadors of light and love. In Jesus’s name, amen.”

Leah whispered “amen” and raised her face to await the next woman to speak. The meeting quickly progressed through old business and into the new. Ideas were shared on ways to raise money for the women’s focal service to the poor. Leah wasn’t surprised when her mother agreed to head up a group who would put together boxes of much-needed household cleaning items and food.

By the time the closing prayer was offered, Leah was more than eager to be on her way. Mother, however, was caught up in answering questions, and since they had come together Leah could hardly leave without her.

“Leah, I had no idea I’d see you here.”

Looking up, Leah glanced into the face of Sarah Morgan. She, Susanna, and Sarah had once been quite close. After Susanna died, however, Leah had withdrawn from almost everyone.

“Sarah. How are you?” Leah wasn’t sure how to act after not speaking to each other for so long. Sarah certainly wasn’t to blame.

“I’m doing well. We just returned to America, and I’m hoping to renew old friendships like ours.” She smiled. “I know my departure was such a sudden thing. I didn’t even have a chance to talk to you before we left.”

Leah had no idea what Sarah was talking about. She supposed her surprise and confusion must have shown because Sarah quickly went on to explain. “It wasn’t long after Susanna left that Mother got word her sister in England was ill. Having lost her husband, she was alone, and Mother was determined to nurse her back to health. We left almost at once and are just now finally able to return. My aunt came with us, but it was so difficult to even get a ship, and there were all the dangers of German attack. I wrote you a brief letter before I left America but was remiss to write once we were gone.”

“I never got your letter.” Leah frowned. Or had she? Had her worry and concern over Susanna caused her to negate all other relationships? Had the letter come and she’d ignored it? “At least I don’t think I did. I was so worried about Susanna, I’m afraid I wasn’t much of a friend to anyone.”

Sarah touched her arm. “It’s all right. I wasn’t either. I tried to get letters home, but the war made it difficult, and I just gave up. I do hope we can pick up where we left off and be close again. I heard about your work and am so proud of you.”

“You are?” Leah looked at her friend in stunned amazement.

“Oh yes.” The blond-haired woman glanced to where her mother stood. “Mother is too. We know it’s such a delicate topic, but honestly, it must be dealt with.”

“I’ve had some negative response. Most feel I’m too young and that a single woman shouldn’t be involved in such matters. I suppose we’re not supposed to understand where babies come from until after we’re married.”

Sarah laughed. “I suppose not. But that might very well be part of the reason young women find themselves in trouble to begin with. Maybe we should know a bit more about such things, or at least be warned of lotharios and their seductive ways.”

“My thoughts exactly. Still, I truly feel God has put me in this position for His purposes. I have had several letters requesting the services of Turner House, so word is starting to get around. I am hopeful of what we can accomplish.”

“I am too,” Sarah said, squeezing Leah’s arm “Let’s get together soon. I’ll talk to Mother. Maybe she can arrange a luncheon with you and your mother.”

“That would be nice.” Leah wasn’t surprised when Sarah hugged her close, but the feeling of joy that it gave her did come as a shock. Leah hadn’t really thought of how much she missed the friendship of women her own age. Her old friends had been such an important part of her life, and when Susanna died, Leah gave up on everyone else.