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“But it’s critical. We could still lose the war.”

“I realize that. We must keep America out of it.”

Leah listened as they continued to discuss what was to be done. It was curious that he spoke of wanting to keep America out of the war. England, France, and others were desperate for America to join and lend additional support. Why did Randolph hope for them to stay out?

She missed portions of the conversation when a group of rather loud patrons passed by discussing a midnight supper.

“No, no. You mustn’t speak to the others about this,” Randolph declared. “Tell them you know nothing about it.”

“Of course. It will remain between us.”

“I should get back to my fiancée. She’ll be wondering what happened to me.”

Leah startled at him referencing her in such a manner. They weren’t engaged. They weren’t going to be engaged. Was Randolph really allowing people to think that?

“Can we meet tomorrow?” Mr. Aubert asked.

“Yes, yes, come to the house. The back . . . you know where. We can’t risk servants overhearing us.”

Leah couldn’t see either man thanks to the alcove wall, but she imagined the look of irritation Randolph’s tone of voice suggested. She moved away from her hiding place and worked her way back through the thinning crowd.

What was he up to? She had a bad feeling about the matter. All evening Randolph had been preoccupied and sullen. Perhaps it had to do with the ship he mentioned. If he lost a huge shipment that was intended to help provide weapons and equipment to the Belgian people, then perhaps he felt he’d doomed them to utter defeat. But on the other hand, if he was providing materials to the enemy, the Germans and their allies, then it was a matter of treason.

She frowned. I’m being ridiculous. I’ve no reason to doubt Randolph’s loyalty. He’s never done anything to suggest he’s dishonorable. He’s just being secretive. Wartime calls for such measures.

Leah adjusted the edge of her sleeve and tried to put what she’d heard aside. Perhaps it was her general distrust of men that sent her thoughts in such a direction. Besides, it might very well be that Randolph was more deeply involved on the American side than she realized. He might even be working for the government. It was times like this that she knew it was wrong to jump to conclusions. She would pray on it and ask for God’s guidance instead.

“There you are. Sorry to make you wait so long. Are you ready to go home?” Randolph asked.

“Yes, I am.” Leah looked him in the eye. “What of you? I know you’ve been quite preoccupied this evening.”

“I have issues with shipping,” he murmured as he led her from the building.

It didn’t take long to find his driver. Leah got into the car as quickly as the heavy velvet would allow for. She was grateful for her fur coat and muff, feeling quite warm despite the cold temperatures.

“I’m sorry about the shipping problems. What seems to be going on?”

“It’s nothing to worry over. The war is just putting a strain on everyone and everything. My steel is critical to the war efforts, and one of the ships was sunk.”

“I saw in the paper that six ships were sunk by German submarines. Was one of those yours?”

“Let’s not speak of it, my dear. I would much rather spend our last moments together tonight speaking of something more pleasant.” He leaned closer. “I want to invite you out for Valentine’s Day. Or rather Valentine’s night. I’d like to take you to a lovely new restaurant for supper. Please say you’ll come? I feel so overwhelmed by the conflicts and sorrows. I just want to spend another lovely evening in your company.”

Leah didn’t really want to spend a romantic evening with Randolph, but she was so very curious about what was going on with him and the war. She thought perhaps if she agreed to go, they might well be able to converse more on the matter. “I have no other plans, so I am free to join you. I do hope, however, that your war efforts will be going much better by then. Was your shipment insured?”

“Not for the war zone. They wouldn’t approve insurance knowing it was going into . . . areas of conflict.”

“I am sorry. That must have been quite the loss.”

He leaned back against the finely upholstered leather seat. “It was.” He heaved a sigh. “You are good to care.”

“Of course I care. The war is everyone’s concern, and you have always been an extended member of the family. I hope you’ll soon be able to make back the money. My father said all supply prices are going up and that warring countries are paying almost any amount to get what they need. Although I know you wouldn’t want to be accused of profiteering, I do hope that you can recover your loss.”

“As do I.”

“And what of your friend Mr. Aubert? The one you spoke with this evening. Was he well?”

Randolph didn’t even bother to look at her. “He was. He’s been quite useful to me in regards to the CRB. He’s done a great deal for the war efforts, and we shall be meeting very soon to discuss further plans. Unfortunately for us, things are changing in Europe. There is great concern about America joining the war.”