Page 6

“Good morning, Brigette. How are you . . . feeling?” Leah pushed back the covers and got out of bed. The room was rather chilly, and she found herself hurrying to pull on her robe.

“I’m fine, miss. No problems at all.” Brigette finished with the drapes, then went to the wardrobe. “It’s very cold. I thought you might want to wear your wool skirt and stockings.” She pulled out a navy-blue skirt.

“Yes, and extra undergarments. I plan to visit my grandmother today and want to be properly dressed for the ride over, even if it’s only a few blocks away.”

Leah wasted no time getting dressed. She had a lot to accomplish today and even found herself making a mental list of what to do first as Brigette twisted and pinned her hair. She would start with her grandparents as planned.

“I’m going to speak to my grandparents about the home for unwed mothers,” Leah explained. “Then I’ll talk to my folks, maybe discuss it over luncheon. Since all his classes have been in the morning lately, Father usually comes home from teaching at the college for the noon meal. I’m sure he and Mother will be supportive.”

“I do hope so, Miss Leah.”

“Once my grandparents are on my side, they are sure to follow. After all, my grandparents gave me some training. I’m sure they mean for me to use it. After they all agree, then I’ll need to find a house to buy. No doubt everyone will have thoughts on the matter. It needs to be a large two- or even three-story house with quarters for the staff. Maybe I’ll even buy a car.” She knew how to drive, at least a little. But that could wait.

“The house would need to be in a good neighborhood but set apart so as not to attract too much attention. The women coming there would be seeking anonymity. I’d also like my grandfather to be the doctor in charge. Grandmother wants him to retire and turn his practice over to that younger physician he hired—Dr. Sjolander. At least, I think that’s his name. I’ve never met him even though he’s been working with Grandfather for some time. Isn’t that odd?”

“Yes, miss, but I’m told he lives with his father and they attend a different church. They also don’t seem inclined to attend parties, even fund raisers, so it doesn’t seem quite so strange. You simply don’t move in the same circles.”

Leah’s mind was already off on another thought. “Grandfather would be the perfect doctor for unwed mothers. He’s so sympathetic and understanding.”

“Oh, I nearly forgot. Your parents left a little while ago to attend an early morning board meeting.” Brigette arranged the last of Leah’s brown hair into a secure bun and stepped back. “Cook wondered if you’d like to have a breakfast tray here in your room.”

“No, I’m really not hungry. I’m going to telephone my grandmother and see about going right over. If she and Grandfather aren’t also tied up with that board meeting, I want to discuss my ideas with them.”

Brigette nodded. “I’ll let Cook know.” She headed for the door, then looked back at Leah with a smile. “You look very pretty today, miss.” She left the room.

Leah marveled at what a little bit of hope had done for Brigette. Maybe that was really all anyone needed in times of trouble. She went to her desk to retrieve her list.

For some odd reason, the twelfth chapter of Romans came to mind, and Leah pulled her Bible out from her desk drawer. She hadn’t read it in some time, but Romans twelve held foundational verses for her family and their charities. Somehow it seemed appropriate to review these before heading to her grandparents’ house.

She flipped through the pages and finally focused on verses nine through thirteen. “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”

She had heard these verses over and over throughout her life. Just as she had heard of God’s goodness and promises of help through the ages.

“How can I trust You?” she asked, glancing upward. “I still hurt so much over losing Susanna. You didn’t keep her in Your care. You didn’t preserve her life. I loved her so dearly. She was my best friend and put her faith in You, and yet You let her die.”

She felt no better for having spoken to God and sighed. Maybe God had already given up on her. Maybe her anger had caused Him to turn away from her forever. Maybe she really was alone in her sorrow.

2

“Thank you so much for taking time to talk with me,” Leah said as her grandmother led the way to her favorite sitting room at the back of the house.

“Nonsense. That’s what grandmothers are for.” Judith Turner glanced over her shoulder. “At least, that’s what I believe they’re for. They should always be available for their grandchildren.”

Leah smiled and welcomed the warmth of the room. Over the fireplace hung a four-by-six-foot oil painting of her grandmother’s grandmother in her youth. There was something regal about the beautiful woman. Leah had been told more than once that her grandmother had looked exactly the same when she was young. Even now she was a handsome woman. Below the painting, a warm, welcoming blaze had been built up, and two chairs were positioned directly in front of the hearth.

“What a lovely fire,” Leah said, holding her hands out toward the flames. “The temperatures have fallen so drastically that I was chilled to the bone.”

“It’s funny, I’ve had trouble with overheating all my life during the summers, but in the winter I can’t seem to get warm enough.” Grandmother took her seat and motioned Leah to do the same. “I asked for refreshments to be served—some nice hot tea, and Cook has made a special orange scone. They are so delicious I’ve asked her to make them at least once a week.”

“Sounds wonderful.” Leah settled on the cushioned throne chair. “How’s Grandfather doing? Any closer to retirement?”

“I keep telling him he must slow down, but he doesn’t pay me any mind. He says only God can tell him when to stop and that will most likely be when the Lord takes him home.”

“Which I hope isn’t very soon. I don’t know what I would do without the two of you. You’ve always been such an important part of my life.”

“And you are important to us. I love when I can have everyone here for a gathering. Although, the numbers have grown increasingly large, making it quite difficult. I suppose that’s what happens when you have ten children and each takes a spouse and has a family. Of course some have moved away, but so many have stayed right here in town, for which I’m very grateful.”

“Mother says it’s easier for you to just visit than for all of us to come here. Oh, but I do love the times we’ve gathered here. The celebrations will always remain as fond memories.”