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“I feel the same way. Given the cold and snow, I’m not inclined to go visiting much, but I have something quite serious to discuss and couldn’t put it off.”

“Please sit and tell me everything.” He led her over to the fireplace, and Leah took one of the overstuffed chairs that faced the flames.

Once her uncle was seated, Leah began. She explained what she’d overheard Randolph say and his need to speak in French rather than English. She told him of the shipment of steel that had been sunk but noted she had no idea who had been responsible. Lastly, she told him what she’d seen on her way to the house. “I suppose it could be nothing, but it seemed so covertly done that I can’t help wondering who those men were and what business they had with one another.”

“It does seem suspicious. Have you questioned him about it?” Uncle Evan asked.

“No. I didn’t want him to know I had concerns. I mean, he’s been friends with Uncle Jared and the family all these years. I didn’t want to cause trouble when there might not be any reason. He just acts strange about the whole situation.

“Not only that, but sometimes when I question him about his mother and grandmother, the details change just enough to make the entire thing questionable. He told me once that they were living in his grandmother’s house. Then another time, it was a cottage owned by a friend. He mentions being family with the king yet can’t seem to get help locating his mother, who is even closer in line. Another time he voiced anger toward England. When I pointed it out, he corrected himself, saying he was tired. I find myself worrying that perhaps he’s not on the side of the Allies as he suggests, but I can’t give you proof that there’s anything wrong.”

“That’s usually the case in any situation of espionage. Still, I think it’s worth checking into. There’s no telling what might be going on.”

“And now he’s asked me to marry him,” Leah said, not even trying to hide her disdain. Uncle Evan was the first one she’d told this to. “I won’t, of course. I don’t love him, but he asked me to think about it and consider his proposal. He says he loves me, and I know he’s paid me plenty of attention over the years, but I can’t build a future with a man I don’t love.”

“No one would ever want that for you.”

“Erik Sjolander’s family were victims of a loveless arranged marriage. Hearing the things he’s had to say would make me say no, even if my family were pushing me to wed, which they aren’t.”

“Of course not. My sister is a firm believer in falling in love. She would want nothing less for her only daughter.” He drew his hands together and grew thoughtful. “I have some friends who might be able to help. They’re involved with anti-espionage work. I’ll ask them if Randolph Vanhoutte has come up on their lists of suspects. If he has, I’ll share everything you’ve told me. Hopefully they can get to the bottom of it.”

“Thank you, Uncle Evan. I knew you’d know what to do. Now I’m off to visit Grandfather and Grandmother. I’m so happy to hear from Erik that Grandfather is better. Erik told me that he still needs to be careful and not get out in the cold.”

“You seem to talk quite a bit with Dr. Sjolander.”

“I do. He’s often at the house to see one of our patients,” Leah replied.

“But it would seem he also speaks to you of personal things as well. For instance, you mentioned his family and a loveless marriage. As a man, I can tell you that isn’t the kind of information I would share with just anyone. I would need a deep sense of trust in a person were I to confide such a thing.”

“Erik is quite forthright with me. Perhaps because I’ve been such with him. He knows how I have avoided men and relationships because of what happened to Susanna. He knows trust doesn’t come easy for me, and I suppose he’s made it clear that it doesn’t come easy for him either. Maybe that’s why we are comfortable in each other’s company.”

She hoped to move on to another topic since she feared revealing her feelings. She was only coming to terms with the idea that she had fallen for Erik in the first place. She certainly had no idea what she could do with those feelings, and talking about them wasn’t going to help.

Uncle Evan smiled. “It’s that kind of comfort that comes with trust and a sense of safety. Perhaps you have deeper feelings for each other than you’re willing to tell.”

Leah got to her feet and chuckled. “Who can say? Feelings are silly anyway. I’d much rather focus on actions and needs. Turner House has given me a great sense of fulfillment, and I’ve finally managed to put aside the past and trust God again. Isn’t that wonderful? I feel that He has forgiven me my anger and bitterness. I have a sense of peace that eluded me after Susanna’s death.” She hoped her focus on God would keep her uncle from returning to what her feelings might be for Erik.

“That is good news, Leah. I know your mother and father were very concerned about you after the loss of your friend. Not in the sense that you could be plucked from God’s hand, since Jesus made it clear you could not, but rather in the misery you had brought upon yourself to suffer.”

“Yes, it was a misery.” Leah gave an enthusiastic nod. “I’m just glad that now I can be at peace and trust Him once again. God has been so good to me, and I don’t want to ever forget that.”

“To be sure. In these trying times as war looms for us in so many ways, He is our only hope for a sense of calm.”

“I agree. Now, I really should go and see my grandparents.”

“Let me get Ramsey to bring your coat and other things. The walk is far enough that you could take a vicious chill.” He rang for the butler.

Once she had her coat and gloves, Leah walked quickly along the walkway to her grandparents’ cottage. The place was located close to the main house, but far enough to offer privacy for both families. Grandmother ushered Leah in quickly and pointed her to the front room, where a nice fire blazed in the hearth.

“Your grandfather will be out shortly. Come by the fire. Did you stop at the house first?”

Leah went to the fire and held out her hands to warm them. She felt chilled to the bone despite the walk being short. “I had a talk with Uncle Evan. It was good to see him. And I was nearly run over by the boys when I first arrived. They were headed out for winter fun.”

Grandmother laughed. “Yes, they are a wild bunch. Their mother went to town earlier, and that seems to signal the wildness in them to come out and play.”

Leah unbuttoned her coat, not entirely sure she wanted to be rid of the warmth. “How is Grandfather feeling?”

“He’s nearly as good as new. I make him take it easy so we won’t have any relapse,” she replied. “I think, however, we’d both enjoy some spring weather. My joints tend to ache quite a bit in this cold.”