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“I’m tired of it myself. Seems the cold set on so early this year and just kept getting colder as the days went by.”

“Yes, and so much snow.” Grandmother moved to what appeared to be her favorite chair. There was a sewing basket placed beside it and a small table with several books, including a Bible, positioned within arm’s reach. The other chair had a more masculine appearance with yet another table stacked with books. Behind each place was a floor lamp.

Leah moved across the room to bring a ladderback wooden chair to sit between her grandparents. She didn’t want either one to give up their places to see her more comfortable.

“How have you adjusted to this much smaller house?” Leah asked.

Grandmother smiled. “I find it to be quite perfect. Your grandfather too. We didn’t realize just how much work it was to get around the old place. All those stairs.”

“I thought I heard my granddaughter out here,” Grandfather said, coming into the room. He was dressed casually in trousers, a shirt open at the neck, and a thick brown sweater.

“Oh, it’s so good to see you up and around.” Leah crossed the room to hug him. “I’ve been quite worried about you.”

“Had a few worries myself.” He chuckled. “Come sit and we’ll talk. You can tell me all about what’s happening at Turner House.”

“I figured Erik kept you apprised of that.” Leah returned to her chair.

“He mostly talks about you.” Grandfather gave her a wink. He took his place and stretched out his legs. “I feel so lazy these days.”

Leah wanted to ask what he meant by his comment, but she didn’t want to stir up another conversation focused on her feelings.

“Things are going well at the house,” Leah said, moving the conversation forward. “We have a new girl and are soon to get two more. Word is getting out regarding what we have to offer. The two we have now are quite spoiled and self-absorbed. You know Natasha. The new girl is Carolina Hancock from Boston. She’s just been with us since Monday, but she’s already causing difficulties.”

“She’s probably been given a free hand most of her life,” Grandmother said with a shrug. “I saw it happen a lot with our friends and their children.”

“Yes, there were quite a few difficult children in our neighborhood. Folks would often comment at parties about how well behaved and kind our offspring were.” Grandfather looked at Leah and winked. “They just didn’t know the threats we leveled.” He laughed as if he’d told a great joke.

Grandmother smiled and shook her head. “There’s a difference in raising children and simply having them. We enjoyed our time together. So many of our friends sent their little ones off to the nursery with nannies. From the time our children were born, we wanted to play with them and teach them. That’s why we always had Friday set aside for family night. Sometimes we had to change it to Saturday, but we always set aside special time as a family. I think it made all the difference in the world.”

“I do too,” Grandfather chimed in.

Leah could remember the special nights she had shared with her parents. They still invited her over every week for supper and games, although the night often changed due to their work with charities and university.

“Some of my favorite memories are of those family nights,” Leah admitted. “I’m glad you started that tradition. I shall endeavor to continue it should I ever marry and have a family.”

“Well, you have the perfect opportunity right at your fingertips.”

How did he know what had transpired with Randolph? Her grandfather’s comment so shocked Leah that she replied without even thinking. “Yes, well, he did propose, but I’ve no interest in marrying him.”

“Erik proposed?” Grandfather asked, frowning. “I didn’t think he was ready for that. At least, not just yet.”

“Erik?” Leah shook her head. “No, not Erik. Randolph Vanhoutte. He proposed over dinner on Valentine’s Day.” She looked at the surprise on her grandparents’ faces. “He took me out that evening. I didn’t really want to go but felt like he . . . well . . . it’s a long story.”

“But you aren’t in love with him.” Her grandmother’s comment was matter-of-fact.

“No, I’m not. I don’t intend to marry him, but I agreed to think about it, and I’m supposed to give him an answer tomorrow at lunch with the folks.”

“Why would you do that if you don’t love him?” Grandfather asked.

Leah was starting to feel a little overwhelmed. “I don’t know. It seemed the polite thing to do. Besides, everyone in the family thought us perfectly suited. I figured if that was the general consensus, then perhaps I should consider it.” She wanted to ask why he’d figured Erik might have been the one to propose, but she really preferred they change the subject altogether.

“I’m glad you aren’t of a mind to marry him,” Grandmother said, shaking her head. “Randolph doesn’t seem right for you.”

“No, he’s not,” Leah admitted. “I’ve never thought of him as more than a friend of Uncle Jared. I don’t even think of him as my friend all that much. And he’s never pursued me like he is now. I’m not sure what it is about him, but there’s almost a note of desperation in his conversations these days.” She didn’t want to get into her suspicions. Uncle Evan had promised to keep her confidence, so she felt certain he wouldn’t say anything to her grandparents.

“I do know he’s worried about his family and Belgium. I even sent a substantial contribution just last week with a letter expressing my hope that it would make a difference. Those people seem to be suffering so much.” Grandfather shook his head. “It’s terrible that people are starving in a world with so much food.”

A knock sounded at the front door, and Grandmother rose. “I’ll see who that is. You go ahead and enjoy your talk and the fire.”