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Grandmother turned to Leah again. “I was just telling your grandfather that you have a wonderful idea I think we should support.”

Leah’s eyes widened. “Oh,” she said breathlessly. “Yes, of course.”

3

Leah gave a brief overview of her plans, explaining the needs of upper-society women. She was more than a little aware of how Dr. Sjolander seemed to hang on her every word. He looked completely drawn into her presentation, and it left her quite anxious regarding what he might say. She said nothing about Susanna, knowing her grandparents were well aware of all that had happened. Nor did she mention Brigette, except to say she knew of one lady’s maid who was in the difficult situation of expecting a child on her own.

“The home would be operated with a regular staff trained to take care of a great house. Workers who would understand what it means to wait on people of prosperity.” The entire time she looked at her grandparents. “My thought is that although it would be set up as a charity, perhaps residents could pay for their care, since they would come from families with the means to do so. However, as we know, there are wealthy families who turn their backs on these young women, so it would also be available to those who had no means to pay.”

“I think this is a capital idea, Leah,” her grandfather declared. “Have you spoken to your parents yet?”

Grandmother spoke before Leah could reply. “She wanted our backing first.”

“A very wise girl,” Grandfather said, laughing. “But I believe your mother will completely support this. Your father too.”

“I’d like to get it started right away. I already have one young woman who needs my help.”

“Surprisingly enough, I was put in touch with another such young woman just the other day,” Grandfather said with a nod. “She’s sixteen and from a very well-to-do family of political involvement. As her parents put it to me, it’s a most delicate situation. What you’re proposing would be perfect for her, and they would pay any amount to see her safely cared for and out of the public eye.”

“I’d like it very much if you would be the doctor for such a house,” Leah added. “I know that Grandmother wishes you to retire, but perhaps you could take on this one thing and leave the others.”

“Yes,” Grandmother agreed, leaning toward her husband. “You could give over the rest of your practice to Erik and focus on helping these young women.”

“I would be happy to take over,” Erik surprised Leah by interjecting, “but I do have some concerns. Miss Garrison, you are very young and unmarried yourself. What possible experience can you bring to this situation?”

Leah’s fascination with the man ended at this comment. She felt affronted and intended him to know it. “It’s really none of your concern. You know nothing about me or what I can bring to this situation. However, let me say this, I have years of experience in lending aid at Bethany Home. My grandparents trained me in many of the physical aspects of childbirth. I’ve learned about the needs of expectant mothers and obviously know the routine and expectations of the well-to-do. And while I’ve never been allowed nor desired to be a spoiled sophisticate, I have a great many friends who are. I understand their expectations and desires, something I’m sure you could never comprehend.”

“Yes, but you’ve no formal medical training and cannot offer the help they might need, say, in the middle of the night. You can hardly start such a project on a whim.”

She drew a deep breath, trying to remain patient. “That is why I would choose a house nearby, especially if my grandfather agrees to be the doctor in charge. It takes only a simple telephone call to bring help. I assure you, Dr. Sjolander, I have thought this through. It is not mere whim, but over three years in the making.”

She didn’t figure it possible to win him over, and yet she continued. “Years ago, I had a dear friend who found herself deserted by a man who claimed to love her. He had his way with her, and then when she learned she was with child, he denied the possibility of the baby being his. She was scorned by him, as well as her own parents. They sent her away to God only knows where. It was there she died in childbirth. I can only imagine she had no one there who cared whether she lived or died. Had I known where she was, I would have moved heaven and earth to bring her home to stay with us.

“Instead, she died alone and her child with her. I would like to create a home where that kind of thing won’t happen. I want a place where the women aren’t worked to death or starved. I want them to have proper medical care, exercise, and rest. With someone like my grandfather to watch over them, I know they will receive the best of care.”

She wanted to say more but forced herself to remain quiet. She picked up her teacup only to find it empty and gently placed it back on the table.

“I didn’t mean to offend you. But you are very young, and despite helping here and there, you have no formal medical training should an emergency arise. Yes, it is quick enough to telephone for help, a luxury that has definitely proven its value over the years, but it’s of greater value to have someone in charge, or at least on staff, whose training would allow for immediate results.”

Leah wasn’t about to admit that she really hadn’t considered hiring a nurse. It irritated her that he made a valid point yet had no understanding of what she was capable of doing.

“Our granddaughter has always been older and wiser than her years, Erik,” Grandmother said, smiling at Leah. “I’m sure she has considered every aspect of the situation. I’m equally confident in her abilities to learn and to handle difficult situations.”

“Well, such an endeavor should never be taken lightly. All the facts should be known and the needs assessed. As a physician, I know that things can happen fast in these situations.”

“And what I know is that men are notorious liars who are not to be trusted.” Leah wasn’t at all sure why she brought this up but couldn’t stop herself from continuing. “They lure young women with promises and sweet words and convince them that they will take care of them forever, all to have their way. And then when the situation turns and there’s a baby on the way, they leave those poor women with no one to care for them and a ruined reputation.”

“I’ve known many a man to act that way as well.” Erik’s eyes narrowed. “But it hardly negates the need for medical knowledge in emergency situations.”

Leah stood, calmed herself as best she could, and forced a smile. “Again, this is none of your concern and you should mind your own business. This is a matter I hoped only to discuss with my grandparents at this point.”

Grandfather stepped in. “Leah, I know young Erik here has been quite free with his opinion, but fear not. Your grandmother and I are more than happy to support your mission. In fact, we will start the paperwork and create a formal contract for a new charity. That way you won’t have to spend all your inheritance to see a place purchased and furnished.”

“Thank you, Grandfather. I am grateful that you understand my heart.” She glared at Dr. Sjolander.

“Now, my driver is still outside waiting.” Grandfather stood and moved toward Leah. “I’ll have him take you home and then return for Erik and me. You tell your parents about this new project of yours, and we’ll have a lengthy discussion about it very soon.”

Leah stretched up and kissed the older man’s cheek. “Thank you. I’ll do exactly that.”