Page 21 of Devoted to Love

“Leah, later you and I will discuss your salary as well.”

“I don’t need to be paid. I have my inheritance.”

“Yes, but the Bible tells us in First Timothy chapter five that the laborer is worthy of his reward. You are going to be doing a difficult job. Your time will no longer be your own, and you will have a great many decisions to make, comforts to offer, arguments to straighten out. You will earn this wage, to be sure.”

Erik wondered if she’d ever thought about the amount of work she’d have to oversee in order to run a successful home for these unwed mothers who were used to having everything done for them. Not that he doubted Leah could work hard. Her grandfather had spoken of all her help with the charities, and she didn’t seem to mind getting her hands dirty when caring for the women at Bethany Home. Still, there was a great difference in lending a helping hand and actually managing an entire organization.

“And before I forget, Leah, I’ve spoken with a masonry company. As we previously discussed, privacy will be important, and I believe putting in a wall around the back gardens would be to your advantage. There will be a gate or two in order to access the remaining property, but it will hopefully deter the nosier folk. The weather is too cold and wet for such work at this time, but come spring, they will be able to begin.”

“That does sound good. It’s my desire that these women would have a chance to reflect and heal. I suppose we shall just take it step by step.”

“Yes. The same with you, Erik. The transfer should move well enough along, but we’ll take it as Leah said, step by step. I’ll explain to my patients that you are worthy of their trust, and hopefully the faith they have put in me will allow them to take you on without fear.”

Erik glanced at Leah momentarily. They were really strangers to one another. Strangers thrown together in a common interest. She didn’t trust him, and he didn’t trust her, and until now, that method of interaction with women had served him well. Why did he have the feeling it wouldn’t be that easy this time?

“Evan put together the necessary paperwork,” Dr. Turner said, pulling a large envelope from his center desk drawer. “Everything is written up in here, and I’d like you to take it and read through the details. If you feel anything is amiss, I want you to speak up and we’ll discuss it.”

“Of course.” Erik started to reach for it, but Dr. Turner shook his head. “Later. You can pick it up before you leave tonight. For now, go and have fun. I hear the musicians tuning up, so they will be expecting people to dance. Erik, why don’t you take Leah and lead the example?”

Erik had no doubts that he was the last man Leah would want to dance with, but he squared his shoulders and looked at her. “Would you care to dance?”

“I . . . uh . . .”

“Go on, Leah. I know your mind is on the fund-raising, but this is important.” Dr. Turner winked. “Plus you’ll be the envy of every single woman out there. I’ve heard many of them commenting on how dashing Erik looks tonight.”

Erik glanced down at his stylish clothes. He’d never concerned himself with fashion, but Dr. Turner advised him months ago that he would be asked to elaborate parties and gatherings where he’d be expected to dress for the occasion. It had been hard to part with the money for such attire, but it had come in handy more than once.

“Leah, do your duty.” Her grandfather laughed.

She shrugged and gave Erik a nod. It wasn’t much and certainly not at all enthusiastic, but Erik took it at face value and went to her.

They made their way to the room where the small orchestra was already starting a waltz. Others took to the open floor, and Erik maneuvered Leah to a place where they could easily dance.

“I’m sorry about this,” Leah said as they began to waltz. “My grandfather likes everything neatly ordered and wants for us to be good friends.”

“Can that happen?” Erik asked without thinking.

“I don’t know.”

At least she was honest. Erik had no desire to upset her further, but he had to ask. “What do you believe would stop us from such an arrangement?”

“I don’t trust men. Well, I trust the men in my family, but it seems others are so unworthy.”

“But you don’t even know me. How can you judge?”

“I suppose because I’ve seen enough men in my short years as to judge their general behavior. Again, with exception to my family. If Grandfather finds out they are less than respectable, he’ll take a hand in straightening them out. And if not him, then certainly my father and brothers will.” Her lips held a slight smile.

“And this is all because of what happened with your friend?”

Leah’s eyes narrowed. “That and others. The unwed mothers’ homes are full of examples. You have only to look. Victims of men who took advantage of their desire for love. They aren’t without fault themselves, so don’t believe that I absolve them of their personal responsibility, but they were preyed upon nonetheless. Men take advantage that we are creatures of emotion and hope.”

“You believe all men want to take advantage of that? What of the women who use it for their own advancement?”

To his surprise, Leah nodded. “There are certainly women who do such things. People are flawed.”

“But not you?” he teased, but she frowned.

“I never said I wasn’t flawed. I am. Perhaps more than most.” She dropped her hold the moment the music concluded. “Thank you for the dance.” She started to walk away, then turned back to him. “I will do my best to trust you, because Grandfather does. He’s not easily duped, so I will try to remember that.”