The Daughter of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

  Bile rose in her throat. “That’s ridiculous. I’m not jealous.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Fire flashed through her. “Your choice to be seen around town with your mistress is tarnishing our family’s name.”

  He stepped forward and gripped her upper arm. “Don’t call her that.”

  “It’s the truth, isn’t it?”

  He tightened his hold. “Listen to me, Katherine. This is none of your business. And I won’t stand for you insulting Dorothea or making—”

  “I say, what’s the meaning of this?” Edward walked toward them, a scowl lining his face.

  David loosened his hold, but he did not let go. “Who are you?”

  “Edward Wellington the Third, and Miss Ramsey’s escort this evening.” His uncertain gaze shifted from Kate to David. “If you don’t drop your hand, I’ll be forced to … contact the management.”

  David huffed. “That’s quite a serious threat.” But he let go of Kate’s arm. “There’s no need to be upset. I’m Katherine’s cousin. We’ve finished our conversation.” His eyebrows rose and took on a haughty slant. “Haven’t we?”

  She returned his look. “Yes, we have.”

  Edward held out his arm to Kate. “Let’s return to our seats. I believe the program has already started.”

  Heat radiated from her face as she slipped her hand through Edward’s arm and walked away.

  Edward leaned toward her. “What a ghastly fellow. Are you all right?”

  “Yes, I’m fine.”

  “What was that all about?”

  “It was nothing … just a misunderstanding.” She couldn’t very well explain the conversation. It would ruin Edward’s opinion of her and her family. Dread washed over her, stealing away all the joy she had felt earlier that evening as one horrible question flooded her mind …

  How long could she keep her family’s secrets from Edward?

  SEVEN

  “Please don’t say anything to Aunt Louisa. She’s going to be so upset if she hears this.” Kate sank down on the settee facing the library fireplace.

  Julia sat beside her. “I could tell something was wrong after intermission, but I had no idea you’d overheard such unkind remarks or seen David.”

  “I wanted to tell you right away, but I couldn’t let Edward or his family overhear.”

  “Of course, I understand. But I’m glad you’ve told us now.”

  William paced across the library, a brooding frown lining his face. “How could David do this? It’s unconscionable.” He shook his head, still looking dazed by the news. “I knew his moral compass was off the mark, but I had no idea he had strayed this far. Our parents would be appalled if they had lived to see it.”

  Kate wished she hadn’t been the one to tell him about David’s involvement with Dorothea Martindale. But William needed to know the truth, especially since it could impact the whole family.

  “I’m so sorry, William,” Julia said softly.

  “So am I.” He turned and faced them. “I’ll have to speak to David, though I doubt it will do any good.”

  “He is your brother—surely he’ll listen to you.”

  William’s expression softened as he looked at Julia, but doubt still shadowed his eyes. “You saw what it was like last Christmas. There’s a gulf between us, and every attempt I’ve made to cross it has only pushed us further apart.”

  “But if you come alongside, perhaps you can appeal to his conscience.”

  William grimaced. “I’m not sure David has one.”

  “Of course he does, but sin is very deceptive, and he has obviously been pulled into a trap.”

  William gave a slight nod. “I must try, for his sake and for ours.” He turned to Kate. “I’m sorry you had to hear about this first and face David on your own. That must have been difficult for you.”

  Kate’s nose tingled, and she pressed her lips together. She was not used to receiving such kindness and concern from the adults in her life.

  “But even more than that,” William continued, “I regret the way this may put a damper on your hopes for the season.”

  Jon strolled into the library. “Good evening, everyone. I’m surprised to see you’re all still awake.” Jon’s smile faded as he looked around. “What’s wrong?”

  Julia glanced at William, and he gave a slight nod. “I’m afraid Katherine had an upsetting encounter tonight.”

  Jon’s expression darkened. “Was it Wellington?” He shifted his gaze to Kate. “Did he treat you in a dishonorable way?” He looked ready to hunt the man down and exact revenge if he had.

  “No, it wasn’t Edward.” Kate glanced at William, uncertain if he wanted her to share the details.

  William released a deep sigh. “You might as well know. It was my brother, David.” He gave Jon a brief explanation of what had happened at Covent Garden that evening.

  Jon listened, his expression taut and somber. “What an upsetting turn of events. I’m sorry to hear it.” Jon’s gaze settled on Kate, unspoken questions flickering in his eyes.

  The clock struck eleven and William sighed. “Well, there’s nothing more to be done about it tonight. Let’s get some rest, then we can address it in the morning.”

  Julia rose and joined William by the fireplace. She looked up at him, affection warming her gaze. “We all need some rest. Hopefully, everything will look clearer tomorrow.” She took his arm, and they walked out of the library.

  Kate rose and followed Jon through the doorway. But as she crossed the entrance hall, she remembered she’d left her fan in the library. When she returned to the entrance hall, she found that Jon had waited for her at the bottom of the stairs.

  “I’m sorry, Kate. I’m sure this is upsetting.” He searched her face, his golden-brown eyebrows shadowing his eyes.

  She rested her hand on the banister. “Yes, I feel like someone has taken a sharp pin and popped the balloon of my hopes for the season.”

  A smile tipped up one corner of his mouth. “I wouldn’t count yourself out yet.”

  “You didn’t hear those dreadful women gossiping about our family or laughing about my poor prospects.”

  The sympathy returned to his eyes. “They don’t know what they’re talking about.”

  “But most of what they said is true, and after that news spreads around town, no one is going to invite me anywhere. I’m finished.”

  Jon shook his head. “They don’t control your future.”

  “But they have the power to destroy my reputation and our family’s.”

  His gaze remained steady. “They may spread their gossip, and that may close some doors for you, but I believe God is in control, and He is the One who holds your future in His hands.”

  She released a soft sigh. “I wish I could believe that.”

  “You can.” He straightened, confidence filling his eyes. “He has a purpose and plan for your life, one that’s full of hope and meaning.”

  Those words stirred a pleasant memory. “I think Julia read a verse like that to me before we left Highland.”

  Jon’s smile warmed. “Here’s another that we memorized when we were young. ‘And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.’ ”

  Those words were not familiar, and for some reason they made her feel a bit uneasy, like she had somehow missed the mark. She pushed that uncomfortable feeling aside and looked up at Jon again. “That’s an interesting thought, but do you truly believe verses written hundreds of years ago apply to my life today?”

  “I believe they apply to everyone who loves God and is called to serve and follow Him.” His sincere gaze seemed to look straight into her troubled heart.

  Kate’s face warmed, and she lowered her eyes. Of course she believed in God, but she wasn’t sure she could honestly say she loved Him. And the idea that she ought to serve and follow Him had never really entered her mind. Wasn’t that level of commitment reserved for those
called to be ministers or missionaries? She was just an ordinary girl, and she had no plans to sail off for darkest Africa to live a life of sacrifice and service. But she didn’t want Jon to think she was a heathen.

  She looked up. “I was baptized when I was an infant, and I’ve attended church with my family since then.”

  He watched her, as though waiting for her to say more. When she didn’t, he glanced away. Was that disappointment in his eyes?

  Why would he be bothered by her reply? She said her prayers and was at least as faithful as most of the people she knew … but she wasn’t as dedicated as Jon and Julia. “You and your sister seem very serious about the practice of your faith.”

  He sent her a questioning glance.

  “I mean … I haven’t met many people who place such importance on their faith and actually bring it into the fabric of their everyday lives.”

  Jon thought for a moment. “Faith isn’t just a matter of what you believe; it should be seen in the way you live and the way you treat others.”

  “I suppose that’s part of your upbringing as a missionary.”

  “My parents’ faith has been a great example to me.”

  “And the path you’ve chosen, to go back to India, that’s part of it too, isn’t it?”

  His jaw tightened and he shifted his gaze away. “I’m not certain where I’m headed when I finish my medical training, but wherever I go, I’ll be serving God in some way.”

  Surprise rippled through Kate. “You’re not going back to India?”

  “That was my plan, but I’ve been reconsidering it lately.”

  “What would you do? I mean, I know you’re training to be a doctor, but where would you practice?”

  “Dr. Gleason has offered me a position at St. George’s.”

  Kate’s heart lifted. “Really? That’s wonderful! Did you tell Julia and William?”

  “Not yet. I’m not sure if I’ll accept. My aunt Beatrice and my grandmother are both encouraging me to stay.”

  “What about your parents? What do they say?”

  “I haven’t discussed it with them. But they expect me to return to India and continue our work in Kanakapura.”

  Kate sat on the third step and looked up at him. “When must you decide?”

  Jon sat beside her. “If I hope to go out with the London Missionary Society next year, then my paperwork must be turned in by the first of August.”

  “What about Dr. Gleason? Has he set a deadline for your decision?”

  “No, but he won’t wait forever. There are plenty of promising candidates who would be happy to accept his offer if I turn it down.”

  Kate tensed and focused on him again. “Oh, Jon, how are you going to decide?”

  He drew in a breath and leaned back against the stair. “I’m not sure.”

  The urge to comfort him flooded her. She wanted to say she would pray for him, but she felt terribly inadequate, especially considering she would be praying for someone who was so deeply committed. But he had confided in her, and he needed her encouragement. She pushed her discomfort aside and laid her hand on his arm. “I promise I’ll pray for you.”

  He turned and she could see the faint smile in his blue eyes as he laid his hand over hers. “Thank you, Kate. That means more than you know.”

  Her stomach fluttered, but a warning flashed through her mind. She must not encourage Jon. It wouldn’t be right. She slipped her hand away from his and stood. “I should go up. It’s late.”

  He rose beside her, so close she could feel his warm breath on her cheek.

  Kate swallowed, determined not to look up at him. “Good night, Jon.” She turned away and climbed the stairs.

  “Good night, Kate.” His voice was low and seemed to carry a wistful note.

  A shiver traveled down her arms as she hurried up the stairs.

  Lydia rolled the final section of Katherine’s hair around her finger and then carefully pinned it in place. She glanced in the mirror, hoping Katherine would be pleased. She’d been working for almost an hour, trying to copy the style from a photo Lady Gatewood had cut from a magazine.

  Lydia stepped back. “How is that, miss?”

  Katherine turned her head to the right and left. “I’m not sure about the way it swoops down across my forehead.”

  “I think it looks very nice. It draws attention to your eyes, and they’re one of your prettiest features.”

  Katherine’s brow creased as she studied her reflection in the mirror.

  Her confidence had certainly come down a few notches since she’d arrived in London. And it was no wonder, with the way Lady Gatewood was always finding fault with everything Katherine said and did. Lydia offered a reassuring smile. “With that ribbon matching your dress, it will be perfect.”

  Katherine glanced at the pink silk gown hanging from the front of the tall wooden wardrobe. “I wish Julia was going with me tonight rather than my aunt. I have no idea who I’ll be seated next to at dinner.”

  Lydia took the dress down. “I’m sure you’ll do well, miss.” A smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “You don’t usually have trouble carrying on a conversation.”

  “Yes, but I don’t usually attend a dinner at the Hoffmans’ either.”

  A knock sounded at the door.

  “Who is it?” Katherine called.

  “It’s Ann, miss.”

  “Come in.”

  Ann slipped through and closed the door. In her hand she held a slim, white envelope. “I’m sorry to interrupt, miss, but the post arrived and there’s a letter for Lydia.”

  Lydia’s heartbeat quickened. “Is it from my parents?”

  “Yes.” Ann glanced at Katherine, waiting for permission to hand over the letter.

  “Please, go ahead. I know you’re anxious for word about your sister.”

  “Thank you, miss.” Lydia hurried to meet Ann, then took the letter and tore it open. Her hand trembled as she unfolded the single sheet of paper. She skimmed the short greeting from her mother, then focused on the second paragraph.

  One of the young men who works for the MacGregors finally told us he saw Charlie Gibbons and Helen together a few times before they disappeared. Your father spoke to Charlie’s sister in Fulton, and she said he’s gone to London to look for work.

  Lydia stifled a gasp. So that must have been Helen and Charlie she’d seen in Wiltshire Park. She focused on the letter again.

  Charlie’s sister says he never mentioned Helen, but she finally showed your father a letter Charlie had written, and it had his London address. We hope you’ll go there and see Helen. If you find her, try to get her to come home. But don’t go alone. Take a friend with you, someone who knows their way around town. Please be careful. Charlie is known for drinking and stirring up trouble, and I don’t want anything to happen to you. We’ll be praying and waiting to hear from you. The address is:

  Charlie Gibbons

  2118 Marlton Street, Number 3B

  The East End, London, England

  Your loving Mother

  Katherine watched her closely. “Have they heard from your sister?”

  “No, but they think she’s here in London.”

  Ann gasped. “Then it was Helen you saw at the park.”

  Katherine looked from Ann to Lydia. “You saw your sister?”

  “Yes, I believe so, miss … last week, when Ann and I took the children to Wiltshire Park.”

  “Did you speak to her?”

  “No, I called out, but the man she was with hustled her off before I could reach them.”

  “Do you think she lives somewhere around here?”

  Lydia shook her head. “My mother says she’s staying at this address in the East End.” She held out the letter.

  Katherine took it and quickly scanned down the page.

  “They want me to go there and try to get her to come home.”

  Katherine looked up. “Jon knows his way around the East End. He’s been volunteering at a clinic there. Ma
ybe he could help you find this address.”

  Lydia shrunk back. “Oh no, miss. I couldn’t ask Mr. Foster.”

  “Why not?”

  “It wouldn’t be right for me to go with him, not by myself.”

  “Perhaps Ann could go with you.”

  The nursery maid’s eyes widened, and she shook her head. “That’s a rough area. I’d be afraid to go.”

  Katherine thought for a moment, then looked up. “I’m not afraid. I’ll go with you.”

  Lydia stifled a gasp. “Oh no, miss, you can’t go there. The East End is no place for a lady like you.”

  “I don’t see why not. I’m sure if I speak to Jon, and he agrees to go with us, we’d be safe enough.”

  The door opened, and Lady Gatewood sailed in, then pulled up short. “Katherine, why are you still in your dressing gown? It’s almost time to leave.” Her expression darkened. She turned to Lydia and pinched her arm. “Chambers, stop fiddling and help Miss Katherine finish dressing!”

  Lydia stifled a cry and snatched the pink gown off its hanger. Wicked woman! I’ll be sportin’ a bruise in the morning.

  “There’s no need for that.” Katherine sent her aunt a heated glance. “Lydia has been fixing my hair, and I think she’s done quite well.”

  Lady Gatewood surveyed Katherine’s hair. “That pink ribbon looks ridiculous. Take it out.”

  Lydia laid the dress on the bed, hurried to Katherine’s side, and carefully removed the ribbon.

  “Ribbons are only worn in the day. A tiara or jeweled hair ornament is the proper adornment for a dinner party like this.” Lady Gatewood peered into the mirror. “Your hair doesn’t look like the picture, but there’s no time to change it now.”

  Katherine stood, and Lydia slipped the gown carefully over Katherine’s head. “I don’t understand why we’re in such a hurry. The dinner isn’t until eight o’clock.”

  Lady Gatewood sighed and looked at Katherine as though she were a foolish child. “It will take at least thirty minutes to travel to the Hoffmans’, and it would be rude to arrive any later than that.”

  With Lady Gatewood glaring over her shoulder, Lydia quickly did up the buttons on the back of Katherine’s dress, but her fingers fumbled.