The Daughter of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

  David nodded and glanced at William, a pained, hollow look in his eyes. “Would I be welcome at Ramsey House?”

  “Of course. Come this evening.”

  David sighed and shook his head. “I don’t think I want to go anywhere tonight.”

  “Then come tomorrow after you finish at the office, and plan to stay for dinner.”

  David lifted one eyebrow. “Do you mean that?”

  “Yes. You’re always welcome.”

  David studied him, as though trying to discern William’s true intentions. “All right. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He shifted his gaze to their solicitor. “Thank you for your counsel. Good day.” David turned and strode away.

  The solicitor looked at William and kept his voice low. “I hope your brother takes our advice.”

  William gave a slight nod. “So do I.”

  “As it stands now, he has a slim chance of staying free, but if he is seen with Mrs. Martindale, I expect he will be behind bars before the week is through.”

  William’s spirit sank as he watched David turn at the corner and disappear from sight.

  Help him, Father. He’s in a dark place, and he needs You.

  Kate led the middle-aged woman in the shabby, gray coat into the examining room at Daystar Clinic. The woman’s strained expression and sagging posture made her look worn and tired. She carried one little girl and held the hand of another who walked beside her.

  Kate handed the chart to Jon. “This is Mrs. Martino and her daughters.”

  This was Kate’s second time volunteering at the clinic, and she hoped to make it a regular commitment. Convincing her aunt would be a challenge, but Kate had not received one invitation since David’s connection with the Martindale case had been reported in the newspaper.

  How could her aunt object to her helping at Daystar, especially since Julia and Penny had agreed to come along?

  She glanced at Jon, appreciation warming her heart. His kind and caring ways gave him a strong bond with his patients, and he seemed well liked by everyone at Daystar.

  Jon greeted Mrs. Martino, looked through the chart, then smiled at the toddler seated on her mother’s lap. “And who do we have here?” The little girl buried her face in her mother’s shoulder.

  “This is Angela.” Mrs. Martino ran her hand over her daughter’s wavy, brown hair. “She hasn’t been able to keep any food down for the last few days, and I think she’s running a fever.”

  Jon’s serious gaze focused on the child. “How old is she?”

  “She turned two last week.” Mrs. Martino shifted her daughter a bit. “Come now, Angela, let the doctor see your face.”

  Angela slowly turned and looked at Jon. Her cheeks were flushed and damp hair matted her forehead.

  Mrs. Martino’s other daughter looked up at Kate with big brown eyes, and then glanced around the room. Her hair was darker than her sister’s, and it fell in long curls over her shoulders. Kate guessed she might be five or six. As Jon and Mrs. Martino continued their conversation, the little girl twirled her hair around her finger and rocked back and forth on her feet. She bent down and reached in a bag at her mother’s feet.

  Mrs. Martino cast a stern glance at her daughter. “Leave that alone.”

  The little girl pulled her hand out of the bag, but soon she was fiddling with the handle on the lower cabinet and pulled it open.

  “Maria, stop that! I’m tryin’ to talk to the doctor.”

  Kate glanced at Jon and then Mrs. Martino. “Why don’t I take Maria for a walk around the clinic?”

  Mrs. Martino shook her head. “I don’t want her to be a bother.”

  “She’s not.” Kate held her hand out to Maria, and the little girl glanced at her mother.

  “It’s all right. Go on.”

  Maria slipped her little hand into Kate’s, and they headed down the hall toward the reception area.

  Dr. Pittsford’s wife, Martha, looked up and smiled as they approached the desk. “Hello there. What’s your name?”

  Maria smiled, but she didn’t answer.

  “This is Maria Martino. Her mother and sister are with Mr. Foster.”

  “That’s right.” Mrs. Pittsford stood up. “Would you like a sweet?”

  The little girl’s dark eyes lit up, and she nodded.

  Mrs. Pittsford lifted a small wooden bowl from the shelf behind the desk and held it out. “Here you go.”

  Maria reached in and took a wrapped candy, then smiled at Mrs. Pittsford. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, dear.” Mrs. Pittsford gave her a pat on the head.

  Maria unwrapped the candy and popped it into her mouth. Then Kate took her hand, and they started down the hall again. The door to the supply room stood open, and Kate heard Julia and Penny working inside. They had taken on the task of organizing all the medical supplies.

  Kate looked in and found Julia writing in a small notebook, while Penny stood on a stool, straightening a row of small bottles on the top shelf. Penny’s auburn hair was tied back with a ribbon that matched her dark green dress, and both women wore aprons over their clothes.

  Julia looked up and smiled at Kate and Maria. “It looks like you’ve found a new friend.”

  “I have.” Kate introduced Maria, and Julia and Penny greeted her.

  Kate glanced around the supply closet. “You seem to be making good progress.”

  “I think we are.” Penny climbed down and brushed off her hands.

  Theo looked in the doorway. “How is it coming along?”

  Penny’s cheeks flushed. “Come in and see for yourself.”

  He stepped through the doorway and looked around. “I’d say it’s quite an improvement.” He turned to Penny. “We certainly appreciate your help.”

  She sent him a smile. “We’re glad to lend a hand.”

  Theo scanned the shelves. “I’m looking for a splint for a broken finger.”

  “I know just where they are.” Penny pulled a small basket from a lower shelf and held it out to Theo. “Here you go.” She gazed up at him, admiration shining in her eyes.

  “Thank you, Penny.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  Kate watched them closely. Penny was too young to have a serious suitor, but she obviously liked Theo. What did he think of her? He had danced with Penny at Kate’s ball and greeted her warmly when they arrived this morning.

  Dr. Pittsford stopped in the doorway. “It looks like we’re having a convention in here.” His eyes widened as he glanced around the small room. “My goodness. It’s a miracle. I can actually see what’s on the shelves.”

  Julia’s face brightened. “We’ve rearranged things a bit, but we plan to add labels to help you find what you need.”

  “That’s an excellent idea.” Dr. Pittsford turned to Julia. “Do you think you could come on a regular basis and keep us organized?”

  “We’ll only be in town until early August, but I’ll speak to William about it.”

  Dr. Pittsford nodded. “Very good.”

  Jon looked in from the hall and focused on Kate. “Mrs. Martino is ready to leave. Can you bring Maria out?”

  “Yes, of course.” Kate led Maria into the hallway to rejoin her mother. Mrs. Martino thanked her, then set off with her two daughters.

  Dr. Pittsford joined them in the hallway. “Jon, do you have a moment?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “I’d like to speak to you as well, Katherine. Why don’t we step into my office?”

  Kate’s hopes rose as they followed Dr. Pittsford. It had been three days since they had visited Lydia’s sister and had the upsetting encounter with Charlie Gibbons. Jon had told Dr. Pittsford about Helen that evening, and the doctor had promised to make some inquiries. But they hadn’t heard anything since. Had he found a place for Helen?

  Dr. Pittsford closed his office door and turned to face them. “I’ve spoken to several people about Helen Chambers’s situation.”

  “Has someone stepped forward to help her?�
� Jon asked.

  Dr. Pittsford shook his head. “I’m sorry to say they haven’t. I’m very concerned about her condition as well as her living arrangements. I’ve given it a great deal of thought and prayer, and I’ve decided to invite her to stay in our home.”

  Kate’s heart lifted. “Oh, that’s very kind of you.”

  “Yes, it is,” Jon added. “I hope it won’t be too much of an inconvenience.”

  Dr. Pittsford had purchased a house near the clinic seven months earlier. He’d told Jon and Kate that he hoped living on the East End would earn the trust and respect of his patients, allowing him to share the gospel more easily. It was certainly a bold move on his part.

  “We’ve had a few other young women stay with us for short periods of time, until a more permanent situation could be sorted out. My wife and daughters are agreeable; in fact, they’re looking forward to meeting Helen.”

  It was reassuring to hear his whole family was in favor of the doctor’s decision.

  “Thank you,” Jon said. “I’ll pay Helen a visit as soon as I’m finished here today, and see if we can make the arrangements.”

  Dr. Pittsford’s brow creased. “I don’t think it’s wise for you to go alone, not after what happened on your last visit.”

  Kate wished she could go, but she knew Jon wouldn’t take her, no matter what she said.

  Jon rubbed his chin. “I suppose I could ask Theo to come along.”

  “That’s a good idea,” Dr. Pittsford said. “Why don’t you speak to Theo and leave at four if he is agreeable.”

  “Very good, sir. Thank you.”

  Kate lifted her hands, and Lydia slipped the pale-blue nightgown over her head. The silky softness of the material was a wonderful relief after the tight corset and stiff fabric of her dress. “Thank you, Lydia.”

  “Shall I unpin your hair, miss?”

  “Yes, please.” She sat at her dressing table and glanced in the mirror as Lydia pulled out the pins. Lydia moved at a slow pace, and there were pale gray shadows beneath her eyes. It was past ten, and Kate suspected Lydia had been up since six that morning.

  Kate lifted her hand and laid it over Lydia’s. “I’ll finish. Why don’t you go on to bed?”

  Lydia’s anxious gaze connected with Kate’s in the mirror. “I was hoping Mr. Foster would come back and bring us some news about Helen.”

  Kate glanced at the clock on her bedroom mantel. “Yes, I thought he would’ve returned by now.”

  Lydia bit her lip. “I hope nothing has happened to him.”

  Kate’s stomach tensed, but she pushed away her concern. “I’m sure he’s all right. It just must have taken longer than we expected to help Helen settle in at Dr. Pittsford’s.”

  “Yes, of course, miss.” But Lydia didn’t look as certain as she sounded.

  Kate forced a smile. “I’m sure he’ll give us a full report in the morning.”

  A knock sounded at the door, and Penny slipped through wearing a pink dressing gown and a bright smile. “Mind if I come in?”

  Kate looked over her shoulder. “Not at all.” Spending some time with Penny might be just what she needed to ease her thoughts.

  Lydia stepped back. “Is there anything else you need, miss?”

  “No, thank you. Good night, Lydia.”

  “Good night, miss.” She nodded to Kate and Penny and left the room.

  “I was hoping you were still awake.” Penny pulled a chair up beside Kate’s dressing table. “Today was lovely, wasn’t it?”

  “You mean helping at the clinic?”

  “Yes. I thought I might be uncomfortable working there, but everyone was so kind and welcoming.” Penny leaned closer, her eyes bright. “What do you think of Theo Anderson?”

  “Why do you ask?” Kate laid the last hairpin on her dressing table and picked up her brush.

  “Well … I was just wondering what you knew about him.”

  “Only that he is Jon’s friend and a fellow medical student.”

  “Nothing about his family?”

  Kate ran the brush through her hair as she studied Penny’s reflection in the mirror. “You spent a good deal of time talking to him at the ball. I’m surprised you didn’t ask him then.”

  “I should have, but he is a wonderful listener, and he kept asking me questions. I was so pleased with the conversation, I didn’t even notice I hadn’t learned much about him.”

  “Since he’s Jon’s friend, I’m sure he’s a fine fellow, but you’re too young to be thinking about romance.”

  “I’m almost seventeen, and Aunt Louisa said she is going to speak to William about my coming out next season.”

  “I wouldn’t get your hopes up.”

  “Why not?”

  “You know William is very traditional. I can’t imagine him allowing you to make your debut at seventeen.”

  Penny rose and paced across the room. “But Aunt Louisa promised to sponsor me and pay all my expenses.”

  Kate shook her head. “I’m sorry, Penny. I doubt William will agree to it. His thoughts will be on his marriage to Julia and getting everything settled at Highland.”

  “Oh, bother!” Penny flopped down on the bed. “Do you think Theo will still be interested in two years?”

  Kate sat on the bed beside her. “If he is the right man and he truly cares for you, then he’ll wait.”

  Penny rolled to her side and faced Kate, propping her chin up with her hand. “Do you think Edward will wait for you?”

  Penny’s question took her by surprise. “I don’t know. I haven’t heard anything from him since the news about David came out.”

  “I’m sorry, Kate. I know you must be terribly upset about it.”

  Kate looked away. She should be … but was she, really? When she first met Edward, she thought he might be the perfect match, the one who could give her all she hoped to gain from an advantageous marriage. When he’d spoken to her at the ball, it seemed like the answer to her prayer. But if one incident in her family could so easily cool his affection, maybe he was not the right man after all.

  “Kate, what are you thinking?”

  “Edward’s silence is … disappointing, but I’m not heartbroken, if that’s what you’re asking.”

  Penny sat up. “But I thought you liked Edward.”

  “I do. He’s handsome and charming and has many fine qualities, but …”

  Penny tipped her head. “Has someone else caught your eye?”

  Jon’s face rose in her mind, but she banished the thought.

  “Aha! I knew it. There is someone else, isn’t there?” Excitement filled Penny’s voice. “Who is it? Oh, please tell me, Kate. I promise I won’t say a word to anyone.”

  “There’s nothing to tell.”

  Penny stuck out her lower lip. “Oh, Kate, how can you keep a secret from me? I’ve told you who I have my eye on.”

  “And I promise to keep your secret, but I have nothing to report.” Kate stood and held her hand out to Penny. “Now it’s time we both went to bed.”

  Penny took her hand and rose from the bed. “Oh, all right. I’ll go … but I’m not giving up.”

  Kate held open the door. “Good night, Penny.”

  “Good night.” Penny kissed Kate’s cheek. “Sweet dreams.” She sent Kate one more teasing grin before she walked out.

  Kate closed her door and leaned back against it. Jon’s image rose in her mind again, and this time she didn’t dismiss it. Conversations they’d shared on their morning rides came flooding back. She loved hearing about his life in India and how those experiences had shaped him into the man he was today. She admired all he had accomplished, and she was inspired by all he hoped to do.

  Her thoughts shifted to their times at Daystar. Working with him there and seeing the difference he made in people’s lives touched her deeply. Sharing that with him made it even more meaningful.

  Should she consider something more than friendship with Jon? Her aunt seemed to think he might be interested in
her, but he’d never said as much to Kate.

  And what about Edward? He’d seemed so sincere at the ball. But why hadn’t he tried to see her or at least written? Would he really allow her family troubles to end their romance before it had even begun?

  FIFTEEN

  Jon glared at his face in the mirror, then turned away with a disgusted huff. His left eye was practically swollen shut, and red bruises spread across his cheek and jaw. There was no way he would be able to hide the events of last night from anyone.

  He had planned to rise early and slip out before breakfast, hoping the evidence of his injuries would lessen by evening. But he’d overslept, and it took him longer than usual to wash and dress. And judging by his image in the mirror, it would take several days for the bruises to fade even a little.

  He stifled a groan, closed his bedroom door, and set off down the hall. But each step was a painful reminder of the beating he had taken last night. He dreaded going downstairs. No doubt everyone would question him, and he’d have to repeat the story several times.

  Kate stepped out of her bedroom as he crossed the upper landing. He tensed and looked her way. “Good morning, Kate.”

  “Good morn—” Her warm greeting turned into a startled gasp. “Jon, what happened?”

  He lifted his hand to his jaw. “I ran into a bit of trouble last night.”

  “Was it Charlie Gibbons?” She hurried to join him at the top of the stairs.

  “No. It wasn’t Charlie.”

  “My goodness, it looks painful.” She moved closer. “Your eye is so swollen. Can you see?”

  Her scrutiny made him flush. “I’ll be all right in a day or two.”

  “What about Helen? Were you able to take her to Dr. Pittsford’s?”

  He wished he had better news for her on that point, but perhaps he should tell her the whole story. “We arrived at Bartlett Court around five and knocked on Helen’s door, but no one answered. So we waited by the entrance to the alley until after eight. We were both hungry by that time, so Theo walked down to a pub to buy something to eat. He’d only been gone a minute when two men ran out of the alley and jumped me.”

  Kate’s hand flew to her mouth. “Oh, Jon, that’s dreadful! Are you sure one of them wasn’t Charlie?”