The Daughter of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

  Perhaps Jon was right. How was she helping anyone by sitting in the drawing room and worrying about the future? She might as well do something positive with her day. She looked up and met his gaze. “All right. I’ll ask them and see what they say.”

  “Good.” Jon placed his napkin next to his plate and scooted back from the table.

  Before he could rise, Louisa marched into the dining room carrying Kate’s white hat, parasol, and gloves. “Come along, Kate. It’s time we were going.”

  Kate frowned. “I didn’t know we had any plans.”

  “Today is the Henley Regatta. We’re meeting the Clarksons at ten.”

  Kate stared at her aunt. “How can you even consider going to the regatta?” She held up the newspaper. “Look at this headline.”

  Louisa scanned the words, and her expression hardened. “That’s exactly why we must go.”

  “Aunt Louisa, please, it will only cause us more embarrassment.”

  “Nonsense! It will prove we have nothing to do with that … despicable man!” Louisa’s mouth twisted into a sour line.

  “That man and I share the same last name, and his brother is my guardian. He was arrested at our home. Everyone knows we’re connected.”

  “I’ve made a commitment to the Clarksons, and I do not intend to disappoint them. Put on your hat and gloves. We must leave soon, or we’ll be late.”

  Kate steeled herself. “I’ve made other plans.”

  “What other plans?”

  “I’m going with Jon to visit his grandmother.”

  Louisa’s eyes widened. “His grandmother?” She shook her head. “No, not today. We are going to the regatta.” She waved the gloves toward Kate. “Come along. We’ve no time to waste.”

  A burning sensation rose in Kate’s throat. She glanced at Jon. His jaw was set in a firm line, his eyes silently urging her to speak up. Her aunt continued to glare and hold out the gloves. She would disappoint one of them today. That much was certain. Which one had her best interests in mind?

  The answer was obvious.

  Kate rose from her chair and leveled her gaze at her aunt. “I’m sorry, but I am not going with you today.”

  Louisa’s eyes bulged. “What!”

  “I am tired of pretending nothing is wrong. My cousin has been arrested for murder, and that scandal is too fresh for me to be parading around at a public event.”

  Jon’s tense expression eased, and he gave a nod of support, infusing her with courage.

  Louisa huffed. “I’ve taken part in the season for more than thirty-five years. I know how to navigate troubled waters, but you must listen to me and do as I say!”

  “I may not have been out in society long, but I know enough not to make myself the focus of needless gossip.” Kate tossed her napkin on the table. “I’m not going.”

  Louisa clenched her hand. “Why, you impudent, ungrateful girl!”

  Jon rose from his chair. “Now see here. I won’t allow you to speak to Kate like that.”

  Louisa turned her fiery glare on Jon. “Who are you to allow or disallow anything? You are an outsider. You have nothing to say about any of this.”

  “I am Kate’s friend, and I believe that gives me a right to speak up for her.”

  “You are no friend. You’re just a common pretender who has wormed his way into the good graces of a respected family, thinking you will take a step up in society—”

  William strode into the dining room with Julia close on his heels. “What in the world is going on?”

  Louisa pointed to Jon. “That young man has been rude and insulting.”

  Kate gasped. “That is not true. Jon was only trying to stop you from bullying me.”

  “Bullying you? Is that what you call it … after all I’ve done for you?”

  “Yes, that’s exactly what you’re doing, and I’m tired of it.”

  “This is his fault.” Louisa pointed at Jon again. “He has turned Katherine against me.”

  Kate glared at Louisa. “No, he hasn’t. And I won’t let you blame him.”

  William held up his hand. “Please, ladies, calm down, and one at a time, tell me what this is about.”

  Louisa narrowed her eyes at William. “There’s no need to speak to me like a child in a schoolyard quarrel.”

  “I am not speaking to you like a child.” William’s tone grew more intense. “I am simply trying to understand what has happened so I can bring some order to this household.”

  “Very well.” Louisa clasped her hands. “I promised my sister on her deathbed that I would make sure Katherine married well and that her future was secure, and I have made every effort to do that.”

  “Every effort?” Kate questioned. “You’ve dragged me from one event to the next and embarrassed me by—”

  Aunt Louisa’s hand rose to her throat. “Do you see what I mean? This is the way I am treated by your ward and her friend.”

  William lifted his hand. “All right. I believe we all need some time to cool our emotions and consider our words before we continue this conversation.”

  “Well!” Louisa lifted her chin. “I know when my presence and opinion are not appreciated.” She spun away and marched out of the dining room with a swish of her brown silk skirt.

  Silence reigned for a few seconds as they all stared after her.

  William turned to Kate. “Now, will you please tell us what started all this?”

  “I simply refused to go with her to the Henley Regatta.”

  William’s brow creased. “That’s why she was so upset?”

  “Yes. You know Aunt Louisa can’t tolerate anyone disagreeing with her decisions.”

  Julia sighed. “It’s no secret she tries to control everyone with her harsh words and scorching temper.”

  William closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I’ve had about as much of her as I can tolerate. I’m prepared to send her back to Berkshire.”

  Julia rested her hand on William’s arm. “Let’s give her some time to settle down. We’re all under a great deal of strain right now.”

  “All right.” William shifted his gaze to Jon. “I apologize for Lady Gatewood’s remarks. I’m sure they were uncalled for.”

  Jon nodded.

  Kate clasped her hands behind her back and turned to William. “I’m sorry for my part in it. I know I need to learn how to speak my mind without losing my temper.”

  William’s eyes widened for a moment, then he and Julia exchanged a smile. Clearly her apology had surprised—and pleased—them.

  Kate glanced toward the stairs. “Perhaps it would be best if I stayed out of Aunt Louisa’s way for a few hours.”

  William looked at Kate. “Did you have something in mind?”

  “Jon invited me to go with him to visit his grandmother, and then he’s going on to Daystar Clinic.”

  William lifted his eyebrows. “Julia, what do you think?”

  “I’m sure our grandmother would enjoy a visit, if that’s agreeable with you.”

  “As long as the chauffeur drives them.” William sent Jon a serious look. “You’ll make sure Kate is home in time for dinner?”

  “Of course.”

  “Very well, then. You may go.”

  “Thank you!” Kate turned to Jon. “I’ll go up and get my things.”

  “I’ll call for the car and meet you in the hall in a few minutes.” Jon’s eyes shone as he turned and walked out of the dining room.

  Kate started to do the same, but William called her back.

  “Be wise and sensible, Kate.”

  She couldn’t help it. She grinned. “Of course. Always.” Then she hurried up the stairs.

  Kate took Jon’s hand as she stepped out of the motorcar. She lifted her gaze to the large brick house, and her eyes widened. “This is your grandmother’s home?”

  “Yes.” He smiled as he scanned the house. “It’s quite nice, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it’s lovely.” The chauffeur closed the car door,
and Jon and Kate started up the front walk.

  “I’m looking forward to meeting your grandmother.”

  Jon opened the front gate and allowed Kate to pass through. “She can be a bit outspoken, but I suppose at her age she has earned the right.”

  “Julia said you only met her a few months ago.”

  “Yes, there was a rift between my parents and grandparents for many years.”

  “What caused the rift, if you don’t mind my asking?”

  “Julia didn’t tell you?”

  “She said your grandparents didn’t approve of your parents’ marriage, but there must be more to the story.”

  He nodded. “My father was from a middle-class family, and he’d just started his medical practice here in London when he and my mother met at a Keswick Convention and fell in love. Her parents wanted her to marry a wealthy, young aristocrat, the son of one of their close friends. Of course neither of my parents liked that idea.

  “They waited more than a year, hoping my grandfather would change his mind, but he didn’t, so they went ahead with their plans. My grandfather refused to attend the wedding, and he forbade my grandmother to go. When Julia and I were born, my grandmother pleaded with him to reunite the family, but he wouldn’t allow it. In the end, he cut my parents off completely.”

  “My goodness, he sounds quite hardhearted.”

  “Well, he certainly wasn’t one to change his mind once he made a decision.” Jon looked as though he wanted to say more about that, then decided against it.

  “And all those years your parents had no contact with them?”

  “My mother and her sister, Beatrice, exchanged letters, and those were passed on to my grandmother without my grandfather’s knowledge. When he died last December, my aunt arranged for us to see my grandmother. It was a touching reunion, especially for my mother.”

  They mounted the front steps, and Jon rang the bell.

  Kate glanced over and studied his profile. Despite the fading bruises, he was a handsome man. But it was more than his appearance that impressed her. Jon was a gentleman, and he always treated her with kindness and respect. He wanted what was best for everyone he met. It didn’t matter if the person was a wealthy member of society or a poor urchin on the street—he gave each one the same respect and thoughtful attention.

  How could she not be attracted to such a wonderful man?

  The door opened, and an elderly butler greeted them with a slight bow.

  “Good morning, Higgins. We’ve come to see my grandmother.”

  “Yes sir. She is expecting you.” He motioned them inside and led them to the drawing room.

  Kate glanced around as she kept pace with Jon. The hall was filled with beautiful furnishings. Potted palms, heavy drapes, and a rich color scheme gave it an atmosphere reminiscent of the early Victorian era. They followed the butler to the drawing room.

  “Your guests have arrived, m’lady.” The butler stood back as Jon and Kate entered.

  Jon’s grandmother rested on a chaise near the fireplace. Several pillows supported her back, and a soft gold blanket lay over her feet and legs. A ruffled lace cap covered most of her hair, except for a few white curls in front.

  Jon crossed toward her. “Good morning, Grandmother. How are you today?”

  She looked up at them through watery gray eyes and held out her hand. “Jonathan, it’s so nice to see you.”

  He bent forward and kissed her fingers. “Thank you, Grandmother.”

  She glanced at Kate. “And who is this lovely young lady?”

  “This is Miss Katherine Ramsey. She is the cousin of Sir William Ramsey, Baronet of Highland Hall. He is her guardian, and Julia was her governess until recently.” He turned to Kate. “This is my grandmother, Lady Henrietta Shelburne.”

  His grandmother squinted at Kate. “Ah yes, Julia told me about you.”

  Kate smiled. “It’s very nice to meet you, Lady Shelburne.”

  She looked Kate over more closely. “You have a pleasing appearance. I like the color of your hair.”

  Kate hesitated. “Thank you.”

  Lady Shelburne looked back at Jon. “It’s been too long since your last visit.”

  “Yes. I’m sorry about that. My summer schedule is much lighter. I hope to visit more often.”

  She adjusted her glasses and studied his face. “Are those bruises around your eyes?”

  Jon’s face took on a ruddy tint. “Yes ma’am, I’m afraid they are.”

  “What happened?”

  A muscle in Jon’s jaw flickered before he answered. “Two men jumped me the other night and stole my wallet and watch. I tried to fight them off, but the odds were not in my favor.”

  Lady Shelburne raised her hand to her chest. “Heavens! You should’ve just given them what they wanted rather than risk a beating.”

  Jon gave a humorless chuckle and rubbed his jaw. “Yes, I suppose so.”

  “What is the world coming to when a respectable young man can’t walk down the street without being attacked and robbed? I’m glad I don’t go out often. It doesn’t sound safe or sensible to leave the house.”

  Jon and Kate exchanged brief smiles.

  His grandmother shifted her gaze to Kate. “My daughter Beatrice tells me this is your first season. When were you presented?”

  “At the first drawing room on April 26.”

  Jon’s grandmother’s gaze drifted toward the windows. “I remember my presentation in ’59. Months before, we traveled to Paris to buy my wardrobe. There were eighty-two debutantes that year, and each young lady had to be personally approved by Queen Victoria. She only accepted those who were from the oldest and best families. When the day finally came, I wore a lovely white silk gown designed by the House of Worth. Everyone said I was the toast of the season.”

  Jon grinned. “I’m sure you were.”

  “I met your grandfather that May. He proposed in July, and we were married in December.” Her faint smile faded, and she turned back to Kate. “But that was ages ago, and we were talking about you. What do you think of the London season so far? Has it met all your expectations?”

  Images of all the dinners, balls, and parties she had attended rose in her mind, but they were quickly eclipsed by the memory of David’s arrest in their front hall just a few days earlier. “It’s certainly a change from country life in Berkshire.”

  “Yes, I imagine so. Have you met anyone special?”

  Heat flushed Kate’s cheeks. “Well … I’ve met a great number of people.”

  Lady Shelburne looked back and forth between them. “Perhaps you’ve already met that special someone, and you just don’t want to tell us.”

  Kate looked away. How should she answer that?

  Jon shifted in his chair. “Grandmother, please. That’s not a fair question.”

  “I’m just trying to find out if Katherine is interested in a particular young man.”

  Jon’s brow creased, and he shook his head.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to embarrass you, Katherine.” She turned to Jon. “How are your studies coming along at the hospital?”

  Jon’s posture relaxed. “Very well. I have only one more term at St. George’s.”

  “And then?”

  He paused. “Then I must choose where I will practice.”

  “And have you made your decision?”

  Jon glanced at Kate and then at his grandmother. “It seems I have three options.”

  His grandmother cocked her head. “And they are …?”

  Kate stilled, her attention fixed on Jon. He had mentioned two choices to her, but that was several weeks ago.

  “I could apply to the London Missionary Society and return to India to continue my father’s work at Kanakapura. Or I could accept a position Dr. Gleason has offered me at St. George’s.”

  His grandmother’s expression became more intent. “Yes, Beatrice told me about that.”

  Jon’s eyebrows rose. “She did? I didn’t realize anyone else kne
w about it.”

  “Your aunt Beatrice has connections all over town. I believe she and Mrs. Gleason are involved in the Ladies’ Aid Society at her church. But go on, what is the third option?”

  “I’ve been volunteering at Daystar Clinic on the East End with Dr. Alfred Pittsford for the past few weeks. There’s a great need for medical care in the area. Dr. Pittsford has asked me to come on staff with him, but I haven’t given him an answer yet.”

  Hope stirred within Kate. Working with Dr. Pittsford at Daystar wouldn’t be as prestigious as taking the position at St. George’s, but oh, what a difference he could make. Either way, if he did stay in London, the end of the season might not need to be the end of their friendship.

  His grandmother watched him closely. “Tell me more about this Daystar Clinic.”

  Jon’s expression grew more animated as he described the patients he’d met and the way they had been helped by visiting the clinic.

  Kate remembered meeting some of the people he mentioned, and she smiled listening to their stories again. When she’d first come to the East End, she’d been shocked by the poverty and depressing conditions, but after she began volunteering at the clinic, her focus shifted to the individual people she met … and that made all the difference.

  Lady Shelburne nodded. “It seems the third option is the one that has truly captured your interest.”

  “I believe it is the one I’d like to pursue.”

  “Well, you know I’d much rather have you stay in London than travel halfway around the world to India. You’ve sacrificed enough of your life to missionary service. You’re needed here, now. I hope you’ll keep that in mind as you make your decision.”

  “I don’t consider our time in India a sacrifice. It was a wonderful experience that enriched our lives.”

  His grandmother lifted her hand and extended a shaky finger. “It was a sacrifice for me to miss your childhood and have you so far away.”

  Jon sent his grandmother an understanding look, but from the story he had told Kate, it didn’t sound like he would have seen much of his grandmother even if his family had remained in England.

  “My work at Daystar has helped me learn more about the conditions on the East End. Providing medical care is a good beginning, but there’s much more that needs to be done.”