The Daughter of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

  Penny lifted her hand. “Wait, you mean Mr. Leifstrom was in the study when Reginald ran in looking for his gun?”

  “Yes. Apparently Leifstrom tried to run out, but he and Reginald wrestled their way into the entrance hall. Reginald tried to shoot Leifstrom, but Leifstrom turned the gun away, and it went off. He says he didn’t mean to kill Reginald. He was only trying to defend himself.”

  Jon’s mind spun as he took in the story. “Has Leifstrom been arrested?”

  “Yes, Mr. Jeffers took the information about the investment scheme to the police this morning. They brought Leifstrom in for questioning, and he confessed.”

  “Has David been released?” Julia asked.

  “Not yet, but Mr. Bixby has appealed to the judge, and he hopes David will be free very soon.”

  Lady Gatewood clasped her hands. “This is such a relief! As soon as this news spreads, Katherine will be welcomed back into society and invitations will begin arriving again.”

  Kate stared at her aunt. “But … do you really think the tide can turn that quickly?”

  “Of course! Your cousin has been wrongfully accused of murder, and that will rouse everyone’s sympathy.”

  Kate shook her head, still looking stunned by the news. “But his involvement with Dorothea is common knowledge now.”

  Lady Gatewood waved Kate’s comment away as though it were an irritating fly. “Reginald Martindale’s schemes and this other man’s confession will overshadow all of that. And I will speak to a few people who will circulate our version of the story. I’m sure that will be all we need.”

  Penny took Kate’s hand. “Isn’t it wonderful?”

  Kate hesitated. “Yes, I’m happy … for David.”

  “And when Edward and his parents hear the news, I think you’ll be seeing much more of him.” Lady Gatewood practically sang the words.

  Jon watched Kate, his spirit deflating. Would she resume attending a stream of parties, balls, and dinners with Edward Wellington at her side? If she did, what hope was there for him to win her heart?

  Kate’s bedroom door opened, and the sound roused her from a disturbing dream. She had been chasing the Hartman children down a dark alley, but she could not reach them. She blinked a few times, pushed the hazy images away, and rolled over.

  Lydia slipped in. “Good morning, miss.” She crossed to open the drapes.

  Kate started to reply, but her throat felt dry and painful. “Morning, Lydia.” Her voice came out raspy.

  “Are you all right, miss?”

  Kate tried to swallow. “My throat feels dreadful.”

  Lydia crossed to the bed and scanned Kate’s face. “You look flushed.”

  “I do feel rather hot, and my head is pounding.” She sat up, but that only made her headache worse. “I won’t be going down, at least not right now.”

  “Shall I bring up a breakfast tray, miss?”

  Kate lay back on her pillows, then draped her arm over her eyes to block the light from the windows. The thought of facing eggs and sausages made her queasy stomach contract. “No, I don’t think I can eat anything.”

  “Perhaps some warm tea with honey and lemon might help your throat.”

  “Yes, thank you.” Kate rubbed her temple. “Would you ask Miss Foster to come up?” She’d much rather ask Julia for advice than Louisa. Her aunt had no sympathy for anyone who was ill.

  “Right away, miss.” Lydia hurried out the door.

  Kate sighed and closed her eyes. What a disappointment. She had been so looking forward to going with Jon and his family to the meetings of the London Missionary Society. Even if she could stir up the energy, she was most likely contagious, and it would be inconsiderate to expose everyone to this illness.

  She would have to rely on Penny to give her a secondhand report about the meetings. Unfortunately, her sister was not known for paying attention to details.

  A knock sounded at the door, and Julia looked in. “Lydia said you’re not feeling well.”

  “Yes, please come in.” Kate could do little more than whisper.

  Julia crossed to the bed, and Kate explained her symptoms. Julia laid her cool, soft hand on Kate’s forehead. “I’m afraid you have a fever.” She frowned and studied Kate’s face. “Perhaps I should ask my father to come up and see you.”

  “Oh no, I don’t want to bother him.”

  “I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.”

  “But I wouldn’t want him to catch something from me, not when he’s just regaining his strength after being ill for so long.”

  “Yes, that’s true.” Julia thought for a moment. “I’ll ask Jon then.”

  Kate closed her eyes and suppressed a moan. “But I look dreadful, and I feel worse.”

  “Don’t fret. Lydia can help you put on a dressing gown and brush your hair. Then I’ll come up with him.”

  “But don’t you have to leave for the meetings soon?”

  “We’re not going anywhere until I’m sure you’re well taken care of.” Julia tipped her head. “I’m sure Jon will insist on seeing you when he learns you’re ill.”

  Kate’s face warmed. “All right.”

  Julia straightened Kate’s blanket. “May I pray for you before I go?”

  “Yes, thank you.” A few months ago that request might have made her uncomfortable. But the more time she spent with Jon and Julia, the more natural it felt to pray and take her concerns to the Lord.

  Julia took Kate’s hand and bowed her head. “Father, I lift up Kate to You. I ask You to comfort and strengthen her and bring her back to good health. While she rests and waits on You for healing, please speak to her and draw her even closer to You. In the name of Christ our Lord, amen.” She leaned down and kissed Kate’s forehead.

  Hot tears rushed to Kate’s eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. So few people in her life had expressed such genuine kindness and care that it was difficult to know what to say.

  Julia patted her hand. “Rest easy, my dear. I’ll send Lydia up.”

  “Thank you,” Kate whispered, and this time it wasn’t only her sore throat that made her words hushed and strained.

  Jon clenched his jaw and hustled upstairs, guilt snapping at his heels each step of the way. Kate was most likely sick today because she had been exposed to some illness at the clinic earlier this week.

  Why hadn’t he been more careful and thought past his own desire to have her by his side? He should have made her safety a priority and kept her away from patients who might be contagious.

  He knocked on her door, determined to do what he could for her now. “It’s Jon. May I come in?”

  Lydia opened the door and ushered him inside. Kate lay on her bed, her face flushed and her eyes glassy.

  He clenched his jaw, surprised by his response. He dealt with patients every day, some who were gravely ill, and he had learned to hold his emotions in check, but seeing someone he cared about sick and in pain was a different experience altogether.

  “Morning, Jon.” Her voice came out as a hoarse whisper.

  “I’m so sorry you’re ill.” He crossed to her bedside and asked about her symptoms.

  She quietly listed them in as few words as possible. Her sore throat seemed to be what bothered her the most, though her fever and flushed appearance were a greater concern to him.

  He nodded as he did a visual assessment. “May I take your pulse?”

  She slipped her hand from beneath the blankets, and he gently took hold of her wrist. He counted the beats and checked his watch. It was a bit fast, but not too abnormal. “I’d like to take your temperature.” He took out the thermometer Mrs. Adams had given him and shook it down.

  She opened her mouth, and what a pretty mouth it was. He slid the thermometer under her tongue and shifted his gaze away, scolding himself for that unprofessional thought. But this was Kate, and it was impossible for him to remain detached.

  Lydia stepped up next to him. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “In a fe
w minutes we’ll know a bit more.” He looked up. “I was very glad to see your sister at the clinic yesterday.”

  “Yes sir. It’s a great relief.”

  He glanced at his watch, checking the time.

  “Thank you for helping Helen,” Lydia said softly.

  He glanced at Lydia again. “In the end, she didn’t really need my help.”

  “Oh no, sir. If you hadn’t taken us to the East End, we might never have found Helen. And you were the one who explained her condition and told her about the clinic. I’m very grateful.”

  “Well, I’m glad she’s safe and settled at the Pittsfords.”

  “Yes sir. I hope to see her on Saturday.” Lydia glanced at Kate. “That is, if Miss Katherine is well and doesn’t need me.”

  Kate reached up and took hold of the thermometer. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

  Jon sent her a serious look. “You must be still for us to get an accurate reading.”

  She pressed her lips closed and scowled at him, but he could see the touch of humor in her eyes.

  She was so adorable he could not hold back a smile. “It will only take another minute. Be patient.”

  She lifted her eyes to the ceiling, looking frustrated that she must wait in silence.

  Lydia turned to him. “Could I ask one more thing, Mr. Foster?”

  “Of course.”

  “Do you think Helen’s baby will be all right?”

  Helen was not out of the woods yet, but he wanted to ease Lydia’s mind. “Her ankle swelling and headaches are a concern, but Dr. Pittsford is giving her the best care possible. I think she and the baby are going to be all right.”

  Lydia’s tense expression eased into a faint smile. “That’s good.”

  He nodded. “Yes, it is.” Then he checked his watch and removed the thermometer.

  Kate studied his face. “What does it say?”

  “One hundred and one point two.” He frowned, pondering the diagnosis. This was probably more than a cold, but she didn’t display any extreme symptoms, though he wished he had a stethoscope so he could listen to her lungs. Perhaps he should skip one of the meetings and go by the clinic to borrow one.

  He shifted his gaze back to Kate. “You must stay in bed and rest, and drink plenty of liquids.” He turned to Lydia. “We want to keep her fever under control, so she must dress lightly and use only a sheet and light blanket.” He folded back Kate’s heavy comforter. “Put this away for now.”

  Julia strode in. “I’m sorry. Millie is having a difficult morning, and she needed me.” She looked back and forth between Kate and Jon. “How is she?”

  Jon relayed his findings and suggestions for her care.

  “Thank you, Jon. That sounds like a sensible plan.” Julia turned to Lydia. “Will you stay with Miss Katherine today?” The maid nodded. “You may call for Mrs. Adams if there’s a need. And I’ll ask her to check in with you a few times as well.”

  “Yes, miss. I’ll make sure she has everything she needs.”

  Julia glanced at Jon. “I should go back and spend a little more time with Millie before I go down to breakfast.” She laid her hand on Kate’s shoulder. “Take care, my dear. We’ll see you this evening.”

  Kate whispered her thanks, and Julia left the room.

  Jon turned to Lydia. “Could you bring up another pitcher of water and a washcloth?”

  Lydia bobbed her head and hurried out the door.

  Jon pulled up a chair and sat down next to Kate’s bed. “I’m sorry you won’t be going with us today.”

  “Not as sorry as I am.” Kate sighed and looked up at the ceiling. “But I’m glad you have this time with your parents.”

  “Yes.” Jon’s smile faded. “Although it may be a bit awkward.”

  Kate looked his way. “Why do you say that?”

  “I’ve made my decision. I’m going to stay in London and join Dr. Pittsford at Daystar, and I’m not sure how my parents are going to take that news.”

  “Will you tell them today?”

  “Yes. I hope they won’t be too disappointed.”

  The slightest smile formed on her lips. “Well, I think it’s wonderful, and I’m quite proud of you.”

  He straightened. “You are?”

  “Yes. It’s very brave to choose your own path rather than the one that everyone expects you to take.”

  “I don’t know how brave it is. Some people have told me it’s quite foolish.”

  Kate’s eyes widened. “Who would say such a thing?”

  “Dr. Gleason, for one. He said I was a fool to even consider teaming up with Dr. Pittsford.”

  “Well, don’t listen to him. He’s just upset you won’t be joining him at St. George’s. The most important thing is to follow your heart.”

  Jon frowned slightly. Was that what he was doing, making a decision based on desires and emotions? No, it was more than that, and he wanted to help Kate understand. “I believe the Lord is calling me to the East End, specifically to Daystar and the children’s center. So I wouldn’t say I’m following my heart.”

  Kate tipped her head, looking uncertain of his meaning.

  “Your heart can sometimes lead you in the wrong direction if you’re not careful.”

  “But doesn’t the Bible say something about God giving us the desires of our hearts?”

  “Yes, it does. But if we want to know God’s will and make decisions that please the Lord, then we must do more than follow our hearts. We also need to seek godly counsel, spend time in prayer, and wait on Him for peace and confirmation.”

  She studied his face, questions shimmering in her eyes. “I wish I could be so sure of His leading for my future.”

  Jon stilled. This was his opportunity to speak to her, to tell her he loved her and wanted to share the future with her … but another voice broke through, reminding him of his sister’s counsel and Kate’s deepest needs.

  He lowered his head as a wordless prayer rose from deep within.

  “Jon, what is it?”

  He looked up and met her gaze, and new strength flowed through him. “The Lord loves you, Kate. He wants to be your closest companion and guide. As you open your heart to Him, He will lead you toward the best path for your future.”

  Tenderness and tears glistened in her eyes. “Yes … I know He will.”

  His throat tightened, and hope rushed in like a flood.

  Julia walked into the room. “Millie’s settled. I’m going down.” She hesitated, watching them both. “Are you coming, Jon? It’s almost time to go.”

  “I’ll be right there.” Jon rose, but he wished he could stay with Kate. “I’ll be praying for you.” He offered her one more fleeting smile, then turned and walked out the door.

  NINETEEN

  Afternoon sunlight slanted through Kate’s open bedroom window, warming the air around her. The sound of motorcars humming along the street and the rattle of passing carts stirred her frustration. She had missed attending the first two days of the London Missionary Society meetings, and if her throat didn’t heal soon, she would miss the final day as well.

  She crossed her arms and frowned at the ceiling.

  Isolation and idleness were torture, and she’d had more than enough. Right now she would even welcome scrubbing pots and pans if they would only let her out of this bed.

  Andrew and Millie had been kept away from her room in the hope that they would not catch whatever plagued Kate. Louisa had looked in once, but she would not come in the room. Perhaps that was not so much a burden as a blessing. Kate’s only consolation had been Lydia’s care and company, and the books Julia left for her to read.

  She glanced at the stack on her bedside table—Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, and the Bible.

  Before Julia left, she’d laid her hand on the Bible with a wistful look in her eyes. “I think you’ll find great comfort in these pages. This is my own personal copy. I hope you won’t mind the notes and underlining.”

  That had stirred Kate’s int
erest, and as soon as Julia left, she’d flipped through the pages, reading what Julia had inscribed beside several passages. Kate was surprised to see almost every page had at least one section underlined. Was it proper to write in the Bible? What did God think of Julia scratching notes on the pages of holy writ?

  Kate lifted the Bible from the table and placed it on her lap. She flipped to Matthew 6 and continued reading in the middle of the chapter, where she’d left off earlier.

  Julia had underlined verse 25: “Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?”

  Kate gazed toward the window. She spent hours every day arranging her hair, dressing, and changing … getting ready for life. But how was she spending that life?

  She glanced down and continued reading the rest of the chapter, which detailed God’s care for every creature. Julia had underlined verse 33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

  Kate lowered the Bible and pondered that thought. She had been seeking a place in society, an estate, and a life of her own … and most of all, a man who could give her all those things. But would that bring her love and a sense of belonging? Would it soothe the aching heart that had plagued her for so long?

  Lydia walked in the door carrying a tea tray. “A letter arrived for you, miss.”

  Kate closed the Bible and set it aside. Lydia settled the tray on her lap.

  “Thank you.” Kate glanced down at the tea, toast, and strawberries, and sensed a pleasant stirring of hunger rather than the awful churning she’d dealt with since Thursday morning.

  “How are you feeling, miss?”

  “A bit better this afternoon.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” Lydia glanced at the tray. “Can I get you anything else?”

  “No, thank you, Lydia. I’m grateful for your kindness.”

  Lydia smiled, obviously pleased with the compliment. “You’re welcome, miss. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Lydia picked up the empty pitcher from the dressing table and left the room.