The Daughter of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

  Julia’s pleading voice faded as Jon crossed the entrance hall.

  He did not slow to hear William’s reply, if he gave one. Instead, Jon climbed the stairs with determined steps. Kate’s safety was more important than his desire to involve her in his work. He was willing to risk his own safety to serve those in need, but he could not ask that of Kate. More to the point …

  He would not.

  TWENTY-TWO

  Kate sat at her dressing table and slowly pulled the brush through her hair, carefully avoiding the painful stitches on the back of her head. The medicine Dr. Foster had given her helped reduce her headache, but it still throbbed a bit.

  Lydia walked in carrying the blue dress Kate had worn yesterday. “Here we are, miss. All clean and pressed.”

  “Were you able to remove the bloodstains?”

  “Yes, Mrs. Adams showed me how.”

  “Thank you, Lydia. I’m sorry to cause you extra work.” Kate paused and looked at Lydia’s reflection in the mirror. “I appreciate everything you’ve done.”

  “I’m glad to do it, miss.” Lydia hung Kate’s dress in the wardrobe. “Can I help you with your hair?”

  “No, it’s all right.” But after a few more strokes, Kate sighed and held out the brush to Lydia. “I suppose I would like some help.”

  “Of course, miss.” Lydia took the brush and eased it through Kate’s hair.

  “It’s strange how the least bit of effort seems to drain my energy.”

  “You’ve had a serious blow to your head. The doctor said it would take time to recover.”

  “Yes, I have to remember that.” Kate glanced at Lydia again. “How is Helen?”

  “Dr. Foster checked on her after luncheon. He says the swelling has gone down since she’s been off her feet, and the baby’s heartbeat is strong.”

  “That’s good. I’m so relieved. Did he agree with Dr. Pittsford about the baby’s due date?”

  “Yes, he thinks only one week or two.”

  Kate smiled. Though the circumstances surrounding Helen’s pregnancy were not the best, every baby was a gift. And Kate intended to do all she could to help Helen and her child build a new life. She wasn’t exactly sure how she would do it, but Jon and the Pittsfords would know how to help her, she was sure of it.

  Julia slipped in the door. “Kate, I’m surprised to see you out of bed.”

  “I’ve only been up for a bit.” She turned toward Julia. “I’m feeling more steady this afternoon. The headache is practically gone.”

  “Good.” Julia glanced at Lydia. “Would you leave us for a few minutes?”

  “Yes, miss.” She laid the brush aside and walked out the door.

  Kate leaned back in her chair. “How was church?”

  Julia glanced away, a faint line appearing between her eyebrows. “Interesting.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  Julia took a folded piece of newspaper from her skirt pocket and held it out to Kate. “I thought you should see this.”

  Kate unfolded the clipping, and her gaze dropped to the photograph at the bottom. She blinked and looked up at Julia. “How did they get this picture?”

  Julia sighed and relayed the story they had pieced together from Jon and Lydia.

  “So everyone in the entire city of London knows I was in a street brawl with Charlie Gibbons?”

  Julia sighed. “Only those who read the newspaper.”

  Kate handed the article back to Julia, then lifted her hand and gently rubbed her temple. “I’m not supposed to read for a few days. What does the article say?”

  “They describe you as a brave young woman who was intent on saving her maid’s pregnant sister. They also praised Jon and Dr. Pittsford for rescuing you after you were injured.” Julia’s smile looked a bit forced.

  “What else does it say?”

  “It mentions you’re a debutante who was recently presented … and that you’re David Ramsey’s cousin.”

  “Did it explain why my relationship to David is newsworthy?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid so.” Julia sent her a sympathetic glance. “This morning at church, several people asked us about it. I’m afraid some of their comments were not very kind.”

  Kate sighed. “I suppose Aunt Louisa is upset.”

  “That would be putting it mildly.”

  “And William?”

  “He’s … very concerned.” Julia glanced away.

  Apprehension rippled through Kate. “What did he say?”

  “He’s your guardian, the one who is responsible to protect you, so I’m afraid he considers it a failure on his part.”

  “But Jon explained what happened, didn’t he?”

  “Yes, William questioned Jon and Lydia. Jon stood up for you, and so did I, but in the end we must accept William’s decision.”

  Kate tensed. “What decision?”

  Julia slowly shifted her gaze to meet Kate’s. “He says you’re not allowed to return to Daystar or travel to the East End for any reason.”

  “What!” Tremors raced down Kate’s arms.

  “I’m sorry, Kate.”

  “That is so unfair. Why should I have to stop volunteering at Daystar?” Kate strode across the room and sank down on the side of the bed.

  “William feels it’s for the best.”

  “Is there any chance he might change his mind?”

  “I don’t know. We can pray that he does.”

  There had to be some way to convince William to relax his rule. She glanced at Julia, replaying what she’d just said, and an idea rose in her mind. “Let’s pray about it now.”

  Surprise flashed in Julia’s eyes, then her expression warmed. “All right.” She walked over and slipped her hand in Kate’s.

  Kate held tight to Julia and bowed her head. Surely God would hear their prayer and make William change his mind.

  “Father, You know Kate’s desire is to continue her work at Daystar, so we ask You to open that door for her at the right time. Please show us how we ought to respond as we wait, and help us to have willing hearts, ready to do Your will, whatever that may be.”

  Kate’s throat tightened as she listened.

  “May we handle all of this with grace, and may everything we say and do honor You. In Jesus’s name, amen.”

  Kate’s eyes burned as she whispered amen. She’d expected the prayer to be about William, including a plea that he would change his mind and let Kate return to Daystar. Instead, Julia’s gentle words had convicted her of her own need to yield to the Father’s will and trust Him to do what was best.

  Could she trust Him with something that was so important to her?

  Please, Lord, help me be willing.

  Kate settled back on the settee Monday afternoon, thankful she finally felt strong enough to come downstairs and join the rest of the family. Everyone, except William and Jon, had gathered in the drawing room to spend time with Dr. and Mrs. Foster before they took the train home to Berkshire.

  Andrew walked forward and stood in front of the fireplace, ready to recite the verses he had memorized.

  Julia smiled at him. “Go ahead, Andrew.”

  The boy stood up straight. “The Twenty-Third Psalm, a psalm of David.” He took a deep breath. “ ‘The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.’ ” Andrew glanced toward the ceiling and bit his lip, then relief filled his eyes. “ ‘He restoreth my soul.’ ”

  Kate’s gaze drifted to the empty chair next to Dr. Foster, and her spirit sank a little lower. Where was Jon? Why hadn’t he checked on her? It didn’t make sense.

  When he didn’t look in on Sunday morning, she thought it must be because the family was preparing to leave for church. But when he didn’t come that afternoon, she grew concerned. Was he upset with her about what had happened? He’d warned her about the dangers on the East End, and she had disregarded those warnings and gone off on her own to help Helen.

  She consi
dered asking Julia or Penny why he hadn’t come to see her, but that would only lead to more questions … She didn’t want to admit she missed Jon terribly.

  Goodness, what was wrong with her?

  She was the one who was uncertain about encouraging Jon. Now he ignored her for one day, and she was flustered by it. Well, it had actually been almost forty-eight hours since she’d seen him … and that was much too long.

  Andrew’s recitation slowed to silence, and it brought Kate back to the moment.

  “ ‘Surely goodness …’ ” Julia prompted softly.

  Andrew nodded and hurried on. “ ‘Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.’ ”

  “Bravo, Andrew!” Dr. Foster clapped, and everyone joined him.

  “Yes, very nicely done,” Mrs. Foster added.

  Andrew grinned, his face glowing pink beneath his freckles, and he gave a little bow.

  Millie sprang up from the settee, jostling Kate in the process. “May I say my verses?”

  Kate winced and lifted her hand to her head. Her headache was only a faint throb, but sudden movements made her head swim.

  Julia glanced her way. “Are you all right, Kate?”

  “Yes, I’m fine.” She rubbed her temple.

  Dr. Foster regarded her with a concerned look. He took his watch from the pocket of his vest. “We don’t have to leave for the station until three. Why don’t we take the children for a walk to the park?”

  Andrew’s eyes lit up. “That’s a fine idea.”

  “Oh yes!” Millie looked up at Julia. “May we please go?”

  Julia smiled. “All right. Go up and get your hats, then meet us in the front hall.”

  Andrew and Millie rushed out of the room, and their feet pounded up the stairs. Louisa excused herself, saying she needed to write some letters.

  Dr. Foster approached and looked down at Kate. “Hopefully, a little peace and quiet will allow you to rest.”

  She sent him a faint smile. “Thank you.”

  Penny crossed to Kate’s side. “Would you like me to stay with you? I wouldn’t mind.”

  “No, it’s a beautiful day. Go enjoy the sunshine.”

  “All right, if you’re sure.”

  “I am.”

  Julia laid her hand on Kate’s shoulder. “Why don’t you put your feet up and relax?”

  Kate lay back and closed her eyes. Footsteps faded and the room grew quiet. She pulled in a deep breath and tried to quiet her muddled thoughts.

  Dr. Foster told her the concussion might make it difficult to remember Saturday’s events clearly, and it was true. She recalled carrying Helen’s bags down the Pittsfords’ front steps, but she had no memory of Charlie Gibbons grabbing her and throwing her down, though Lydia told her that was what happened.

  Her first clear memory was waking up in Dr. Pittsford’s parlor with Jon hovering over her. His face had been fuzzy and his voice distorted, but she would never forget the look of relief that filled his eyes when she whispered his name.

  At least that was what she thought she remembered.

  But Jon was a compassionate man. Perhaps he would’ve responded the same way when any of his patients regained consciousness.

  Still … he’d held her hand while Dr. Pittsford stitched her head wound and wiped her tears with his handkerchief. At the time it had seemed wonderfully caring and romantic, but perhaps she was attaching romantic feelings to his actions when that was the farthest thing from Jon’s mind.

  Was he simply her friend, or had he grown to care for her in a deeper way … the way she cared for him? Surely he knew she couldn’t be the first one to speak about her feelings. That had to come from him.

  Kate sighed. It was all so confusing. Maybe her head injury was making her imagine the whole thing. If that was the case, she must stop pining for Jon, or she would be headed for heartbreak.

  After all, if he had deeper feelings for her, he would make them known. If not …

  A painful, hollow feeling tightened Kate’s stomach, but it wasn’t caused by hunger. At least … not physical hunger.

  Someone walked into the drawing room, and Kate opened her eyes.

  “Look what just arrived!” Louisa waved two envelopes at Kate.

  Kate’s brow creased. “What is it?”

  “Invitations! One is for a ball at the Taylor-Mumfords’ on the twenty-first, and the other is a garden party at the Hildebrants’ on the twenty-third.”

  Kate sat up. “You opened them?”

  Louisa averted her eyes. “Well … I didn’t want to take a chance they might be upsetting notes about the article in the paper.”

  Kate pursed her lips. “Really, Aunt Louisa, there’s no need to treat me like a china doll. I’ve had a concussion, but I’m going to be fine.”

  Louisa handed Kate the invitations. “I called on Sylvia Ralston this morning. It seems the damage from the newspaper article may not be as bad as we’d first feared. In fact, Sylvia says it has stirred up a great deal of sympathy for you.”

  Kate slid the Taylor-Mumfords’ invitation out of the envelope. July twenty-first was almost three weeks away. Would she be well by then? Did she want to spend her last few weeks in London resuming the maddening round of social events? She sighed and looked up at her aunt. “I’m not sure I—”

  Nelson stepped through the doorway. “Mr. Edward Wellington is here to see you, miss.”

  Kate stared at Nelson. She hadn’t expected to see Edward, especially not today.

  A triumphant smile spread across Louisa’s face. “Show him in.”

  The footman exited, and Edward entered the drawing room a few seconds later, carrying a large bouquet of bright summer flowers.

  “Edward.” Louisa hurried to greet him. “How kind of you to come, and what beautiful flowers.” She turned to Kate. “Isn’t it wonderful of Edward to bring you such a lovely bouquet?”

  Kate forced a smile, barely able to cover her surprise. “Hello, Edward. How are you?” She laid the invitations on the table.

  “I’m well.” He stepped forward and presented the flowers to her.

  “Thank you.” The large, expensive bouquet included lilies. Their powerful fragrance flooded the air and made her head hurt. “Aunt Louisa, could you take these for me?”

  “Oh yes, of course. I’ll just go and ask someone to put them in water.” She smiled at Edward again. “I’m sure you two have things you’d like to discuss.” She strolled out, leaving the drawing room door open.

  “May I sit down?”

  “Oh yes, please.” She should’ve suggested that, but her brain seemed to be processing every thought in slow motion.

  He sat in the chair closest to the settee. “I saw the article on Sunday. I’ve been worried about you. I had to come.”

  “That’s kind of you.”

  “I would’ve come yesterday afternoon, but my parents were not convinced it was wise.”

  Kate studied his face, trying to understand his meaning.

  “My father initially agreed to the visit, but when my mother heard about my plans, she confronted my father. MaryAnn sided with mother, as she always does. Of course I supported my father, but it didn’t end well.” Edward sighed. “I’m afraid it caused quite a fuss.”

  Heat flooded Kate’s face. “I’m so sorry.” How embarrassing to be the cause of an argument between Edward and his parents.

  “But this morning, for some reason, my mother changed her mind and gave me permission, so here I am.” He smiled as though he had won a great victory.

  Kate looked away, questions stirring in her mind. Was Edward so dependent on his parents that he couldn’t pay a call on anyone without their permission?

  “So how are you feeling?” He waited, a slow smile forming on his lips. “You look lovely.”

  “I’m fine, or I will be very soon.”

  “That’s good.” His brow creased. “The photograph in the paper was quite disturbing
. I thought your injuries might be much worse.”

  “I have a headache from a concussion, and it’s a bit of a bother. I’m not allowed to read or do anything taxing for a few days. The doctor says I must rest my brain.”

  Edward grinned. “You’ll just have to enjoy being a lady of leisure.”

  “Yes, I suppose so.”

  He glanced at the invitations lying on the table, and surprise flashed across his expression. “Forgive me, but is that an invitation from the Taylor-Mumfords?”

  “Yes, they’re hosting a ball on the twenty-first.”

  “What a stroke of luck. We’ve been invited as well.” He smiled again. “At least now we know we’ll be able to see each other that day.”

  Kate pondered that for a moment, her unease growing.

  “I know in my letter I invited you to the cricket match on the seventh, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to escort you that day. I’ll have to check with my parents.”

  “What about your sister’s engagement party on the fifteenth?”

  Edward’s face colored. “Oh … yes. I mentioned that too, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, you did.”

  “Well, I hoped my parents would send you an invitation, but …”

  She looked down. What was she supposed to say to all of this? She wasn’t at all sure she wanted to go to Charles and MaryAnn’s engagement party … still it was disheartening to know she had been excluded.

  “I’m sorry. I can see you’re disappointed.”

  Kate looked up. “No, no. It’s all right.”

  He reached for her hand. “I promise I’ll speak to my parents about it. I’m sure when I tell Mother you’ve been invited to the Taylor-Mumfords’, she’ll be more open to the idea.”

  She shook her head. “You don’t need to do that.”

  He tightened his hold on her hand. “Please, Kate, I know it’s been difficult to wait for my parents to soften their stance against us, but you must admit it’s not entirely their fault.”

  She stiffened. “Are you saying it’s my fault?”

  He tipped his head. “Well, I’m not sure I would put it that way, but your decision to go to the East End was … disappointing.”

  Kate’s throat burned. “I went there to help a woman who was in great danger.”