“I understand, but couldn’t you have sent someone else?”
Before she could reply, Jon walked through the doorway. He shot a glance at Edward and Kate. “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
Kate slipped her hand from Edward’s. “You’re not interrupting. Please come in.”
Edward frowned, but nodded to Jon. “Foster.”
Jon returned a nod, his expression unreadable. “Wellington.”
Seconds ticked by. Kate searched Jon’s face and struggled to find something to say.
Jon broke the silence. “I was hoping to see my parents before they left for the station.”
Kate swallowed. “They’ve gone to the park with the children.”
He studied her and Edward a moment more, then nodded. “Thank you.” He turned to go.
“Jon, wait, please,” Kate called, her head pounding again.
He looked back, his jaw firm, his eyes unwavering.
“They … should be back soon.”
“I’ll go look for them.” He strode out of the room.
Kate’s heart plunged.
TWENTY-THREE
Jon poked at the potatoes on his dinner plate, then laid his fork aside. The words he needed to say had lodged in his throat, and it was impossible to finish the meal. He warned himself not to look at Kate, but this was the last time he would sit across the table from her, and he wanted to have a clear memory to carry with him.
She looked beautiful tonight in an ivory gown with golden threads woven through the lace. Fluttery short sleeves covered her shoulders like a filmy cape. She wore a jeweled comb in her hair, and her diamond earrings and diamond-pendant necklace sparkled in the light from the chandelier.
Pain sliced through him at the thought of leaving and not seeing her every day, but he had no choice. He could not ask her to marry him. The dangers of life on the East End were too great. He would not put her life at risk, nor could he turn his back on his calling.
For Kate’s sake and his own, he had to leave.
Lawrence, Nelson, and Patrick stepped forward and cleared away the dishes from the final course. Julia looked around the table and started to rise. “Ladies, shall we pass through?”
“Wait.” Jon looked up and met his sister’s gaze. “Before you go, I have something I’d like to say.”
“All right.” Julia sat down again.
He forced his gaze to remain on his sister rather than on Kate. “I want to thank you for your hospitality. It’s been a pleasure becoming better acquainted with … everyone.”
Kate looked up then, questions flickering in her blue eyes.
“We’ve been very happy to have you with us.” Julia smiled, obviously unaware of what was coming.
“I know you’ll be returning to Highland Hall in a few weeks,” Jon continued, “so I’ve spoken to Theo, and we’ve found a flat near St. George’s. I’ll be moving there tomorrow.”
The color drained from Kate’s face.
“Oh, Jon, there’s no need for you to go yet,” Julia said. “Can’t you stay with us a little longer? We won’t return to Highland until early August.”
He hesitated, wishing he could, but that would only make matters more difficult for everyone. “Thank you, but I think this is best.”
Julia’s gaze darted to William, her eyes urging him to speak.
William placed his napkin on the table. “We’ll be sorry to see you go, Jon. I hope you’re not leaving because of our conversation yesterday. If I offended you, I apologize.”
“No, I’m not offended.” Jon met William’s gaze. “Everything you said was true.”
Kate looked back and forth between Jon and William, confusion in her eyes, but Jon couldn’t speak to Kate about it here in front of everyone. Or, for that matter, in private. His heart was too sore, and he might say more than he intended. That would only add to her hurt and confusion.
“I don’t think you should go.” Andrew looked across the table at Jon. “Who will play draughts with me?”
Jon forced a smile for the boy’s sake. “Perhaps you could teach Millie how to play.”
Andrew scowled. “That wouldn’t be any fun.”
Millie stuck out her lip. “I could learn.”
“Girls are not good at draughts. Everyone knows that.”
“Andrew.” Julia sent the boy a warning with her eyes, then shifted her gaze back to Jon. “If you must go, then promise you’ll return to have dinner with us as often as you can.”
Jon glanced at Kate, then quickly looked away. “Thank you, Julia.” But he wouldn’t make a promise he didn’t intend to keep. After he left Ramsey House tomorrow morning …
He did not plan to return.
Kate paced across her bedroom and stopped at the window to check the street once more. The family’s motorcar pulled into the front drive, and the chauffeur hopped out. She heard the front door open downstairs. She watched Jon descend the steps and walk toward the motorcar, carrying a small suitcase. The chauffeur loaded two boxes onto the back and strapped them down.
How could Jon leave without saying a word to her?
Obviously, she’d been wrong to think he had any romantic feelings toward her. Apparently, he didn’t even consider their friendship important enough to warrant a good-bye.
Last night after dinner she’d waited for him to join them in the library as he often did. But he’d stayed in his room the rest of the evening. This morning she’d risen early and gone down well before nine, hoping to see him before everyone gathered for Scripture reading and prayer, but he joined them at the last minute and hadn’t even looked her way. Afterward, he said he would not be joining them for breakfast and retreated up the stairs without a backward glance.
The whole painful series of events made her sore head pound. Why was he leaving? Was it because he’d seen her holding hands with Edward? Or was he still upset that she’d ignored his advice about the dangers of the East End?
She glanced out the window again. Jon passed his suitcase to the chauffeur. He looked back at the house and lifted his gaze to her window.
Kate’s breath caught in her throat.
Their gazes connected and held.
She should step back and pretend she didn’t care he was leaving, but she couldn’t miss this last chance to see him. She watched him until tears blurred her vision and his image became a swirl of beige and brown against the green of the garden. He turned away and climbed into the backseat of the car. The chauffeur closed Jon’s door, then slid in behind the wheel and started the engine.
Kate gripped the windowsill and leaned her forehead against the cool glass.
As if she’d called to him, he looked up at her once more. The sorrow in his expression was clear this time, but he did not lift his hand to wave. The car pulled away, and Jon disappeared from sight as it rounded the corner.
Kate let the curtain fall back in place. Tears slipped down her cheeks, but she didn’t wipe them. Jon was gone, out of her life, but she would treasure his memory forever.
Julia slipped her arm through William’s and strolled down the lakeside path at Wiltshire Park. Kate and Penny walked several paces in front of them. Andrew and Millie had raced even farther ahead.
“I’m worried about Kate.”
William glanced at her. “Why do you say that?”
“She hasn’t been herself the past two weeks.”
“She has been rather quiet, but I thought that was due to the headaches and her recovery from the concussion.”
“It’s more than that.” Julia looked away, sorry now that she hadn’t told William the reason for Kate’s sagging spirits and Jon’s departure.
William studied her. “What’s troubling her?”
“If I tell you, you must promise to weigh your response very carefully.”
“Now you must tell me.”
Julia looked up at him. “I think she’s suffering from a broken heart … and so is Jon.”
William’s steps slowed. “Jon …
and Kate?”
“Yes. You didn’t see it?”
“I had no idea.” He shook his head, looking a bit stunned. “How could a romance develop between them right under my nose without my knowledge?”
Julia smiled. “The clues have been very subtle, so don’t take it too hard. Men aren’t often in tune to that sort of thing.”
“You’re right about that. And I’ve been distracted by the plans for our marriage and David’s problems.”
“You have had a lot to deal with these last few months.”
William looked at her again. “If Jon cares for Kate, why didn’t he come and speak to me?”
“I noticed his interest in Kate, but I encouraged him to wait and pray about it before he talked to you or to her.”
“And why is that?”
“I was concerned Kate might not be the best match for him spiritually.”
William considered that for a moment. “Jon is a very dedicated young man with a strong faith. I would not have said the same about Kate before we came to London, but she has changed a great deal these last few months.”
“Yes, I’ve seen it as well.”
“Her attitude and actions have certainly improved. Remember how difficult she was when you first arrived at Highland?”
Julia smiled at the memory, though it had been a trial at the time. “I believe Kate’s faith is coming into full bloom, and that’s made all the difference.” She looked up at William. “If Jon were to come to me today, I would give him very different advice.”
William nodded. “And you think they would be happy together?”
“Yes, very happy … though I doubt Louisa would agree.”
William’s expression hardened. “I put very little stock in Louisa’s opinion. Her constant criticism and dramatics have worn my patience thin.”
“She has been difficult, though she probably has good intentions.”
“I want more than good intentions for Kate.”
Julia smiled. “Well said. Kate needs an upstanding young man, with good character and spiritual strength. Those are the qualities that will build a lasting marriage.”
William gazed at her, and his expression warmed. “How did I ever convince such a wise woman to accept my proposal?”
Julia laughed softly. “We do make a good team.”
“Yes, we do—I’m sure of that.” They walked on a few more steps. “So, what shall we do about Jon and Kate?”
“I thought he might come for dinner or at least pay us a visit, but he may not feel welcome.”
“You mean because of our conversation the day that article came out in the newspaper?”
“Yes. I think he needs to be reassured that we hold nothing against him.”
“I’ll write to him.”
“Don’t say anything about Kate. Not yet.”
“Why not?”
“I just think it’s best if we wait and give the Lord time to work in both their hearts.”
Kate’s shoulders tensed as she walked through the entrance to the Taylor-Mumfords’ elaborate mansion. Music drifted from the open double doorway at the end of the hall. She stopped and handed her shawl to a waiting footman, and her aunt did the same.
“Come along, Katherine.” Her aunt sauntered down the hallway, trailing after a large group of guests who had entered before them.
Kate followed, though she was not looking forward to making conversation with strangers or dancing with a host of men she did not know. But they had accepted the invitation, and her aunt insisted if she was well enough to go to church, then she would attend tonight’s ball.
They stepped in line behind the other guests waiting to be announced, and Kate’s thoughts drifted to all that had happened in the last few weeks.
Her symptoms from the concussion had slowly faded, and she could finally resume her normal routine, but William had not changed his mind about allowing her to return to Daystar. Helen remained at Ramsey House, resting in Lydia’s room and waiting for the arrival of her baby, but she was growing more anxious and uncomfortable every day. Dr. Pittsford had stopped by to check on her yesterday, and he assured them the baby was fine and would make an appearance any day.
She had not seen Jon since he’d left Ramsey House. She hoped he might write, but he had not. And the pain of missing him had increased with each passing day.
She loved Jon. She was sure of that now, and she was very sorry she had not done more to let him know how she felt before he left.
Her aunt leaned closer. “Now remember, some very important people will be here tonight. You must do all you can to rebuild your reputation.”
Kate sighed and looked away. Did it really matter anymore?
“For heaven’s sake, stop looking so glum. You could at least pretend you’re happy to be here.”
“That’s a bit difficult when it’s the farthest thing from the truth.”
“You had better change your attitude, young lady. Men are not attracted to a woman who is somber and moody.”
“My attitude reflects how I feel, and nothing you say is going to change that.”
Her aunt took her arm and pulled her closer. “Now listen to me, Katherine. I have used every ounce of my influence to help you rejoin society, and I will not allow you to throw it all away simply because you are not in a happy mood. Now stand up straight and greet everyone you meet with a smile.”
Heat surged through Kate, and she clenched her jaw. This was not the life she wanted, and her aunt’s scorching criticism made her more certain of it. She was tired of pretending to be someone she was not.
They stopped at the entrance to the ballroom, and her aunt turned to the butler waiting at the door. “Lady Louisa Gatewood of Wellsbury and Miss Katherine Ramsey of Highland Hall.”
The butler announced them, and they walked into the ballroom. The music had stopped just before they entered, and several guests paused their conversations and looked their way. A ripple of whispers traveled around the room.
Kate’s face flamed, but she lifted her chin and returned the bold stares of the guests.
“Smile, Katherine.” Louisa forced the strained words past her clenched teeth.
But Kate could not, so she looked away.
A woman wearing a royal-blue gown and beautiful diamond tiara approached. “Lady Gatewood, I’m so glad you could join us this evening.”
“Lady Taylor-Mumford, we’re so pleased to be here.” Louisa turned to Kate with a lift of her eyebrows.
Kate dipped a brief curtsy. “Thank you for inviting us.”
“Of course, my dear. When I read how you risked your life to help that poor woman escape from that ruffian, I wanted to do all I could to offer my support.” She took Kate’s hand. “I was sorry to hear you suffered a concussion. How are you feeling now?” Her words were sweet, but there was a hint of something false in her expression.
“Much better, thank you.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Now, I want you to meet some of the other young people who are here this evening.” Lady Taylor-Mumford took Kate’s arm and guided her away from Louisa.
Kate glanced over her shoulder, feeling a bit confused by the hostess’s warm welcome, but Louisa motioned Kate to go ahead.
Lady Taylor-Mumford took Kate a quarter of the way around the room and introduced her to at least a dozen people. As they moved toward the next group of guests, Kate tensed. Edward stood off to the side, speaking to a beautiful young woman with dark-brown hair and a porcelain complexion. As they came closer, the woman looked their way. She appeared to be a few years older than Kate and had exquisite hazel-green eyes.
“Florence, I’d like you to meet Miss Katherine Ramsey.” Lady Taylor-Mumford smiled at Kate. “This is Miss Florence Piedmont.”
Florence’s eyes widened, and her face flushed as she stared at Kate. “Miss Ramsey.”
Kate returned the greeting, uncertain why Florence seemed uncomfortable. She didn’t think they’d met before, but her name sounded familiar.
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br /> Lady Taylor-Mumford looked Kate’s way again. “And of course you know Mr. Edward Wellington.”
He cast an embarrassed glance at Kate, then looked back at Florence.
“Yes. Hello, Edward.”
He nodded to her, his face ruddy. “Miss Ramsey.”
Sudden clarity flashed through Kate. Florence Piedmont was the woman Edward had pursued for two years, but his parents disapproved of the match.
“Now that I can leave you with friends, I’ll go and see to my other guests.” Lady Taylor-Mumford offered a smile that looked anything but genuine and glided away.
Did Lady Taylor-Mumford know about Edward’s past with Florence and his present interest in Kate? Whatever her reason for making this introduction, it was quite awkward. Kate smoothed her hand down her skirt. “I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation.”
Florence pressed her lips together and sent Edward a pained glance.
“No, we’re glad you joined us.” But Edward wiped a trickle of perspiration from the side of his forehead.
Kate leaned toward them and lowered her voice. “I truly don’t want to push my way in between you.”
Tears flooded Florence’s eyes, and she blinked several times. “I’m so sorry.”
Edward shook his head. “Please, ladies, I am the one who should apologize.”
“There’s no need.” Kate looked toward the other end of the ballroom. The musicians began to play the next waltz. Several couples moved onto the dance floor. She glanced at Edward and Florence again, a wave of sympathy bolstered by courage spurring her on. “Edward, weren’t you just about to ask Florence to dance?”
He stared at Kate for a moment, then understanding dawned in his eyes. “Yes, I was.”
“Please, go ahead.” Kate motioned toward the dance floor.
Florence’s face brightened, and hope shone in her eyes. Edward held out his hand. Florence slipped her fingers into his, and they swung away in time to the music. Florence’s loving gaze rested on Edward as if he were the only person in the room. Edward’s gaze was equally warm.
A bittersweet pang shot through Kate as she watched them. If only Jon were here to take her in his arms for the next dance. She let that dream fade as she watched Florence and Edward circle the dance floor once more.
The Daughter of Highland Hall Page 31
