A Refuge at Highland Hall (29 page)

When he didn't answer, she went on. “It would be such a tremendous help to us if you'd come. You see, my sister, Kate, just learned she's having twins. They're due to arrive sometime in the next two weeks. And on top of that, Julia learned she's also expecting a baby. Then we've taken in the elderly aunt of our head gardener who is married to William's sister.”

He squinted, confused by the list of names. “The gardener is married to…whom?”

She laughed, and it was a wonderful sound, filled with sunshine and warmth. He found himself smiling back at her.

“What I mean is…we're all terribly busy, taking care of those who need us, but we don't want to neglect the children, especially the boys. They need a man's guiding hand and encouragement.” She looked at him with hopeful light in her eyes. “So, will you come to Highland and help us?”

His chest swelled and his eyes burned again. Blast, he'd better get hold of his emotions or she would think he wasn't fit to help anyone. He cleared his throat. “I'm not sure how much help I'll be, but I'll come and do what I can.”

Her smile spread wide, and those two delightful dimples creased her cheeks. “Thank you, Alex. That means the world to me.”

How he loved seeing her smile like that—especially knowing he was the one who'd made her happy. He nodded to her, unable to push a reply past the large lump in his throat.

He might not be able to follow through on his hopes for a future with Penny, but at least he could go to Highland, take on those boys, and teach them how to behave themselves.

It might be difficult seeing Penny each day, knowing he had to keep his distance, but somehow he would manage it. He had to. She deserved someone whole, someone who could provide for her and protect her, and he was not that man anymore.

No matter how much he wished he were.

Marius scrunched up his thin pillow and lay back on his cot. Early evening light drifted in through the open flap of his tent. The sound of birds in the nearby trees and a few muted conversations from other tents floated toward him. He shifted to his side, trying to find a way to ease his throbbing leg and the ache in his lower back. He'd spent the last two days working in the kitchen garden at Highland. It had been easier than working in the fields, but it made him realize he needed time to rebuild his strength after being off his feet so long while his leg healed.

He placed his hands behind his head, closed his eyes, and replayed his meeting with Lydia. What a surprise to see her again. How his heart leaped when she'd told him she would wait for him in the tool room. Those few stolen moments together seemed like a dream now.

If only Siegfried hadn't followed them.

Heat climbed up his neck and into his face as he remembered what Siegfried had said and how it had embarrassed Lydia. He'd wanted to thrash the man.

Siegfried knew Marius wasn't like that. Besides, Marius truly cared for Lydia and would never take advantage of her.

Why did Siegfried have to be so crude? Hadn't anyone ever taught him women should be treated with kindness and respect, not teased and made the butt of lewd jokes?

A more important question was, why did
he
continue to put up with Siegfried? He should just tell him off and end their friendship. Maybe that would teach the cocky man to change his ways.

Guilt hit his heart.
I know, Lord, I must turn the other cheek and go the second mile. But Siegfried doesn't deserve it.

“No one does. But I continue to offer My friendship and forgiveness to you and anyone who will accept it. You must do the same for Siegfried.”

Marius released a deep breath.
Yes, Lord, I hear You. I want to forgive him, but You'll have to help me.

He wrestled with his irritation for a few more minutes, then chose to let it go. God would supply the patience and strength he needed to deal with Siegfried. All he had to do was ask.

With that issue settled in his mind, he slipped his hand under his thin blanket and pulled out his letters from Lydia. The envelopes were wrinkled and bent from being opened so many times and from staying hidden under his blanket, but that was the only safe place to keep them.

He took her latest letter from the envelope and read her sweet words again, savoring each line. How kind she was, how thoughtful, always asking him about his situation and promising her prayers and friendship.

He finished reading, then closed his eyes, picturing the gentle curve of her face, her soft brown eyes, pink cheeks, and upturned nose. Others might not call her a beauty, but to him, she was a lovely treasure.

If only the war would end and he could find a way for them to be together. If he asked her, would she leave Highland and come with him to London? She could stay with his mother and sister for a time, while he found work and saved enough money for them to be married. That thought sent a thrill through him.

Siegfried pushed the tent flap aside and walked in. “You left before mail call. You got a letter.” He tossed it across the tent, and Marius caught it.

“Thank you.” He glanced at the writing and recognized his mother's script. Letters from home were always welcome, but sometimes, reading about the way his mother struggled to provide for herself and his sister, Jenny, weighed him down.

Siegfried sat on his cot opposite Marius and tore open a light-blue envelope.

“Who is yours from?” Marius asked as he opened his mother's letter.

“Ada Mason. Remember her?”

“The one who worked at the bookshop with…” Marius stopped and looked down, sorry he'd even hinted at Lilly's name.

“Yes, the one who worked with Lilly.” Bitterness tinged Siegfried's voice at the mention of his former fiancée. She had broken things off soon after he was arrested and become engaged to someone else. She hadn't written to him since, but her friend Ada kept Siegfried informed about Lilly and a few other friends in London.

Marius turned away to read his mother's letter and give them both some privacy.

Dear Son,

I hope your leg is healing and you are staying well. I haven't written for a few days because I didn't want you to worry, but now I feel I must.

Marius's stomach tensed and he read on.

Your sister is not well. She came down with a fever last week on Thursday. Now she has a terrible cough, and she doesn't even want to get out of bed. Her breathing is labored and has a terrible wheezing sound. She has no interest in food, and I can barely get her to take some broth and a little tea.

I've tried all the usual remedies, but nothing seems to help. She has grown so weak that it frightens me. She needs to see a doctor, but I have no money to pay for a visit and no way to take her there even if I did. And what if they want her to go to the hospital…How could I afford that?

I'm sorry to burden you with this sad news and add to your troubles, but I thought I should ask you to pray for Jenny, and I wanted to prepare you in case the worst happens.

Marius stared at the last line. The worst? Did his mother actually think his sister was going to die? He pulled in a ragged breath. “Dear God…please, no.”

Siegfried looked up. “What's wrong?”

“My sister is…very ill, and my mother has no money for a doctor.”

Siegfried scowled and cursed under his breath, then rose from his cot and paced to the end of the tent.

Marius's hand dropped to his lap, and the letter fell to the floor. What was he going to do? He couldn't let his sister die.

Siegfried turned and strode back. “We have to get out of here.”

Marius looked up. “What?”

“If we escape and go back to London, you can help your mother and sister, and I can take care of
this.
” Siegfried held out the letter from Ada.

“What are you talking about?”

“Read it.” Siegfried's eyes bulged as he continued to hold the letter in front of Marius's face.

He took it and glanced at the writing, but he was so upset the words just swam before his eyes. He shook his head and held it out to Siegfried. “What does she say?”

“Lilly broke her engagement to James. This is my chance to win her back. All I have to do is get to London.”

Marius squinted up at Siegfried. “Are you crazy? You can't escape, and even if you did, London is miles away. How would you get there?”

“I've got a plan. I know it will work.”

Marius shook his head, pain throbbing through his chest. He had no patience for escape plans, not now when he was so worried about Jenny.

“Listen to me!” Siegfried squatted down and leaned toward Marius, his expression intense. “Your mother and sister need you. Come with me. Tonight!”

“We'd never get past the gate.”

“Sure we will. I've been watching the schedule. I know the routine. We can sneak out in one of the delivery trucks. And in a few hours, we'll be back in London. Tomorrow morning you could take your sister to the doctor.”

“No! They would catch us, then we'd be arrested and put in a place much worse than this. How would that help my mother? At least here I earn a little money I can send to her.”

“It's not enough! Your sister needs to see a doctor now. If you don't take care of them, who will?”

“There must be charities or someone who could help. I'll write to my mother tonight. She must not give up.”

“It won't do any good. No one will help them. They're German.”

“Not Jenny. She was born in England.”

“It doesn't matter. Your mother is German and so was your father. That's why you're in this cursed camp! Don't you see? We are the enemy. No one will help us. We must take care of ourselves and our own.”

Marius stared at Siegfried, his heart pounding out a frantic rhythm. Was Siegfried right? Was escape the only way he could save his sister?

L
ydia settled on the bench in the servants' hall and poured herself a cup of tea. She'd already been up for two hours, helping Miss Penny dress and then checking on Mrs. Kate before she went in to see that the children were up and dressing for the day. It was past time for a break and a bite to eat.

Helen walked in and sat down beside her. “Listen to that rain. It sounds like Noah's flood.”

Lydia glanced toward the rain-spattered windows. She'd been so busy she hadn't even noticed the stormy weather. Her heart sank. There'd be no chance to see Marius today. Even those hardhearted guards wouldn't want to stand watch out in this rain.

“Now we'll have to keep the children indoors all day.” Helen sighed and poured herself a cup of tea. “How are we going to keep them busy?”

“I guess the girls can work on their knitting, and we can take turns reading aloud.”

“I'm not sure the boys will sit still for that.” Helen reached for a piece of toast.

“Yes, we'll have to think of something else for them.”

“Maybe they can play billiards with Andrew.”

“I don't think so. Remember what happened last time?”

Helen bit her lip. “I suppose you're right. That's not a good idea.”

Lydia shook her head, remembering it all too clearly. Donald had become bored with the slow-moving billiards game and decided to liven things up by tossing a tennis ball at the stuffed animal heads mounted on the wall. He knocked down a stag's head, and it landed on the billiard table and cut a hole in the green felt tabletop.

Mr. Lawrence was livid. He'd insisted Donald write to Sir William and confess what he'd done. Lady Julia and Mrs. Kate called the boys into the library for a discussion. The boys toned down their rowdy actions for a day or two after that, but it wasn't long before they were back to their tricks.

Lydia took a piece of toast from the platter. “They're not allowed back in the billiard room without an adult to watch them.”

Helen rolled her eyes and took a sip of tea. “Those boys!”

Mr. Lawrence walked into the servants' hall, followed by Mrs. Dalton. The staff all rose to their feet.

“Be seated.” Mr. Lawrence stood at the head of the table and scanned the group while they settled on the bench again. “We have an important guest arriving today.”

Lydia glanced at Helen, and her sister gave the slightest shrug.

“Lieutenant Alexander Goodwin, the Royal Naval Air Service pilot who took down the L42 German Zeppelin, will be arriving this morning.”

Helen's eyes lit up.

Patrick glanced at Mr. Lawrence. “How long will he be staying?”

“That is undecided.”

Helen squeezed Lydia's hand under the table. Lydia pulled her hand away and sent her sister a warning look. She didn't want her sister flirting with the lieutenant again, especially not when Miss Penny had her heart set on him. That could only lead to trouble.

“Lieutenant Goodwin is still recovering from injuries he received on that important mission, and I want to make sure none of you respond in a way that might make him uncomfortable about his appearance.”

Helen leaned forward. “We saw him at Northcote when the children went to sing.”

Mr. Lawrence's dark eyebrows rose. Was he surprised they'd seen Lieutenant Goodwin or that Helen was speaking out?

Before Lydia could stop her, Helen spoke again. “He wears an eye patch and a sling, and he has a few scars, but he's just as handsome as ever.”

Mrs. Dalton's eyes widened, then she narrowed them at Helen. “I'm sure he is, but that is none of your concern.”

Helen's cheeks flushed pink as she leaned back. A few of the other servants grinned her way, but Mr. Lawrence sent a stern glance around the table, and that put a quick end to it.

“I expect each of you to treat him with proper respect. He is a war hero, and we are honored to welcome him to Highland. There's to be no gawking or staring at his injuries.” He shifted his sharp gaze to Helen. “And there is to be no improper behavior. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, sir,” they all answered.

“Now finish your breakfast, and carry on with your duties for the day.” The butler and housekeeper turned and walked out the doorway.

Lydia leaned toward her sister. “Helen, you
must
watch what you say.” She glanced around at the other servants, hoping no one else would hear.

“I don't see why you are always scolding me.”

“I'm trying to help you hold on to your job.”

Helen lifted her chin and spread marmalade on her toast. “I've done nothing wrong where Lieutenant Goodwin is concerned, and you've no right to punish me for mistakes in the past.”

“I'm not trying to punish you. I'm just adding my warning to the others'.”

Helen took a bite of toast and turned her face away. The stubborn tilt of her jaw sent a shiver down Lydia's back. Somehow she must make her sister see the importance of sticking to the rules and ignoring her attraction to Lieutenant Goodwin. If she lost this job…

Heaven only knew where she and little Emily would go.

Penny glanced at the clock and then tried to focus on her needlework, but it was useless. Alex was due to arrive any moment, and she couldn't seem to untangle her thread or make her fingers follow the intricate pattern. She was definitely not gifted at needlework.

Mr. Lawrence stepped through the drawing room doorway and looked toward Julia. “The car is just coming through the front gate, m'lady.”

“Thank you, Lawrence.” Julia stood and smiled at Penny. “They're right on time. Shall we go out front to meet them?”

“Yes.” Penny rose from the settee, and they walked into the entrance hall. Patrick held open the front door. They passed through the entryway and stepped outside.

The scent of fresh, rain-washed air greeted Penny. Water glistened in a few puddles at the edge of the drive. Hope rose in her heart as the car rolled to a stop in front of the house. Alex had finally arrived at Highland, and now she'd be able to see him every day and help him recover and build a new life.

Mr. Lawrence nodded to Patrick, and he sprang forward to open the rear passenger door. Hardy, the driver, opened the opposite rear door.

Alex climbed out and leaned on his cane, while Dr. Foster came around from the other side of the car. Alex looked up at the house, then he quickly lowered his gaze and met Penny's.

She smiled and rose up on her toes, barely able to keep from running to him.

Julia stepped forward and held out her hand. “Welcome to Highland, Alex.”

“Thank you, Julia. It's good to see you again after all these years.” His subdued tone didn't quite match his words, and he offered her a stiff smile. “I'm sorry. I should call you Lady Julia now.”

“No, please, Julia is fine. We're old friends, and I want you to feel at home with us.”

He turned to Penny with a slight nod. “Miss Ramsey.”

She held out her hand. “We're so glad you've come.”

“Thank you.” He touched her fingers lightly, then stepped back and looked away.

Her stomach dropped, and uncertainty swirled through her. Why was he being so cool and formal? Wasn't he happy to see her? She thought their conversation on her last visit to Northcote had finally broken down the wall he'd put up to keep her away.

Perhaps he just didn't want to appear overly friendly in front of Julia, Dr. Foster, and the staff. Yes, that must be it. As soon as they had a moment alone, she was sure he'd warm up and be the same friendly, confident man she remembered from before.

She tried to shake off her unease as she followed him into the house, but her stomach fluttered like it held a captive bird.

Julia motioned toward the staff members waiting at the bottom of the stairs in the great hall. “Let me introduce Mr. Lawrence and Mrs. Dalton. They are in charge of our staff. We couldn't run Highland without them. If there's anything you need, I'm sure they'd be happy to take care of it for you.”

Mr. Lawrence nodded to Alex. “We're very pleased to have you with us, sir.”

Alex hesitated. “Thank you.”

“Shall I show Lieutenant Goodwin to his room?” Mrs. Dalton turned to Julia.

Penny stepped forward. “Oh, I'm sure you have other things to do. I'll show the lieutenant to his room.”

Mrs. Dalton lifted her eyebrows.

A hint of surprise flickered in Julia's eyes, but she gave a slight nod. “Thank you, Penny.”

Mr. Lawrence and Mrs. Dalton exchanged a look, then turned and left the great hall.

Penny motioned toward the stairs, then glanced at Alex's cane. “It's up one floor. Will that be all right?”

Alex stiffened. “Yes. It's fine.” He looked back toward the door. “I have a case and duffel bag in the car.”

“Patrick will bring them up for you.”

“I can do it.”

“The footman always brings in the luggage.”

He frowned and looked up the stairs. “All right.”

She led the way up, slowing her normal pace to match his. “We've put you in the Lancashire room. It's the second door on the left in the west wing.”

Alex looked up at the huge paintings hanging on the walls of the upper gallery. It was impossible not to notice them. The largest was at least ten feet tall and pictured a gaunt man in a golden robe, gazing up at heaven with a fearful expression.

“That's Saint Julian.” Penny glanced at Alex and smiled. “I know, it's dreadful, isn't it? It always frightened me when I was a child. Our nanny used to tell me and Kate we had better be good because Saint Julian was watching.” Her blue eyes twinkled as she shared the memory. “I'm glad I've learned the truth about saints and those who've gone on to heaven. No more worries about Saint Julian.”

A smile tugged at one side of his mouth, and he followed her down the hall.

They passed one door, then she pushed open the second one they came to. “Here you go.” She stood back so he could walk through.

He stepped past her into the spacious bedroom. A green-and-gold oriental carpet covered most of the floor. A tall wardrobe with elaborately carved doors stood against the wall to the left. An equally large mahogany desk and chairs filled the space between the two tall windows. The wide, plush bed, covered by a dark-green spread, filled one corner of the room. A scalloped, green-and-gold canopy gave it a regal look.

“I hope you'll be comfortable here.” She watched him with a tentative smile.

“Oh…it's very nice, thank you.” Much nicer than any room he'd ever stayed in before. Unease prickled through him. What was he doing here?

“This room has a wonderful view.” She smiled over her shoulder as she crossed toward the window. “Come and see.”

His eyes followed her, admiring the gentle swish of her skirt and the way the flowing peach fabric of her dress outlined her feminine figure. The view of Penny was much more inviting than any landscape ever could be. He suppressed a groan and glanced away.

She leaned toward the window. “You can see the south drive and the corner of the garden, just past those trees.”

He stepped up behind her and looked toward the window. A whiff of a sweet, flowery fragrance floated past, and he pulled in a slow, deep breath. Was that her perfume or something she put in her hair? Or was it just her? His gaze shifted from the parkland to Penny.

A wavy strand of her auburn hair had come loose at the back and hung down her neck in a teasing curl. He rubbed his fingers together. How would it feel to touch that soft silky strand?

She turned slightly and looked to the right, giving him an intimate view of her profile. “You can see the roof of the stables and the orchard beyond that.”

Her skin looked soft and creamy with a few delightful freckles sprinkled across her nose and pink cheeks. Thick dark eyelashes shaded her blue eyes. His gaze dropped to her full pink lips.