The Daughter of Highland Hall (26 page)

A tall, dignified man in a black suit stepped up on the platform, and the crowd quieted. “Ladies and gentleman, it is my privilege to introduce our speaker today. She has been involved in evangelistic work for several years and has accompanied her grandfather, General William Booth, on many of his travels, most recently on his motorcades throughout the Kingdom, where he preached the gospel in many villages and towns. She continues to assist her father, Mr. Bramwell Booth, and her grandfather in their ministry. She is also involved in training women officers at the Salvation Army’s International Training College here in Clapton. Please welcome Miss Catherine Bramwell-Booth.”

The audience responded with lively applause as Miss Bramwell-Booth walked to the podium and faced the crowd. She wore the simple black Salvation Army uniform dress with a bonnet that had a large bow tied to the side, under her chin.

She looked out across the audience with a serene expression. “It’s a great joy to speak to you today and spread the wonderful news that God loves all people, those who live in great houses and wear fine clothes, and those who
have nowhere to call home and barely enough clothing to keep themselves warm. Yes, my friends, He cares about them all, and not one must miss hearing this important message of God’s love and salvation, for their eternal destiny depends upon it.”

Miss Bramwell-Booth continued her speech, weaving in Scripture with inspiring examples of how people’s lives had been touched through the ministry of the Salvation Army. The stories of her work among orphaned and abandoned children struck the greatest chord with Kate. A powerful longing like none she had ever felt before flowed through her.

“Some have questioned our methods. Some have even accused us of watering down the teachings of Christ and focusing too much on caring for the poor and destitute. On this point, let me quote my grandfather, General William Booth: ‘My only hope for the permanent deliverance of mankind from misery, either in this world or the next, is the regeneration or remaking of the individual by the power of the Holy Ghost through Jesus Christ. But in providing relief of temporal misery, I believe I am only making it easy where it is now difficult, and possible where it is now all but impossible, for men and women to find their way to the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ ”

Those stirring words echoed through Kate’s mind. How rewarding it must be to bring help and healing to those in such desperate need!

Then a pang pierced her heart. How had
she
spent her time and energy the last few months? Focusing on dress fittings, dancing lessons, and presentation practice. Since coming to London, her thoughts had been consumed with dinners, balls, parties … and finding the right man to marry.

But she had to do those things, didn’t she? How else would she find a suitable husband? She couldn’t be dependent on William for the rest of her life. Kate pushed her uncomfortable questions aside and focused on Miss Bramwell-Booth’s next point.

The lecture continued for almost an hour, but the time flew by for Kate. When Miss Bramwell-Booth drew her message to a close with a moving challenge, the crowd burst into applause.

Kate jumped to her feet and joined in.

Jon glanced down the row, checking the ladies’ responses to Miss Bramwell-Booth’s final challenge. Penny wore a vibrant smile and clapped vigorously. Unshed tears glistened in Julia’s eyes, and Lydia swiped moisture from her cheek. But Kate’s response was the most surprising. She rose to her feet and clapped, her eyes sparkling with life.

Jon’s chest swelled as he stood beside her. Kate sent him a radiant smile, and he felt as though he would burst. She had obviously been deeply moved by the message, and he longed to discuss it with her and hear her thoughts.

The applause died down. The crowd flowed into the aisles. Jon shepherded the ladies toward the rear doors of the auditorium and outside.

After they broke free from the crowd, Kate stopped and turned to him. “My, that was wonderful!” She clutched the program to her chest, her eyes still glowing. “I’ve never heard anyone speak with such strength and conviction.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” Julia turned to Penny. “What did you think?”

“I enjoyed it. Her travels sound so exciting. Wouldn’t it be thrilling to go so many places and speak to hundreds and hundreds of people?”

Julia took Penny’s arm. “Sharing the gospel and seeing God at work is very rewarding.” She glanced down the street to where the Ramseys’ chauffeur waited beside their motorcar. “Shall we go?”

Jon glanced at Kate.

She gave a slight nod and turned to Julia. “If it’s all right with you, I’d like to go with Lydia to visit her sister.”

Julia hesitated. “Her sister?”

“Yes.” Kate glanced at Lydia and back at Julia.

“Where does she live?”

Lydia took a letter from her purse. “This is her address, miss. It’s the first time I’ve heard from Helen in several months. I’d like to see her if we can.”

Julia glanced at the return address. “Jon, do you know where this is?” She held it out to him.

He scanned the envelope. “I’ve not heard of Bartlett Court, but I suppose if we asked a taxi driver, he could take us there.”

Julia frowned slightly. “I’m sure our chauffeur could find the address.”

Lydia’s eyes widened. “Oh no, miss. Helen’s not expecting us. If we all showed up at her door, I’m not sure what she would think.”

Jon stepped forward. “Why don’t I escort Kate and Lydia, and you can take Penny home.” If they took a taxi and had the man wait, it should be safe enough. He handed the letter back to Lydia.

“I wish you would’ve asked at home, Kate.” Julia’s brow creased as she glanced at the letter again. “I’m not sure how William would feel about you traveling around the city on your own.”

“What harm could come to me with Lydia as my chaperone and Jon as my protector?”

Julia looked up and her expression eased. “I suppose it’s all right to send the three of you together.” She focused on Jon. “Please be cautious. I’m trusting you to bring them safely home after the visit.”

“Of course. We’ll return as soon as we finish.”

Julia and Penny bid them good-bye and walked off toward the car.

Kate stepped closer and squeezed his arm. “Thank you, Jon. I knew you would handle that well.”

Her praise sent a warm wave through him, but reality quickly broke through as he thought of their destination. He must be on his guard and make sure no harm came to Lydia or Kate.

“Shoes and Boots Repaired.” Lydia stared at the peeling sign hanging over the doorway of the small, dingy shop. Peering through the grimy window, she spotted a faint light flickering inside.

“Are you sure this is the right address?” Katherine sent her a doubtful glance.

Lydia pulled out the envelope and checked once more. “The address is 413 Bartlett Court.”

“Let’s inquire inside.” Jon pulled open the door. A bell jingled, and they walked into the dimly lit shop.

Lydia glanced around. The smell of leather and oil hung in the air, along with the scent of a fire burning in a stove in the corner.

A wizened old man with flyaway white hair sat at the workbench in the center of the shop. He looked up and squinted in their direction. “Can I help you?”

Jon stepped forward. “Good day, sir. We’re looking for Helen Chambers.”

The old man’s forehead wrinkled. “Don’t know anyone by that name.”

“But I have a letter from her.” Lydia held out the envelope to the old man. “She gave this as her address.”

He pushed his spectacles up his nose and squinted at the writing. “That’s the right address.” He scratched his chin and thought for a moment. “I suppose she must be that woman staying with Charlie Gibbons.”

Warmth rose in Lydia’s cheeks. “Yes sir. I believe she is.”

He lifted his thumb and pointed over his shoulder. “He rents a room behind the shop.”

Lydia looked at the far wall, but there was only one door. It stood open and looked out on a shadowy courtyard.

The old man shook his head. “You can’t get there through that door. You have to go outside, down the alley, and ’round back.”

“Thank you, sir.” Jon nodded to the shopkeeper and motioned toward the front door. They filed out, and Jon led them into the narrow alley at the side of the building.

The smell of the overflowing trash bins filled the air. A straggly, orange-and-white-striped cat ran out from between a pile of crates and dashed across their path. Lydia hurried to keep pace with Katherine.

Thank goodness she hadn’t come on her own.

They reached the end of the alley, turned right, and walked into a
stone-paved courtyard. A small woman in a faded green dress stood with her back to them, hanging a wet shirt on a sagging clothesline.

Lydia’s steps stalled. “Helen?”

Her sister turned. Her eyes widened and she gasped. “Lydia!”

She rushed toward Helen and wrapped her in a tight hug, relief flowing through her.

After a few seconds, Helen stepped back. “What are you doing here?” She pushed a loose strand of hair from her cheek and tucked it into her untidy bun.

“I’ve come to see you, of course.” Lydia smiled. “I got your letter, and I had to be sure you’re all right.”

Helen’s chin trembled, and tears flooded her eyes. She lifted her shaking hands and covered her face.

Lydia pulled her close again. “Oh, Helen, I’m so glad we’ve found you.”

Katherine looked on with misty eyes, while Jon waited at her side.

“I’m sorry.” Helen sniffed and stepped back, wiping her face. “I’m such a mess.”

“It’s all right.” Lydia turned to Katherine. “Helen, I want you to meet Miss Katherine Ramsey. I’m her lady’s maid. And this is Mr. Foster. He’s studying to be a doctor, and he was very kind to help us find our way here today.”

Helen blotted her cheek with the edge of her apron. “Thank you. Please, come inside.” She slipped her arm through Lydia’s and slowly walked across the courtyard toward a faded, wooden door. She pushed it open, and they walked inside.

Lydia glanced around, and her heart sank. The flat was no bigger than her bedroom at Ramsey House. An iron bedstead that looked barely wide enough for two people filled one corner of the room. A straight-back chair and small wooden table sat by the lone window. Three crates stacked in one corner seemed to hold Helen’s few clothes. An unlit oil lamp sat in the center of the table.

Jon watched Helen as she crossed the room. “It looks as though you’re having a bit of trouble walking.”

Helen ran a protective hand over her round middle. “I have some swellin’ in my feet and ankles. Makes it hard to get around.” She lifted her right hand, showing them her puffy fingers. “My hands too.”

Lydia bit her lip. That couldn’t be good. She glanced at Katherine, who shot an apprehensive glance at Jon.

Concern filled his eyes too. “Have you seen a midwife or a doctor?”

Helen shook her head. “Charlie’s still lookin’ for work. We don’t have money for a doctor.”

“Daystar Clinic is not too far away. I volunteer there a few afternoons each week. Patients only pay what they can. No one is turned away.”

Helen gave her head a slight shake. “I don’t think Charlie would like that.”

Jon stepped closer. “May I look at your hands?”

Helen hesitated and glanced at Lydia.

She nodded and smiled, hoping to ease her sister’s mind.

Helen looked at Jon again. “All right.”

“Why don’t you have a seat?” Jon motioned toward the chair.

Helen slowly lowered herself onto the wooden chair in front of the window. Jon took her hands and examined them both, front and back. “May I look at your ankles?”

Helen lifted her hands to her flushed cheeks.

“It’s all right,” Lydia said. “Let him have a look.”

She lowered her hands and nodded to Jon. He knelt in front of her, and she raised her skirt a few inches.

Jon gently removed her worn slippers and examined her swollen feet and ankles, testing the skin with a gentle touch. “How long have you had this redness and swelling?”

“Two weeks, maybe three.” Helen’s chin trembled. “Is it serious? Will the baby be all right?”

“When is your baby due?”