The Daughter of Highland Hall (42 page)

There was none.

William stood by the fireplace, a brooding frown lining his face. Jon’s parents and Julia sat across from Jon. Penny and Lady Gatewood shared the settee on Jon’s right. Kate rested in her room, and the children had been sent upstairs with Ann.

“I don’t see how we can go to church this morning.” Lady Gatewood glared at Jon. “The whole congregation will be talking about the incident.”

Julia turned to Lady Gatewood. “But it’s times like these when we need the comfort and support of our friends.”

“I doubt that’s what we would receive at St. Matthew’s this morning.” Lady Gatewood waved her hand toward the newspaper on the low table in front of the settee. “This is disgraceful!”

Julia’s face flushed. “The article may cause a stir, but I’d hardly call it disgraceful.”

Lady Gatewood continued as though she had not heard Julia. “It would not be so damaging if we weren’t already dealing with the aftermath of David’s connection with the Martindales. His behavior has permanently stained the Ramsey family name and put us all in a very difficult situation.”

William cleared his throat and sent an apprehensive glance at Julia’s parents. “We all know David’s choices reflect poorly on the family, but the problem we’re facing today is not David’s fault.” He shifted his gaze to the newspaper on the table. “I should never have allowed Katherine to go to the East End or volunteer at Daystar Clinic. That was a mistake on my part.”

Those words hit Jon like a blow to the chest.

Lady Gatewood sniffed. “I’m glad you’ve finally come to your senses.”

Julia looked from Louisa to William. “I don’t see how volunteering at the clinic has anything to do with what happened to Katherine yesterday.”

“It has everything to do with it!” Lady Gatewood shifted her heated glare to Julia. “Her familiarity with that area gave her the foolish idea it was safe to travel there on her own, when that’s the farthest thing from the truth. Her lack of judgment is deplorable!”

Jon had kept silent out of respect for William and Julia, but he could do so no longer. “Kate is an intelligent young woman. She was well aware of the danger, but she believed the need to help Helen outweighed it.”

Julia glanced at Jon, her gaze reflecting her agreement.

“Nevertheless,” William continued, “I can’t allow Katherine to return to Daystar or spend time on the East End with the Pittsfords.”

Julia’s eyes clouded as she looked up at William. “Surely you don’t blame them for what’s happened?”

“No, I don’t blame the Pittsfords.” His somber gaze shifted, then settled on Jon. “I am Katherine’s guardian, and I must do what’s needed to protect her.”

Jon’s gaze locked with William’s.

“This is
not
Jon’s fault,” Julia insisted. “He never purposely put Katherine in danger.”

William set his jaw, but he did not reply.

The uncomfortable silence stretched several seconds. Finally, Jon rose to his feet. “I’m sorry Kate was injured—more sorry than I can say.” He straightened and looked at William. “I take full responsibility, and I agree with you. Kate should not return to Daystar or travel to the East End for any reason.”

Pain flashed in Julia’s eyes, and she lowered her gaze. Lady Gatewood glared at him, while Jon’s parents exchanged concerned glances.

William silently stared toward the fireplace, his posture rigid.

There was nothing else Jon could say. He turned and walked from the room.

“William, please, this is not how we should end this conversation …”

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 L
ORD
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 considered 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 L
ORD
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?”