The Daughter of Highland Hall (44 page)

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.

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.