The Daughter of Highland Hall (45 page)

“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.

Resolve stirred within Kate. They obviously loved each other, and she would not stand in the way of them being together. It wouldn’t be right.

Someone grasped her sleeve and she turned.

“What are you
doing
?” Aunt Louisa tugged her toward the wall.

Kate stifled a gasp.

“How could you encourage Edward to dance with that woman?”

Kate pulled her arm out of her aunt’s grip. “Please stop. I’m sure you don’t want to create a scene.”

“I will do whatever it takes to make you wake up! That is Florence Piedmont. Edward has had a fixation on her for years, but she is totally unsuitable.”

“I know who she is, and I know what she means to Edward.”

“Then what are you thinking!”

“I was thinking they are very fond of each other, and they would enjoy dancing together. Is that so hard to understand?”

“You foolish girl! How could you push Edward into her arms?”

“Please stop lecturing me. I know what I’m doing.”

“If that were true, you would have an engagement ring on your finger, and we would be planning your wedding!”

Fire flashed through Kate. “That’s
enough
! You will stop this tirade, or I’ll leave at once.”

“Don’t speak to me in that tone!”

Kate leaned toward her aunt. “I want to make myself perfectly clear. If you say one more harsh word, I will summon a cab and go home on my own.”

“Katherine Ramsey, you will apologize this instant! I will not put up with this nonsense any longer. You will listen to me and do as I say, or I—”

Kate spun away. The rest of her aunt’s comments faded into the music as Kate crossed the ballroom and strode out the door.

TWENTY-FOUR
 

Kate slowly climbed the main staircase toward her bedroom, relief and regret battling within her. Releasing Edward and confronting her aunt had sealed her fate. She doubted she would receive any more invitations, and even if she did, she had no desire to accept them.

She was done with the season. Tomorrow she would speak to William and Julia, explain what had happened, and ask how soon she could return to Highland.

Just before she reached her bedroom, hurried footsteps pounded down the servants’ stairs at the end of the hall. Kate looked up.

Lydia ran toward her. “Miss Katherine! The baby’s coming, and Helen is in terrible pain. We have to send for the doctor.”

Energy pulsed through Kate, and her mind shifted into action. “Wake Julia. I’ll fetch Mrs. Adams. I’m sure between the four of us we can do what’s needed for Helen.”

“Please hurry, miss!” Lydia turned and ran back up the steps.

Kate opened her bedroom door and tossed her bag and shawl on the bed. There was no time to change. She hurried downstairs and found Mrs. Adams resting in her small parlor next to the servants’ hall, with her feet up and a damp cloth on her forehead. Kate quickly relayed the news about Helen.

Mrs. Adams plucked the cloth from her forehead and sat up. “I’m afraid I’m not well.”

Panic shot through Kate. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m not sure. It might be the flu. Whatever it is, I don’t want to give it to Helen or the baby.”

“No, of course not. I understand. Lydia and Julia are with Helen. I’ll go up and see what I can do.”

“Birthing a baby is a natural process. Just watch over her. She should be fine.”

Kate hurried up the three flights of stairs to the servants’ rooms. As she started down the hallway, Helen’s pain-filled scream rent the air. A tremor raced down Kate’s back.

Jean and Ruth, the two kitchen maids, stood huddled together in the hallway. “Is she going to be all right?” Jean whispered.

“Yes. I’m sure she’ll be fine. Please go back to bed and get some rest.”

The girls exchanged worried glances, but they turned away and walked across the hall.

Kate paused and tried to focus her thoughts.
Dear God, please give me courage
. She opened Lydia’s door and entered. A lantern on the bedside table illuminated the small, simply furnished room. Helen lay on the narrow bed, her eyes closed, face flushed, and her hair a tangled mess. She moaned and tossed her head. Julia stood on one side of the bed, and Lydia on the other.

Lydia looked up at Kate, her eyes wide and anxious. “Is Mrs. Adams coming?”

Kate shook her head. “She’s ill.”

Concern flashed in Julia’s eyes. She rinsed a cloth in water and wiped Helen’s face. “There now. Just rest between the contractions as much as you can.” She passed the cloth to Lydia and whispered something Kate couldn’t hear. Julia met Kate by the door.

“How is she?” Kate whispered.

“Let’s step out for a moment.” Julia opened the door and slipped into the hallway with Kate. “Lydia says she’s been in labor for several hours, but she’s no closer to delivering the baby. I think we should send for Dr. Pittsford.”

Relief coursed through Kate. “Yes. I’m sure he’ll come.”

“I’ll let William know, then I’ll go down and speak to Lawrence. We’ll send the chauffeur to Dr. Pittsford’s with the message.” Julia glanced toward the bedroom door, then at Kate. “Do you have any experience helping a woman in childbirth?”

“No.” Kate swallowed, hoping she could find the strength to face this challenge.

“It’s not an easy experience for the mother or those watching, even when everything goes well. Are you ready for that?”

Kate straightened, determination flowing through her. “Yes, I am.”

Julia touched her arm. “When the baby arrives, it will be a blessed relief. For now, do what you can to calm Lydia and comfort Helen. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“All right.”

Julia turned to go, then looked back. “Pray for Helen, and do what you can.”

Kate’s throat tightened. “I will.”

Jon sank back in the comfortable chair and stared at the quivering flames in the Pittsfords’ fireplace. The quiet crackle and hiss soothed his weary mind. He needed some relief after the extra hours he’d put in at the hospital and clinic these last few weeks. He’d filled his schedule, hoping it would ease the ache in his chest, but it had only drained him physically and barely dulled the pain of missing Kate.

Dr. Pittsford lit his pipe and settled back in his chair. Mrs. Pittsford sat beside her husband, her knitting needles clicking in her nimble fingers. Their daughters, Beth and Lucy, had excused themselves to wash the dinner dishes and clean up the kitchen.

“Two more donations came in today. Along with your grandmother’s gift, that gives us enough to start the renovations.”

Jon looked up and met Dr. Pittsford’s gaze, replaying his words and trying to focus on the conversation. “So … we’ve received enough donations to start the renovations on the children’s center?”

Dr. Pittsford nodded.

Mrs. Pittsford lifted her gaze. “Are you all right, Jon? You seem distracted this evening.”

“I’m sorry. I just … have some things on my mind.”

Dr. Pittsford puffed on his pipe and studied Jon. “What’s bothering you?”

Jon hesitated, uncertain if he wanted to explain his personal troubles.

Mrs. Pittsford’s knitting needles stilled. “Perhaps if you tell us what’s weighing you down, it will lighten your load.”

Jon shifted his gaze away. It would be humbling to admit he’d hurt his sister, damaged his relationship with his future brother-in-law, and ruined his chances with Kate. But as he looked back and met the doctor’s gaze, he had a feeling that was exactly what he needed to do. “If you don’t mind listening, I could use some wisdom.”

“Have at it, my boy, and we’ll do our best.”

Jon poured out the story, explaining William and Julia’s reactions to Kate’s injuries and his reasons for leaving Ramsey House. After he had finished, he sagged back in the chair, feeling spent.

Dr. Pittsford took his pipe from his mouth. “So you love Kate, but you’ve decided not to propose … Why is that again?”

“Well … I believe the Lord has called me to Daystar, and William has forbidden Kate to set foot in the East End. I can’t just disregard his decision and pursue her against his wishes. He’s going to marry my sister in a few weeks.”

“That does make it a bit more complicated.” Dr. Pittsford drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. “I understand why William is hesitant to let Kate come here after what happened, but—”

“I’m afraid he’s right. I can’t marry Kate and bring her to the East End. I’d be constantly worried about her safety. And even if I didn’t have those concerns, Kate was raised in the country surrounded by wealth and privilege. I doubt she’d even consider a proposal from a medical student who wants to serve the poor.”

Dr. Pittsford frowned. “How do you know? You haven’t even asked her.”

Mrs. Pittsford laid her needles in her lap. “Are you afraid of what she might say?”

“No, I’m not afraid! I love Kate, and I think she may feel the same way
about me. But that doesn’t mean we should marry. There’s much more to be considered.”

Mrs. Pittsford studied him, compassion in her eyes. “That’s true, but to find someone you love and who loves you, that’s a precious gift.”

Jon’s throat tightened and burned. “Yes, it is, and that’s why I have to think of what’s best for Kate, and I’m not convinced that includes a life on the East End.”

Dr. Pittsford sat back and gazed into the fire. “When Martha and I considered moving here and opening Daystar, we had some very long discussions. One of our main concerns was our daughters’ safety. We didn’t want them to be fearful of our neighbors or those we serve at the clinic. But we also had to be realistic about the dangers they might face.

“We prayed together and wrestled it through for a few months,” the doctor continued. “Finally the Lord confirmed His will to both of us, and He gave us His peace.”

Mrs. Pittsford’s gaze softened as she looked at her husband. “We believe we’re called here, and we’ve entrusted ourselves into His care.”

Dr. Pittsford pointed his pipe stem at Jon. “That doesn’t mean we’re careless or we take unnecessary risks. He expects us to be wise and responsible. We must do our part, then trust Him to do the rest.”

Mrs. Pittsford looked at Jon, her expression confident and peaceful. “The Lord doesn’t promise us we’ll never face difficult or dangerous circumstances, but when we do, He promises to walk with us through them. Remember that, Jon.”