The Daughter of Highland Hall (47 page)

“They’re going to America?”

“Yes. They want to make a fresh start, and they feel it would be easier in the States than here. I tend to agree, although it will put a great distance between us.”

Lawrence stepped through the library doorway. “Mr. Edward Wellington is here to see Miss Katherine.”

Kate swung around. “What?”

“Mr. Edward Wellington is waiting in the entrance hall. Shall I show him in?”

What on earth was Edward doing here? Whatever the reason, she didn’t want to prolong his visit by inviting him in. “No, I’ll come out.” Kate strode into the entrance hall, questions thrumming through her head.

Edward waited there, his hat in his hand. “Good morning, Kate.”

She returned his greeting. “I … wasn’t expecting you.”

He glanced at Lawrence, who stood by the library door. “May I speak to you in private?”

She glanced around, uncertain where they might go.

“Perhaps we could step outside, into the garden.” He motioned toward the front door.

Goose bumps rose on Kate’s arms. “All right.”

Lawrence opened the door for them. They walked outside and down the steps.

Edward led the way into the small rose garden to the left of the front walk. He continued down the path and stepped into the shade under the trees, then turned to face her. “First, I want to apologize for the uncomfortable situation at the ball last night.”

“Oh, there’s no need.” With all that had happened during the night, the ball seemed ages ago.

“Yes, there is a need. Lady Taylor-Mumford is my mother’s friend, and I believe she invited you and Miss Piedmont, hoping it would create a … confrontation.”

Kate stared at Edward. What did Lady Taylor-Mumford hope to gain from such an act? Did Edward’s mother know about it? Was she the one behind it?

“I understand you had a disagreement with your aunt. I could see you were upset when you left. I hope I was not the cause.”

“No, please don’t worry about it. My aunt tends to be critical and controlling, and it’s only gotten worse since we’ve come to London. Last night I finally told her I’d had enough.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re not upset with me.”

“Actually, I’m grateful. Last night’s events helped me clarify some important things in my mind.”

He nodded, looking pleased. “Then I have some good news for you—at least I hope you’ll consider it good news.”

“What do you mean?”

“My parents met with your uncle—”

“My uncle? You mean Lord Gatewood?”

“Yes, he and your aunt called on my parents yesterday, and they came to an agreement about the terms of our marriage settlement.”

Kate’s mouth dropped open. “Our
marriage
settlement?”

“Yes … you weren’t aware of their visit?”

“No. I was not.” Irritation pulsed through her. How could they make such an important visit without consulting her?

“I think you’ll find the terms very agreeable. And now that nothing stands in our way, I want to ask you to become my wife.”

Kate stared at him, stunned by his words. How could he propose to her now, after everything that had happened? How could he imagine she would want to marry him when he was in love with someone else? “Edward … I’m sorry, but I can’t marry you.”

His confident expression melted away. “But … we have so much in common, and your family is obviously in favor of it.”

“Perhaps, but you love Florence Piedmont. Anyone who came within a mile of you last night could see that.”

His face flushed, and he looked away. “It’s true I’m very fond of Florence, but there’s no future for us. My parents won’t allow us to marry.”

“And why is that?”

“They believe she is … unsuitable.”

“Do you agree?”

“No, Florence is a wonderful woman with many fine qualities, but—”

“Then why don’t you marry her?”

He pulled back. “I can’t go against my parents’ wishes … They would cut off my income.”

“Couldn’t you take up an occupation so you can support a wife and family?”

He stared at her, clearly shocked by the suggestion. “But I’m a gentleman.”

“Surely, with all your schooling and connections, you could find a position that would enable you to provide for yourself and Florence.”

“So you think I should just give up everything—the inheritance, title, and estate—to marry for love?”

“Yes! That’s exactly what I think. If you love Florence and she is a worthy
young woman who loves you, then you should make any sacrifice that’s needed.”

He shook his head, confusion clouding his eyes. “So you’re saying you won’t marry me?”

She released an exasperated breath. “I can’t, Edward. It wouldn’t be right. Neither of us would be happy.”

“But you would please your family, and someday you would share everything that’s going to be mine.”

Within a second the decision was made. “When I first came to London, that was what I wanted, but I’ve changed. Now I know I was meant to lead a different kind of life.” Jon’s image rose in her mind, along with the hope that she might share that life with him, but she had no guarantee. He had not made her any promises.

But her course was set. With or without Jon, she would find a way to build a meaningful life with less focus on meeting society’s expectations and more on love and service to God and others.

Edward took her hand. “Are you sure, Kate?”

“Yes, I’m positive.”

He shook his head, but admiration flowed from his eyes. “You know your own mind, Kate, and you’re honest to a fault … but the man who captures your heart will win a fine prize.”

Sisterly affection warmed her heart as she looked at him. “So, will you take my advice and look for a way to support yourself and marry Florence?”

Doubt shadowed his eyes, but he held tightly to her hand, as though gaining strength from her. “I will consider it.”

She was about to tell him good-bye, when a movement caught her attention and she turned.

Jon crossed the street toward Ramsey House, all the while rehearsing what he would say to William, then hopefully to Kate. He lifted the latch on the front gate and looked across the garden.

Kate and Edward stood facing each other, their hands clasped.

Pain shot through him, and his hand froze on the gate latch.

He couldn’t see Kate’s face, but strong emotion filled Edward’s face. As if Kate sensed his presence, she turned. Her gaze locked with his, and some undefined emotion flashed in her eyes.

Jon stepped back and swung away.

What a fool he was! How many times did he have to see them together to realize Kate loved Edward Wellington? The engagement would be announced before the end of the season, and their wedding would be planned to follow Julia and William’s.

Last night at the hospital, he’d felt certain he’d seen affection in her eyes. But it must only have been relief and gratitude for the way he had helped Helen. He should never have mistaken it for love or believed Kate would give up all she had hoped and dreamed of for so long to marry him.

He set off down the street, not sure where he was going. It didn’t matter, as long as it was far away from Kate.

“Jon, wait!” Kate’s voice rang out behind him.

He clenched his jaw and kept walking. He did not want to face her right now. Heaven knew what he might say if he did.

“Please, Jon, I must speak to you!”

He could hear her footsteps, running to catch up with him. He stifled a groan. Should he tell her the truth or pretend he didn’t care? He shook his head, disgusted with himself. She might not love him, but he still loved her, and she shouldn’t have to chase him down the street to speak to him. He steeled himself and turned to face her.

She ran the last few steps. Her cheeks were flushed and sunlight glinted on the golden strands in her hair. She looked more beautiful than ever, and that only made the pain cut deeper.

“Where are you going?” She lifted her hand to her chest as she tried to catch her breath.

He glanced back toward the house. “I’m sorry to intrude on your time with Edward.” He had a difficult time even speaking the man’s name.

“You’re not intruding. We’re finished with our conversation.” She
glanced back at the house, then looked at Jon again. “Is everything all right?”

He frowned and glanced away. Nothing was all right, and it wouldn’t be for a very long time, but he couldn’t say that.

“I mean with Helen and the baby.” She looked up at him, her blue-eyed gaze wide and achingly sweet. “I thought you might’ve come to bring us some news from the hospital.”

“The hospital? No. I haven’t been back there yet.”

She studied his face. “Oh … then why did you come?”

He swallowed, knowing he ought to at least be honest. He owed her that much. “I came to see you, Kate.”

Her expression brightened as though the sun had risen and shone on her face. “Truly? You came to see me?”

He stared at her, trying to process her response. Was it possible? Did he hold a special place in her heart after all? A wave of hope flooded through him. “Yes, I came because last night at the hospital I sensed that you might care for me as I care for you. And if that’s true, then I ought to …”

She sent him such a loving look that everything he wanted to say faded from his mind. Her smile warmed, inviting him closer. “You ought to …?”

A rush of energy surged through him. “I ought to make my feelings plain and see if there was any possibility you feel the same.”

The hopeful light in her eyes glowed brighter, filling him with courage.

He reached out and took both her hands in his. “I love you, Kate, so very much. I have from the first day I came to Ramsey House. And every experience we’ve shared has made me more certain of it. I can’t imagine living my life without you.”

“Oh, Jon.” Her eyes glistened as she looked up at him. “I love you too.”

His heart pounded out a joyful beat, and he tightened his hold on her hands. “Kate Ramsey, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

Her eyes widened, and a smile burst across her face. “Yes! Oh yes!” She flung her arms around his neck.

He wrapped her in a tight embrace, thanks and praise rising from deep
within. She loved him. What an unbelievable, amazing gift. He closed his eyes, holding her close and soaking in the joy of the moment.

With her heart overflowing, Kate took Jon’s hand, and they hurried back to the house to see William and Julia. They walked into the library together, and Jon asked William if they could talk privately. William agreed, and Julia and Kate stepped out into the entrance hall, leaving the men alone.

Julia closed the door and turned to Kate. “What’s that about?”

Kate grasped Julia’s hand. “Jon has proposed!”

Julia gasped, and a happy smile flooded her face. “Oh, Kate, that’s wonderful!”

“Do you think William will give his consent?”

Julia nodded. “We’ve already discussed it.”

Surprise and wonder flooded Kate. “I’ve admired Jon since we first met, but I didn’t realize how much he meant to me until he left, and then I thought it was too late.”

“Well, I’m very glad he had the good sense to come back and speak to you.”

Kate smiled. “Yes, so am I.”

Nelson walked down the main staircase carrying two large suitcases. Louisa followed him, dressed in a navy-blue traveling suit and a large hat covered with ostrich feathers and netting. When she saw Kate and Julia, she stopped and narrowed her eyes. “I’ve done all I can for Katherine this season. I’ve decided to return to Berkshire.”

Surprise rippled through Kate. Was her aunt leaving because of their confrontation at the ball last night, or was it because she believed she and her uncle had finalized the arrangements for Kate’s engagement to Edward? Either way, Kate needed to make things clear.

Louisa stepped down into the entrance hall.

Kate met her there. “Before you go, I have something to say.”

Louisa pursed her lips and tugged on her gloves. “If you are going to
apologize and ask me to stay in London, it won’t do any good. I’ve made up my mind.”

“I understand, but that’s not what I was going to say.”

“Well then, what is it?”

“Jon has proposed, and I have accepted.” She shouldn’t have felt so gleeful to see Louisa’s shocked expression, but she couldn’t help herself.