The Daughter of Highland Hall (48 page)

“You
can’t
marry that man! He has no place in society, no future.”

“Jon loves me. He has admirable character, excellent training, and wonderful potential. And I am going to marry him.”

“But we’ve spoken to Edward’s family. Everything is arranged.”

Kate shook her head. “Edward proposed this morning, but I turned him down. I’m going to marry Jon.”

“But that’s ridiculous! What kind of life can he offer you?”

“Exactly the kind of life I want—one filled with love and meaningful service to God and others.”

Julia clasped her hands in front of her mouth, barely able to hide her smile.

William strode into the entrance hall, with Jon close behind. “Is there a problem?”

Louisa glared at William. “You have mishandled your responsibility toward Katherine all season, and now look what’s happened! She wants to marry this … man who has no connections and no future.”

A muscle jumped in William’s jaw. “Louisa, that’s quite enough.”

Her aunt’s eyes bulged. “Yes, for once we agree! I’ve had more than enough. I’m leaving.”

William motioned toward the front door. “I think that would be best.”

“Very well!” Louisa looked at each one, and when no one stopped her, she huffed and flounced out the front door.

The door swung closed, and Julia lowered her hands to her chest. “Thank goodness, I thought she would never go.”

William crossed to stand with Julia. “Perhaps we’ll finally have some peace in this house.”

Jon shifted his gaze to Kate, and a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.

She pressed her lips together, but soon her laughter bubbled up and overflowed, and Jon joined her. After she caught her breath, she turned to William. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right. I’m glad you haven’t let your aunt spoil your happy day.”

Jon took Kate’s hand, his eyes bright. “Nothing could ruin our happiness today, not even Lady Gatewood.”

Kate tightened her hold on Jon’s hand. He was right. Louisa’s departure would allow them to enjoy these last few weeks in London.

William motioned toward the library. “I believe we have a very important conversation to finish.”

They all returned to the library. Kate and Jon sat together, across from William and Julia.

William looked at Kate. “Jon has asked for your hand, and I’ve given him my consent. Julia and I believe you are well matched, and we look forward to helping you prepare for marriage, but I would ask two things.” He paused and sent them both a serious look. “I’d like Jon to finish his medical training before the wedding, and I’d like to be sure you have a safe and proper place to live.”

That meant she and Jon would have to spend at least four months apart, but it wouldn’t seem so long once they set a wedding date and could start making plans. Finding a suitable place to live would be a greater challenge, but she was eager to start a new life with Jon, no matter where they lived.

Jon looked her way, and she nodded. He faced William again. “We’re grateful for your counsel and ready to do as you’ve asked.”

William smiled and nodded. “Very well, then I give you my blessing.”

During those next few weeks, Kate felt as though she floated on a cloud of happiness. She and Jon had found a way to see each other almost every day. Jon became a regular dinner guest at Ramsey House, and after a serious discussion, William relaxed his rule and allowed Kate to return to Daystar.

The Pittsfords invited them for dinner one evening, and Kate enjoyed
discussing plans for the children’s center. Knowing she would partner with Jon to see the project completed brought her great joy.

Two days before the family was scheduled to return to Highland, Jon and Kate enjoyed a leisurely stroll through Wiltshire Park. It was a perfect afternoon, with warm sunshine and fresh, clear skies.

When they returned to the house, Lawrence greeted them at the front door. “Sir William asked that you join him in the drawing room.”

“Thank you, Lawrence.” Kate sent Jon a questioning glance, and he returned the same. They crossed the entrance hall and entered the drawing room. William stood by the fireplace, and Julia sat in a chair nearby.

Kate searched their faces. “You wanted to see us?”

“Yes, please sit down.” William motioned to the settee. “We have something important to discuss.”

Kate took a seat, and Jon sat next to her.

“My brother, David, and Dorothea came for a visit today and gave us a wedding gift.”

Julia’s smile hinted at some secret. “It’s quite a surprising gift … and as William and I talked about it, we realized it needs to be put to good use.”

Kate looked back and forth between them. “What is it?”

William’s expression brightened. “David has given us his half interest in this house. And now that it’s ours to do with as we please, we would like to give it to you and Jon.”

Kate’s mouth dropped open. “You want to give us this house?”

“Yes, we do.”

Kate quickly tempered her response and looked at Jon. What did he think? Would he want to live in a large house like this?

Jon’s brow creased. “That’s kind of you, but …”

William held up his hand. “I understand your hesitation, and I want to assure you Julia and I will continue covering the expenses until your inheritance becomes available.”

Jon’s expression eased. “That’s very generous, but with just the two of us, I’m not sure it would be wise to take on the responsibility for such a large home.”

Kate released a deep breath. Of course, Jon was right. She must be sensible. As much as she would enjoy living here, it might not be the best home for them after they married.

Julia’s eyes twinkled. “We thought you might feel that way, so we had another idea to propose.” She glanced at Jon and Kate. “What if you used the house in connection with your ministry?”

Kate’s hope rose, and she looked at Jon.

Interest sparked in his eyes. “What were you thinking?”

“Perhaps you could extend the work of Daystar and the children’s center by opening a home for orphaned and abandoned children.”

The vivid dream that had awakened Kate the morning Jon proposed flashed through her mind. Had God given her that dream to encourage her to consider this new idea?

Jon’s expression brightened, and he turned toward Kate. “It sounds intriguing. What do you think?”

Her smile spread wider. “It’s a wonderful idea.”

“We’d need to find some others to help us, but we have time to make those plans.”

Julia nodded. “I wondered if Helen might want to stay on and help you care for the children, and perhaps Lydia would want to work with you as well.”

“That’s an excellent suggestion.” Kate couldn’t wait to ask them to consider staying on at Ramsey House … or would they call it the Daystar Children’s Home?

Jon rose and extended his hand to William. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” William shook Jon’s hand.

Kate stood. “Yes, we’re very grateful.” She embraced William and then Julia.

Jon took Kate’s hand again, confidence and expectation flowing from his hand to hers. Her heart felt so full it nearly burst with joy. Her prayer had been answered. The path toward her future was clear now, and the man she loved would walk with her on that journey. They would fill this house with love, faith, and family, and the Lord’s blessing would cover them all.

TWENTY-SIX
 

On a frosty morning, three days before Christmas, feathery snowflakes floated down, dusting the countryside around Highland Hall. Kate gazed out the side window of the motorcar as they traveled into the village of Fulton, along narrow streets, and past shops and lampposts decorated with evergreen boughs and holly.

“Isn’t the snow pretty?” Penny looked out the opposite window. “It’s like God is sending down His blessing on your wedding day.”

“Yes, it’s beautiful.” Kate smiled, her heart feeling as light as one of those dancing snowflakes. Today she and Jon would take their vows before family and friends and begin their new life together. And though they had spent five months planning for this day, it didn’t quite seem real.

William looked over his shoulder from the front seat. “I’m just glad the snow didn’t start earlier. We wouldn’t want it to keep anyone away from the ceremony.”

“I’m sure it won’t.” Penny smiled at Kate. “I’m so excited. I can’t wait to see everyone.” Kate guessed she was thinking especially of Theo Anderson, who would stand with Jon as his best man.

Kate gazed out the window again, happy memories and hopeful dreams filling her heart. They had kept their promise to William. Jon had finished his training at St. George’s, and there were now two Dr. Fosters in the family. His parents had been so proud when he received his medical degree, and they were thrilled with Jon and Kate’s plans to open the Daystar Children’s Home.

The motorcar pulled up to the front of St. John’s Church. Hardy opened William’s door, and then Penny and Kate’s. Her sister climbed out first and helped Kate lift her train off the snowy walkway. She felt like a princess in her white silk gown, decorated with pearl beading and Belgian lace. They passed under the stone archway, then stepped inside. Soft
organ music greeted them, along with the scent of lemon oil and fresh-cut flowers.

Julia met Kate in the narthex and took her hand. She had come in the other car with the children, Sarah, and Clark. “You look lovely, Kate.” Tears shimmered in her eyes as she leaned in and kissed Kate’s cheek. “God bless you,” she whispered, then she slipped away and entered the side door to take her place in the family’s pew up front.

Sarah and Clark approached, carrying two bouquets. Sarah handed one to Penny, and Clark offered the other to Kate.

“Thank you so much. They’re beautiful.” Kate knew the red and white roses, ferns, and ivy had been grown in Highland’s greenhouse and carefully tended by Clark himself.

“We’re very happy for you, Kate.” Sarah kissed Kate’s cheek. “We wish you and Jon all the best.” Kate thanked them. Sarah took Clark’s arm, and they entered the sanctuary.

Andrew shifted his weight from one foot to the other and looked up at William. “Is it almost time, Papa?”

William rested his hand on Andrew’s shoulder. “Yes, we’ll be going in soon.”

Millie stood beside Andrew, wearing a white dress with a red sash that matched Penny’s. She grinned up at Kate and then took her place next to Penny.

Mrs. Fields, the minister’s wife, touched Kate’s arm. “Are you ready, my dear?”

Kate’s stomach fluttered, and she glanced at William. “Yes, we are.”

William offered her his arm, along with a misty smile.

Mrs. Fields opened the center door, and a happy shiver of anticipation traveled through Kate. Friends, family, and Highland staff filled the pews. Jon stood up front, facing the altar with Theo at his side. The organ music changed to Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus,” and the guests rose to their feet.

Kate tightened her hold on William’s arm, and they started down the aisle. Penny, Millie, and Andrew followed, helping Kate with her train.

Jon turned and faced Kate. Surprise and delight filled his eyes as he gazed at her. He looked wonderfully handsome, dressed in his morning coat with a white rose pinned to his lapel. Theo stood next to him, dressed in a similar fashion.

Kate fixed her eyes on Jon, and everyone else seemed to fade from view. She met him at the altar, and as he took her hand, William stepped away. Relief flowed through Kate. With Jon at her side, she could catch her breath and enjoy the ceremony.

Hymns, Scripture, and sacred prayers and promises were woven together over the next hour. Jon placed the ring on her finger, his voice husky as he repeated his vows. Kate’s hand shook slightly as she gave Jon his ring and repeated the promises that would forever change her life.

Reverend Fields lifted his hand and prayed a final blessing over them. Joyful organ music filled the sanctuary, and they followed Reverend Fields into the vestry to sign the wedding documents, with Penny and Theo as their witnesses.

“It’s official.” The reverend looked up. “You’re now Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Foster.”

“Congratulations!” Theo pumped Jon’s hand and grinned at Kate.