He stopped at the wrought-iron gate and surveyed the property. Two well-kept flower gardens and neat boxwood hedges lined the walkway leading to the front door. They added a warm welcome and softened the formal appearance of the house. He was sure his sister appreciated that.
William Ramsey’s London home was certainly different from Jon and Julia’s simple childhood home at the mission station in India—and the thatched cottage where their parents now stayed in Fulton. His sister would lead a very different life here. But he imagined she would accept those changes with the same grace and goodwill she had always shown.
Still … was this marriage what was best for her? Would she be happy here? That’s what he needed to discover.
He pushed open the gate, mounted the steps, and rang the bell.
A few moments later, a stout butler in a neatly pressed black suit answered the door and ushered him in. “Please wait here, sir.” The butler motioned toward a chair in the entrance hall.
“Thank you.” Jon removed his hat and glanced around as the butler passed through a doorway at the end of the hall.
The interior of the house was even more impressive than the facade, with beautiful hardwood floors, thick carpets, and an elaborately carved wooden staircase leading up to the next floor. A large mirror in a gilded frame hung on the wall to his right between two large family portraits. He stepped closer and examined one of the paintings.
Could that be William Ramsey when he was a boy? The young lad had the same features as the man he’d met at his sister’s engagement dinner at Highland Hall in February. Two boys stood with him. Jon guessed they were his brothers. A younger sister and their parents sat in front of them in a garden setting. If that boy in the middle was William, he looked rather somber, even as a child.
A soft female voice followed by a little girl’s giggle drifted from the partially open doorway down the hall.
Jonathan tipped his head and listened. Was that Julia with Sir William’s daughter, Millie? Julia had grown very fond of Sir William’s two young children since she’d become their governess at Highland Hall six months ago. And in a few months she would become their stepmother.
“Very nice, Millie. Let’s try it again.”
No, that wasn’t Julia’s voice. Perhaps it was Katherine Ramsey or her sister, Penelope. Jon had met William’s cousins at Julia’s engagement dinner at Highland, and he had seen them again at William’s sister’s wedding earlier this month.
“Show me again.” Millie’s young voice carried a smile.
“All right. Follow me.”
Jonathan moved closer and looked into the drawing room. The plush furniture had been pushed back. Katherine Ramsey stood in the center of the room wearing a sky-blue dress, with Millie standing beside her. Katherine’s back was to the entrance hall, so she didn’t see him step into the doorway.
Katherine lifted her skirt a few inches and exposed a bit of ruffle around her slim ankles. “Step to the left and place your right foot behind. Then slowly sink down until your knee almost touches the floor, but not quite.”
Millie copied each movement, though hers were not as smooth as Katherine’s.
“Now, lower your head.” Katherine demonstrated and Millie followed. “Hold perfectly still while you slowly count to three before you rise.”
Millie wavered, then gasped and tipped to the side.
Katherine lunged to catch her, but Millie crashed onto the carpet, and Katherine landed in a heap beside her.
Jonathan dashed across the room. “Miss Ramsey, are you all right?”
She looked up at him, and her cheeks flushed bright pink. “Mr. Foster … Yes, of course, I’m fine.”
Millie giggled as she pushed herself to her hands and knees and then stood. “I guess I need more practice.”
“I suppose I do as well.” Katherine started to rise.
Jon extended his hand to her. “Please, allow me.”
She glanced up at him, her eyebrows slightly arched. “I promise you I’ve curtsied dozens of times today, and this is the only time I’ve fallen.”
“Of course. I’m sure it was only because you were trying to help Millie. Now, please, let me be a gentleman and help you.” He smiled and continued to hold out his hand.
She hesitated a moment, then reached out and clasped his fingers. He helped her to her feet, then she slipped her hand from his.
“Thank you.” As she looked down and brushed off her skirt, Jon had a moment to observe her more carefully. Her long, golden-brown hair was tied back with a blue ribbon that matched the color of her eyes. One wavy strand of hair had come loose when she fell. She reached up and tucked it behind her ear, her hand grazing her flushed cheek.
His gaze drifted from her cheek to her full, pink lips.
She looked up. “Mr. Foster?”
He swallowed and looked into her eyes. “Yes?”
“Have you come to see your sister?”
“Yes.”
She glanced over her shoulder and then back at him. “Does she know you’ve arrived?”
He blinked, struggling to find an answer. “Yes.”
She searched his face with a slight frown. “Mr. Foster, are you quite all right?”
“Yes.” He shook his head and looked away. What was the matter with him? “The butler asked me to wait in the entrance hall, but I heard your voice and thought you were Julia, so I looked in. Of course then I realized you weren’t Julia … You were you.” His neck warmed. He was rambling on like an idiot.
A hint of amusement lit her eyes. “Well, we’re very grateful you came to our aid, aren’t we, Millie?”
The little girl nodded, her curls bobbing on her shoulders. “Are you staying for tea?” Millie looked up at him with a friendly smile and wide, innocent eyes.
He glanced at Katherine.
“Yes, of course. You’re welcome to join us for tea. I’m sure Cousin William and Julia will be down soon.” She placed her hand on Millie’s shoulder. “Why don’t you go tell them Mr. Foster is here?”
Millie nodded and turned to go just as William and Julia walked into the drawing room with Andrew, William’s eleven-year-old son.
“Jonathan, what a wonderful surprise.” Julia crossed the room and greeted him with a kiss on his cheek. “I’m so happy to see you.”
“Thank you. I’m very glad to see you as well. Welcome to London.” He shook hands with William and turned to Andrew. “How are you, young sir?”
“Very well, thank you.” The sturdy little fellow’s face was covered with freckles, and his red hair was an even brighter shade than his sister’s.
“We hope you’re still coming to dinner on Thursday,” Julia said.
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it. But my classes were canceled this afternoon, so I thought I’d stop in and say hello.”
“That’s wonderful.” Julia turned to Katherine. “Thank you for entertaining Jonathan while he waited for us.”
Katherine shot him a questioning glance, and he returned a reassuring smile. Her secret was safe with him. He would not mention her fall.
“Yes, Katherine and Millie were very kind and … quite entertaining.”
“We invited him to stay for tea,” Millie added with a proud smile.
William touched his daughter’s shoulder. “That was very thoughtful, Millie.”
Millie looked up at her father, soaking up his praise.
“Yes, please stay for tea and tell us all your news.” Julia took his arm and led him out of the drawing room.
As they crossed the threshold, he glanced over his shoulder at Katherine. Her gaze connected with his for a split second, then she looked away, a hint of a smile on her lips.
Kate took a sip of steaming hot tea and glanced across at Jonathan, who sat opposite her in the library. He stirred sugar into his tea, his movement smooth and relaxed. The discomfort he’d shown earlier in the drawing room seemed to have disappeared, leaving Kate wondering, What was that about?
Julia po
ured a cup of tea and passed it to William. The children were gathered around a small table near the library fireplace.
William helped himself to a scone and glanced at Julia. “Won’t Penny and Louisa be joining us?”
“They’ve gone to call on the Tremblys, and then they plan to stop at the dressmaker’s on the way home.”
William lifted his dark eyebrows. “More dress fittings?”
“An adjustment was needed on the hem of one of Penny’s gowns.”
Kate nibbled on a lemon tart and glanced at Jonathan again. His blue eyes looked very similar to his sister’s. But his hair was light brown with a touch of gold rather than dark brown like Julia’s. He had pleasant features with a high forehead, straight nose, and a strong, square chin. With his broad shoulders and athletic build, he would be considered quite handsome by most women.
That certainly didn’t matter to Kate. She knew what she was looking for in a husband. She and her aunt had discussed it at length. If Kate hoped to gain a place in society, she must marry a wealthy man from an aristocratic family, preferably one in line to inherit a title and estate. Of course, he would also be handsome, with pleasant manners and fine character, but that went without saying.
Jonathan looked up and smiled at her, with an invitation to friendship in his eyes.
Was it right to judge a man so quickly because of his lack of fortune and family connections? She looked away, dismissing the slight wave of guilt that pricked her conscience.
William set his plate aside and settled back in his chair. “The stories in the newspaper about the Titanic have certainly been tragic.”
Julia glanced at the children, concern in her expression. But Andrew and Millie were enjoying their fruit tarts and sandwiches and didn’t appear to be listening.
“Did you know anyone on board?” Jonathan asked.
“I went to school with Kirby Brumfield. We belonged to the same club.” William lowered his voice. “His wife and two children were rescued, but he was not.”
Sorrow flooded Julia’s expression. “It’s such a tragedy. We must pray for them all.”
Jonathan nodded and looked across at Kate. “Have you read the articles about the Titanic, Miss Ramsey?”
The temptation to say she had rose in her mind, and her face warmed. A few months ago she would’ve easily lied to give a better impression, but since Julia’s arrival Kate had been learning the value of telling the truth, even when it reflected poorly on her.
She lifted her eyes and met Jonathan’s gaze. “No, I haven’t.”
He studied her for a moment with a hint of disappointment in his eyes, then glanced down at his teacup.
Regret washed over her. Of course she’d heard about the Titanic sinking a week earlier, but with their move to London, the dress fittings, and her preparations for the season, she hadn’t thought much about it. But now, hearing how William’s friend had lost his life, the tragedy seemed more real—and her lack of concern, more shameful.
Julia shifted in her seat and glanced at Andrew and Millie again. “Perhaps we should talk about something else. I don’t want to upset the children.”
“You’re right, dear. That’s a topic for another time.” William turned to Jonathan. “How is your training coming along at the hospital?”
“Very well. Making rounds with the doctors and observing surgeries is much more helpful than sitting in a classroom or pouring over textbooks.”
Julia nodded, looking pleased. “You always have liked learning from practical experience.”
“That’s true.” Jonathan helped himself to a small sandwich. “How are your plans coming for the season?”
“Katherine’s presentation is Friday.” Julia smiled at Kate. “I’m sure she’ll receive several invitations after that. We expect to have a very full calendar.”
Jonathan turned to Kate. “This Friday?”
A bite of lemon tart stuck in her throat. She nodded and forced a slight smile.
“And her ball is planned for the eleventh of May,” Julia said. “We hope you’ll be able to come.”
“Of course. I’d be honored to.” Jonathan glanced around the room. “Will you be holding the ball here?”
“We planned to.” William frowned and shook his head. “But Lady Gatewood, Katherine’s aunt, insists there’s not enough room. We have over one hundred and fifty guests on the list.”
A thrill ran through Kate, and she couldn’t hold back her smile. “Aunt Louisa helped us make arrangements to hold it at Sheffield House. They have a large ballroom with a lovely terrace and gardens.”
“Katherine’s aunt is friends with the Tremonts, who own Sheffield,” Julia added. “They’ve been very kind to allow us to host the ball there.”
Jonathan focused on Kate with a slight smile. “I’ve never been to a debutante ball.”
“It should be wonderful.”
“I’m sure it will be.” Julia turned to Jonathan. “So, when will you finish your classes?”
“Just two more weeks. Then I’ll start two mornings a week at the hospital for the rest of the summer.”
“That should be a nice change for you,” Julia said.
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it, although I’ll have to hunt for a new flat right away.”
Julia tipped her head. “You’re moving?”
“I must. The owner of our building is selling the property. I have to be out by the fifteenth of May at the latest.”
William frowned. “That’s certainly short notice.”
“Yes, it is. Theo Anderson, one of my fellow students, invited me to stay with him, but I’m afraid his flat is even smaller than mine. I’m not sure how well that would work.”
“Why don’t you stay here?” William set his plate aside and continued. “We have four guest rooms, and we’re not expecting to fill them all.”
Kate darted a glance at Jonathan. She supposed having him stay with them wouldn’t be too awkward, but what would people think? Of course, with her aunt, cousin, and Julia as her chaperones, even London’s scandal-loving society shouldn’t object.
“Sarah and Clark will be coming to town for Katherine’s ball,” William added, “but they’re only staying for a few days. We don’t return to Highland until early August. You’re welcome to stay with us as long as you’d like.”
“Thank you. That will give me plenty of time to look for a new flat before classes start again in the fall.”
“How soon would you like to bring your things over?” William asked.
“I could come tomorrow, if that fits in with your plans.”
“Excellent. We’ll send the car around. Just name the time.”
“Would three o’clock be convenient? I have a trunk and a few boxes of books, so it would be very helpful.”
William nodded and set his teacup on the table. “I’ll ask Lawrence to arrange it.”
Julia’s expression brightened as she looked from William to Jonathan. “It will be wonderful to have you here with us.”
Jonathan offered them both a grateful smile. “It will be a pleasure, and it should give me a chance to get to know William and the rest of the family.” His gaze shifted from William and Julia to Kate.
Kate looked down at her plate. She doubted she would see much of Jonathan Foster after her presentation. Once the season moved into full swing, invitations would pour in, and her days and nights would be filled with parties, dinners, balls, and outings. She glanced at Jonathan once more, and a twinge of regret traveled through her.
Lydia Chambers hurried down the back stone stairs, carefully carrying Miss Katherine’s large lavender hat. Perhaps Mrs. Adams, the housekeeper, would know how to reattach the ostrich feathers that had somehow come loose on the trip from Berkshire to town.
Lydia heaved a sigh as she passed the main floor landing and continued downstairs. She’d been so happy with her promotion from Highland housemaid to lady’s maid for Miss Katherine and Miss Penelope. The idea of traveling with the Ramsey famil
y to London had been thrilling for a simple farm girl, but now she had a whole new set of responsibilities: fixing the young ladies’ hair, caring for their clothing, and even sewing their undergarments.
There was much to learn! And if she didn’t do it well, she’d be demoted back to housemaid and find herself on the next train back to Berkshire.
Had she been a fool to accept the promotion?
She bit her lip and knocked on Mrs. Adams’s door.
“Come in.”
Lydia opened the door and stepped into the housekeeper’s cozy parlor. “Good afternoon, ma’am.”
Mrs. Adams turned in her chair. “What can I do for you, Lydia?”
“Miss Katherine wants to wear this tomorrow.” She held out the hat and pulled out the three ostrich plumes. “And I’ve no idea how to get these blessed feathers back in place.”
A hint of a smile touched Mrs. Adams’s lips, and her eyes crinkled at the corners. “Let me see it.” Lydia handed her the hat, and Mrs. Adams turned it in her hands, inspecting the flowers, feathers, and netting. “My goodness, there’s quite a garden here, isn’t there?”
A smile tugged at Lydia’s lips. “Yes, ma’am.”
“Well, you’ve come to the right place.” Mrs. Adams looked up, her soft gray eyes shining. “My mother was a milliner, and I grew up making hats. I’ll show you how to fix it.”
Lydia clasped her hands. “Oh, thank you. I thought I was going to be sacked before I finished my first week in London.”
“Don’t worry, my dear. By the time we’re finished, Miss Katherine could wear this hat in the worst windstorm and never lose a feather.”
“I’m ever so grateful. I really do want to learn to be a proper lady’s maid.”
“Of course you do, and I’m happy to help. Now let me find what we need, and then we’ll take it to the servants’ hall. It’s almost time for tea.” Mrs. Adams handed Lydia the hat, then took her sewing basket from the shelf in the corner. She motioned toward the door. “After you, my dear.”
Lydia’s tense shoulders relaxed as she walked into the servants’ hall and took a seat at the long wooden table. Most of the other servants had already gathered there and were enjoying their tea and a short break from their busy day.
The Daughter of Highland Hall Page 2