The Daughter of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

Andrew crossed his arms and turned away, his jaw set.

  Ann stepped closer to Andrew and lowered her voice. “You better do as I say, or I’ll tell your father what happened. And if he finds out you’ve been fighting, I won’t be bringing you back to the park anytime soon.”

  The battle raged across Andrew’s face for a few seconds, but he finally turned around and extended his hand. “Sorry.”

  The blond boy continued to scowl.

  “Go on, then.” Ann tapped the blond boy’s shoulder. “Shake hands like a gentleman.”

  “Oh, all right,” he muttered and gave Andrew’s hand a brief shake.

  Millie ran up and joined them. “Andrew, why were you fighting with that boy?”

  “Never mind.” Andrew strode off toward the gate leading out of the park.

  “Andrew, wait!” Ann took Millie’s hand and turned back to Lydia. “We’d better go.”

  Lydia looked over her shoulder to where the man and woman had disappeared. Was it truly Helen, or had her longing to see her sister made her imagine the woman looked like her? But if it wasn’t Helen, why had the man hustled the woman off when Lydia called to her?

  “Maybe you can come back and look for your sister tomorrow.” Ann slipped her free arm through Lydia’s.

  Lydia nodded. Her throat tightened, and she blinked away her tears.

  “Come on.” Ann patted Lydia’s arm. “We better catch up with Andrew before he gets out of sight.”

  Lydia stuffed her hands in her pockets and trudged down the path toward the park gate.

  FIVE

  Kate collapsed her parasol and stepped into the shade beneath the large white tent set up in the side garden of the Gleasons’ stately home in Chelsea. About forty guests had been invited to the garden party. Some stood in small groups around the edge of the tent engaged in conversations. Others were seated in white wicker chairs at round tables. Small bouquets of bright spring flowers decorated the center of each table.

  If only she felt as fresh and pretty as those bouquets, but with her corset tied so tight, and the stiff fabric of her new blue dress prickling her skin, she found it nearly impossible to relax and enjoy the party.

  She plucked at her high collar, wishing a breeze would blow through the tent, but the air felt warm and damp. A trickle of perspiration gathered on the side of her forehead, just below her broad-brimmed hat. She lifted her gloved finger and discreetly wiped it away.

  Her aunt scanned the tent, perusing the guests. “Come along, Katherine. There are people we need to meet.” She took Kate’s arm and led her away from William, Julia, and Jon.

  Kate glanced over her shoulder. Jon gave her a half smile as he watched her go, then turned and followed William and Julia in the other direction.

  A footman walked past, dressed in formal livery and carrying a silver tray filled with tempting-looking sandwiches. He stopped at a nearby table and offered them to the women seated there. A maid in a neat black uniform, white ruffled apron, and starched white cap circulated around the tent, offering cups of tea and fruit punch to the guests.

  Louisa tightened her hold on Kate’s arm and lowered her voice. “There’s Agatha Harcourt with her daughter, Laurel. She was presented just after Easter.” She narrowed her eyes. “Goodness, look at that girl’s hair. What a sight. I’d never allow you out of the house with hair looking like that.”

  Laurel’s hair was a bit overdone, with ribbons circling her head in the Grecian style and a large, pink silk rose clipped on at the side, but her hairstyle was no more elaborate than some of the other women’s. Of course many wore large hats covered with feathers and flowers so you couldn’t see their hair at all.

  Kate glanced across the tent and saw Jon talking to Dr. and Mrs. Gleason and their three daughters. She’d met the Gleasons at a dinner at her aunt and uncle’s home last fall, and her aunt had told her they were important people. Kate searched her memory for the girls’ names. Ethel, Erma, and … Evelyn? Yes, that was it. Evelyn was the same age as Kate and was also coming out this season.

  Jon smiled at something Evelyn said. Kate frowned, then turned away. Why should she care if Jon found Evelyn amusing? She hoped he would make some good connections this afternoon. Perhaps they would be helpful to him in the future.

  “Louisa, I was hoping to see you today.” A tall, regal woman in a cream-colored suit approached and extended her hand to Kate’s aunt. She wore a beautiful cream hat with a wide brim decorated with several black ostrich feathers. Walking by her side was a handsome young man with wavy blond hair and deep-set gray eyes.

  “Lady Wellington—Eleanor—how lovely to see you again.” Louisa took the woman’s hand. Her smile spread wider as her gaze traveled to the young man.

  “You remember my eldest son, Edward?”

  “Yes, of course.” Louisa beamed at Edward and then smiled Kate’s way.

  Her aunt had told her to expect an introduction to Lord and Lady Wellington’s oldest son. His father was the Earl of Dunaway, and they owned a large country estate in Somerset.

  Eleanor motioned toward Louisa. “Edward, this is Lady Louisa Gatewood of Wellsbury and her charming niece, Miss Katherine Ramsey of Highland Hall.”

  Edward waited and watched Kate with a slight smile.

  Kate’s training flashed into her mind. She must be the first to speak to him. With a practiced smile, she offered him her hand. “Mr. Wellington, it’s so nice to meet you.”

  His expression warmed. “Miss Ramsey, the pleasure is all mine.” He bowed over their clasped hands. “Since my mother and your aunt are such good friends, I hope you’ll call me Edward.”

  Kate’s heart fluttered. That was a positive sign.

  He turned to Louisa, still holding Kate’s hand. “That would be all right, wouldn’t it?”

  Her aunt could barely contain her pleasure. “Why, of course, Edward. That would be fine. The bond of friendship between our families goes back many years.”

  Kate slipped her hand from his, but she sent him her brightest smile.

  For the next few minutes they discussed the warm weather, the number of guests attending the party, and the fine menu being served. Edward asked her several questions about her interests and life at Highland Hall, then listened attentively to her answers.

  “My, you two certainly seem to have a lot in common.” Good heavens. Louisa was practically gushing!

  Kate’s cheeks warmed and she looked away. Edward Wellington was charming, but with her aunt and his mother hanging on every word they spoke, the conversation felt a bit … strained.

  Louisa turned to Eleanor. “Elizabeth Gleason and I are on the committee planning the St. George’s Hospital bazaar, and I know she wanted to speak to you about joining us.” She smiled at Edward. “I hope you’ll excuse us for a few minutes.”

  “Of course.” He smiled. “I’m sure Katherine and I can keep each other company.”

  Relief coursed through Kate. Thank heaven they were willing to leave her and Edward alone.

  “We’ll be back in a few minutes.” Louisa’s eyes flashed from Kate to Edward, then she whisked Eleanor Wellington away.

  Edward turned to Kate. “Would you like some punch?”

  “Yes, thank you.” She actually was very thirsty, and a glass of punch sounded wonderful.

  He signaled a maid, and she approached with a tray. He took two glasses, and offered one to Kate. “I understand you were presented at court last evening.”

  Kate’s hand stilled, her punch glass halfway to her mouth. Had he read it in the paper or talked to someone who had been present? Kate swallowed and forced a smile. “Yes, I was.”

  “My sister MaryAnn is making her debut this season as well, so presentations are one of the main topics of conversation at our house,” he said, gray eyes twinkling. “I read about your debut in the Sketch this morning. That was quite a feat, being one of the debs mentioned in that article.”

  Kate’s sip of punch turned into a gulp, which sent her into a fit of coughing
.

  Edward reached for her arm. “Are you all right?”

  She nodded, though she couldn’t push out a word past her burning throat.

  “Shall I get you a glass of water?”

  “No, I’ll be fine,” she managed to croak and then coughed again, covering her mouth with her gloved hand.

  Lines crinkled around his eyes as he tried to suppress his smile. “I’m sorry. This punch is chokingly sweet.”

  Kate shook her head. “It’s not that.” She glanced around the tent at the refined, well-dressed guests, feeling out of place. Was it because this was her first social event of the season—or because she was more used to country life than London society? Either way, the urge to throw off the rules was too hard to resist.

  She looked back at Edward. “You know, that article didn’t really tell what happened last night.”

  He cocked his head. “It didn’t?”

  “No. It was written days ago, and my aunt and uncle paid a hefty sum to be sure I was painted in a positive light.”

  Curiosity flickered in his eyes.

  She drained her punch cup and set it aside. “The truth is, I made the three curtsies without too much trouble, but then I forgot you should never turn your back on the royal family.”

  A ripple of surprise passed across his face. “You didn’t.”

  “I did.” She sent him a firm nod. “I didn’t realize my mistake until the room hushed and Princess Mary shot me the most terrible glare. Then my feet tangled in my train, and I had to bend down and try to sort it out before I could back out of the room.”

  Edward’s grin spread wider. “My goodness. I would’ve loved to see that.”

  Kate smiled and then laughed. He joined her, and relief poured through her. She fanned her face, trying to regain her composure. “It was quite a spectacle, I can assure you.”

  He lifted his punch cup toward her as if in a toast. “Katherine Ramsey, I find your honesty quite refreshing.”

  “Thank you. But, please, my friends call me Kate.”

  “All right, if that’s an invitation to be considered your friend, then I would be delighted to call you Kate.”

  Her heart lifted. Edward’s warmth and humor made her glad to welcome him as a friend … and perhaps in time something more.

  They continued their conversation for a few minutes, then he set his empty punch cup on a nearby table and turned back toward her. “The Ballet Russes is performing at Covent Garden this week. Our family has box seats for the season. Would you like to join us on Tuesday night? Of course your aunt or whomever you like would be welcome to come along as your chaperone.”

  Kate’s eyes widened. “The Ballet Russes?” She’d read about their performances in the newspaper and had hoped to see them while they were in town.

  He took a step closer and placed his hand on her arm. “They’re quite modern. I hear they astounded Parisian society with their primitive costumes and exotic music.”

  A thrill raced along Kate’s arm. “Thank you, Edward. I’d love to attend the ballet with you. And I’m sure my aunt or Julia would be happy to go with us.”

  “Is Julia your sister?”

  “No, she’s …” Kate hesitated. How should she explain her relationship to Julia? She didn’t want to add to the gossip that was surely circulating about her governess and her cousin. “Julia is engaged to marry my cousin William. He’s my guardian. She sometimes accompanies me as my chaperone.”

  “Of course.” Edward’s expression gave no hint that he had heard anything about William and Julia. “I’d be delighted to meet her and your cousin.”

  “They’re here today.” Kate glanced around, but she didn’t see them.

  “It’s all right. I’ll call on you tomorrow afternoon to meet them properly, and then we can make arrangements for Tuesday evening.”

  How thoughtful he was. “That sounds wonderful. I’ll look forward to it.”

  Glancing past Edward’s shoulder, she noticed Jon standing with Evelyn Gleason just outside the tent. The bright sunlight reflected off his hair, shooting it with threads of gold and highlighting the strong contours of his face. He looked her way. Then he glanced at Edward and his forehead creased.

  What was that about? Did he know Edward? That didn’t seem likely.

  Evelyn said something to him, and he focused on her again. She was quite a beauty, with a petite figure and creamy complexion. Her father was not titled, but he was president of St. George’s Hospital, and the family had good standing in society. She would be a fine match for Jon.

  Kate quickly dismissed the idea. Evelyn Gleason didn’t seem like the type of girl who would be eager to give up her life in London and become the wife of a missionary headed for India. Why was she even thinking about who Jon would marry? His future plans were none of her concern.

  Kate focused on Edward again, listening as he spoke about his love for riding and hunting.

  Edward Wellington was exactly the type of young man she had hoped to meet. Her aunt would be thrilled when she heard he had invited her to the ballet. How exciting it would be to walk into Covent Garden on the arm of such a handsome man from a well-respected family.

  What a stroke of luck to be introduced to him at her very first event of the season!

  “You lived in India? My goodness, that sounds terribly exciting. How long were you there?” Evelyn Gleason’s large, dark-brown eyes sparkled as she looked up at Jon. Her fair complexion and upturned nose made her look younger than eighteen, though he knew that was her age. Her mother had announced it when they had been introduced, along with the fact Evelyn had been presented at court just two weeks earlier.

  Evelyn’s rose-colored hat matched her silky dress and seemed to give her cheeks a pink tint. Was she truly interested in Jon’s missionary work in India, or was she simply hoping to capture a potential beau?

  He chose to believe the best about her, though he couldn’t help remembering Theo’s comment about Dr. Gleason wanting his daughters to meet and marry medical students. “I lived in India from the time I was twelve until I returned to London two years ago to continue my medical training.”

  “How interesting. I’ve never traveled more than a day’s journey from London, but I hope to see more of the world someday.”

  “Traveling and living overseas can be a wonderful experience. It opened my eyes to what God is doing around the world.”

  She nodded, her expression eager. “I imagine actually living in a country and serving as a missionary would give you a much better understanding of the people and culture than simply traveling through on holiday.”

  “Yes, it does.” His gaze drifted past Evelyn to the other side of the tent, where Kate stood with a tall man about Jon’s age. He wore a well-cut, cream-colored suit with a red rose pinned to his lapel. His intent focus on Kate and pleased expression made it clear he was enjoying their conversation.

  “Jon?”

  He blinked and shifted his gaze back to Evelyn. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”

  She tipped her head. “Who are you watching?”

  His neck warmed. “Forgive me. I was distracted for a moment.”

  “It’s all right. That’s why we young people do the season—to see and be seen and hopefully find our future life’s companion.” She lifted her finger to her lips. “But I’m sure my mother would not approve of that comment.” A teasing smile tipped up the corners of her mouth. “Who do you have your eye on?”

  “I was just checking on a friend.”

  “Come now, tell me who she is.” She waited, her face upturned. Obviously she would not be satisfied until he answered.

  He looked across the tent. “Katherine Ramsey. My sister is engaged to her guardian, William Ramsey.”

  Evelyn casually glanced over her shoulder. “Oh yes. I met her last fall.” She watched Kate for a moment, then turned back. “I believe she was one of the debutantes mentioned in this morning’s paper.”

  “Yes, that was Kate.” A surge of
something close to pride rose in his chest as he recalled the comments in the article. Lady Gatewood may have paid the columnist to write it, but the facts were true. Kate was a beautiful and accomplished young woman, and he was sure she’d soon have a long line of suitors. He pushed that unpleasant thought away.

  Evelyn looked back at Jon. “She’s very pretty. I can see why you have your eye on her.”

  He let those words roll past and kept his focus on Evelyn. It wouldn’t do to have Evelyn spread gossip about him and Kate, especially when there was no truth to it. “This is Kate’s first event of the season. I thought it might be a bit intimidating for her.”

  Evelyn glanced Kate’s way again. “I’d say she’s doing quite well. That’s Edward Wellington she’s speaking to now. He’s the son of Lord Wellington, the Earl of Dunaway. They own a very large estate in Somerset.” She lowered her voice. “He’s the eldest, and he’s in line to inherit it all.”

  “What else do you know about him?”

  “Only that he recently ended a long courtship with a young woman and left her with a broken heart.”

  Jon tensed and glanced at Kate. She and Edward Wellington were laughing about something. Then Edward took a step closer, laid his hand on Kate’s arm, and whispered something in her ear.

  Irritation coursed through Jon. It seemed very forward for Edward to take such liberties with a young woman he had just met.

  “It’s kind of you to watch out for her, but it looks as though Edward is taking very good care of Miss Ramsey.”

  He watched them a moment more, then turned away just as his aunt Beatrice, Julia, and William crossed the tent toward him.

  “Jonathan.” Beatrice leaned in and kissed his cheek, then she turned to Evelyn with a bright smile. “Please introduce us to your lovely friend.”

  “This is Evelyn Gleason, Dr. and Mrs. Gleason’s youngest daughter. Evelyn, this is my aunt, Lady Beatrice Danforth, my sister, Julia Foster, and her fiancé, Sir William Ramsey, Baronet of Highland Hall.”

  Beatrice took Evelyn’s hand. “Why, Evelyn, I didn’t recognize you. You’ve grown into a beautiful young woman.”