The Daughter of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

  “Thank you, Lady Danforth. It’s a pleasure to see you again. I’m so happy you could join us today.” Their conversation continued as Beatrice asked Evelyn about her family, and then Evelyn questioned Lady Danforth, Julia, and William about their plans for the season.

  Aunt Beatrice turned to him. “So, Jon, are you enjoying the party?”

  “It was kind of the Gleasons to invite me. It’s always a pleasure to meet new friends.” He hoped that answer would suffice. He couldn’t very well confess he was rather bored and wished he had agreed to volunteer at the Daystar Clinic rather than come to the party. Perhaps it wasn’t too late to change his mind. If he could slip away soon, he might be able to spend a few hours with Theo and Dr. Pittsford and see why they were so eager to be involved in the work on the East End.

  He focused his attention on Julia. “Have you seen the Gleasons’ flower gardens?”

  Julia hesitated. “No, I haven’t.”

  “Why don’t we go take a look?” He offered her his arm. “William, I promise I’ll bring her back in a few minutes.”

  William sent him a quizzical look, but nodded. “Of course. Take your time. Enjoy the flowers.”

  Jon led her away.

  “Touring the gardens to see the flowers?” Julia asked in a hushed tone. “What is this all about?”

  “I wanted to speak to you in private.”

  “All right.” They followed the pathway around the side of the house and into the gardens.

  “I don’t want to be rude, but I think I’m going to slip away.”

  “I don’t suppose anyone will mind. You’ve put in an appearance and made Aunt Beatrice happy.” Julia smiled up at him, affection filling her eyes.

  His gaze traveled from the tent to the formal garden. “It’s strange, isn’t it?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Trying to make our way in London society when we’re much more used to village life in India.”

  Her smile faded. “Yes, it is a bit of an adjustment, I’ll grant you that. I often feel I’m pulled in different directions.”

  He knew exactly what she meant. Even after two years in London, he sometimes still felt like an outsider.

  “I want to please William and fit in with his family and circle of friends,” Julia continued, “but I don’t quite feel at ease, at least not yet.”

  He studied his sister. She had only returned to England last autumn after twelve years in India, almost half her life. It couldn’t be easy, adjusting to her changing role and preparing to become William’s wife, as well as the mistress of his London home and Highland Hall.

  He laid his hand on her arm. “You’re doing a splendid job. I can tell William is very happy to have you by his side, and he will be even happier when you become his bride.”

  Julia’s smile returned. “You are a dear. I’m so glad we have this time together.”

  “I’m thankful for it as well.” Jon glanced toward the tent.

  Julia followed his gaze. “I wonder who that is talking to Kate.”

  “I believe his name is Edward Wellington.”

  “Have you met him?”

  “No, Evelyn Gleason mentioned him to me. He’s the eldest son of the earl of … something, and he’s in line to inherit his father’s title and property.” He thought about mentioning the rest of what Evelyn had said, but he wasn’t sure if it was true, so he held his peace.

  “I suppose Louisa must have introduced them.” Julia released a soft sigh. “He sounds like the type of man she hopes to find for Kate.”

  “Surely you and William will be the ones to make that decision. With Kate, of course.”

  She sent him a doubtful glance. “Louisa is very determined to lead the way and see that Kate is engaged by the end of summer.”

  “I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t understand why William allows her to have any say in it.”

  “Apparently Louisa promised Kate’s mother that she would bring Kate and Penny into society and make sure they married well, and deathbed promises are not easily forgotten.”

  “That may be true … Still, I don’t know how any of you put up with her.”

  “She can be difficult.”

  “Surely there must be some other reason for all the pressure she is putting on Kate.”

  “Louisa has no children of her own, and I suppose there’s a sense of power and influence that comes with being a debutante’s sponsor.”

  Jon huffed and shook his head. “She certainly seems to relish that, and the season’s only begun.”

  Julia sighed. “Don’t remind me.”

  Jon shifted his gaze back toward the tent and studied Edward Wellington once more. Even from a distance he looked self-assured, like a man who knew what he wanted, but what about his character? He turned to Julia. “Is Edward Wellington the kind of man you want Kate to marry?”

  “I don’t know anything about him, except what you’ve told me. But I’m not worried. If he is interested in Kate, he’ll have to meet William and get his permission to call on her. If that happens, we can make discreet inquiries about him and his family.”

  “Good.” Jon nodded. “Someone ought to look into his background and be sure of his reputation.”

  Julia laughed softly. “You’re sounding very much like a protective older brother.”

  Jon straightened. He was feeling protective … but not particularly brotherly. “I’m just watching out for her.” He pushed his concern aside and checked his watch. “I think I’ll take my leave. Will you make my excuses to the Gleasons and thank them for me?”

  “All right, but why are you leaving so soon?”

  “My friends from the hospital are working at a free clinic in the East End, and I’d like to join them for a few hours.”

  A faint line creased Julia’s brow. “I’ve heard there is quite a bit of crime in that area.”

  He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Don’t worry. I’ve walked the streets of Bombay and tramped through the villages around Kanakapura. I can certainly handle a few hours in the East End.”

  Kate walked in the front door and stepped into the cool and quiet entrance hall at Ramsey House. Aunt Louisa, William, and Julia followed her inside.

  Late afternoon sunshine slanted through the front windows as William took off his hat and handed it to Lawrence with a weary sigh. He turned to Julia. “I’ll be in the library if you need me.”

  Understanding flickered in her eyes, and she squeezed his hand. “I’ll go up and check on the children.”

  He headed to the library, while Julia climbed the stairs.

  “Kate, you’re home!” Penny looked over the upper banister, and then came bounding down the steps. “How was the garden party? Who did you meet? Were the men all terrifically charming and dashingly handsome?”

  Louisa handed her parasol to Lawrence. “Penelope, please don’t run down the stairs.”

  “Sorry, Aunt Louisa.” Penny barely acknowledged her aunt before she turned back to Kate. “What did people say about your hat and dress?”

  “Which question shall I answer first?” Kate smiled, thinking of Edward as she unpinned her hat.

  “Tell me who was there.”

  “There were about forty or fifty people, most of them were new acquaintances, and several were … very interesting.”

  Her sister’s eyes widened. “Oh, I want to hear all about it.”

  Lawrence lifted a silver tray from the side table and held it out toward Kate. “These came for you, miss.”

  Kate stared at the stack of envelopes. “Those are all for me?”

  His mouth pulled up at one corner, hinting at a smile. “Yes, miss.”

  Louisa reached past Kate and scooped up the envelopes and silver letter opener. “Come along, Katherine. We’ll open these in the drawing room.”

  Penny frowned at her aunt and sent a questioning glance at Kate.

  Kate shook her head, then followed Louisa through the double doors. She had already endured a lectu
re on the ride home for telling Edward about the mishap at her presentation, and she wasn’t eager for another. Her aunt had seen her and Edward laughing, then had demanded to know what had been said.

  Her aunt’s scolding words rang through Kate’s mind as she entered the drawing room. “You should never have discussed your presentation with Edward. We don’t want that story circulating! His mother knows everyone, and she is not one to keep a secret.”

  Louisa pursed her lips and quickly sorted through the envelopes. “Most of these are replies to our invitation to your ball.” She set several small cream-colored envelopes aside, then scanned the writing on a square, white envelope. “But this one is from the Hoffmans.” She lifted it with a gleeful smile.

  “Who are the Hoffmans?” Kate moved to her aunt’s side.

  Louisa sent Kate a scornful glance. “Gertrude Hoffman is one of the most influential women in London. I pointed her out to you last night at the palace. She was with her daughter-in-law, Priscilla. Don’t you remember?”

  Kate shrugged.

  “For heaven’s sake, Katherine, how many times have I told you shrugging is not ladylike?”

  Kate released an exasperated sigh. “I don’t see why it matters. There’s no one here to see me but you and Penny.”

  “Good manners should be practiced at home so they come naturally when you’re in public.”

  Kate rolled her eyes.

  “Never mind. Receiving an invitation from Gertrude Hoffman is a good sign, a very good sign indeed.” She slit the envelope and pulled out the card.

  Penny stood on tiptoe and leaned closer. “Is it a ball?”

  “No … it’s a dinner on the third of May. That’s only a week before your ball. I wish it were sooner, so there was time for word to spread, but it will do.”

  Kate frowned. “What do you mean?”

  Louisa looked at Kate as though she were a simpleton. “When people hear Gertrude Hoffman has invited you to dinner, those who haven’t responded to our invitation will reconsider.” Louisa continued opening the invitations. “You met some important people today at the Gleasons’, but making an appearance at a dinner given by the Hoffmans will be even more helpful. Now if we could only secure an invitation from the Taylor-Mumfords, that would be a real coup. Then all the doors of London society would swing open for you.”

  Kate lowered herself into a chair, her mind spinning. The season had just started, and she was already struggling to remember the names and faces of everyone she’d met. How was she supposed to keep them all sorted out and know who was who? Would all these invitations and connections really help her meet her future husband?

  Edward Wellington’s face rose in her mind, and pleasant warmth flowed through her.

  Perhaps she already had.

  SIX

  Jon reined in his mount and slowed his pace to stay even with Kate. She rode sidesaddle next to him down Rotten Row, the wide, sandy path leading through Hyde Park. Several other riders dressed in impressive outfits and tall black hats trotted along the pathway.

  Jon would’ve preferred riding in the country, but Kate’s aunt had insisted this was the place to be seen by those in town for the season. A girl’s father or brother usually escorted a young woman on a ride like this, but Kate had neither, so William had asked Jon to accompany her. Lady Gatewood had not been pleased with that prospect and tried to persuade William to escort Kate. But William would not be swayed. He and Julia had promised the children a trip to the London Zoological Gardens, and he did not intend to change his plans if Jon was willing to ride with Kate.

  Lady Gatewood had huffed and strode out of the dining room as though she had been insulted, but Kate was eager to ride and willing to be escorted by Jon, so they’d set off.

  The morning was cool and slightly overcast, making it a pleasant day for a ride. Kate glanced his way. “Do you know why they call it Rotten Row?”

  “Because of all the cleanup needed?” He grinned and glanced at the sandy path.

  She smiled, a teasing light in her eyes. “No. It was originally called the Route de Roi, the Royal Route or the King’s Road, but those who didn’t speak French thought it sounded like Rotten Row.”

  “Ah, that makes sense. Where did you learn that bit of history?”

  “From my excellent governess, of course.”

  He was glad to see Kate smile about his sister. According to Julia, Kate had given her quite a difficult time when she first arrived at Highland as the new governess. But Kate slowly adjusted to the changes following her father’s death, and it seemed she finally accepted and appreciated Julia’s help with finishing her education and preparing for the season.

  Since they’d come to London, Kate’s aunt had taken a more dominant role in Kate’s life as her sponsor and chaperone, and Julia had stepped back a bit to allow it. Jon wasn’t sure that was wise, but it seemed that was what they had all agreed to.

  A stout young man with a dark moustache nodded to Kate and gave her a lingering smile as he rode past on a large bay.

  Jon bristled and brought his horse closer to Kate’s. “Do you know that man?”

  Kate glanced over her shoulder with a slight smile. “I don’t believe so.” She turned back to Jon. “Perhaps we met at the Gleasons’ garden party. But it’s hard to tell with everyone dressed so differently today than they were on Saturday.”

  The breeze teased the netting on Kate’s black hat, and she lifted her gloved hand to adjust it. Her cheeks were flushed a pretty pink, and she looked very smart in her black riding outfit with the fitted jacket and long full skirt. She was an expert rider, and her posture and the tilt of her chin made a very fetching picture. He could see why the man took a lingering look.

  Kate glanced his way again. “Why did you leave the garden party early?”

  A ripple of surprise traveled through Jon. He didn’t think she would notice his departure. “I wanted to join some friends who were volunteering at a clinic in the East End.”

  “Isn’t that quite a dangerous place?”

  “I suppose it can be if you don’t know how to take care of yourself.”

  She lifted one eyebrow. “But you do?”

  A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, and he nodded. “I like to think so.”

  The humor faded from her expression. “What was it like?”

  “The East End or the clinic?”

  “Both.”

  He shifted in the saddle, images flowing through his mind. “It’s a very poor area. Many of the buildings look as though they’re ready to fall down. Conditions are cramped and dirty, and there’s little light or fresh air. I can see why there is so much disease and discouragement. On many of the streets, I saw destitute young women and children in ragged and dirty clothes.”

  He thought she might be disgusted by his description, but sympathy shone in her eyes. “Why are the children on the streets? Are there no schools?”

  “There are some, but many children appear to be on their own without any parents to watch over them.”

  “They’re just out on the streets?”

  “I’m afraid so, and unfortunately some turn to a life of crime to get by.” Dr. Pittsford had shared a few sad stories with him on Saturday.

  Kate sent him a skeptical glance. “What kind of crimes could children commit?”

  “Some become pickpockets or steal from vendors. And the young women turn to …” He shook his head, unwilling to finish that sentence, but he could tell she understood his meaning. “Dr. Pittsford, one of my teachers at St. George’s, opened Daystar Clinic to provide free medical care, but there is so much more that needs to be done.”

  Kate pressed her lips together and looked down the path. “It doesn’t seem right that children and young women should suffer so. Perhaps William’s church here in London could take up the cause.”

  “I was thinking of bringing the need to my church. They support many foreign missionaries, but there is a great need right here in our own city.”
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br />   Kate nodded and her expression eased. “Do you miss your life in India?”

  He looked at her, surprised by her shift in the conversation. “In some ways, yes.”

  She returned his gaze, genuine interest in her eyes. “What did you like best?”

  “Working with my family, especially my father. I’ve learned so much from him, medically, and about life in general. I miss seeing him and my mother every day and sharing so many experiences together.” He thought for a few more seconds. “And I miss the girls we cared for there. They became like our extended family.”

  “Has the work continued since your parents left?”

  “Yes. My father insisted nationals be trained to carry on, in case we had to leave, and it’s a good thing he did. The girls are well cared for. Their schooling continues, and nurses at the clinic serve the basic medical needs of those in the village.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” Kate fingered the reins. “I’ve enjoyed the stories Julia told us about your work there. It must have been very rewarding to see the girls who had been rescued growing up safe and happy.”

  “Yes.” But that pleasant thought was soon replaced by a painful memory. He clenched his jaw and looked toward the trees. “I’m afraid not all of the girls are safe and happy.”

  Kate tipped her head. “What do you mean?”

  He shifted his reins to the other hand, debating if he should tell her the story. Would she understand the struggle he still wrestled with even though so much time had passed? He looked across at Kate, and her open expression encouraged him to continue.

  “I was just remembering Lalita, one of the girls we rescued from an abusive home when she was twelve. We kept her safely hidden away with us until shortly after she turned sixteen.” His throat tightened, and he looked down.

  “What happened then?”

  “After her family learned she was living with us, they hired men to break into our compound and take her away one night.”

  Kate stared at him, her face growing pale.

  “The next morning, after we discovered she’d been taken, my father and I set off to search for her. The local authorities even agreed to help us when we explained the circumstances. Three days later we learned she had been taken to a neighboring village and married off to a wretched man older than her father. Her new husband had a terrible reputation as a thief and drunkard. Her parents told the authorities they did it to protect her from us and our heathen God, but I believe they did it for the money.”