The Daughter of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

  Lady Gatewood opened Katherine’s jewelry case, then took out a comb covered with sparkling gems. “Here, put this in her hair.”

  Katherine sat on the dressing-table bench again.

  Lydia’s hands shook as she took the comb and looked in the mirror, trying to decide where to place it.

  “Oh, for heaven’s sake, girl!” Lady Gatewood snatched the comb from Lydia and shoved it into Katherine’s hair. Katherine gasped.

  “There. That will do.” Lady Gatewood released a huff, then strode toward the door. “Collect your things, Katherine, and meet me downstairs in five minutes.” She walked out without waiting for a reply, and the door closed behind her.

  Katherine rose and turned to Lydia. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why she has to be so abrupt.”

  Lydia lifted one shoulder. “It’s all right, miss.”

  “No, it’s not. She shouldn’t treat you that way, but I doubt either one of us can do anything about it.” Katherine glanced at her reflection, and a slight frown creased her forehead.

  Lydia met her gaze in the mirror. “You look very nice, miss.”

  Katherine ran a hand down her skirt. “The dress is lovely, though pink has never been my favorite color.”

  Lydia handed Katherine her shawl and beaded handbag. “Don’t forget these.”

  “Yes, thank you.” She draped the shawl over her arm. “I hope the letter from your parents will ease your mind about your sister.”

  Lydia pondered that a moment. “I’m glad to know she’s here in town, but I’m still worried about her. Charlie Gibbons is not a man to be trusted.”

  The look of concern in Katherine’s eyes deepened. “I’ll speak to Jon the first chance I have. I’m sure he’ll help us.”

  “Thank you, miss. I’d be ever so grateful.”

  Would Mr. Foster be willing to help them search for Helen? Miss Katherine seemed certain he would, but what if that was only wishful thinking? How would she find her sister and convince her to go home?

  Jon opened the front door and stepped outside, his thoughts on what his duties might be at the hospital that day. A misty fog hung in the morning air, limiting his vision to a few feet in front of him. He checked his watch, placed his hat on his head, and started down the steps.

  “Jon, wait!”

  He turned as Kate hurried out the front door. Her light-green dress swished around her ankles as she descended the steps and met him at the bottom.

  “Good morning, Kate.”

  “Good morning.” She glanced over her shoulder, then came closer, her blue eyes bright. “I have an important favor to ask.”

  She smelled faintly of jasmine, and his heartbeat picked up speed at her nearness. He set his jaw and squelched his response. “Of course. What can I do for you?”

  “My maid, Lydia, needs to go to the East End to find her sister Helen.”

  Jon’s brow creased. “Find her? What do you mean?”

  “A few weeks ago Lydia’s sister disappeared from home. Her father made some inquiries. They believe she ran away with a man who worked on a neighboring farm, and the two of them have come to London. Lydia’s parents wrote and asked her to go to Helen and try to convince her to return to her family.”

  “Do you know where she’s staying?”

  Kate nodded. “Lydia received a letter from her parents with the address.” She took a folded sheet of paper from her skirt pocket and handed it to him.

  He opened it, skimmed down the page, and focused on the address in the last paragraph. He wasn’t familiar with Marlton Street, but he was certain he could locate it without too much trouble. The situation sounded serious and should be addressed as soon as possible. He lifted his gaze to meet Kate’s. “I’ll go there today when I finish my shift at the hospital.”

  Kate pulled back. “Oh, you can’t go without us.”

  “Us? Surely you’re not thinking of going.”

  “Of course. Lydia and I must go. Her sister doesn’t know you. And I doubt you could convince her to leave the man she’s with and return to her parents. Lydia must speak to her, and she won’t go without me.”

  Jon took in a deep breath, considering Kate’s request. He and his father had traveled through the night many times to rescue girls who were kept as slaves or abused in the temples in India, but they always scouted out the situation first and spent time praying and preparing. The Lord had gone before them in India—surely Jon could count on His help here on a similar mission. A wave of assurance rose and filled his mind. With the Lord’s help and guidance, he would find Lydia’s sister and bring her safely back to her family.

  But taking Kate along was another matter.

  He straightened. “It’s not wise for you to go along. Your aunt would never approve, and I doubt William or Julia would either.”

  Kate clicked her tongue and waved away his concerns. “If we all go together, I’m sure they’ll agree to the plan.”

  Jon wasn’t so sure. He glanced back at the house, doubts pressing in. He didn’t want to put Kate in danger or upset Julia and William. But convincing Helen to leave the fellow she had run away with could be a challenge. Lydia and Kate would have a stronger influence on the woman than Jon ever could.

  “Please, Jon.” Misty fog swirled around Kate, and drops of moisture clung to her hair. “We don’t know how long they’ll stay at this address. We have to go reason with Helen while we have the chance.”

  His resistance eased, but he would not make any promises. “I’ll locate the address and check out the area. But I won’t take you or Lydia unless it seems safe. And you must speak to William and Julia and gain their permission.”

  She crossed her arms, looking slightly perturbed. “If you insist.”

  “I do.”

  A hint of a smile lifted the corners of her mouth. “My, you certainly are cautious. Don’t you think you’re being a little overprotective?”

  “The East End can be a dangerous area.”

  “That’s what I’ve heard, but I thought you said you know how to take care of yourself.”

  “I do. But you’re asking me to be responsible for you and Lydia and to convince her sister to leave a man who is known for drinking and fighting.” He looked at Kate, hoping his words would sink in. “That man had no qualms about stealing Helen away from her family. We have no idea what he might do to keep her. That’s nothing to joke about.”

  She shook her head, a teasing light still flickering in her eyes. “I think you’re just trying to frighten me into staying home.”

  He reached for her arm. “I’m not joking, Kate. It’s serious business to confront the darkness and pull someone back from the edge. I don’t take that lightly, and neither should you.”

  The humor faded from Kate’s eyes. “I understand. It’s not a game.”

  He nodded, but he doubted she knew what awaited her in the East End.

  EIGHT

  William stood with his hat in his hand and glanced around the front office of Ramsey Imports. It had been almost a year since he had sold his half interest in the family business to his brother, David, and moved to Highland Hall. The office reception area looked much the same, though a new clerk had greeted him when he arrived.

  What had happened to Lionel Mortensen? He had been his father’s clerk for almost twenty years, and after William’s father died, he assisted William for four more years. Lionel was getting up in age, but he had always been faithful and hardworking.

  Had David sacked the man? William certainly hoped not.

  The new clerk, a young man in his twenties with unkempt dark hair and rumpled suit, returned to the front office. “Mr. Ramsey will see you now.”

  William thanked the clerk and walked through the doorway into his old office. David looked up from behind the large oak desk. Stacks of ledgers, folders, and miscellaneous papers were spread around him in disarray. A trunk and several open boxes sat on the floor beside his desk. The curtains were closed, and the only light in the room came from the twin
lamps on each side of the desk. “William, what brings you here?”

  “Good afternoon, David. How are you?” William held out his hand.

  David grimaced and rose. “Sorry.” They shook hands briefly, and David sat in the large black leather chair again. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I have a stack of paperwork to go through and a meeting with one of our ship captains at three.”

  “I understand, but there’s an important matter we need to discuss.”

  David’s frown returned, but he motioned William to take a seat. “What is it?”

  William lowered himself into the chair. “I understand you saw Katherine at the ballet on Tuesday evening.”

  David stilled and met William’s gaze. “Yes. We saw each other at intermission.”

  “Katherine told us she overheard two women discussing you and … Dorothea Martindale.”

  David’s face flushed and he looked away. “I don’t listen to gossip, and neither should you.”

  William eyebrows rose. “Is it true? Are you involved with her?”

  David huffed. “I don’t believe that’s any of your business.”

  William’s irritation stirred, but he determined not to allow his emotions to overrule his good judgment. “I am your brother, and I’m concerned for you.”

  “Well, that would be quite unusual.”

  William clenched his jaw. “I don’t want to make assumptions, David. I’d like to know the truth.”

  David fixed his stony gaze on William for several seconds. “Very well. Dorothea and I met a few months ago. She’s a beautiful woman with a large circle of friends, and we have a great deal in common.”

  “But she’s married to the Earl of Stratford and has two young children.”

  David’s face turned ruddy, and he shifted in his chair. “Her marriage is not a happy one. Reginald Martindale does not treat her as he should. They only married to please their families, and now he spends most of his time out of the country on diplomatic missions in Spain and Portugal. He cares nothing for Dorothea.”

  “Even if that’s true, it doesn’t justify becoming involved with her in an affair.”

  David leaned forward, his gaze intense. “This is not a passing fancy, William. I care deeply about Dorothea, and she feels the same way about me.”

  His brother seemed sincere, but that didn’t make it right. “If you truly care for her, then you’ll end it before you hurt her any more than you already have.”

  David’s eyes flashed. “You don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m not hurting Dorothea. I’m the one bright spot in her very painful life.”

  William shook his head. “I’m sorry, David, but there can be no happy ending to this story. You’re damaging your reputation, and that is going to reflect poorly on everyone connected with you.”

  “Ha!” David slapped his hand on the desk. “Now we see what really brought you here. You don’t care what happens to Dorothea or me. You’re concerned about the damage this might do to the family’s reputation.”

  “Protecting our family is my responsibility, and I take that very seriously.”

  “Well, you should’ve thought about that before you proposed marriage to your children’s governess.”

  Heat surged into William’s face. “That’s enough! Do not say another word about Julia!”

  David held up his hand. “All right. Calm down. I suppose that was out of line.”

  William straightened his jacket. “I came here because you are my brother, and I feel a responsibility toward you. And in spite of our disagreements in the past, I want what’s best for you.”

  “I have a hard time believing that’s your true motivation.”

  Regret burned William’s throat. No matter what his brother thought, he did care, and he didn’t want to see him throw his life away. “Please, David, consider the consequences for everyone involved. End this affair and make a clean break from Dorothea before it’s too late.”

  David rose, his mouth set in a firm line. “I’ve heard your concerns, but I disagree with you. There’s nothing more to say.”

  William studied his brother, his anger fading to sorrow. The path David had chosen could only lead to loss and misery. “I’m sorry, David.” He rose from his chair and softened his tone. “I pray someday you’ll see things clearly and have a change of heart.”

  A muscle in David’s jaw flickered, but he gave no reply.

  William turned away, placed his hat on his head, and walked out of the office.

  Kate noted the luncheon at the Carmichaels’ on her calendar and then set aside their invitation. She had no idea who they were, but her aunt said they were important members of society, so they should accept.

  “Read the next invitation.” Her aunt lay on the couch with a damp cloth covering her eyes and forehead, nursing a headache.

  Kate opened the cream-colored envelope. “Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Poindexter-Hollander request your presence at a tea dance on Friday, the seventeenth of May, at four o’clock.” Kate sighed. “Who are the Poindexter-Hollanders?”

  “No one of importance.” Her aunt huffed. “A tea dance. For goodness’ sake. What is the world coming to? Send our regrets.”

  Kate rolled her eyes and set the invitation on the regret pile.

  Louisa adjusted the cloth. “Are there any more?”

  “Just one.” Kate slit open the large, light-blue envelope and pulled out the card. “Lord Matthew Harcourt and Lady Agatha Harcourt request your presence at a ball given in honor of their daughter Laurel Marie Harcourt on Saturday, the eighteenth of May.” Kate scanned the rest of the information. “Didn’t we meet them at the Gleasons’ garden party?”

  “Yes, Laurel was the one with the outlandish hair style.”

  Kate smiled. “Oh yes, I remember.” She thought Laurel’s hair actually looked quite nice, but she didn’t want to argue the point with her aunt, especially when Louisa had a headache.

  “Agatha Harcourt is a high-minded prig, but they’re well connected. Send our acceptance.” Louisa slowly sat up and rubbed her temple. “Oh, dear, it’s almost time to change for dinner. I don’t know how I can manage it with this headache.”

  “Perhaps Julia should come with me, and you can stay home and rest.”

  Louisa’s eyes widened. “And miss dinner with the Wellingtons? I’d have to be on my deathbed before I’d let that happen.” Her aunt dropped the cloth into the bowl on the end table. “This is the first time Edward’s parents have invited you to their home. We must both be there. And you must be on your best behavior.”

  What would it be like to spend the evening with Edward’s family? Of course she’d met his parents when she attended the ballet with Edward, but being invited to dinner at their home was quite a different matter. “Do you think it will be a large dinner party or small?”

  “I don’t know. We should be prepared for either.”

  Kate sent her aunt a quizzical look. How did one prepare to attend a dinner?

  Louisa stood, her hand on her forehead. “I’m going to ask Mrs. Adams if she has any headache powders, then I’ll go up to dress.”

  “All right.” Kate turned back to the desk. “I’ll just finish these responses and then go up.”

  “Do them quickly. You’ll need to redo your hair.” Louisa stopped by the library door and looked back at Kate. “Wear the violet silk gown with the silver beading. That one shows off your figure to the best advantage.”

  Heat infused Kate’s cheeks. She loved the color, but that particular dress had a rather low-cut neckline. “Are you sure? That one seems a bit risqué for dinner with the Wellingtons.”

  “Nonsense! You want to catch Edward’s eye, don’t you?”

  “Yes, but I’d like him to look at my face and not my neckline.”

  “For goodness’ sake, Katherine. Don’t exaggerate! That dress is perfectly respectable.” Louisa strode out of the library.

  Kate sighed and turned back to the pile of invitations on the desk. She took
a note card from the box and penned their acceptance to the Harcourts. Then she jotted a quick note of regret to the Poindexter-Hollanders.

  “Ah, Kate, there you are.” Jon entered the library. “I hoped I’d see you.”

  Kate turned and greeted Jon with a smile. “How was your day at the hospital?”

  “Not too bad. I went to the East End after I finished my shift. I found the address for Lydia’s sister.”

  “Oh, Jon, that’s wonderful. What’s it like?”

  “The building is a bit run-down. There’s a butcher shop on the ground floor, and several flats above that. It’s not a very pleasant place, but I believe I could take you and Lydia there without putting you in too much danger.”

  “Thank you. Lydia will be so grateful. When can we go?”

  “Tomorrow, if you like.”

  Kate turned back to the desk and studied her calendar. “I’m going riding with Edward in the morning, and I have a tea and a dinner tomorrow.”

  He crossed to the desk and looked over her shoulder.

  She glanced at the events as he read them, and her face warmed. None of them seemed important enough to delay their search for Helen. She scanned the coming week, looking for a few free hours. “If we went on Thursday morning, could we be back by one o’clock?”

  Jon rubbed his jaw. “I’m supposed to work at the hospital that day, but Theo might cover for me.”

  “Theo?”

  “Yes, I worked his shift last Friday, so he might take Thursday for me.”

  Kate studied him, wishing she knew more about Jon’s friends and his work at the hospital. The few things he had told her made it sound quite interesting. “It must be wonderful to train for an actual occupation.”

  He cocked his head and studied her, a question in his eyes.

  “I mean, I know it must take a great deal of hard work and sacrifice to become a doctor, but you’ll be saving lives every day.”

  “It probably won’t be that dramatic, but it should be a rewarding career.”

  She glanced at her calendar, a wave of uneasiness rising within. “My future doesn’t seem nearly as inspiring as yours.”