The Daughter of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

  “Women may not always have the same opportunities as men, but marrying and raising a family can be just as rewarding.”

  “Yes, of course … Still, I admire your dedication and commitment to—”

  “Kate!” Louisa stepped through the doorway and glared at Jon. “Look at the time. You have to change. We’re leaving in twenty minutes.”

  Kate sent her aunt a pointed glance. “I’m aware of the time. I’ll be along in just a moment.”

  “See that you are.” Her aunt turned and stalked away.

  Jon stepped back. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to delay you.”

  “No. It’s all right. I have more than enough time to change. She’s just in a dither because we’re going to the Wellingtons’ for dinner.”

  Jon stilled and met her gaze. “Edward Wellington’s?”

  “Yes.”

  He studied her for a moment, some undefined emotion shimmering in his eyes. “I hope you have a pleasant evening.” He started toward the door.

  “Jon …”

  He stopped and looked over his shoulder, his mouth set in a firm line.

  “I appreciate you searching out that address. I do want to go with you on Thursday. I’m sure Lydia will as well.”

  A muscle in his jaw flickered. “I’ll check and see if I can make the arrangements.”

  “So … you’ll let me know?”

  He hesitated a moment. “Yes. I will. Good night, Kate.”

  She watched him go, her spirit deflating. For some reason she had disappointed him. Was it because they had to postpone their search for Helen until her social calendar cleared, or was it something else?

  If only Louisa hadn’t come in and cut off their conversation … but she wasn’t sure that would’ve solved the problem. She had the unpleasant feeling she’d let Jon down, and she didn’t like that feeling at all.

  “Good night, Papa.” Millie offered William a sleepy smile and kissed his cheek.

  “Good night, Millie. Rest well, my dear, and we’ll see you in the morning.”

  She yawned and took Ann’s hand. “All right.”

  Andrew hugged Julia, then stood before William. “Are we going to see the changing of the guard tomorrow?”

  William glanced at Julia, and she returned the question with her eyes. “I’m not sure, son. It depends on the weather and Kate’s schedule.”

  Andrew clasped his hands. “Oh, please. You promised we’d go.”

  “I know, but we’ll have to wait and see.” He gave the boy’s shoulder a pat. “Good night, son.”

  Andrew blew out a deep breath. “All right. Good night, Papa.”

  Ann led Millie and Andrew out the doorway and upstairs to their bedroom.

  William eased back on the settee next to Julia, stretched out his long legs, and released a contented sigh. Raindrops drummed softly on the drawing room windows, and flames leaped and crackled in the fireplace, spreading welcoming warmth.

  He leaned closer to Julia, enjoying her nearness and savoring the faint trace of lavender in the air around her. What a treat to have a few moments alone together. How much he was looking forward to their wedding day, their trip to Cornwall, and then returning to Highland to build their future together.

  She looked up and smiled, the firelight glowing in her eyes. “How was your visit with David?”

  William’s happy thoughts of his future with Julia faded as the issues with his brother rose to fill his mind. “Not well, I’m afraid.”

  Julia’s smile dimmed. “What did he say?”

  “The whole conversation lasted less than ten minutes, and none of it was pleasant.”

  “So it’s true? He’s involved with Dorothea Martindale?”

  “Yes, I’m afraid so, and he didn’t want to listen to anything I had to say about it.”

  “How did you leave it?”

  “I told him he should put an end to it. But he insists he cares for her deeply, and he won’t give her up.”

  Julia took his hand. “I’m sorry. I know that puts you in a difficult position.”

  “Yes, it seems my brother and I are always at odds about something, but this— It cuts so much deeper.” Thoughts of his late wife washed over him in a sorrowful wave. He lifted his hand to rub his eyes, wishing he could wipe away the memories of her unfaithfulness and banish the stain it had left on him and his family, but that was impossible.

  Julia’s hand tightened around his. “I know this brings up painful memories from the past.”

  William lowered his hand and looked her way. How could she read him so well? “I wish I could say it didn’t, but I’m afraid Amelia’s actions still cast a shadow over our lives, and to see my brother choosing the same destructive path makes it even more painful.”

  Julia sat quietly for a few moments, her hand still in his. “There is nothing we can do about the past except forgive Amelia and release those burdens to the Lord, but it’s not too late for David to change course. God can still draw him back to his faith and his family, as He did the prodigal son.”

  William sighed. “I don’t know. He seems far away from us and from God right now.”

  Julia acknowledged that with a nod. “David has chosen a difficult path, and it may take some time eating from the pig’s trough before he wakes up and sees where those choices have taken him.”

  “Yes, I suppose that’s true.” William ran his thumb over the top of her hand, thankful to have someone so wise and caring willing to listen to his concerns. He didn’t deserve the love of a woman like Julia Foster. She was a saint compared to him, but he was learning to live out his faith day by day with her encouragement.

  When he thought how he had almost let the painful issues from his past and her lack of social standing keep them apart, it shook him deeply. What a terrible mistake that would have been.

  But the Lord had used his sister, Sarah, and her husband, Clark, to help him see the truth. And Julia had been gracious enough to forgive him, sacrifice her plans to return to India as a missionary, and accept his proposal. It was nothing short of a miracle in his mind, and he would never cease to be grateful.

  He looked across at her and squeezed her hand. “Thank you.”

  She tipped her head and smiled. “For listening?”

  “Yes, and for encouraging me not to give up hope.”

  “God has been so faithful to us. That helps me believe He can do the same for David.”

  William nodded, his burden easing. Julia was right. God was bigger than all these problems. He could touch David’s heart and turn the situation around for good. Their job was to keep praying and trusting Him. He shifted and focused on Julia. “So, tell me about your day.”

  “We received a letter from Sarah this afternoon. She and Clark are back from their honeymoon, and she sounds very happy.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.” His sister had married Clark Dalton, the head gardener at Highland, in early April, and the couple had traveled in Scotland following the wedding. Knowing she and Dalton were safely home at Highland eased his mind.

  “Sarah interviewed two women for the position of housekeeper, but she hasn’t found a replacement for Mrs. Emmitt … so she is proposing another idea.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Clark’s mother, Mrs. Irene Dalton, would like to be considered for the position.”

  William frowned. “Wouldn’t that be a bit awkward?”

  “Perhaps, but Sarah believes it will work. Apparently Mrs. Dalton was a housekeeper for Dr. Laidlaw in Fulton for a few years. But when her daughter and son-in-law passed away, she left and took on the care of her granddaughter, Abigail.” Julia slipped her hand from his and turned to face him. “Mrs. Dalton lives with Clark in his cottage on the estate, but she could move into the main house if we would allow her to bring her granddaughter along.”

  William frowned and shifted in his seat. “What about Clark and Sarah? Have they decided where they will live?” He had invited them to live in the main house with him and Juli
a, but they had not told him their decision yet.

  “If Mrs. Dalton were given the position of housekeeper, I think it might make Clark and Sarah more inclined to accept our invitation and stay with us.”

  William glanced toward the fire, turning the situation over in his mind. “I like the idea of Sarah staying close by, but it would be a bit of an adjustment, having the gardener eating in the dining room with us each evening.”

  “It would be a challenge for Clark as well … but it would keep the family together, and that’s what’s most important.”

  That was true. He loved his sister and had always looked out for her. Even though she was married now, he wanted to be sure she was happy and had everything she needed. If Dalton was willing to stay with them, then he would have to be agreeable.

  He laid his hand over Julia’s. “I’m glad Sarah asked us before she hired Mrs. Dalton, but I’m not sure we can make that decision while we’re here in London. I’ve only met her once at the wedding.”

  “I believe you also met her at the staff Christmas party.”

  “Yes, but that was just in passing. I have no idea if she has the skills or character to manage the house and staff.”

  “Housekeeper is an important position.” Julia thought for a moment. “Perhaps we could invite Mrs. Dalton to come to London with Sarah and Clark next week. Then we’d have a chance to get to know her.”

  William mulled that over for a moment. “That sounds reasonable. But won’t it be awkward if Mrs. Dalton comes to London, then we decide not to bring her on?”

  “It would be more awkward to hire her without the interview, then have to let her go. That would cause hurt feelings for sure.” Julia turned to him. “But if she is as skilled and experienced as Sarah says, then she may be just the person we’re looking for.”

  “Very well. Why don’t you write to Sarah and ask her to make the arrangements with Mrs. Dalton? It will be a busy time with Katherine’s ball and the extra houseguests, but it’s important, and it will hopefully build a stronger connection between us and Dalton.”

  “You mean Clark.” Julia smiled and took his hand again.

  “Yes, I must get used to calling him Clark.”

  “I know that would make Sarah happy.”

  “Calling him by his given name, or hiring his mother as our new housekeeper?”

  “Both.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek. “Inviting her here is a wise decision. Thank you.”

  William’s chest expanded, and gratitude flowed through him. Managing a large estate like Highland was going to be much easier now that he and Julia could truly team up to make plans and decisions together.

  He stared into the flickering flames. Finding a new housekeeper and accepting Clark Dalton as his brother-in-law seemed like minor issues compared to dealing with his brother’s situation.

  How long would it take David to see the light and end this foolishness … and how much would it cost the family in the meantime?

  If word of David’s indiscretions continued to spread, Kate’s hopes for the season might all come to nothing.

  NINE

  Kate lifted her skirt and stepped out of the car in front of the Wellingtons’ impressive Berkeley Square home. Tall columns supported an arched entryway, and wide stone steps led to the double front door.

  “Remember, this is a very important night.” Aunt Louisa glanced across at Kate as she moved toward the steps. “Lord and Lady Wellington will be watching, and you must make a good impression.”

  Kate followed her aunt, irritation prickling through her. “You’ve already made that very clear.”

  “And I will repeat it as many times as it takes. You must do all you can to encourage Edward. He is your most promising prospect and the one who has shown the most interest.”

  There was no need to remind Kate of that fact. Though she’d met several young men, Edward was the only one who had called on her at home and invited her to attend an event with him.

  Louisa mounted the steps. “Don’t spoil your chances by forgetting your manners or getting carried away with idle chatter as you did at the garden party.”

  “Edward appreciates my honesty. That’s why he invited me to the ballet.”

  “He might have been amused by your comments, but it will take more than amusement to secure a proposal.” She stopped by the front door and lifted her finger. “It’s not enough to please Edward. You must please his parents as well.”

  Kate’s stomach tensed at that thought. “Of course.”

  “They’re eager for him to choose a bride this season, but he won’t do anything without their approval.”

  Was that really true, or was her aunt exaggerating again? She opened her mouth to protest, but the door swung open, and a tall footman in black-and-gold livery greeted them.

  “I am Lady Louisa Gatewood, and this is my niece, Miss Katherine Ramsey.”

  “Good evening, m’lady, Miss Ramsey. This way, please.” He ushered them inside and took their wraps.

  Kate glanced around the large entry hall. Gold brocade draperies hung at the tall windows, and a thick oriental carpet covered most of the dark hardwood floor. An antique chest containing a display of blue-and-white Chinese pottery sat against one wall, and an elegant marble fireplace took center stage on the opposite wall.

  A low murmur of voices drifted out from one of the adjoining rooms.

  Lady Wellington stepped into the entry hall and crossed to meet them. “Louisa, I’m so glad you could join us this evening.” She kissed the air near Louisa’s cheek, then turned to Kate. “Welcome to our home, Katherine.” She smiled, but her voice held a touch of cool reserve.

  A ripple of unease passed through Kate, but she forced a smile. “Thank you. I’m pleased to be here.”

  “The other guests are in the drawing room. Shall we join them?” Lady Wellington motioned toward the open doorway on the left.

  Louisa walked into the drawing room with Lady Wellington, and Kate followed behind. It was a lovely room with pale-green silk wall coverings and a sparkling chandelier overhead. Several large family portraits from centuries back hung on the walls.

  Kate scanned the guests, but she didn’t see Edward or anyone she knew. The men were dressed formally, in tails and white ties. The women wore beautiful evening gowns and sparkling jewels. Though Kate didn’t like the way her aunt had scolded Lydia, she was right—a hair ribbon would not be the right choice for a dinner party. Most of the women wore tiaras or some type of jewels in their hair. She reached up and touched her jeweled comb to make sure it was in place.

  Someone tapped her on the shoulder, and she turned.

  Edward smiled and gave a brief bow. “Good evening, Kate. I’m so glad you’re here.”

  She returned his smile, relieved by his warm welcome. “Thank you, Edward. It’s good to see you again. Your home is lovely.”

  He glanced around, his smile fading a bit. “It’s not really very comfortable, not like our home in the country. But my parents had it decorated with entertaining in mind.”

  “So your family entertains often?”

  “Yes, they host several parties throughout the season—even more this year since MaryAnn has come out. But most of the guests are my parents’ friends. I’m afraid the conversation can be terribly dull.” He leaned toward her and lowered his voice. “There is a full moon tonight. Would you like to step outside and see the garden?”

  She stilled and looked up at him. “Before dinner?”

  He glanced toward the windows and back at her with a twinkle in his eyes. “It will be a few minutes before everyone arrives. I think we have time.”

  Kate glanced around, wishing she could say yes, but her aunt’s words rose in her mind. “I don’t think we can just disappear.”

  “Are you sure?” He sent her a pleading look. “I’d really love to show it to you.”

  “I’m afraid I’m under strict orders from my aunt to be on my best behavior tonight.” She smiled, hoping he would unde
rstand.

  He chuckled. “All right. We wouldn’t want to upset your aunt.” He cocked his eyebrows. “Perhaps we can take a stroll after dinner?”

  Taking a moonlit walk in the garden with Edward sounded very romantic, but before she could answer, Lord Wellington approached with another man and introduced him to Edward and Kate. The two older men launched into a conversation about the upcoming session of Parliament. Edward seemed quite interested and joined in. Kate listened for a few minutes, but did not really understand much of it. Her gaze drifted across the room and connected with a young woman standing by the piano.

  Recognition brought a smile to Kate’s face. Margaret Covington, one of her oldest friends from Berkshire, returned her smile and subtly motioned Kate to join her. Kate excused herself from the men and crossed the room to meet her friend.

  “What a wonderful surprise.” Margaret reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I didn’t know you were acquainted with the Wellingtons.”

  “My aunt is a good friend of Lady Wellington’s. She introduced me to them at a garden party. How do you know them?”

  “My father and Lord Wellington have been friends since they were boys. Our families have visited each other several times in the past few years.”

  “How nice. Then you must be good friends with MaryAnn and Edward.”

  “Oh yes. MaryAnn is a dear girl. We enjoy riding together in the country and here in town.” Margaret’s gaze shifted across the room. “Edward is a very clever young man, isn’t he?”

  “Yes, he is.”

  “I saw you talking to him. He seemed quite interested in what you were saying.” Margaret cocked her head. “Is there a romance blossoming between you two?”

  Kate blushed. “I really couldn’t say. We’ve only just met.”

  Margaret’s green eyes sparkled. “Not according to MaryAnn.”

  Kate’s heartbeat sped up. “What did she say?”

  “That you and Edward have gone riding three times, and he took you to the ballet with his family.”

  “Yes, that’s true. We saw the Ballet Russes at Covent Garden. It was amazing. Have you seen them?”