Lydia released a soft moan. “Oh, Helen, what have you done?”
“Come on, let’s go home.” Kate wrapped her arm around Lydia’s shoulders, but her heart felt like a stone in her chest as she guided Lydia down the stairs and back out to the street.
TEN
Jon took a lemon drop from the small glass jar on the Daystar Clinic counter and handed it to the five-year-old boy who waited with his young mother. “Here you go, Peter.”
The little boy smiled and slipped the candy in his mouth with his good hand. The other arm was wrapped in a thick bandage and held close to his chest in a sling. He had broken his arm when he’d taken a fall at home that morning. “Thank you,” he mumbled around the lemon drop and wiped his lip with his sleeve.
Jon shifted his gaze to the boy’s mother. She had scraped her mousy-brown hair back in a careless bun, and gray smudges shaded the area beneath her dull brown eyes.
“He must wear the sling and keep his arm immobile as much as possible for the next month. Then bring him back to the clinic, and we will recheck and see how it’s healing.”
Weary lines creased the mother’s face as she looked at her son. “I’ll try to keep him still, but Peter is a busy boy.”
“The discomfort should discourage him from being too active at first.” But doubt rose in Jon’s mind as he watched young Peter shift from one foot to the other, then reach out and fiddle with the window latch.
His mother tucked the clinic appointment card in her pocket. “I’m not sure how I’ll keep him from using that arm.”
“I understand it will be hard, but if you want him to have full use of it when it heals, then you must do what you can to keep him calm and the arm immobile.”
She raised a shaky hand to her mouth, and shook her head. “I have six children, and two are younger than Peter. I can’t be watching him all day.”
Jon clenched his jaw. Six children was a lot to handle for anyone, let alone a woman who looked so tired and beaten down. “Just do the best you can.”
She released a shuddering sigh. “I’ll try, Doctor.”
“May I pray for you?”
She gave a slight shrug. “If you think it will help.”
“I’m sure it will.”
She gave a resigned nod and bowed her head.
He placed one hand on the woman’s shoulder and the other on the boy’s and closed his eyes. “Father, I come to You on behalf of Mrs. Cummings and her young son Peter. You see their situation, and You know exactly what they need. I ask You to watch over them and provide for them. Please help Peter’s arm heal properly and quickly. And please give Mrs. Cummings the strength she needs to care for her family. We ask You to show Your great love and power in their lives. Thank You for hearing our prayer. We’ll be watching and waiting for Your answer. We ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.”
“Amen,” the young mother whispered. She looked up and blinked, a trembling smile on her lips. “Thank you. I’m grateful for your kindness and care, and so is Peter. Aren’t you, son?”
The boy nodded.
“You’re welcome. I hope I’ll see you next month.” He squeezed Peter’s shoulder. “Be a good lad, and listen to your mother.”
Peter bobbed his head and smiled. “I will.”
“Very good. Take care now.” He ushered them out of the waiting room, and they left by the front door.
Theo walked in from one of the other examining rooms. “Was that our last patient?”
“Yes.” A warm sense of satisfaction filled him as he slipped off his white medical jacket and hung it on the hook behind the door.
“Dr. Pittsford left about ten minutes ago. He asked us to lock up.”
“All right.” Jon took his suit coat off the hook.
“Would you like to stop for something to eat before you head home?”
“Not tonight. I promised Julia I would join her and William for dinner.”
Theo’s eyes lit up. “Will Kate be there?”
Jon frowned and looked away. “No, she’s been invited to dinner at … I’m not sure where, but she’s going with her aunt.”
“I see.” Theo’s tone held a hint of amusement.
Jon looked up. “You see what?”
“I see you’re not too happy she won’t be home for dinner.”
Jon huffed. “Don’t start.”
“All right.” Theo grinned. “I’ll leave it alone for now, but I can tell you’ve grown quite fond of her.” He slipped off his white jacket and hung it next to Jon’s.
Jon sighed. So much for Theo leaving it alone. “Kate’s a fine young woman, but there can be nothing more than friendship between us.”
“And why is that?”
“Her aunt is intent on matching her up with a wealthy aristocrat in line for a title and estate.” Those words tasted bitter in his mouth, and he was afraid it was revealed in his tone.
“And Kate agrees?”
His spirit deflated. “Yes, I’m afraid she does.”
“Well, then perhaps she’s not the girl for you.”
Jon shoved his arms into his suit coat. “I suppose not.”
“Say, I’ve been meaning to ask if you found that young woman you were searching for … What was her name?”
Jon took his hat from the shelf, glad to leave the topic of Kate and her future plans behind them. “Helen Chambers.”
“Yes, that’s the one.”
“I found the address where she was living, but when I took Kate and Lydia there, Helen had moved on.”
“Hmm, that’s too bad.”
“Yes, Lydia was certainly disappointed, especially when we learned more about the situation and her sister’s condition.”
Theo cocked his head. “What do you mean?”
“Helen’s expecting a child, and the man she is with, apparently the baby’s father, is an irresponsible lout.”
Theo’s brow knit. “So you’ve no idea where she’s gone?”
“None. We spoke to a neighbor, but they left no forwarding address. In fact it seems they slipped away to avoid paying the last month’s rent.”
“Perhaps her pregnancy will bring her to the clinic.”
“I suppose that’s a possibility.” Jon placed his hat on his head, then reached for the door handle. “But I doubt it. I don’t think there’s much hope of finding her now.”
“The Lord knows where she is.”
Jon checked the lock and pulled the front door closed as he pondered those words. “Yes, I’m sure He does.”
“Then we must pray He reveals it to us.”
Jon slapped his friend on the shoulder, his spirit lifting. “Yes, you’re right. We must.”
Penny’s usual sunny expression clouded as she looked across the dining-room table at Julia and William. “I don’t understand. Why must I stay home? Who would be offended?”
Julia glanced at William. She didn’t want to disagree with him, especially in front of the rest of the family, but was it fair to exclude Penny from Kate’s ball simply because she wasn’t quite old enough to be out in society?
William frowned and looked down at his breakfast plate. “Your aunt Louisa feels it would not be appropriate because you’ve not been presented.”
“But I thought all the family would attend.” Penny shifted her gaze to those seated across the table. “Clark and Sarah are going, and so is Jon. Why should I be the only one to miss out?”
“They’re all adults.” William’s voice was firm. “You are not.”
Sarah and Clark, along with Mrs. Dalton, had arrived last night. Julia had invited Clark’s mother to eat breakfast with them, but she said she’d be more comfortable eating with the staff. Julia understood from her own experience how it felt to be uncertain whether you fit in with the staff or the family, and she wanted to make sure Mrs. Dalton felt welcome with both.
She and William would meet with Mrs. Dalton at ten o’clock to discuss her taking on the role of housekeeper at Highland. Hopefully the inte
rview would go well, and Mrs. Dalton could begin working for them as soon as she returned to Berkshire.
Julia glanced around the table, trying to judge the others’ thoughts about Penny attending the ball. Jon sat beside William, quietly observing the conversation, but Julia could tell by his expression that he agreed Penny should attend. Millie watched the conversation with wide-eyed interest from her seat next to Penny, while Andrew focused on eating his eggs and toast, oblivious to it all.
Julia offered William a slight smile. “I understand the desire to follow tradition, but couldn’t we make an exception for Penny this one time?”
“I’d be happy to act as Penny’s chaperone if that would ease the situation.” Sarah glanced at Penny, then shifted her gaze to William. “I know you and Julia will be busy greeting guests and hosting the event, but Clark and I could watch over her.”
Penny’s expression brightened. “Yes, that’s a wonderful idea. Thank you, Cousin Sarah.” Penny turned to William again. “Please, just this once?”
Kate laid her napkin on the table. “I don’t mind if Penny comes. I’d be happy to have her there.”
William rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Your aunt was quite insistent when we discussed it last night. I’m sure she’ll be upset if we go against her wishes on this.”
Julia pressed her lips together. Following the rules of London society was important and so was keeping the peace with Louisa, but they were not more important than a young girl’s heart. “You are the host of the party, William. Surely you should have the final say.”
William’s expression eased. “That’s true.”
Penny looked back and forth between Julia and William, her expression brightening. “So it’s all right? I can go to Kate’s ball?”
William held up his hand. “I haven’t made my decision yet, but I’ll speak to your aunt and see if we can bring her around.”
Penny sighed and sat back. “All right. I’ll wait. But I want you to know I’d be perfectly happy for the rest of my life if you’d just say yes this one time.”
Jon grinned. “I’d help keep an eye on Penny as well.” He glanced at William. “That is, if you decided she may attend.”
“Thank you, Jon.” Julia glanced across at her brother, grateful to have him with them. The conversations they’d shared around the table and in the evening had been a great comfort to her.
She looked down the table at William’s sister, Sarah. Seeing her happy smile and the affection in Clark’s eyes as he looked at his wife warmed Julia’s heart. It was wonderful to have them here to celebrate Kate’s coming out. Surely when William spoke to Louisa he could convince her to grant Penny’s request.
After breakfast, Jon approached Julia. “I was wondering if I might bring my friend Theo along to the ball tonight. He seemed very keen on the idea when I mentioned it yesterday.”
“All right. Another single, well-mannered young man is always welcome at a ball.”
Jon grinned. “Theo’s a fine fellow. I’m sure you’ll like him.”
“If he is a friend of yours, then I’m sure I will.” Julia took her brother’s arm, and they walked out of the dining room together.
“This way, please.” The tall, silver-haired butler led Kate down the marble-floored hallway at Sheffield House, while she tried to calm the fluttering in her stomach. The night of her ball had finally arrived. Louisa, William, Julia, Penny, Sarah, and Clark followed Kate through the doorway and into the large ballroom.
Kate’s steps stalled, and her eyes widened. She had only been to Sheffield in the daytime, but seeing it in the evening was completely different. Three large, glittering chandeliers sent sparkling light dancing across the highly polished wooden floor and bouncing back from several tall mirrors around the room.
A smile rose from Kate’s heart to her lips. “Oh, it’s beautiful.”
Penny took Kate’s arm. “Yes, it’s perfectly lovely.”
Potted pink-and-white azaleas sat in front of each window, and gold-cushioned chairs ringed the room, leaving most of the floor open for dancing. Off to the left side, double doors had been pushed open, and a long buffet table was spread with an elaborate display of candles, flowers, and delicious-looking food.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Penny added in a hushed voice.
“It’s much more than I expected.” Kate turned to Julia and William. “Thank you so much.”
Julia leaned in and kissed her cheek. “We’re happy for you, Kate. We hope you have a lovely evening.”
Kate’s gaze traveled around the room again. “I’m sure I will.”
William nodded. “They’ve done a splendid job preparing everything. We must be sure to thank the Tremonts.”
Louisa sniffed as she regarded the empty room and overflowing buffet table. “It’s a shame Elizabeth Harrington’s ball is being held the same night as Katherine’s.”
Julia turned to Louisa. “I don’t think we should worry about that.”
“Well, I won’t be surprised if our number of guests is much lower than we expected.”
Kate’s stomach tensed. Was her aunt right? Would she receive only a handful of guests this evening? That could be disastrous.
Julia took Kate’s hand. “Everything is going to be just fine.”
“Of course.” Kate straightened her shoulders. She would not allow her aunt to spoil the evening before it had even begun.
“Here come Lord and Lady Tremont.” William glanced toward the elegant couple entering the ballroom. Julia and William crossed to meet them.
Kate started to follow, but Louisa reached for her arm and stopped her. She took a small card from her beaded purse and handed it to Kate. “These are the names of the young men you must be sure to pay attention to this evening.”
Kate studied the list, and her brow creased. “I don’t recognize any of these names.”
Louisa sighed and clicked her tongue. “You met Charles Felton at the Howards’ dinner last week. He’s quite tall, with red hair.”
Kate’s eyes widened as the memory rushed back. The rude, puffy-faced young man had ogled her as though she were a dessert on display in a pastry shop. He had crooked teeth, bad breath, and was completely lacking in conversational skills. She did not look forward to seeing him again, and heaven forbid she would have to dance with him.
Louisa pointed to the card. “Each one is a possible prospect. You must make an effort to encourage them all.”
Kate stiffened. “I thought you wanted me to encourage Edward.”
“Of course. That goes without saying. But we don’t want to limit our options this early in the season.”
Kate glared at the card and then at her aunt, but Louisa didn’t seem to notice.
“Edward needs to see he is not the only one pursuing you. Men like a bit of competition. They want to feel as though they are in a race to win the prize.”
Kate did not like the sound of that. She was a young woman in need of a husband, not a piece of real estate up for auction. Her future happiness depended on finding the right man to marry, but how was she to know which one she ought to encourage when she barely had time to talk to them?
Was it enough to see their names on a list provided by her aunt? Should she trust her future to a woman who believed a man’s worth depended on his bank account, family connections, and social standing? What about her feelings for the man, or even more important, what about the way he treated her? Shouldn’t those factors be considered too?
Louisa frowned at Kate and reached up to adjust the feathered-and-jeweled fascinator pinned in her hair. “Study that list until the guests begin to arrive. Memorize the names. And when you meet them, ask them questions. Men love to talk about themselves.”
“That’s true, especially most of the men I’ve met this season.”
Her aunt lowered her chin, her expression stern. “Don’t be impudent, Kate. It’s not fitting for a well-bred young lady.”
Kate huffed.
“And
for heaven’s sake, mind your manners and watch what you say!” She strode off to speak to the Tremonts.
Kate lowered her gaze to the list and read the names once more.
Charles Felton. Well, that was one name she could cross off the list right now. The thought of encouraging him turned her stomach. Patrick Hamilton. Neil Lawson. Henry Fletcher Harding. Archibald Spalding. Leonard Radcliff. To her knowledge she’d never met any of these men, or if she had, they’d made no impression on her. How would she recognize them? Was she supposed to flirt with and flatter every man introduced to her?
Kate’s eyes began to burn. She blinked several times and lifted her gaze to the beautifully painted ceiling.
Dear God, I know I haven’t prayed as often as I should. I’m sorry for that, but I need Your help, so I hope You’re still listening. I want to make a good impression tonight and please my family, but most of all I want to find the right path for my future. Would You please help me?
The cheerful hum of conversation filled the air as Jon entered the large ballroom at Sheffield House. Two hours earlier he’d hurried home from the hospital to change, then caught a cab and picked up Theo on the way. But a snarl of traffic, caused by an accident, had delayed them for at least thirty minutes.
Scanning the ballroom, he estimated the number of guests to be at least one hundred. He smiled, remembering how Kate had told him one of her greatest fears was that only a few people would come. Happily, that was not the case.
Ladies and gentlemen dressed in their finest evening wear stood around the edges of the room clustered in small groups. A few matrons and their young debutantes were seated in chairs awaiting the next invitation to dance. At the far end of the room, a quartet of musicians with stringed instruments appeared to be taking a break between songs.
Theo straightened his white tie and smiled at Jon. “So, this is how society celebrates a young woman’s coming out.” He surveyed the room. “Not bad. Not bad at all.”
Jon nodded, then scanned the crowd again, searching for Kate and the rest of the family. He spotted William and Julia, engaged in conversation with two other couples.
The Daughter of Highland Hall Page 14