The Daughter of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

  “Mrs. Adams!” Lydia hurried down the backstairs.

  The housekeeper stepped out of the kitchen doorway and looked up. “Yes, Lydia?”

  “Lady Gatewood is not feeling well. She asked if you’d come up and see her.”

  “Oh, dear.” Mrs. Adams smoothed her hand down her navy-blue skirt, jingling the keys clipped at her waist. “What seems to be the problem?”

  “She says her head is pounding and her stomach’s upset. She wouldn’t even let me open the drapes. I asked if she wanted tea or something else, but …” Lydia lifted her hands. There was no pleasing Lady Gatewood when she was feeling poorly.

  “Very well, I best go up.” Mrs. Adams turned toward the stairs, then looked back. “There was a letter for you in the morning post. I left it on the side table in the servants’ hall.”

  Lydia’s heart lifted. “Is it from my parents?”

  “I’m not sure, but you can take a moment to read it, if you like.”

  “Thank you, ma’am.” She hurried down the corridor and entered the servants’ hall.

  Her fingers trembled as she scanned the writing on the envelope. It was not her mother’s script, but her sister’s flowing style. Her heart leaped. She dashed down the hall and out the back door, then tore the envelope open.

  Dear Lydia,

  I saw my old neighbor. She said you came looking for me. I was so happy I cried when she gave me the card with your address. I thought everyone in the family must hate me for running off with Charlie Gibbons.

  I’m sorry for it now, but when I learned I was going to have a baby, I was afraid Father would be so angry he might kill Charlie. I thought going away was best for us all, but I’m not sure now.

  Charlie has a hard time finding work, and when he does, he spends most of what he makes at the pub, drinking away his troubles. He has a darker side I didn’t see back at home. And when he drinks too much, it comes out and torments us.

  I’m afraid of what will happen when the baby comes. I haven’t seen a doctor, so I’m not sure when it will be, but I think sometime in July. I wish I had someone to help me, but we keep to ourselves. I know you’re busy with your job, but I hope you’ll write. I miss you and send my love,

  Helen

  Lydia bit her lip and stared across the courtyard. Helen needed her, and somehow she must find a way to help.

  THIRTEEN

  Jon laid his fork and knife across his breakfast plate and sat back in his chair. The day was overcast, and the mood at the breakfast table was much the same. Julia and Penny had carried on a bit of conversation with the children during the meal, but Kate wore a pensive expression and barely touched her food. Jon tried to draw her out by asking her a few questions, but her answers were brief, making him all the more concerned for her.

  The children finished eating and were sent off in Ann’s care. William sat at the head of the table, scanning the newspaper.

  Julia looked up. “Is there any more news about the Martindale case?”

  William’s brooding expression eased as he glanced across at her. “Just a small article on page three.”

  “Does it mention David?”

  “Not specifically. It only says the police are continuing their investigation.”

  Julia’s tense expression eased. “I’m glad he wasn’t named.”

  Kate flashed a heated glance at Julia. “He may not be mentioned, but the news is definitely circulating among our friends, or should I say our former friends.”

  William lowered the paper. “Aren’t you being a bit dramatic?”

  Hurt filled Kate’s eyes. “No one would receive us yesterday, not even the Tremonts. Everyone told their servants to say they were not at home, when we knew very well they just didn’t want to speak to us.”

  Julia rested her hand on Kate’s arm. “I’m sorry, Kate. I wish people were not so quick to judge.”

  “Aunt Louisa says none of us will be welcome anywhere until the case is solved and even then David’s connection with Mrs. Martindale will cast a shadow over the family.”

  William sighed and folded the newspaper. “That may be true, but we’re not turning tail and running back to the country. That would make people think we believe David is guilty and we’re not standing with him.”

  Kate’s eyes widened. “You intend to stand with him, even after what he’s done?”

  “He is my brother.”

  “But he’s guilty of … infidelity.”

  “Yes, and that’s a terrible sin that has set off a dreadful chain of events, but he is not a murderer. I’m praying that somehow this will make him see his need for repentance and a better direction in life.”

  “I hope it does, but in the meanwhile, what are we to do?”

  William glanced at Julia and then at Kate. “There are many activities you can take part in that don’t require an invitation.”

  “I have the day off,” Jon said. “Would you like to go riding?”

  “No, thank you.” Kate looked down at her plate. “Not today.”

  Jon sat back, wishing there was some way to help. He hated to see Kate so discouraged.

  “I have a suggestion.” Julia looked around the table. “Catherine Bramwell-Booth is speaking this morning in Clapton.”

  Jon turned to Julia. “Isn’t she the daughter of General Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army?”

  “His granddaughter, actually. I understand she is a very gifted speaker with deep convictions about meeting the needs of the poor and how that ought to go hand in hand with preaching the gospel.”

  “That sounds very similar to Dr. Pittsford’s philosophy,” Jon added.

  Julia nodded. “I thought we could all go and hear her speak.”

  Penny’s expression brightened. “Even me?”

  “Yes, even you,” Julia said. “It should be an enlightening lecture. I don’t think anyone would object to you attending.”

  “Aunt Louisa won’t object,” Penny said with an impish smile. “She isn’t feeling well this morning. I heard her moaning and complaining to Mrs. Adams.”

  “I’m sorry she’s unwell.” Julia pushed back from the table. “Perhaps I should check on her.”

  Lawrence walked in carrying a silver tray. “Sir, this message was hand delivered for you by a young boy.”

  “Thank you.” William took the envelope and letter opener from the tray. He studied the writing on the envelope with a slight frown while the butler left the room.

  Julia leaned forward. “Who is it from?”

  William slit open the envelope, pulled out the sheet of paper, and glanced at the bottom. “It’s from David.”

  Everyone stilled and waited while William read the brief message.

  William looked up. “The police have called him in for questioning this morning at eleven. He wants me to go with him.”

  Jon tensed and glanced around the table, then focused on William. Saying you supported your brother in the comfort of your own home was one thing, but accompanying him to police headquarters for questioning was something else altogether.

  “Will you go?” Julia asked in a hushed tone.

  William refolded the note and slipped it back in the envelope. “Yes. Of course.” He scooted his chair back. “But that shouldn’t affect your plans. Go to the lecture and see what Miss Bramwell-Booth has to say.”

  Jon watched William stride out of the room, his admiration for his soon-to-be brother-in-law growing even stronger. What a challenge to love your brother through difficult circumstances like these. He hoped if he were ever called upon to make a similar choice he would do the same for those he loved.

  Kate checked her appearance in the large gilded mirror in the entrance hall while she and Lydia waited for the others to join them. She’d chosen a blue linen dress with a tunic style top, middy collar, and white crochet trim. Her simple straw hat had only a few flowers and a ribbon that matched her dress.

  Lydia gazed at Kate’s reflection in the mirror. “You look very nice, miss.�
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  “Thank you. What do you think of the hat?” Kate’s aunt usually chose her clothing for their outings, and though Kate liked choosing what to wear, she wasn’t sure the hat was appropriate.

  “Oh, the hat’s lovely.”

  “I don’t want to wear anything too elaborate since we’re going to a lecture hall. Nothing is worse than being seated behind a woman in a large hat and not being able to see around her.”

  “It’s a good choice, miss.” Lydia’s smile faded as she glanced up the stairs. “Do you think Mr. Foster will be able to take us to see Helen after the lecture?”

  Lydia had told Kate about the letter she had received from her sister. Kate was elated to hear Helen had written, and she was determined to help Lydia see her as soon as possible.

  “I’m sure he’ll go with us if he doesn’t have another commitment.”

  “Ever since I read her letter I’ve been so worried.”

  Kate turned to Lydia. “And you have good reason from the sound of things, but now that we have her address we can visit and hopefully convince her to go home or at least let us help her.” Kate wasn’t eager to navigate the East End with only Lydia as her companion, so she had invited Lydia to come along to the lecture with the hope that Jon would take them to see Helen after.

  Jon descended the stairs followed by Julia and Penny. He smiled when he saw Kate waiting at the bottom of the steps.

  Kate’s heart fluttered, making her feel slightly off balance. Her sensible side told her she should not entertain romantic thoughts about Jon, but it was becoming harder every day to resist the strong pull she felt toward him.

  She admired and respected him, and he had become her trusted friend.

  He might not be able to offer her a place in society … but what about love? Could he give her that?

  She looked up and met his warm gaze, and the look in his eyes seemed to say he could—that, and so much more, if she would let him.

  She swallowed hard and tried to push those thoughts away, but her heart didn’t want to listen.

  He met her at the bottom of the stairs. “You look very nice, Kate.”

  “Thank you.” Her voice came out hushed and strained.

  He watched her carefully. “Is something the matter?”

  “No. I’m fine.” But her cheeks warmed, and she had the strangest feeling he could read her thoughts.

  Julia checked the mirror and adjusted her hat. “Are we ready to go?”

  Kate glanced around the group. “Yes, I believe so.”

  The footman opened the front door. Julia, Penny, and Lydia walked outside, then Jon started to follow.

  Kate started after them. “Jon, may I speak to you for a moment?”

  He turned. “Yes?”

  “Are you free this afternoon, after the lecture?”

  A slight smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “I thought I might go by the clinic, but I am available if you need me.”

  Kate tried to ignore the hint of teasing in his eyes, but it wasn’t easy. “Lydia received a letter from her sister. She is still on the East End, and since we’re going to be in Clapton, it wouldn’t be too much out of our way to try and see her.”

  He sobered. “Do you have the address?”

  “Yes, Lydia has it.”

  He glanced toward the car, where Julia, Lydia, and Penny waited, and then back at Kate. “All right. I can take you there after the lecture, if Julia allows it.”

  “Must we tell her?”

  “Yes. We must. I won’t go sneaking around behind my sister’s back, especially not with you and Lydia in tow.”

  She tried to remain serious, but her smile slipped through. “Very well, if you insist.”

  “I do.” He offered her his arm, and she tucked her hand through, happy to be by his side as they stepped outside into the pleasant spring morning.

  An hour later, they found seats near the stage in Farcourt Hall. Quiet conversation filled the auditorium as they waited for the lecture to begin.

  Julia leaned toward Kate. “It’s quite an interesting crowd, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, there are certainly more people than I expected.” Kate guessed at least four hundred. About two-thirds of them were women. Some were fashionably dressed, but most wore plain clothing that spoke of a simple life. Sprinkled through the crowd were men and women wearing Salvation Army uniforms, black with a touch of red and silver from the emblems on their collars.

  Kate had heard about the group’s evangelistic work among the poor, and twice she’d seen a Salvation Army band marching down the street as she traveled through London during the past few weeks. On their way to the lecture, Jon told her several thousand people had gathered earlier that month to hear General William Booth, the elderly founder of the Salvation Army, speak.

  A few years before, he had been given an honorary doctorate from Oxford and received other awards for his work among London’s poor and for training and sending out teams around the world to help those in need. His health seemed to be failing, and Jon thought it might be the last time the general would make a public appearance.

  A tall, dignified man in a black suit stepped up on the platform, and the crowd quieted. “Ladies and gentleman, it is my privilege to introduce our speaker today. She has been involved in evangelistic work for several years and has accompanied her grandfather, General William Booth, on many of his travels, most recently on his motorcades throughout the Kingdom, where he preached the gospel in many villages and towns. She continues to assist her father, Mr. Bramwell Booth, and her grandfather in their ministry. She is also involved in training women officers at the Salvation Army’s International Training College here in Clapton. Please welcome Miss Catherine Bramwell-Booth.”

  The audience responded with lively applause as Miss Bramwell-Booth walked to the podium and faced the crowd. She wore the simple black Salvation Army uniform dress with a bonnet that had a large bow tied to the side, under her chin.

  She looked out across the audience with a serene expression. “It’s a great joy to speak to you today and spread the wonderful news that God loves all people, those who live in great houses and wear fine clothes, and those who have nowhere to call home and barely enough clothing to keep themselves warm. Yes, my friends, He cares about them all, and not one must miss hearing this important message of God’s love and salvation, for their eternal destiny depends upon it.”

  Miss Bramwell-Booth continued her speech, weaving in Scripture with inspiring examples of how people’s lives had been touched through the ministry of the Salvation Army. The stories of her work among orphaned and abandoned children struck the greatest chord with Kate. A powerful longing like none she had ever felt before flowed through her.

  “Some have questioned our methods. Some have even accused us of watering down the teachings of Christ and focusing too much on caring for the poor and destitute. On this point, let me quote my grandfather, General William Booth: ‘My only hope for the permanent deliverance of mankind from misery, either in this world or the next, is the regeneration or remaking of the individual by the power of the Holy Ghost through Jesus Christ. But in providing relief of temporal misery, I believe I am only making it easy where it is now difficult, and possible where it is now all but impossible, for men and women to find their way to the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ ”

  Those stirring words echoed through Kate’s mind. How rewarding it must be to bring help and healing to those in such desperate need!

  Then a pang pierced her heart. How had she spent her time and energy the last few months? Focusing on dress fittings, dancing lessons, and presentation practice. Since coming to London, her thoughts had been consumed with dinners, balls, parties … and finding the right man to marry.

  But she had to do those things, didn’t she? How else would she find a suitable husband? She couldn’t be dependent on William for the rest of her life. Kate pushed her uncomfortable questions aside and focused on Miss Bramwell-Booth’s next point.

&nb
sp; The lecture continued for almost an hour, but the time flew by for Kate. When Miss Bramwell-Booth drew her message to a close with a moving challenge, the crowd burst into applause.

  Kate jumped to her feet and joined in.

  Jon glanced down the row, checking the ladies’ responses to Miss Bramwell-Booth’s final challenge. Penny wore a vibrant smile and clapped vigorously. Unshed tears glistened in Julia’s eyes, and Lydia swiped moisture from her cheek. But Kate’s response was the most surprising. She rose to her feet and clapped, her eyes sparkling with life.

  Jon’s chest swelled as he stood beside her. Kate sent him a radiant smile, and he felt as though he would burst. She had obviously been deeply moved by the message, and he longed to discuss it with her and hear her thoughts.

  The applause died down. The crowd flowed into the aisles. Jon shepherded the ladies toward the rear doors of the auditorium and outside.

  After they broke free from the crowd, Kate stopped and turned to him. “My, that was wonderful!” She clutched the program to her chest, her eyes still glowing. “I’ve never heard anyone speak with such strength and conviction.”

  “I couldn’t agree more.” Julia turned to Penny. “What did you think?”

  “I enjoyed it. Her travels sound so exciting. Wouldn’t it be thrilling to go so many places and speak to hundreds and hundreds of people?”

  Julia took Penny’s arm. “Sharing the gospel and seeing God at work is very rewarding.” She glanced down the street to where the Ramseys’ chauffeur waited beside their motorcar. “Shall we go?”

  Jon glanced at Kate.

  She gave a slight nod and turned to Julia. “If it’s all right with you, I’d like to go with Lydia to visit her sister.”

  Julia hesitated. “Her sister?”

  “Yes.” Kate glanced at Lydia and back at Julia.

  “Where does she live?”

  Lydia took a letter from her purse. “This is her address, miss. It’s the first time I’ve heard from Helen in several months. I’d like to see her if we can.”

  Julia glanced at the return address. “Jon, do you know where this is?” She held it out to him.