The Daughter of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

  “Yes. The light was dim, but I saw them both clearly.” He ran his hand over his bruised jaw. “One was about the same age as Charlie, but he was tall and thin. The other was older, maybe forty, but he was built like a prizefighter. When I refused to hand over my wallet, the tall one held my arms, while the other man emptied my pockets. I put up a fight, but they knocked me out and made off with my money and the watch my father gave me before I left India.”

  Kate’s eyes flashed. “That’s dreadful!”

  He clenched his jaw and looked away. “I never saw Helen.” He steeled himself and glanced at Kate again, expecting to read disappointment in her expression.

  But a warm light shone in her eyes. “You tried, Jon, and I’m grateful.”

  Kate’s gentle words eased his frustration, but he was still bothered that he’d been careless and caught off guard.

  “Did anyone try to help you when you were attacked?”

  “No, but when I came to, a small crowd had gathered around.” Jon frowned as he recalled the circle of faces looking down on him. “A man who owns a bakery across the street saw the men running away. He urged me to go to the police, but I didn’t think that would do any good. Theo arrived and took me back to the clinic to clean up. Then we walked down to Dr. Pittsford’s house. He insisted on examining me, and Mrs. Pittsford wouldn’t let us leave until she fed us dinner.”

  “What did Dr. Pittsford say about your injuries?”

  “He was concerned, but he says I’ll heal in a few days.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  He squared his shoulders. “This proves my point, Kate. The East End is no place for a young lady, especially at night. You can see why I didn’t want to take you there.”

  She met his gaze. “Yes, and it also proves how important it is that we move Helen to a safer location as soon as possible.”

  “Yes, but how to do it, that’s the question.”

  “Perhaps we should contact the police.”

  “I’m not sure they would help us. No law has been broken.”

  “I thought attacking a man and robbing him was a crime.”

  “It is, but I don’t believe the attack was related to our efforts to help Helen.”

  “Well, we have to do something.”

  “Give me a day or two, then Theo and I will go again and search for Helen, but this time we’ll stay together.”

  Kate stilled, watching him. Her anxiety was clear, but there seemed to be something more. Was it … tenderness? “You’ve already taken one beating. I wouldn’t want that to happen again.”

  A rush of warmth flooded his chest, and though it was painful, he offered a half smile. “Thank you, Kate. Your concern is a great comfort.”

  Then he took her hand, lifted it to his lips, and kissed her soft and warm fingers.

  Her eyes widened, and a pretty pink flush filled her cheeks.

  Penny opened her bedroom door and hurried down the hall toward them. Kate slipped her hand from Jon’s and turned toward her sister.

  Jon glanced away, hoping to shield his injuries from Penny for a few more moments.

  “Oh, good. I thought I was the only one who was late this morning.” Penny met them at the top of the stairs.

  Jon steeled himself and turned to face Penny.

  She gasped. “Oh, Jon, were you in an accident?”

  “No, I was robbed last night.”

  “Oh, my goodness! That’s terrible! Where did it happen? Start at the beginning, and tell me everything.”

  Jon exchanged one more glance with Kate, then started down the steps with Penny, repeating the story once more.

  Lydia sank onto her bed and finally let her tears flow down her cheeks. Why, Lord? How could You let this happen? We’ve made all the arrangements to help Helen, and now she’s disappeared again.

  Miss Katherine had called Lydia into the bedroom after breakfast and told her what had happened the night before.

  Ann walked through the doorway. “Oh, Lydia, what’s wrong?”

  “It’s nothing.” Lydia blotted her cheeks with a handkerchief.

  Ann moved to Lydia’s side. “I don’t believe that. Come on, now. Tell me what’s made you cry.”

  Lydia released a heavy sigh. “My sister is missing again.”

  “Oh no, really?”

  Lydia gave a defeated shrug. “It seems that way. Mr. Foster went to her flat last night and waited by her door for hours, but she never came back. We were hoping he could take her away from that terrible place, but while he was waiting, some men jumped him, then beat him up and stole his money.”

  “Oh, so that’s why Mr. Foster is sporting a black eye this morning. I didn’t think he was the kind to get into a tussle at a pub.”

  “No, he’s a kind, God-fearing man.”

  Ann clicked her tongue. “What a shame.”

  “Yes, and all that for nothing. Helen’s gone, and I’m afraid it’s for good this time.”

  “But she sent you that letter. Maybe she’ll write again.”

  Lydia shook her head. “That awful man she’s with doesn’t want her to write to anyone.”

  Ann’s brow creased. “How could she get mixed up with someone like that?”

  “She longed to leave the farm, and I’m afraid she listened to her heart and not her head.”

  “Do you think Mr. Foster will go back and search for her?”

  “Miss Katherine says he will, but I’m afraid it’s too late.” Tears burned Lydia’s eyes, and she clutched her handkerchief.

  “You mustn’t give up.” Ann took hold of Lydia’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “She knows where to find you, and there’s always hope.”

  Lydia’s chin trembled. “I used to believe that, but I just don’t know anymore.”

  The door squeaked open and Mrs. Adams looked in. Both girls sucked in a sharp breath and stood to face the housekeeper.

  “I wondered where you two were.” Kindness rather than a reprimand shone in her eyes. “What seems to be the problem?”

  Lydia swallowed. “I was telling Ann about my sister, Helen.” She shared a brief version of the story with the housekeeper.

  Mrs. Adams listened patiently. “I can see why you’re upset, and I’m sorry to hear it.”

  Lydia dabbed her nose with the handkerchief. “Thank you, ma’am.”

  “There’s only one thing to do in a case like this.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Pray, of course. God knows the best way to help your sister. Let’s ask Him to watch over her and help us to trust Him while we wait for His answer.” Mrs. Adams smiled and tipped her head. “Shall I pray?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’d be ever so grateful.” Lydia bowed her head and closed her eyes tight. As she listened to Mrs. Adams’s prayer, her fears began to fade and courage began to build. All was not lost. She must hold on to hope and trust that the answer was on the way.

  A light breeze blew up the Chelsea Embankment of the Thames and ruffled the netting on Kate’s light-blue hat. She searched the faces of the crowd strolling across the grounds of the Royal Hospital. The number of people attending the Royal Horticultural Society Exhibit was much larger than Kate expected, still she didn’t see anyone she knew, and no one had stopped to greet her or Aunt Louisa.

  “Keep your eyes open.” Her aunt tilted her parasol to gain a better view of those approaching them on the path. “The king and queen always attend the exhibition, and we don’t want to miss an opportunity to see them.” Two women walked toward them. Louisa nodded as they passed, but they both looked away.

  Her aunt huffed and collapsed her parasol. “How rude! I’ve known Lillian Stevenson more than twenty years. She could at least acknowledge us.”

  Kate sighed. When was her aunt going to accept that most of their friends and acquaintances did not want to speak to them now that David’s connection with the Martindales had been splashed across the front page of every newspaper in town?

  She followed her aunt into the nex
t large white tent, thankful to be in the shade. Floral arrangements of every size and color filled the tables spread out around the tent, and the scent of freshly cut flowers floated in the air.

  Her aunt pursed her lips and inspected a large bouquet of roses, peonies, and lilacs in the center of the closest table. “I don’t know why this arrangement won an award. The colors and scale are not nearly as pleasant as that one at the end.” Barely stopping for a breath, her aunt continued giving her opinion about the other arrangements and the judges’ decisions, interspersed with criticisms of the clothing and hairstyles of those they passed.

  Kate silently scolded herself for folding to her aunt’s insistence that she come along today. She would’ve much rather gone riding with Jon this morning and then volunteered at the clinic in the afternoon. That certainly would’ve been more enjoyable than walking through tents filled with floral exhibits and being ignored by everyone they passed.

  Her conversations with Jon over the past few days flooded her mind, and the memory of his kiss on her hand stirred her heart. Their friendship seemed to be deepening and moving toward romance—if she would allow it.

  But Jon’s future was undecided. He might even return to India. If that was the route he chose, could she leave everything behind and go with him? Traveling halfway around the world sounded exciting, but she wasn’t sure she was prepared for missionary life.

  And what about Edward? Perhaps when the police discovered who had murdered Reginald Martindale, Edward would call on her again and want to resume their courtship. Should she hold on to that hope?

  If only there was someone she could speak to in confidence. But her aunt would be furious with Kate for even entertaining the idea of encouraging Jon. She could talk to Penny, but her sister was a hopeless romantic and not mature enough to give her good advice. Perhaps she could talk to Julia without giving too many specifics. But it was difficult to hide anything from Julia. She seemed to be able to read between the lines of almost every conversation.

  Oh, why did life have to be so complicated? Why couldn’t the decisions about her future simply be made so she could get on with it?

  Hoping to distract herself, she bent and sniffed a bouquet of peach and yellow roses, but her thoughts soon returned to Jon.

  She’d been terribly upset when she’d seen his face so battered and bruised. The thought of him being outnumbered and attacked by those two robbers was dreadful. And how brave he was to promise he would return and continue the search for Helen.

  How could she not want to encourage a man like that?

  Louisa jerked on Kate’s sleeve. “Look! The Wellingtons are here!”

  Kate tensed and followed her aunt’s gaze to the far side of the tent. It was difficult to see past all the people, but then the crowd thinned, and she spotted Edward speaking to his mother and sister.

  “They’re moving to the left.” Louisa took Kate’s arm. “Let’s place ourselves in their path so they won’t be able to avoid us.”

  “Oh no. Please, Aunt Louisa, I don’t want to see them.” She kept her voice low, hoping no one but her aunt would hear.

  “Of course you do!” Louisa tugged Kate through the crowd. “This is our opportunity to clear the air and let them know we’re not hiding at home simply because your cousin has made a fool of himself.”

  “But they never returned our call, and I haven’t heard from Edward in over a week.”

  “Honestly, Katherine! We can’t just sit back and do nothing. Sometimes you must take life by the reins and make things happen.”

  Kate swallowed a moan as her aunt moved them into position a few yards from the Wellingtons.

  “Just act natural and pretend you’re surprised to see them.”

  “Oh, it will be a surprise,” Kate muttered, “a dreadfully uncomfortable surprise for all of us.”

  Louisa’s eyes flashed. “That’s enough! If you can’t say something helpful, be silent!”

  Kate glared at her aunt.

  Her aunt plastered on a smile as the Wellingtons approached. “Eleanor, how lovely to see you.”

  Lady Wellington looked up, and her face blanched. “Louisa … Why, I didn’t expect to see you today.”

  “I always attend the Royal Horticultural Society Exhibit.” She turned to Kate. “We’re enjoying all the lovely displays, aren’t we, dear?”

  Kate’s face flamed. “Yes, of course.”

  “Katherine has always been extremely interested in flowers.”

  Kate lifted her eyes toward the roof of the tent. How could Louisa say such a thing? Kate had never been fond of gardening, and she couldn’t imagine a less likable hobby.

  Louisa’s gaze moved from Kate to Edward. She smiled and lifted her eyebrows expectantly.

  “I’m happy to hear it,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed coming each year since I was a boy.” He smiled. “It’s good to see you, Kate.”

  Edward’s warm expression eased Kate’s discomfort, and she returned his smile. “It’s a pleasure to see you as well.” She shifted her gaze to his mother and sister. “Hello, Lady Wellington, MaryAnn.”

  His mother gave a slight nod. MaryAnn did the same, then she lifted her chin and looked away, making her feelings about the encounter painfully clear.

  “We should be going.” Lady Wellington looked toward the tent’s front exit. “We need to meet Lord Wellington.”

  Edward turned to his mother. “Why don’t you and MaryAnn go ahead? I’d like to speak to Kate.” He shifted his gaze to Louisa. “If that’s all right with you, Lady Gatewood.”

  Her aunt’s eyes lit up. “Why, of course. That would be fine.” She turned to Kate. “I’ll be in the tea tent, dear. You and Edward take your time. No need to hurry.” She smiled at Edward, then turned to Lady Wellington and MaryAnn. “So nice to see you again. I hope you enjoy the day.”

  Lady Wellington and MaryAnn bid them good day, but it was a very chilly farewell. They strode off toward the front exit, while Louisa walked in the opposite direction.

  Edward offered Kate his arm. “I’m sorry about all that.”

  She slipped her hand through the crook of his elbow. “You don’t need to apologize.”

  “But I do. It’s terribly unfair of Mother and MaryAnn to treat you and your aunt poorly simply because of your cousin’s … involvement with the Martindales.”

  Edward guided her out of the tent. “There’s a spot in the shade.” He motioned toward a wooden bench under a tall elm tree. “Would you like to sit down?”

  “Oh yes, please. My feet are aching, and I’m dreadfully tired of walking out in this heat.”

  He grinned. “Kate, your honesty is always a pleasant surprise.”

  She sighed and sat down. “My aunt doesn’t share your opinion, but I’m glad you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all.” He joined her on the bench. “I suppose this has been an upsetting time for you and the whole family.”

  “Yes, we’re all quite concerned, for David and everyone involved. It’s a terrible tragedy.”

  “I’ve kept my eye on the newspaper, watching for the latest developments, but I’m sure there must be more to the story than they’re reporting.”

  “Yes, David has been in contact with William almost every day. He insists another man entered the house and killed Reginald Martindale, but he only saw his back as he was fleeing, so he’s not able to identify him.”

  “How dreadful.”

  “William is committed to standing with David, no matter what the outcome.”

  “I hope he’s not disappointed by that choice.”

  “William believes David is innocent, even though David and Dorothea have been …” Her face warmed, and she looked down, unable to finish the sentence.

  Edward reached for her hand. “I understand. And I’m sorry your cousin’s indiscretions have caused so much trouble for you and your family.”

  “It’s certainly put a damper on my hopes for the season.”

  He wove his fingers through hers.
“Well, I’m not giving up my hopes.”

  Kate stilled. She glanced at their hands, then looked up at him.

  “I’ve spoken to my parents, but they’re hesitant to make a decision until the case is resolved and your cousin’s name is cleared.”

  “You’ve talked to them about us?”

  “Of course. You’ve been a continual topic of conversation since the night of the ballet.”

  “Oh, I didn’t realize …”

  “Kate, I meant what I said the night of your ball. I’d like to resume our courtship, but it will take some time to convince my parents this scandal is going to blow over.” He tightened his hold on her hand, his expression sincere. “Will you wait?”

  Edward seemed to genuinely care for her, and he had many of the qualities she was looking for in her future husband, but she was beginning to realize there was much more she needed to consider before she could accept anyone’s proposal.

  Still, Edward was not proposing. He was simply asking her if she was willing to wait to resume their courtship—a courtship that seemed to be indefinitely on hold. Was she willing? What if she said yes, and then his parents never changed their mind? What would she do then?

  She looked up at Edward. “I’m not sure it’s wise for us to put our hopes on something that may never be possible.”

  “I’m sure if we’re patient I can bring my parents around. I just need a little more time. Please, Kate. Don’t give up on me yet.”

  The crowd suddenly stirred, and a wave of people stepped back from the walkway.

  “The king is coming!” a young boy shouted as he ran past, then he wiggled through the crowd to claim a front-row view.

  Edward stood and glanced over the heads of those gathered along the pathway. A smile broke over his face. “He’s right. The king and queen are coming this way.” He held out his hand to Kate. “Shall we find a spot with a better view?”

  “All right.” She took his hand and rose from the bench, and they made their way to the edge of the path.

  King George and Queen Mary walked toward them, followed by several men in tall top hats and dignified suits and a few women in lovely dresses. Kate spotted Princess Mary among the entourage. She looked just as bored today as she had the day of Kate’s presentation. Perhaps life as a princess wasn’t as exciting as she’d always imagined. That thought brought a smile to her lips.