The Daughter of Highland Hall

by Carrie Turansky

  Mrs. Adams gave a brief nod to Julia, then left the hall through the doorway to the servants’ stairs.

  Julia motioned toward the open doorway. “Shall we go in the library?”

  “As you wish.” Jon straightened his jacket and followed his sister, feeling a bit like a young man who had been called into the headmaster’s office. He cast off that thought. There was no need for him to feel apprehensive about a conversation with his sister.

  She did not suggest they sit, but turned and faced him. “Have you spoken to Kate about your feelings for her?”

  A shock wave jolted him. “What?”

  “I know it’s difficult to speak about such things, but I feel we must.”

  Jon looked away, searching for an answer. He didn’t like to keep secrets from his sister, and now that she had asked him directly there was no way around an honest reply. “I’m very fond of Kate.”

  “Does she know how you feel?”

  “We haven’t spoken openly about it, but she has given me reason to hope.”

  Julia hesitated. “I’m sorry, Jon, but I’m not sure this is wise.”

  Heat rushed into his face. “Why do you say that? Because I’m not in line to inherit a title and an estate?” He shook his head. “I didn’t think you were so tied to the conventions of society.”

  Hurt flashed in her eyes. “You know I’m not. What concerns me is that she may not be the best partner for you.” She lifted her hand and glanced around the room. “Can you really see Kate leaving all this behind to travel with you to India?”

  Jon straightened and steeled himself. “I won’t be going back to India.”

  Julia pulled back. “What?”

  “Dr. Pittsford has asked me to join him at Daystar as soon as I’ve finished my training. I’ve made my decision. I’m staying in London.”

  “Oh, Jon, are you sure?”

  He gave a somber nod. “I’ve prayed about it for quite some time, and I believe this is where God is leading me. I intend to tell Mother and Father when they arrive tomorrow.”

  “Are you doing this for Kate, because if you are—”

  “No. I’m quite certain this is the next step the Lord wants me to take. And to be honest, working at Daystar and living on the East End makes it less likely Kate will accept a proposal from me.”

  A shadow seemed to pass over Julia’s face, and she looked down. “Even if she were to agree to it, I have another concern.”

  “What is it?”

  “I’m not sure Kate would be a good match for you spiritually. I see a flicker of interest in matters of faith, but no clear evidence she has made a true commitment to Christ.”

  “But you saw her response to Catherine Bramwell-Booth’s speech.”

  “Yes, but enthusiasm for good work is not the same as genuine faith.”

  Jon wanted to argue that point, but he couldn’t. Julia was right. There were many generous and caring people who sought to meet the needs of others, yet had no true saving faith.

  “Have you talked to her about your commitment to Christ and your plans for the future?”

  “We spoke of it one night a few weeks ago, but she simply referenced her baptism and church attendance … nothing more.” Jon paced toward the window, his spirit sinking lower. Why hadn’t he discussed spiritual matters with Kate more often? Not only to discover what she truly thought, but also to help her see the value of a close, vital relationship with Christ?

  What kind of friend was he? A self-serving one, at best. His heart ached with the realization. He had to do more. No matter what the future held for him and Kate, he had a responsibility to encourage her spiritually and see that she understood God’s love and free gift of salvation.

  “You know Scripture says we must not be ‘unequally yoked.’ It’s not a suggestion, but a command given for our benefit and the continuance of the faith among our children.”

  He clenched his jaw. “Of course. I know the verse well.”

  “I can’t encourage you to move ahead unless you’re certain Kate has given her heart to Christ.”

  “I understand.”

  She moved to his side and took his hand. “Please don’t lose hope. Since the first day I came to Highland, I’ve prayed for Kate and Penny. I’m sure He’s working in their lives and drawing them closer to Himself. We must continue to pray and wait on Him for an answer.”

  “Of course I’ll pray, but waiting will be much more difficult.”

  “Receiving His answer will be worth the wait.”

  Would Kate open her heart to the Lord? Would her desire to help others be matched by genuine faith in Christ? Would she grow to love Christ as He loved her? Jon swallowed against the tightness in his throat and gripped his sister’s fingers. “Pray for me as well, that I’ll find the right words and not waste another opportunity.”

  Julia tightened her hold on his hand. “I will. Just do your part, and trust the Spirit to do His.”

  Wise words, he knew. If only he could heed them.

  EIGHTEEN

  Kate carried the tray bearing three steaming cups of tea and a plate of biscuits into the small back room at Daystar Clinic. “Here we are.” She set the tray on the table by the window.

  Young Rose Hartman sent her a bashful smile and eagerly eyed the plate of biscuits. Her little sister, Susan, reached out, but Rose stopped her. “Wait till she gives you one.”

  Rose pulled her hand back and looked up at Kate, her blue eyes wide.

  “It’s all right.” Kate sent her a gentle smile. “Go ahead and help yourself.” Kate sat in the third chair at the small table and added a good amount of milk to each of the girls’ teacups while they nibbled on their treats.

  Rose, Susan, and their brother, Jack, had been waiting by the clinic door that morning when Kate and Jon arrived. As soon as she saw the siblings, she remembered meeting them on the street the first day they’d come to the East End looking for Lydia’s sister, Helen.

  They had sent the children to the clinic that day, and Dr. Pittsford had treated the younger sister, Susan. This morning Jack was the one in need of the doctor’s attention. He’d cut his hand on a broken bottle, and a few stitches would be required.

  Dr. Pittsford suggested Kate take the girls out of the room and keep them occupied until the worst was over. So she had settled them in the back room and hoped to cheer them by offering some tea. Kate gave a half-filled cup to Rose.

  The older girl carefully passed it to her little sister. “It’s hot. Blow on it, Susan.”

  The younger girl blew across the top of the teacup, then took a small sip. She smiled at Kate. “It’s good.”

  Kate returned a smile, then handed the second cup to Rose.

  “I’m glad you came to the clinic today.” Kate glanced at the girls. Rose’s sweater had a rip near the shoulder, and her green dress was stained and spotted, but her face and hands were clean. Little Susan looked much healthier than she had at their first meeting, but her hair and clothes were in a sorry state. Kate’s heart ached for them. If only she could do more than give them tea and biscuits.

  The children’s center Jon and Dr. Pittsford hoped to open would be a great help to them and so many others. How wonderful it would be to offer Rose and her siblings food, clothing, and the practical help they so desperately needed.

  Kate’s thoughts shifted to Jon, and a prayer for his safety rose from her mind. After he had escorted her to Daystar that morning, he and Theo had set off together, hoping to find Helen and convince her to come to the clinic. They had agreed it would be best for Dr. and Mrs. Pittsford to speak to her and hopefully convince her to move into their home.

  “Can I have another?” Rose pointed to the plate of biscuits.

  “Yes, please do.” Kate took a sip of tea, savoring the warm, creamy mixture. “Did you have a long walk to get here today?”

  The older girl shook her head. “Not too far.”

  Kate pondered that for a moment. Perhaps if she knew more about the children she
could find some practical way to help them. “Tell me about your family.”

  Rose’s hand stilled, and she lowered her cup to the table. “Mum got sick after Christmas. They took her to the hospital.” She looked toward the window. “Our neighbor, Mrs. Green, told us she’s gone to live in heaven.”

  “I’m so sorry,” Kate whispered. She knew how painful it was to lose a parent, but she had servants to care for her and relatives to help her through those difficult days. These little ones seemed to have only each other. “And your father?”

  Rose hesitated. “He delivers ice.”

  Something about the girl’s reply raised questions in Kate’s mind.

  A wistful look filled Rose’s eyes. “He used to live with us, but he went off to work one morning and he never came back.”

  Kate stifled a gasp.

  “We waited for him more than a week, but Mr. Sawyer, the man who lives downstairs, he made us leave.”

  Had their father been injured or killed, or had he abandoned the children? Kate swallowed hard. “Where do you live now?”

  Rose bit her lip, then looked across at Kate. “We been staying in a building not too far from here.”

  “Someone has taken you in?”

  Rose shook her head. “Jack an’ me, we watch over Susan.”

  Kate tried to hide her surprise, but she wasn’t successful. “Just the three of you … alone in that building?”

  Rose nodded.

  “But how do you find enough to eat?”

  “Jack makes deliveries for Mr. Tate. He gives us some food. And sometimes people give Jack a shilling or two when he makes a delivery.”

  This was not right. The Hartman children were too young to be on their own. How could they fend for themselves? The memory of Jon’s attack flashed through her mind, and she swallowed hard. She must find a safe place for the children to live, and someone to watch out for them.

  She set her teacup aside. Mrs. Pittsford would know what to do. She and Dr. Pittsford were well acquainted with the charities and ministries in the area. Surely one of them provided homes for orphaned and abandoned children.

  Kate rose from her chair. “Enjoy your tea, girls. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  Rose nodded, and little Susan took another biscuit from the plate.

  Kate strode down the hall toward the front office, where she quickly shared the children’s story with Mrs. Pittsford. The kindhearted woman listened with a concerned expression.

  “We can’t let them go back to that run-down building. It’s not safe,” Kate insisted.

  “No, I’m sure it isn’t.” Mrs. Pittsford tapped her fingers on the desk for a few seconds, then looked up at Kate. “I’ll speak to Dr. Pittsford as soon as he finishes with this patient. I know of a children’s home not too far from here, but he may have another idea.”

  Kate reached for Mrs. Pittsford’s hand. “Thank you.”

  “I’ll come back and speak to the children.” She hesitated and looked Kate in the eyes. “It will be up to them, you know. They must be willing to go.”

  “I understand.” As she turned to leave Mrs. Pittsford, the front door opened. From the corner of her eye she saw a short woman wearing a brown shawl walk into the reception area.

  “Morning, ma’am.” The woman’s soft voice carried a slight tremor. “I’d like to see a doctor.”

  Recognition flashed through Kate, and she turned. “Helen?”

  Helen looked up and blinked. “Miss Ramsey?”

  “Yes!” Kate hurried to greet her. “Oh, my goodness, I’m so glad you’re here.” She turned to Mrs. Pittsford. “This is Helen Chambers, Lydia’s sister, the one we’ve been searching for.”

  Mrs. Pittsford’s smile spread wider as she rose from her chair behind the desk. “My, this is a day of unexpected miracles.” She stepped forward and held out her hand. “Miss Chambers, we’re so glad you’ve come.”

  Helen looked back and forth between them, then reached out and took Mrs. Pittsford’s hand—but apprehension shadowed her soft brown eyes. “I don’t want to be a bother, but Mr. Foster said I should come if the swelling and headaches didn’t go away.”

  “Yes, of course.” Mrs. Pittsford put her arm around Helen’s shoulders. “Come with me. You can sit down and rest, and I’ll have the doctor come and speak to you right away.”

  The tense lines around Helen’s eyes eased. “Thank you, ma’am.” With slow, swaying steps, she started down the hall with Mrs. Pittsford.

  Kate’s joy bubbled up from deep within as she followed them. Lydia would be so relieved. Jon and Theo would be delighted as well. She couldn’t wait to see their faces when they returned from their search and she told them about Helen’s arrival.

  Jon walked into the drawing room to join the family who had gathered there before dinner. He glanced at Kate, and they exchanged a private smile.

  What an amazing day it had been. Helen’s safe arrival at Daystar and her willingness to stay with the Pittsfords had lifted a great burden from his shoulders. Her symptoms still raised concern, but Dr. Pittsford believed bed rest, healthy meals, and good care would see her through the last few weeks until her baby was born. She was safe with the Pittsfords now, and that was what mattered most.

  Dr. and Mrs. Pittsford had also arranged for the Hartman children to stay with a family from their church until a more permanent situation could be found for them. Listening to Kate recount their sad tale made him even more determined to move ahead with plans to open the children’s center, no matter what obstacles might stand in the way.

  His parents had arrived that afternoon, but he hadn’t had an opportunity to speak to them about his decision to stay in London and work at Daystar. He glanced across at them and tried to push away his concern. Everything would be fine. They would understand. They might even be pleased he was staying in the country and would live only a train ride away.

  “Come on, everyone.” Julia rose and crossed to the piano. “Andrew has learned a new song, and he’d like to play it for us before dinner.”

  Andrew slowly followed her. “Do I have to play?”

  “No, but I’m sure everyone would enjoy it.”

  “We would love to hear your song, Andrew.” Jon’s mother joined them.

  “Yes, what a fine idea,” Jon’s father added as he rose from his chair.

  Andrew sat on the piano bench and swung his feet back and forth. “Shouldn’t we wait for Papa?”

  Julia glanced toward the entrance hall, then back at Andrew. “You can play it again for him when he comes. I’m sure he’ll be home soon.”

  “All right.” Andrew opened his sheet music and placed his hands on the keys.

  Everyone had circled around the piano except Lady Gatewood. She remained seated, tapping her fingers on the arm of her chair and glancing at the clock.

  Andrew launched into the song with enthusiasm, but he soon hit a wrong note. Jon winced, and his appreciation for his sister’s patience grew by a mile. Then his gaze drifted toward Kate.

  She looked lovely this evening. Her white lace blouse was a fine contrast to her dark-blue skirt. The only jewelry she wore was a small cameo pinned at her neck, but with the light of the chandelier sparkling in her eyes and her face glowing with life, she didn’t need any other jewels.

  When he’d first come to Ramsey House, he had been impressed by her beauty but disappointed that her only goals seemed to be making an impression on society and receiving a marriage proposal before the end of the season.

  But since David’s misdeeds came to light and her social calendar cleared, Kate’s interests had shifted. Her work at Daystar and her efforts to help Lydia’s sister seemed to have awakened her to the needs of those around her. He hoped they had also softened her heart to the Lord … and to him.

  Andrew hit another wrong note, and it drew Jon’s attention back to the piano. The boy tried to find his place, but he made a series of mistakes.

  Millie giggled and covered her mouth.

 
; Andrew banged out the next chord, then scowled at Millie. “You don’t even know how to play, so you’ve no cause to laugh at me!”

  Millie’s smile melted away, and her chin quivered.

  “That’s not kind, Andrew.” Julia shifted her gaze to Millie. “Your brother has worked hard to learn this song. I’m sure you want to encourage him.”

  “Sorry, Andrew. Please play some more.”

  His scowl eased. He turned back and pounded on the keys again.

  “Gently, Andrew.” Julia laid her hand on his shoulder. “Gently.”

  Andrew lightened up as he finished the song. They all applauded, and he hopped up and bowed. Twice.

  “Good work, Andrew.” Jon clapped the boy on the shoulder.

  The clock struck eight, and Lady Gatewood glared toward the empty doorway. “How long are we going to wait for William?”

  Julia looked from Lady Gatewood to her parents. “I’m sorry. He must have been delayed at the office, but I’m sure he’ll—”

  William strode through the doorway. “I have wonderful news!”

  Julia hurried to meet him. “What is it?”

  “A man has confessed to Reginald Martindale’s murder!”

  Kate’s mouth dropped open. Penny squealed and grabbed Kate in a tight hug.

  Lady Gatewood lifted her hand to her chest. “Thank heaven!”

  “Come and tell us everything,” Julia said.

  He took Julia’s arm and walked to the center of the room. Everyone gathered around. “Our private investigator, Mr. Jeffers, discovered Reginald was behind an investment scheme that defrauded some of the wealthiest and most influential men in London.”

  Lady Gatewood gasped. “Good heavens. How dreadful.”

  “A man named Ernest Leifstrom, the owner of a ship-building company, had given Reginald huge sums of money to invest. Leifstrom introduced him to other businessmen, who were taken in on the scheme as well. But later Leifstrom’s suspicions were roused, and he decided to go to the Martindales’ home and search for evidence of wrongdoing. That was the night Reginald returned unexpectedly from Spain and found David and Dorothea together.”