Kate glanced at the envelope. The handwriting didn’t look familiar, and there was no return address. She slit it open, pulled out the stationery, and glanced at the bottom. Surprise rippled through her as she read Edward’s signature.
Dear Kate,
I was so pleased to read the latest article in the newspaper about the Martindale case. I’m sure Mr. Leifstrom’s confession is a relief to you and your family, and I hope it will open the door for us to continue seeing each other.
I have spoken to my parents, and they have softened their stance. But they are not comfortable with our being seen together in public, at least not yet. I thought they were being overly cautious, but I can see their point. It will take some time for your cousin’s involvement with the Martindales to fade from people’s minds. We don’t want to rush ahead and stir up gossip that would hurt our reputation.
Kate paused. Whose reputation was he speaking of—his and hers, or his family’s? Either way it made her uncomfortable that he valued the opinions of others more than he cared about her thoughts or feelings on the matter.
But I am eager to see you again, and I believe my parents will agree to it very soon.
With that hope in mind, I would like to invite you to accompany me to the Eaton versus Harrow cricket match on the seventh of July.
I also wanted you to know MaryAnn has accepted Charles Felton’s proposal.
Kate gasped. That horrible Charles Felton—the one who had looked her up and down at her ball as if he were undressing her? He made her skin crawl! She’d heard rumors about his drinking and carousing, and his behavior at the ball seemed to confirm it. How could the Wellingtons encourage their daughter to marry someone with such poor character? She shook her head and looked at the letter again.
Their engagement should appear in the newspaper next week, and my parents have planned an engagement party on the fifteenth of July. I hope everything will be settled by then and you will be able to join us that evening. Charles is from one of the finest families in London, and my parents are very pleased with the match. MaryAnn is not too keen on it yet, but I am sure she will see that my parents have her best interests in mind.
Kate shuddered. No wonder MaryAnn was not happy about her engagement to Charles Felton. How could she be?
Well, my dear Kate, it seems brighter days are ahead for us. I just knew everything would come out right if we were patient. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely, Edward
Kate lowered the letter and stared toward the windows. Poor MaryAnn. How dreadful to be forced to marry someone you didn’t love. Didn’t Lord and Lady Wellington realize how unhappy MaryAnn would be with a husband who lacked integrity?
Kate sighed and shook her head. There was nothing she could do about MaryAnn’s situation.
She had her own issues to consider. She glanced at the letter, scanning the words once more. Edward said nothing about love or having any feelings for her. His letter seemed impersonal, almost like something he would’ve written to a friend from school. Should she respond and accept his invitation?
Her thoughts shifted to Jon. She laid the letter on her lap and looked toward the windows. Did he truly care for her? If he did, why didn’t he tell her or speak to William about it? Maybe he thought she wouldn’t want to marry a doctor who planned to practice at a free clinic on the East End.
She glanced around her room, questions stirring in her mind. Would he want to follow the Pittsfords’ example and live close to the clinic and children’s home? It made sense … but what kind of life would that be? Since she was a young girl, she’d always enjoyed comfort and ease. Could she leave that all behind and trade it for a very different kind of future with Jon?
Jon glanced down the pew at his father and mother while the speaker continued to describe his work in the Hunan Province of China. It was nearly four o’clock. The day was slipping away, and he still needed to speak to his parents about his decision. Why had he put it off so long?
The speaker finished his presentation, and the audience applauded.
As the applause died down, the crowd rose to their feet. Jon leaned toward his father. “Could we step outside and take a walk before the next session?”
His father stretched. “That’s a good idea. I could use a bit of fresh air.” He turned to Jon’s mother. “Mary, will you join us?”
She smiled up at him. “Yes, it sounds lovely.”
Jon led the way out the side door of the sanctuary. Clouds had moved in, but the day was still warm. A light breeze ruffled the leaves of the trees in the churchyard as they set off down the pathway.
“I’ve been thinking a great deal about what I ought to do when I finish my medical training.” Jon glanced at his father.
Surprise flashed in his father’s eyes. “Go on.”
“I’ve been praying about it, of course.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
Jon pulled in a deep breath. “I believe the Lord is calling me to stay in London and work at the Daystar Clinic with Dr. Pittsford.”
His father’s face fell. He cast a quick glance at Jon’s mother, then looked back at Jon. “I thought you wanted to return to India and continue our work at Kanakapura.”
“I did, for a long time, but over the last few months I’ve become aware of the needs on the East End. Dr. Pittsford has asked me to join him, and I would like to accept his offer.”
His father’s brow creased. “Are you sure about this, son?”
“As sure as anyone can be when they look ahead and try to choose the best path for their life.”
His father looked down and clasped his hands behind his back. “I don’t know what to say.”
Jon’s mother stepped closer to Jon. “What your father means is this is a surprise, and we need some time to consider it before we respond.”
“I know if you saw the work, you’d be very impressed. It’s just as challenging and rewarding as our ministry in India. But it’s right here—in our own country.”
His father’s grim expression deepened to a scowl. “I didn’t know you were so averse to working in India.”
“I’m not averse to it. I have many wonderful memories of our years in India. I simply believe I have a different calling.”
“So that’s it? The decision is made without even consulting us? What am I supposed to say to Martin Van Cleave? I spent more than a half hour yesterday telling him what a splendid candidate you were going to be. I set the wheels in motion.”
Regret burned in Jon’s throat. “I’m sorry, Father. I should have spoken to you sooner.”
“Yes. You should have.” His father set his jaw and stared off toward the trees.
Jon’s mother studied them both, lines creasing her face.
Finally, his father broke the silence. “Your mother is right. I need time to pray about this.” With that, he turned and strode off down the path.
Jon’s spirit sank.
His mother reached for his arm. “It will be all right, Jon. Just give him a little time.”
“I’m sorry, Mother. I knew he might be disappointed, but I didn’t think he would take it this hard.”
She looked down the path with misty eyes. “He so much wanted to return to India and work with you there.”
Jon swallowed. They’d talked about it for years, and he’d wanted it too. But it was no longer a possibility.
“Your father is struggling to accept all the changes brought about by his illness. I think he feels a bit guilty that he can’t go back, and he thought sending you in his place might relieve those feelings.” She sighed and shook her head. “Now he must face those issues and resolve them.”
Jon glanced across the churchyard as his father passed under a stone archway and disappeared from view. He was a good man, and he had faithfully served the Lord for many years. He loved his wife and children, and he had brought hundreds into the kingdom through his sacrifice and service. Hurting him was the last thing Jon ever wanted to do.
&nb
sp; His mother tucked her arm through his. “Tell me more about this Daystar Clinic.”
He looked down at her, the ache inside easing a bit. “It’s not just a medical clinic. It’s the beginning of a larger ministry that will reach out and offer practical help to hundreds of people on the East End, especially the children.”
Warmth and affection filled his mother’s eyes. “What do you hope to accomplish?”
They strolled through the churchyard, and as Jon told her about their plans for the children’s center and expanding the clinic, the burden grew lighter.
Kate lay back against her pillow, fighting off her disappointment. “But this is the last day of the conference. Are you sure I must stay home?”
“I think it’s best.” Jon’s expression was serious, but kindness shone in his eyes. “Even though your lungs are clear and you no longer have a fever, your throat is still a bit red.”
Kate folded her arms across her chest. Her throat only hurt a little when she swallowed. Other than that, she felt fine. Why did she have to stay in bed while everyone else went off to enjoy the day? Even Lydia had left to visit her sister, Helen, at the Pittsfords’.
“If you rest today,” Jon continued, “perhaps you’ll be able to attend church tomorrow and enjoy some time with my parents.”
Kate sighed. “Oh, all right, I’ll stay home. But I confess I’m growing very tired of it.”
“I understand, and I wish you could come with us, but I don’t think it’s wise.”
His gentle tone tugged at her conscience. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to be such a terrible patient … It’s just that I’m not used to being ill and confined to my room.”
“Well, hopefully it won’t be much longer. So chin up, and follow the doctor’s orders.” He nodded to her with a teasing grin.
“Yes sir.” She gave him a mock salute. “I will rest and read and order my stubborn heart to get back in line.”
“Now that’s the Kate I know and admire.”
Pleasant warmth spread through her as she returned his smile. Jon’s kindness and care were such a gift. She didn’t want to be a burden to him or anyone else. She smoothed her hand across the blanket on her lap, determined to shift the conversation to a more pleasant topic. “Have you enjoyed the conference?”
“Yes, the speakers have been excellent. The directors and everyone have been very kind to my parents. I know that means a great deal to them.” His expression dimmed, and he glanced away.
“But …?”
He looked at her again. “I told my parents about my decision to practice at Daystar.”
“And?”
“It didn’t go as well as I’d hoped. In fact, my father is quite upset.”
No wonder Jon looked discouraged. He loved his parents and especially looked up to his father. “I’m sorry,” she said softly.
“Yes. So am I. I’d hoped he would take it in stride and perhaps even be pleased I’ll be staying in England.”
“Oh, I’m sure he’s not disappointed about that.”
“You didn’t see how he responded.” Jon glanced toward the windows. “He was certain I would return to India and take his place.”
“Surely he understands your desire to take a different path.”
“My mother says he’s grieving the loss of his ministry and trying to come to terms with all the changes in his life.”
“Yes, I’m sure that’s been very difficult.”
“I didn’t realize how much it all meant to him, until this week.”
“Now that he has recovered, perhaps he could find some way to use his medical skills again.”
“Yes, I suppose.” Jon stared toward the fireplace, looking lost in thought.
Penny walked through the doorway carrying her shawl and gloves. “How are you feeling, Kate?”
“Much better.”
“That’s wonderful. I’m so glad. I’m sorry you can’t come with us today. The speakers have told the most amazing stories. Missionary life sounds so very exciting. It makes me want to sign up to go to China or somewhere else exotic like that.”
Kate smiled. Penny’s enthusiasm was admirable, but she doubted her sister was serious about going overseas. “Enjoy it for me, and take notes, then you can tell me the best stories when you come home.”
“I will. I promise.” Penny’s eyes lit up. “And did you hear David is being released this morning?”
“No, I hadn’t heard.”
“Cousin William and Mr. Bixby are picking him up at ten o’clock.” She grinned and leaned closer. “I’m so glad we won’t have to listen to Aunt Louisa going on and on about it anymore.”
“Yes, that will be a relief.” Kate forced a smile, but she wasn’t looking forward to resuming the whirl of social events with her aunt when she was well.
“Take care, Kate. We’ll see you this evening.” Penny waved good-bye and walked out the door.
Jon turned to Kate. “I suppose I should head downstairs as well. Is there anything I can get you before I go?”
“No, I’m fine. I feel very well looked after.” She smiled, trying to have a good attitude, but her spirit slipped lower as Jon walked out and left her alone.
Jon followed his parents, Julia, and Penny toward the front entrance of St. Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge. This special session for those involved in the work in India would be bittersweet for him and his family. He glanced at his father and hoped it wouldn’t cause him greater pain.
Just before they reached the front door, his father slowed and looked his way. “May I speak to you for a moment before we go in?”
Jon’s shoulders tensed. “Of course.”
Jon’s mother glanced back at them. “We’ll go ahead and save you some seats.”
“Yes, thank you, Mary.” His father stepped closer, his expression sober. “I’ve thought a great deal about our conversation yesterday.”
“I have as well.”
“I believe I owe you an apology.”
“No. Please, Father, that’s not necessary.”
His father lifted his hand. “Yes, it is. I reacted poorly to your news, and I regret it. I hope you will forgive me.”
“Of course. I should have given you more warning.”
“Perhaps, but your letters were filled with your experiences at Daystar. It was obvious your focus had shifted from India to London. I should have realized that.”
“There is a great need on the East End.”
“I trust what you said about praying and waiting on the Lord for direction is true.” His father cocked one eyebrow, making the statement seem like a question.
Jon gave a swift nod. “Yes sir, it is.”
His father considered that for a moment, then looked back at Jon again. “If that’s the case, then I have no cause to be upset with you or your decision.”
Jon released a deep breath. “Thank you, Father.”
“Your mother and I raised you to seek the Lord’s guidance in every decision, whether great or small.”
Jon nodded, the truth of that statement filling him with confidence. Along with it came the firm conviction that God was guiding him on the right path.
“Then it would be foolish for me to discourage you from doing that very thing.” His father extended his hand toward Jon. “I affirm your decision, I give you my blessing, and I promise to faithfully pray for your work here.”
Jon reached out and gripped his father’s hand. “Thank you. That means a great deal to me.”
“There’s one more thing I must ask.”
“Yes sir?”
“Are you staying in London with the hope of winning Katherine Ramsey’s heart?”
Jon stared at his father. “Did Julia tell you that?”
“No. You mentioned her often in your letters, and I observed you together that first evening we were at Ramsey House. You’ve also spoken of her several times in the last few days, even though she hasn’t been with us.”
Jon glanced away, then looked back at his
father. “I do care for Kate, a great deal. But I’m not sure anything will come of it.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Well, there are obvious differences in our background.”
“That’s true, but with the inheritance you’ll receive and the connections your grandmother is eager to offer, the gap between you is not so great.”
“I’m not an aristocrat, and when I receive my inheritance, I’ll probably use it to provide for my needs until Daystar has a broader support base.”
Father rubbed his chin, his expression thoughtful.
“I’m not sure Kate would want to join me in my work on the East End. It’s certainly not the kind of life she planned to lead.”
His father’s gaze softened. “There aren’t many women as strong as your mother. She gave up a tremendous amount to marry me and serve the Lord by my side in India.”
Jon’s throat tightened. His parents had faced a great deal together. Their loving commitment provided an excellent example that he hoped to emulate in his own marriage and family.
“Your mother and I are praying you’ll find a wife who loves the Lord and is eager to serve Him.” His father clamped his hand on Jon’s shoulder. “That kind of wife is worth waiting for.”
Jon nodded and swallowed past the tightness in his throat. A vision of Kate dressed in her finest gown dancing at Sheffield House flashed across his mind. It was quickly replaced by a second image of her wearing a simple dress and holding the hand of one of his young patients at Daystar.
Kate’s interests and ambitions seemed to be changing. Were those changes motivated by genuine faith, or were they simply a response to the challenges the family had been facing? He hoped they signaled a true change of heart … one that would sustain her and continue to grow … and one that might open the door for them to enjoy a future together.
TWENTY
Lydia carried the tray of tea and sandwiches into the Pittsfords’ cozy parlor and set it down on the table next to Helen. “Here we are.” Lydia was thankful she and Helen had the house to themselves. Dr. and Mrs. Pittsford had greeted Lydia when she arrived, but they’d left for the clinic soon after, and their two daughters had gone to visit a sick friend.
The Daughter of Highland Hall Page 27