A Refuge at Highland Hall (22 page)

Her face flushed and she averted her eyes. The two soldiers took charge of Siegfried and left the stillroom.

Dr. Foster finished the last stitch and stepped back. “I'll speak to Mrs. Dalton about finding a room for Mr. Ritter.” He walked out, leaving Lydia and Marius alone.

Marius adjusted his hold on Lydia's hand, but he didn't let go. “I'm sorry about Siegfried. He's an unhappy man, bitter about all he's lost.”

“You mean because he has to stay at the camp?”

Marius nodded. “He had a fine job at a bank before the war, and he was planning to get married. But after he was arrested, his fiancée broke it off and became engaged to another man, an Englishman. Siegfried can't get past it.”

“No wonder he's hurting.”

“Yes, every man at the camp has a story. Each has loved ones and a life they had to leave behind…not because of anything they've done wrong, but simply because of their German heritage.”

She looked down at him, her heart aching. “I'm so sorry…I don't know what to say. It all sounds terribly unfair.”

“It's not your fault. You've been very kind. I'm grateful.” His gaze grew more intense as he searched her face. “What is your name?”

Her heartbeat quickened. “Lydia…Lydia Chambers.”

“That's a fine name and very fitting.” His eyes twinkled.

She smiled then, touched by his compliment. A sudden thought struck, and she tightened her hold on his hand. What if she hadn't been in the orchard today? What would've happened to Marius?

Alex sat down and gripped the side of the exam table, fighting off the wave of dizziness and nausea sweeping through him. “All right. I'm ready.”

The young doctor reached up and began unwrapping the bandages around Alex's head. “Now I want you to keep your expectations in check. It's only been ten days since the accident. Your vision in your right eye may be blurry, or it may not function at all.”

“I understand.” But he was sure everything would be all right. He'd prayed and believed his eyesight would be restored. It had to be. That was the only way he could return to his squadron.

The nurse standing next to Alex held out a basin, and the doctor dropped in the used bandages. Finally all that was left was the patch over Alex's eye.

The doctor met his fuzzy gaze. “All right. Let's see how it's healing.”

Alex swallowed, anticipation and fear battling for control in his mind. The doctor pulled the tape off and removed the patch. Pain shot through his eye. He squinted and blinked. “It feels like there's broken glass in there.” He lifted his hand, but the doctor intercepted it and moved his hand aside.

“Just close both eyes and give it a moment,” the doctor said. “I'm going to put in some drops to help with the pain. Tip your head back.”

Alex obeyed and struggled to force his injured eye open. The doctor splashed in a drop, but rather than soothing, it burned. He squeezed his eyes closed and pulled in a sharp breath. That was a rotten trick. What was the doctor trying to do?

“Sorry,” the doctor said, but his tone didn't convey much sympathy. “Keep your eye closed for a few seconds.”

Alex waited, praying the burning sensation would ease.

“All right. Open your eyes and let me take a look.”

Alex pried his eyes open, and tears overflowed, trying to wash away the painful drops. The doctor moved closer and shined a light toward Alex's eyes.

“Can you see the light?”

“Yes.” Of course he could see the light. He wasn't totally blind.

“Lift your hand and cover your left eye.”

Alex slid his hand over his good eye, and the darkness closed in. His stomach dropped, and he sucked in a sharp breath.

“Can you see the light now?”

He strained and blinked, but he saw nothing. A tremor traveled down his back. What did this mean? Why couldn't he see the light?

“Lieutenant?”

“I don't see anything.” His voice came out low and rough.

“Not even a faint glow or a fuzzy image?”

“Nothing.”

The doctor sighed. “All right. You may uncover your left eye.”

Alex dropped his hand and focused on the doctor again. “How long will it take my right eye to heal?”

The doctor looked away and gave a slight shake of his head. “I'm afraid the damage to your right eye may be permanent.”

“What?” Alex's head spun as he tried to take in the doctor's reply.

“I'm sorry. I'll fill out the report and turn it in to the commander. With this type of injury you'll most likely be invalided out and sent back to England.” The doctor started to turn away.

“Wait!” Alex grabbed his arm. “That's all you have to say? You're not going to do anything?”

The doctor's expression remained cool as he looked down at Alex's hand on his arm. Alex dropped his hand, and the doctor met his gaze. “I've done what I can for you.”

A cold dread washed over Alex. “But I'm a skilled pilot. I just knocked down a Zeppelin.” His voice rose. “We've got to win this war, and that won't happen unless we control the skies!”

“Calm down, Lieutenant.”

“Don't tell me to calm down. You don't understand. My squadron is depending on me. I
have
to fly.”

The doctor stepped closer. “Lieutenant Goodwin, I know this is difficult to hear, but you won't be flying anymore.”

Alex pulled back as if he had been slapped in the face. “No! I won't accept that!”

A hint of pity softened the doctor's expression before he looked away. “Nurse, take him back to his bed.” He turned and strode off.

Alex stared after him. Tremors hit his shoulders and rippled down his arms and legs. This couldn't be happening. He couldn't be blind in one eye.

A mind-numbing wave of shock settled over him like a heavy blanket, dousing his every hope.

P
enny plumped the pillow and tucked it behind Kate's back. “Are you comfortable?”

“Oh, yes, very comfortable. Thank you.” Kate rested on a chaise lounge in the library with her feet up. She looked around the room with a happy sigh. “It feels wonderful to be downstairs again.”

“I'm glad the doctor suggested it.” Penny sent Dr. Foster a grateful smile. His attentive care meant so much to them. “I'm sure Jon will be thrilled that you're feeling better.”

William had sent a telegram that morning announcing he and Jon would be arriving from London on the four-thirty train and would be staying through Sunday. The house had been buzzing with excitement since then. The children painted a Welcome Home sign and hung it outside the front door. Then they picked flowers for the great hall and bedrooms.

The doctor glanced toward the front windows. “I'll stay to greet Jon and William, then be on my way.”

Kate shifted to face her father-in-law. “We'd love to have you stay and join us for dinner.”

“That's very kind, but Mary is expecting me at home.”

“Then perhaps you could both come tomorrow. I know Jon will want to see you while he's here.”

“Thank you. We'd like that.”

Penny pictured the usual dinner scene in her mind and suppressed a smile. “It will be a busy time with all the children around the table.”

“That's all right. We enjoy them.” Smile lines crinkled at the corners of the doctor's eyes. It was wonderful how Jon and Julia's parents had taken an active interest in the children. Penny sighed. She hoped one day she would share life with a man whose family loved her and her children.

Julia hurried into the library, her cheeks pink and her blue eyes sparkling. “The car is just pulling up the drive.”

It was good to see Julia so happy. Though Julia always did her best to encourage others, Penny knew it was terribly difficult for her with William gone. Almost as hard as it had been for Kate to be without Jon.

“Two whole days with Jon.” Kate sent Julia a blissful smile. “I can't wait to see him. It's been more than a month since his last visit.”

Dr. Foster glanced toward the great hall. “Where are the children?”

“Outside, playing on the lawn,” Julia said. “Lydia, Helen, and Ann are supervising.”

“Ah, very good. I'm sure they're eager to be the first to greet Jon.”

Soon they heard the motorcar's tires on the gravel drive and the children calling out their greetings. Then footsteps sounded in the great hall, and William and Jon walked into the library wearing happy smiles.

“Welcome home.” Julia met William at the doorway, and they embraced.

Jon hurried across the room and knelt on the floor next to Kate. “Hello, my darling, I'm so glad to see you.” He leaned toward her and kissed her cheek. “You look wonderful.”

William held Julia for a moment, and the reunion was so touching Penny had to look away.

William stepped back and shook hands with his father-in-law, then greeted Penny and Kate.

Jon rose and turned to the doctor. “How are you, Father?”

Dr. Foster clamped his hand on Jon's shoulder. “I'm well and grateful for the good Lord's care and healing.” He looked Jon over with a slight crease in his brow. “You look tired. I hope you're taking care of yourself.”

“I've been working long hours, but it's necessary right now. The number of men coming through the hospital is unbelievable.”

The lines creasing Dr. Foster's forehead deepened. “Perhaps I should reconsider and offer my services there as well.”

“Don't even think of it. You're needed here.” Jon shifted his gaze to Kate. “How are you feeling?”

“So much better. I think these last two months will be much easier for me.”

“I'd still like you to rest as much as possible,” Dr. Foster said.

“I agree.” Jon turned to his father. “I'm glad you're nearby and able to look in on Kate often.”

“Yes, I've been stopping in at Highland at least three days a week. I'm attending Clark's aunt Agatha as well.”

“Yes, I've heard,” Jon added with a bit of a grin and a glance at Kate.

So, Kate must have written to her husband and told him how challenging it had been to have Agatha join their household. Penny couldn't agree more.

“Did you hear they've opened Northcote Manor as a convalescent hospital for recovering officers?” Dr. Foster asked. “I volunteer there on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.”

Jon's brow creased. “I'm not sure I like the sound of that.”

“Don't worry. I pace myself and I enjoy it. Julia sends Hardy over to pick me up at nine-thirty. I stop at Highland and look in on Kate and Agatha, then Hardy takes me to Northcote. Julia sends him back at six in the evening to drive me home. I'm becoming quite spoiled with all the attention.”

Julia tucked her arm through her father's. “I'm very glad to do it. You have valuable wisdom and skills that are being put to good use here and at Northcote. We're grateful, and I'm glad to lend the use of the car and driver.”

“All right,” Jon said. “I won't object. Just be sure you're getting your rest on those alternate days.”

Dr. Foster chuckled. “What a change! My son is now acting as my physician.”

Jon sent his father a good-natured smile, then turned to Penny. “I have something for you.” He reached in his jacket pocket, pulled out a small envelope, and held it out to her.

Her heartbeat sped up. “What is it?”

“Information about Alex and his address in France.”

Joy surged through Penny. “How did you get it?” She took the envelope and tore it open.

“A very kindhearted woman who handles patient records at the hospital heard about our search for Alex and was able to help.”

Penny's fingers trembled as she pulled out the paper and skimmed the note.

Lieutenant Alexander James Goodwin, RNAS Squadron Number One, St. Pol, France, is a patient at the Calais, Château Boursot Hospital. His injuries include a broken collarbone, compound fracture of his right arm, three broken ribs, injury to his right eye, concussion, ruptured spleen, and facial cuts and bruises.

Penny's eyes stung and she blinked several times. “I knew it must be serious since I hadn't received a letter, but I didn't think…” Knowing Alex was in such pain was almost too much to bear.

Jon laid his hand on Penny's arm. “He's alive. That's what matters. It sounds serious but not life threatening. You may write to him, but he might not receive your letter.”

She looked up. “Why not?”

“Because he will be back in England very soon. He's coming to St. George's for more treatment.”

Penny gasped and gripped Jon's arm. “Oh, Jon, that's wonderful! How did you manage it?”

“I spoke to Dr. Gleason, the president of the hospital. When he heard the pilot who brought down the Zeppelin was returning to England and in need of medical care, he used his influence to have Alex assigned to St. George's.”

A happy, lightheaded feeling swept through Penny. “Thank you. This is such a great answer to prayer.”

“I won't be his primary physician, but I'll be able to look in on him and be sure he has what he needs.”

“I'm sure that will be a comfort.” Penny tried to keep her hopes in check, but now that Alex was coming home to England, and only a short train ride would separate them, nothing seemed impossible.

Of course he was dealing with some very serious injuries and would need time to heal, but she could visit him in London, help him through this difficult time, and make sure he knew how very much she cared.

Lydia sank down on the bench at the long table in the servants' hall and released a heavy sigh. She'd hoped having Sir William and Dr. Jon home from London would lighten her load, but it had been a hectic day.

The children were excited and eager for time with the doctor, but he had focused most of his attention on his wife, as was good and proper. The children didn't understand, and it had taken every last ounce of her patience to keep them busy and out of trouble. Especially the boys.

Usually Miss Penny shared those duties with her, but Miss Penny had not been as much help since she heard Lieutenant Goodwin was on his way home to England. Lydia was glad to hear it too, and she hoped he would recover soon. Maybe then Miss Penny would feel at ease and be able to focus on helping her with the children again.

“Penny for your thoughts.” Patrick took a seat next to her on the bench.

“They're worth much more than that, thank you.”

“I'm sure they are,” he said with a grin.

Lydia placed her elbow on the table and rested her chin in her hand. “I was just thinking about all that's happened in the last few days.”

“You've certainly been busy. We've hardly seen you all week.”

“I've been on the go, that's for certain.”

He studied her a moment more. “Ever since you brought that German back from the orchard, it seems you've no time for us.”

She cocked her head. “Why would you say that?”

“Because you usually sit and talk after a meal, but not lately.”

“I've had more than my share of work to do, that's all.”

He lifted one eyebrow. “You mean with the German?”

“His
name
is Marius Ritter.”

“Oh, so you know his name now, do you?”

Lydia pulled back and clicked her tongue. “Patrick Lambert, are you jealous?”

“No, I'm not jealous!” But his ears turned bright red. “It just seems odd, you being so interested in this German fellow.”

“Well, someone had to help him.” She sat back, recalling the frightening scene in the orchard. “The poor man was lying on the ground bleeding, while the guard and the other prisoners argued about who was to blame. Thank goodness we had the wagon and I could drive him back here to see the doctor.”

“Lucky for him.”

“Yes, and the doctor was very kind. He was the one who insisted Marius stay until he was certain it was safe to take him back to camp.”

Patrick lifted one eyebrow. “So that's what's kept you away, caring for the German?”

“That and Miss Penny's in a dither about”—she glanced around, then lowered her voice—“her sweetheart crashing his plane and then being out of touch for so long. He's on his way back to England now, and she can't seem to think about much else besides that.”

“Sweetheart, is it?” Patrick grinned again.

She lifted her finger to her lips. “Shh! Don't tell anyone I called him that.”

“I won't.” He shifted on the bench. “Her Lieutenant Goodwin will probably get a hero's welcome when he comes back.”

“I should hope so. He deserves it.”

Patrick narrowed his eyes. “The Germans thought no one could take down their Zeppelins, but he showed them we won't be beaten.”

Mr. Lawrence walked through the doorway, and Patrick and Lydia rose to their feet.

“Lydia, a letter arrived for you.” Mr. Lawrence held out the envelope.

“Thank you, sir.” She took it and glanced at the handwriting, but it didn't look familiar. She turned it over, and surprise shot through her. Marius Ritter's name and Camp Everson's address were written in neat block letters on the back.

Patrick leaned closer and looked over her shoulder. “So, this Marius Ritter is nothing special to you?” His voice carried a teasing note.

Lydia turned and lifted her chin. “Whether he is or isn't should be nothing to you.”

His eyes widened, and he took a step back.

She strode out of the servants' hall, clutching the letter. Her steps quickened as she hurried down the corridor and pushed open the door leading to the rear courtyard. Biting her lip, she glanced up at the windows. She should go up and help Ann and Helen with the children, but this was the only way she would be able to read the letter in private.