A Refuge at Highland Hall (8 page)

“Yes, sir.” Donald's words didn't sound too convincing, but he took Helen's place and Jack grabbed hold on the corner as well.

“Careful, now. We don't want to drop it.” Alex looked over his shoulder and backed down the stairs.

A dreamy smile spread across Helen's face as she watched Alex. “Lieutenant Goodwin is a real nice man, isn't he?” She spoke just above a whisper so only Lydia could hear.

Lydia leaned closer to Helen. “Yes, he is. But he's going off to war, and there's no use getting a broken heart over someone who might never come back.”

Helen's brows dipped. “I just said he was nice. You don't have to scold me.”

Lydia sent her sister a meaningful look, and Helen had the good sense to blush and look away. The fact that Helen had a daughter and no husband ought to be enough to keep her on the straight and narrow path, but Lydia wasn't sure Helen had learned her lesson, especially when she got all swoony like that.

The lieutenant and the boys deposited the trunk by the front door. “Are there any more that need to come down?”

“Yes, sir.” Lydia explained where to find the other trunks in the upstairs hallway. Helen's gaze stayed glued on Lieutenant Goodwin as he and the boys climbed the stairs again.

Lydia tugged her arm. “Come on, Helen.”

Her sister huffed. “I don't know why you're scowling at me.”

“I'm not scowling. We've got to get our bags and see if Mrs. Kate needs any more help.” She started up the steps.

“Well, you do look cross.” Helen tromped up the stairs behind her.

Lydia sighed. “I'm just tired and flustered with all that needs to be done.”

That was true, but that wasn't all that worried her. Seeing her sister watch Lieutenant Goodwin with such longing stirred up painful memories of the trouble they'd faced three years ago when Helen ran away with Charlie Gibbons.

What a terrible mistake that had been!

Their parents had been crushed, and Helen's situation had gone from bad to worse with Charlie's drinking, lazy ways, and fiery temper. Lydia, Kate, and Jon had searched for Helen in London's East End, hoping to convince her to leave Charlie and get the help she needed to care for herself and her unborn baby. But that search caused such conflict in the Ramsey family that it nearly parted Kate and Jon before their courtship ever began.

Lydia was ever so glad Helen finally got away from Charlie and that Kate and Jon were able to marry. They had a wonderful love story and seemed very happy together. Of course, worries about the war and Kate's pregnancy had put a strain on them of late, but Lydia was sure their love was strong enough to weather any storm.

Lydia glanced at her sister and bit her lip. Helen longed for love, but she seemed determined to find it in the wrong places with the wrong people.

As they reached their bedroom door, she turned to her sister. “You must remember what happened with Charlie and keep hold of your heart.”

Helen's eyes flashed and her lower lip trembled. “There's no need to remind me of that man or all the hurt he caused.”

“There
is
a need. You have a daughter to think of. The Lord has provided for you both. You must be sensible and not throw it all away.”

Helen pushed open the door to their room and walked inside. “You don't know what it's like. You've not been wooed and given away your heart, then seen it tossed aside like so much rubbish.”

“No, I haven't, and I'm glad of it. I'm waiting for the right man at the right time.” Lydia snatched up her bags and walked out the door, her face flaming and her heart aching.

Penny gripped her handbag and looked across the platform and down the tracks. There was no sign of the train yet, but she was glad for a few minutes to catch her breath before they had to say good-bye to Jon and Alex and start their journey.

William's telegram inviting them to come to Highland Hall had arrived only a few hours after Jon sent his request. They'd spent the last day and a half packing up the house and preparing for their move.

Kate stood next to Penny, her gloved hands clasped tight as she watched Jon and Alex speak to the porter. The stout man touched his cap and nodded, then began tagging their trunks, bags, and hampers. Nearby, Lydia, Helen, and Mrs. Murdock watched over the children. This would be the first train ride for many of them, and their excited chatter made it clear that in spite of the serious issues prompting the trip, they were looking forward to it.

Penny glanced at the crowd gathered on the platform. Soldiers in khaki uniforms seemed to outnumber civilians today. Family and friends surrounded many of the men. A few soldiers held hands with wives or sweethearts while they waited for their train. Some of the women blotted tears from their cheeks, while others wore brave smiles.

She shifted her gaze to Alex again and released a soft sigh. He was leaving today as well, returning to Upavon to finish his training. Her heart clenched. When would she see him again?

He'd stayed at the house with them following the bombing, spending most of his time entertaining the children with card tricks and humorous stories about his childhood in India. He'd done an excellent job keeping them occupied while Kate oversaw the packing and Jon made arrangements to move his family to Highland.

Penny had to admit she'd been as captivated as the children as she listened to his exotic tales.

But there was more to Alex than a quick smile and an adventurous spirit. He was brave and caring, and he'd proved it the night of the bombing. He gave the impression he was strong and confident, ready to face any danger that came his way, yet there was something about him that hinted at a deeper need…

And that tugged at Penny's heart.

She glanced around the platform once more. Why hadn't his family come to see him off? Did they know he was leaving today? Did they understand what a dangerous assignment he would face after he finished his training?

She recalled the way Alex had described his late father, but the warmth had faded from his voice when he spoke of his mother. He'd mentioned his sister and said she also lived in London. But neither of them seemed to care enough to meet him at the station today to say good-bye.

Who would write to him and send him packages? Who would pray for his protection and safe return? And who would be here to greet him when the war was over and he finally came home?

Penny's throat burned. No man should go off to battle without knowing someone cared and would be waiting to welcome him safely home again.

Jon approached and smiled at Kate. “Everything's taken care of. The porter will see to the bags.”

“Thank you.” Kate's voice sounded soft and strained.

Jon took Kate's hand. “Everything will be all right, my dear. I promise.”

She nodded, but her eyes glistened. She blinked and looked away.

Alex touched Penny's arm. “Let's give them a moment.”

They moved a few paces down the platform, and Penny looked up at him. “What time does your train leave?”

“Four-thirty, if it's on time. Then it's only an hour and a half to Upavon.” He adjusted his grip on his duffel bag. “I should be back on base in time for dinner.”

Penny looked back at Jon and Kate. “It will be hard on them to be parted.”

“Yes, I'm sure it will be.”

Penny sighed. “At least Highland's not too far away. Jon can come and visit.”

“Yes. He's a lucky man.” A wistful look filled Alex's eyes.

Penny stilled, and an ache that matched his wistful expression filled her heart. Though they'd only spent a few days together, she couldn't deny the strong connection she felt to Alex. “I hope you'll come and see us at Highland on your next leave.”

“I'm not sure when that will be.”

“Well, whenever it is, you're more than welcome. Highland is a huge old place, and there's plenty of room for friends.” She forced cheerfulness into her voice.

“Even when you add all these children?”

“Yes, even then.”

He cocked his head, and his mouth tugged up at the corner. “You mean it? You want me to come?”

Her face warmed, but she kept her tone bright. “Of course. We'd love to see you.”

He looked down. Was he embarrassed or touched by the invitation?

“Thank you.” The sudden, husky gratitude in his tone gave her the answer.

And moved her so she could barely respond. “So…you'll write and let us know where you're stationed?”

“If you'd like.”

“I would, very much.” She couldn't believe she'd said that! “And I'm sure the children would love to hear from you as well. We all enjoyed meeting a real-life pilot.” That seemed to lift his spirits.

She reached in her purse and took out a calling card. “The only address you'll need is our name and Highland Hall, Fulton.”

He accepted the card and studied it for a moment, looking at a loss for words. Then he slipped the card in his front jacket pocket and patted the spot. “Right next to my heart.” He grinned and winked.

She shook her head and laughed. “You are a tease.”

He laughed along with her, and the sound warmed her heart.

Just then the bell rang, announcing the approaching train. Penny glanced down the track and bit her lip. Oh, if only they had more time. The breeze blew a strand of her hair loose, and she brushed it away from her face. “I'll be expecting a letter, so you'd better write.” She made her voice stern, but it was only to hide her growing emotion.

He frowned at the train, then looked back at her, all the teasing gone from his expression. “I will.”

The train's brakes squealed and hissed, sending puffs of steam around them.

She swallowed hard and looked up at him. His dark eyes glittered, and he opened his mouth to say something else—

“Alex! Penny!”

The moment broken, they turned to find Jon waving them over.

“Let's all gather round.”

Penny blew out a deep breath. What had Alex been about to say?

Alex glanced at Jon. “We should join them.”

Penny nodded, and she and Alex walked across the platform together.

Jon waited until he had everyone's attention, then looked around at each child. “Now, I trust you'll all listen to Mrs. Foster and the other adults and follow their instructions on the train and when you reach Highland. I'm counting on you to take care of each other and be brave and obedient. Will you do that for me?”

“Yes, sir,” several of the children replied, while the others nodded.

“All aboard!”

At the conductor's call, Jon shook hands with the three boys and gave their shoulders a pat. He kissed the girls' cheeks, then turned to the cook. “Thank you, Mrs. Murdock.”

She pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped her nose. “God bless you, Doctor.” Then she turned away and climbed into the train.

“Take care, Lydia. You too, Helen. I'm grateful you're going along.” Jon turned to Kate and wrapped her in a tight embrace.

Penny looked away. It hurt too much to watch, and Jon and Kate deserved a private last moment together.

Alex walked toward the train with her, his face somber. “Take care, Penny,” he said softly.

She nodded and looked his way. “Good-bye, Alex.” Her throat felt so tight she had a hard time pushing out her next words. “Please, be careful.”

“I will.” His mouth pulled up at one corner, but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

She wanted to say more, but the conductor called again for everyone to board. She scanned his face, hoping to hold that memory in her heart, then followed the children onto the train. With so many in their party, they had to split into two compartments. Penny settled on the bench with Lydia, Helen, and little Emily. She looked out the window and watched Jon give Kate one last kiss before he helped her climb into the next compartment.

Alex waited on the platform, his gaze on Penny. She lifted her hand. “God bless you and keep you safe,” she called through the open window.

He waved. “You too.”

The whistle blew, and the train pulled away from the station. The last thing she saw was Alex standing tall and alone in the crowd.

J
ulia Ramsey descended the main staircase at Highland and looked down at the great hall. Beams of sunlight fell across the red carpet from the windows high overhead in the arched ceiling. She loved this room, with its dark paneling, beautiful paintings, and treasured sculptures. Though the great hall might look large and imposing to others, to her it was the heart of their home. Here they gathered the family and staff for prayer each morning, welcomed guests to their home, decorated a tall Christmas tree each December, and held the annual servants' ball in the early spring.

She and William had hosted their wedding luncheon in Highland's great hall, as well as wedding luncheons for Clark and Sarah, and Jon and Kate. She looked around with a soft smile…so many joyful events giving her special memories to treasure.

The hall was quiet this afternoon. Only the ticking of the clock on the marble fireplace mantel and the sound of the maids cleaning in the drawing room broke the silence.

But change was in the air.

Kate and Penny were returning to Highland today, and they were bringing nine children, two maids, and a cook with them.

Julia paused at the foot of the stairs. What would it be like to hear the chatter and laughter of so many young voices echoing through the house? Only two children lived at Highland now—William's ten-year-old daughter, Millie, and Clark Dalton's niece, Abigail, who was also ten. William's fourteen-year-old son, Andrew, was away at school, but he would return in a few weeks to spend the summer holiday at home. Then there would be twelve children—an even dozen.

What a change that would be!

She looked around once more, memories flooding back. When she'd first come to Highland four years ago, it had seemed a dark and gloomy place. She'd just returned from India, where her family had served as missionaries for twelve years. William needed a governess to oversee Millie and Andrew and his young cousins, Kate and Penny. And Julia needed a job so she could help support her parents. She accepted the position—a decision that changed the course of her life.

That God brought her a husband and family here at Highland still amazed her. And now she and William had a new challenge before them. The frightening impact of the war had finally reached Highland, and she prayed they would have the strength and courage to meet the challenges and help the family and staff through this time of testing.

Julia lifted her eyes to the sunlight streaming down from above.
How long, Lord? When will this terrible war end? How much will it cost our country and our hearts?

A noise below drew her attention. William walked out of the library and glanced at his watch. He looked up at Julia, and even from this distance, she saw the anticipation in his expression. “They should be here any minute.”

“Yes.” She glanced toward the door. “It's a lovely day. Shall we wait outside?”

He nodded, and she went down the stairs to walk with him through the entrance hall and out the front door. The gravel drive was still damp from an earlier rain shower, and a few shallow puddles reflected the blue sky above. Most of the clouds had cleared, but raindrops still glittered on the wide green lawn beyond the drive.

“I'm glad the weather changed. I'd hate to see them arrive in a downpour.” William squinted up at the sun, then turned to her. “Shall we walk?”

Her heart lifted. “Yes. Let's.”

He offered her his arm, and she slipped her hand through as they set off down the drive. She matched his steps, enjoying the sound of the gravel crunching underfoot and William's closeness. What a comfort he was. How thankful she was for their life together and the blessings they enjoyed. If only…

She bit her lip.

“So, what do you think of having a house full of children?”

His words pierced her heart, and her steps faltered.

He glanced down at her and stopped, his eyes reflecting his regret. “I'm sorry, my dear. That was not how I should've phrased my question.”

Julia shook her head. “It's all right.” She tried to swallow away the tightness in her throat, but it was useless. It had been almost seven weeks since she'd lost the baby, but her heart still ached. She'd only been twelve weeks along, but she'd let herself hope everything would be all right this time, but it wasn't.

She'd lost their first baby a little over a year ago, only a few days after she'd told William she was pregnant.

He pressed his hand over hers. “I love you, my darling. I wish there was more I could say or do.”

She looked down. “I know you do, and I'm grateful.”

“Our time will come. I'm sure of it.”

Julia's eyes burned. “Are you?” She lifted her gaze and swallowed, trying to hold back her tears. “I hope you're right, but I'm not certain of it anymore.”

Compassion filled his eyes. “You are young and healthy, and the doctor says there is no reason we can't try again soon. We must not lose hope.”

She nodded, but an ache weighed on her heart. After losing two babies, it was hard to imagine any other outcome. What if God had a different plan for them? What if William's children, Millie and Andrew, were the only ones who would ever call her mother? Could she accept that?

She loved them dearly, but her heart yearned to hold a babe of her own, one born of the love she and William shared…a baby with his eyes and her nose or some other feature that stamped the child as their very own.

“Papa!” Millie ran down the gravel drive toward them, and Abigail hurried after her, though she couldn't quite keep up.

Panting and smiling, Millie skidded to a stop beside them, her red curly hair blowing across her face. She brushed it away and looked up at William. “It's almost time, isn't it? Ann said we might come down and ask to wait with you.”

William tousled her hair. “So, you're eager to see your cousins?”

“Yes, and the children.” Her blue-green eyes glowed as she hooked arms with Abigail. “We think it will be great fun to have more children at Highland. I'm sure we're all going to get along well and become good friends.”

Millie was such a cheerful, optimistic child, but her words sent questions thrumming through Julia's mind. The children Jon and Kate had taken into their home came straight off the streets of London's East End, where poverty and crime were the norm. Most had no parents, and they had received little education or training before arriving at Jon and Kate's.

Memories of the young girls she cared for in India rose in her mind. They'd been abandoned by their parents or rescued from a terrible life of slavery in the temples. A shiver raced down her arms as she recalled some of the painful stories the girls had told, describing how they had suffered.

While her experiences in India had prepared her to cope with this new group of children, she wouldn't have her parents on hand to help this time.

A ripple of unease traveled through her, but she told herself not to worry. The main responsibility of caring for the children would fall on Kate, but she would need help from William and Julia, as well as Penny and the rest of the staff. Especially since Jon must stay in London. Handling a dozen children, no matter where they were born or raised, was not an easy task, and it would take teamwork to bring about good results for them and for the children.

Off in the distance, two cars pulled through the main gate and made their way up the drive toward the house. A wagon followed behind, stacked with trunks and bags and carrying a few passengers.

“Here they come!” Millie grabbed Abigail's hand and dashed back toward the front door to greet Kate, Penny, and the children.

“Are you ready, my dear?” William glanced down, a deeper question reflected in his eyes.

Julia pulled in a slow breath, summoning her strength. “Yes.” She took her husband's arm again, and they followed the girls back to greet their guests.

Lydia held tight to the side of the wagon as it passed through Highland's main gate and followed the two cars toward the front entrance. Helen sat beside her on the hard wooden bench, holding fast to her daughter, Emily, who sat on her lap. Mrs. Murdock and Donald rode on the opposite side of the wagon, almost hidden by the trunks and bags stacked in the middle. The wagon seat might be hard, but it gave Lydia a good view. Rolling green hills dotted with sheep, shady forest glades, and spacious parkland spread out around them.

The road curved to the right, opening up a new view. Lydia pointed to the house. “There it is. That's Highland Hall.”

Helen turned and gasped. “Why, it looks like a castle!”

“Wait till you see the inside.”

Mrs. Murdock, the cook, gave an appreciative nod. “It's a grand place, that's for sure and certain.”

Donald stared past Lydia's shoulder, a slight frown dipping his brows. “It looks more like a big school or a government building.”

Helen twisted around for a better view. “Oh, no. It's much too nice for that.”

Highland Hall was quite a sight—four stories high at the tallest point and built of sand-colored stone. It had scores of arched windows, several chimney stacks, and a tall round tower at one corner. Lydia had loved working here those two years before she moved to London with the Fosters, and it still gave her a thrill to see the great house surrounded by wide green lawns and colorful gardens.

She glanced across at Donald. “Highland Hall is called a manor house.”

The boy tipped his head and studied it.

“Mrs. Kate's cousin, Sir William Ramsey, is in charge here,” Mrs. Murdock added. She had cooked for Sir William and the family when they came to London for the season, and it seemed she wanted to remind them she was well acquainted with the Ramseys.

Lydia held back her smile. “Mrs. Murdock is right, Donald. Sir William Ramsey is Baronet and master of Highland. But he's a fair and generous man, and you're to show him proper respect.”

Donald gave a shrug, trying to look unimpressed, but Lydia could tell he was storing her words away.

She looked toward the house again. Sir William and Lady Julia waited by the front entrance with Miss Millie and Abigail. My, how those little girls had grown! What other changes had happened at Highland since she'd been away?

She looked at Lady Julia again, her heart sinking a bit. She'd overheard Dr. Jon and Mrs. Kate talking about Lady Julia losing a baby recently. What a heartbreak that must have been, especially when she dearly loved children.

Mr. Lawrence, the Ramseys' butler, stepped outside and joined the family. Patrick, the tall footman, followed him out the door. Mrs. Miranda Dalton, the housekeeper, came next and stood beside Lady Julia. Lydia had worked under Mrs. Dalton for only a few months before Kate and Jon had married. Mrs. Dalton was a kind woman, though she liked things done her way and did not tolerate sloppy work.

The cars ahead of them rolled to a stop. Patrick sprang forward and opened the rear passenger door. Kate, Penny, and several children climbed out. Julia greeted Kate and Penny with a kiss on the cheek.

The wagon rolled to a stop behind the cars. Donald jumped down and joined the other children, looking a bit uncertain. The driver walked around to the back of the wagon and reached out a hand to help Helen climb down, then he lifted little Emily and set her on the ground by Helen. He turned back and helped Mrs. Murdock, and finally Lydia.

Julia opened her arms to them all. “Welcome to Highland.”

“Thank you, m'lady.” Lydia nodded to her and bobbed a slight curtsy.

Julia looked around the group. “Let's go inside, and we'll help everyone find their way to their rooms.” She took Kate's arm, and they walked toward the front door. The children and Penny followed them.

Mrs. Dalton greeted Mrs. Murdock, who set off around the side of the house.

The housekeeper acknowledged Lydia with a nod. “It's good to see you again, Lydia.”