The Daughter of Highland Hall (39 page)

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.

Helen rested on the couch, her feet up and a light blanket over her legs. “I should be the one serving you tea.”

“I don’t mind.” Lydia placed the tea strainer on top of Helen’s cup. “It makes me happy to see you resting.” She poured the tea, added sugar and milk, and then passed the steaming cup to her sister.

Helen took a sip. “Ah, that’s good. Thank you.”

Lydia prepared her own tea and sat across from Helen. “How has it been, stayin’ with the Pittsfords?”

“They been kind and ask nothin’ in return.”

“I’m glad.” Lydia passed Helen a plate with two small sandwiches. “That’s an answer to prayer.”

Helen’s hands stilled, and she looked down at her teacup.

“Helen, what is it?”

She bit her lip, then glanced at Lydia. “I feel like a fool for running away with Charlie. I don’t know how the good Lord can stomach hearing my name in a prayer.”

“Well, thank goodness He doesn’t see things like that.”

Helen’s brow creased. “What do you mean?”

“He knows the mistakes we’re going to make before we even make them, and He loves us anyway.”

“But I ran away from home and turned my back on all we were taught. I lived with Charlie even though we weren’t married. How could He overlook something like that?”

Lydia wanted to comfort Helen, but she didn’t want to pretend what she had done was right. She sent off a silent plea for the right words. “He knows what happened, and it breaks His heart. But all you need to do is confess it to Him and ask forgiveness. That wipes the slate clean.”

“But I’ll still be having a baby in a few days, and there won’t be any husband to care for us.”

“You’re right. That won’t change. But you don’t have to carry the guilt or shame. Jesus carried those for us when He died on the cross. And He did it all for love.”

Tears filled Helen’s eyes. “How can you be sure?”

“Because it says so in the Bible.” She glanced around the parlor. Surely, a godly family like the Pittsfords had a Bible somewhere nearby. Lydia headed for the bookshelf in the corner. As she passed the window, her steps stalled. A large man in a brown coat crossed the street and walked toward the house. Lydia gasped.

Helen followed her gaze. “What is it?”

Lydia ran to the front door, jerked down the shade, and slid the chain lock into place.

Helen sat forward. “Lydia? What’s wrong?”

“Shh!” Lydia lifted her finger to her lips as footsteps clomped up the front steps and a loud knock sounded at the door.

Helen froze and stared at Lydia.

The knock came again, harder this time. “Helen! I know you’re in there!”

Helen’s hands flew to cover her mouth and stifle her cry.

“Open this door and let me in!” Charlie pounded so hard the door rattled on its hinges.

Lydia jumped back.
Please, Lord, help us!

“I’m not leaving till I talk to you! Now, open up!”

“Oh, Lydia, he sounds so angry.” Helen’s voice trembled.

Lydia waved her hand to quiet her sister, then she crept across the room and leaned close to Helen’s ear. “Is there a back door?”

“Yes, through the kitchen,” Helen whispered.

“Stay here, and don’t answer the door, no matter what he says.” On
light feet, Lydia raced down the hall and into the large kitchen. The back door stood open to a small rear courtyard. She rushed forward, pushed the door closed, and turned the lock.

Charlie’s angry shouts echoed through the house as she ran back to the parlor. Standing to the side of the parlor windows, she quickly lowered one shade and then the other.

“You can’t run away from me!” Charlie yelled. “I won’t let it rest!”

Helen’s chin trembled. “What are we going to do?”

Lydia crossed to her sister’s side. “Stay quiet and pray.”

Helen clasped her hands and squeezed her eyes tight. Her lips moved silently as the pounding and yelling continued. Lydia barely had time to form her thoughts into a prayer before another voice rang out.

“What’s going on out here?”

Helen’s eyes flew open, and she stared at Lydia.

“It’s none of your business,” Charlie shouted back.

“Surely ’tis! You’re disturbin’ the whole street!”

“I’ll be doing more than that if you don’t go back in your house and leave me alone!”

“Don’t be telling me what to do! This is my street, and you’re the one makin’ trouble where it’s not wanted! Now be off with you, or I’ll go for the police!”

Charlie growled and banged on the door. “I’m not finished, Helen. I’m coming back for you.” He stomped down the stairs, and his footsteps faded away.

Lydia laid her hand on her chest, trying to still her racing heart.

Tears overflowed down Helen’s cheeks. “Oh, Lydia, what am I going to do?”

“I don’t know, but you can’t stay here.”

“Where can I go?” Helen’s panicked gaze darted around the room.

Lydia laid her hand on Helen’s shoulder. “We must find somewhere safe, and we must do it today.”

Helen sniffed and swiped a tear from her cheek. “But if we try to leave, he might be out there waiting.”

Lydia swallowed and tried to focus her thoughts. Helen was right. Charlie might be watching the house. She could run to the clinic for help, but Dr. Pittsford was a peaceful man with a slight build—no match for Charlie Gibbons. She needed someone stronger. Two or three men would be a better idea. Mr. Foster and his friend Mr. Anderson might come. But could she find them and bring them back before Charlie returned?

She had no other idea and no time to waste.

She knelt in front of Helen and took her hand. “I’m going to get help. Stay here and keep the doors locked.”

“Don’t leave me here alone!” Helen tightened her grip on Lydia’s hand. “What if he comes back?”

“Don’t answer him or unlock that door. I promise I’ll return as soon as I can.” Lydia squeezed Helen’s hand. “Gather your things, and keep on praying.”

“All right.”

Lydia kissed her sister’s cheek, then hurried out the back door and slipped through the neighbor’s property behind the Pittsfords’. If Charlie Gibbons waited on Conover Street, Lydia didn’t want to be seen by him.

She scrambled down the street, repeating her prayer as she ran:
Please, God, help us!

Kate walked across her bedroom, opened the window, and looked out at the lovely day. Only a few wispy clouds drifted across the bright blue sky. A chorus of birds sent up a song from the trees in the front garden.

She glanced over her shoulder. Did she really have to go back to bed? Her throat felt much better, and if she hurried there was still time to dress and attend the afternoon sessions of the conference and the final dinner. Jon might be surprised, but when she explained—

The door flew open. Lydia rushed in, her face flushed and her hat askew.

“Goodness, Lydia, are you all right?”

“Oh, Miss Katherine, Helen’s in trouble!”

Kate met Lydia in the middle of the room. “What happened?”

“Charlie found out she’s at the Pittsfords’.”

Kate gasped.

“He came to the house and pounded on the door like a madman.”

“Oh, my goodness.”

“We locked him out and pulled the shades, but I was afraid he was going to break down the door and drag Helen away.” Lydia laid her hands on her cheeks. “He wouldn’t stop yelling until a neighbor came out and told him he was going for the police.”

“That stopped him?”

“Yes, he stomped off, but he said he’s coming back for Helen. She’s terrified!”

“We’ve got to get her away from there.” Kate strode to her wardrobe and pulled open the door. “Help me dress, and I’ll go with you.”

“Oh no, miss! We can’t go back alone. It wouldn’t be safe.” Lydia hurried to her side. “Do you think Mr. Foster would help us?”

Kate’s mind raced. “I’m sure he would, but he’s at the mission conference at St. Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge.”

Lydia’s face fell. “That’s so far away.” She wrung her hands, then looked up. “What about Sir William?”

Kate shook her head. “David is being released today. They’ve gone to pick him up. I have no idea where that is or when he’s coming back.”

“Should we go to the police?”

Kate clenched her hands. “I don’t know that they would help us unless Charlie attacks Helen, and we can’t let that happen.”

“Oh no, miss!”

Kate paced across the room, trying to think of another idea, but there was no time. She turned back to Lydia. “You must go to St. Paul’s, and tell Mr. Foster what’s happened. I’m sure he’ll go with you to the Pittsfords’. Then you must bring Helen here.”

“Will Sir William allow it?”

“When I explain the circumstances, I’m sure he’ll understand.” She crossed to her dressing table and took two five-pound notes from the top
drawer. She pressed them into Lydia’s hand. “Take a cab. Have the driver wait for you in Knightsbridge, and then at the Pittsfords’.”