The Daughter of Highland Hall (46 page)

He pondered Mrs. Pittsford’s words, letting them sink in deep. They rang true and reminded him of comments his parents had made about their decision to serve in India. Could he trust God like that, not only with his own life, but also with Kate’s?

Dr. Pittsford studied Jon. “Your concern for Kate’s safety—that’s the main reason you haven’t proposed?”

“That, and the fact that she’s almost engaged to a man named Edward Wellington. He’s the oldest son of a wealthy earl with a large country estate.”

Mrs. Pittsford tipped her head. “What does Kate think about him?”

“I don’t know. I’ve hardly seen them together, but her aunt says the engagement is going to be announced as soon as the families agree on the details of the marriage settlement.”

The doctor’s expression lightened. “So she’s not officially engaged?”

Jon shook his head. “Not yet.”

“Well then, don’t you think she’s worth fighting for?”

“Yes, of course … but I’m not sure William would allow it, or if Kate even wants to marry me.”

Dr. Pittsford grinned. “Don’t you think it’s time you found out?”

A knock sounded at the front door.

Mrs. Pittsford glanced at her husband. “Goodness, I wonder who that could be at this hour.”

Dr. Pittsford rose from his chair, crossed to the door, and pulled it open.

James Hardy, the Ramseys’ chauffeur, touched his cap. “Good evening, Doctor. I have an urgent message from Miss Foster.” He handed the note to the doctor.

The doctor invited Hardy in and read the note. He looked up. “Helen is in labor. Julia is concerned she’s not progressing as she should. She wants me to come.”

Mrs. Pittsford rose from her chair. “Would you like me to go with you?”

“No, my dear, you’ve had a long day. Why don’t you stay here with the girls?” He turned to Jon. “Would you like to come along?”

Jon stood. “Yes sir.”

“All right, then.” The doctor took his bag and hat from the bench by the door.

Jon followed him out, his thoughts rushing ahead to Ramsey House. Surely with Dr. Pittsford’s skill and experience they could help Helen bring her baby safely into the world … and, Lord willing, he might even see Kate.

That thought spurred him on, and he hurried after the doctor.

Kate poured water into the bowl on the nightstand next to Helen’s bed and glanced at the small clock. Eleven-fifteen. Where was Dr. Pittsford? Surely Hardy had delivered the message by now.

Helen’s pitiful cries had grown weaker, and Julia’s tense actions conveyed her growing concern. Lydia scurried from one task to the next, trying to find some way to comfort her sister.

Kate approached Julia. “Shall I go down and get some more water?”

Before Julia could answer, the door opened. Dr. Pittsford strode in, with Jon close behind him.

Relief poured through Kate. “Thank goodness you’ve come.”

Jon shot a quick glance her way, then he followed the doctor to Helen’s bedside. Julia explained Helen’s condition and what they’d done for her.

The doctor listened carefully as he observed Helen. He took out his watch and lifted Helen’s hand to check her pulse. “Ladies, I’d like to examine Helen. Would you step out for a moment please?”

Julia guided Lydia toward the door. Kate followed them, but before she crossed the threshold, she glanced back at Jon.

He looked up and met her gaze. Affection flowed from his eyes, and her throat tightened. She returned a look she hoped he could read as easily, then she slipped out the door and pulled it closed.

Julia laid her hand on Kate’s arm. “I want to give William an update.”

Kate nodded. “We’ll be fine. Go ahead.”

Julia hurried off down the hall. Beyond the closed bedroom door, Helen issued a pitiful, moaning cry.

Lydia shook her head. “I don’t understand it. Our mother had seven babies, and she never had trouble like this.”

Kate clasped her hands and focused her thoughts. “Dr. Pittsford and Jon will know what to do.”

“But she’s so weak.” Lydia’s eyes flooded. “I’m so afraid for her, miss.”

A tremor passed through Kate, and she reached for Lydia’s hand. “Let’s pray for Helen.”

“Yes.” A flicker of hope lit Lydia’s expression. She tightened her grip and lowered her head.

Kate closed her eyes tight. Fearful thoughts rushed in, threatening to steal her words, but she pushed them away. “Dear God, please take care of Helen and help her deliver her baby. Be with the doctors, and show them exactly what to do. Help us trust You to take care of everything. Thank You for hearing our prayer. In Jesus’s name. Amen.”

“Amen,” Lydia whispered.

Kate looked up, then blinked in surprise. Jon stood beside her. She hadn’t heard him join them, but she could tell from the look in his eyes that her prayer had touched him in a special way.

“Thank you,” he said softly.

Lydia turned to Jon. “How’s Helen?”

His expression grew sober. “Dr. Pittsford wants to take her to St. George’s. The baby is breech. Helen may need surgery.”

Lydia bit her lip and glanced at Kate.

“I’m sure the doctor knows what’s best. What can we do to help?”

Before Jon could answer, William and Julia hurried down the hall toward them. Jon explained the situation, and within minutes, Dr. Pittsford, Jon, and the two footmen carefully carried Helen down the main staircase on a stretcher they had made from a sturdy blanket. The men eased Helen into the backseat of the waiting motorcar.

Dr. Pittsford turned to William. “Jon and I should go with Helen. Perhaps the chauffeur could return and bring Lydia after?”

“Yes, of course.” William gave instructions to Hardy. The chauffeur touched his cap. Dr. Pittsford checked on Helen once more.

Kate looked up at William. “I’d like to go with Lydia when Hardy returns.”

William hesitated. “I’m not sure that’s wise.”

Julia laid her hand on William’s arm. “I could go along as well. I’m sure we’d be a comfort to Lydia.”

His expression eased. “All right.”

Kate’s gaze followed Jon as he circled the motorcar. He looked back at her one last time before he climbed in next to Dr. Pittsford. She lifted her hand, and the motorcar sped off into the night.

But unlike the last time she’d watched a car carry him away, Kate’s heart overflowed with hope.

Kate glanced up at the clock on the waiting room wall and leaned back in the hard chair. They’d been here almost two hours, but still no news of Helen and the baby.

Lydia sat beside Kate, staring toward the dark windows. Julia walked across the room and picked up a newspaper sitting on an end table. Two anxious, expectant fathers waited in chairs at the opposite side of the room.

Lydia fiddled with a loose thread on the sleeve of her sweater. “Why is it taking so long?”

Kate looked her way. “I’m sure we’ll hear something soon.”

“But isn’t there someone who could tell us something?”

Julia laid the newspaper aside. “I suppose I could go and see if—”

The door swung open, and Jon walked in wearing a surgical gown over his clothes.

Kate held her breath.

A smile broke over Jon’s face. “Helen delivered a beautiful girl. They’re both going to be fine.”

“Oh, thank heaven!” Lydia lifted her hand and covered her mouth.

Kate’s throat felt so clogged she couldn’t speak.

Jon approached and lowered his voice. “She didn’t have to have surgery. Dr. Pittsford was able to turn the baby.”

“That’s remarkable.” Julia’s gaze fastened on Jon. “She seemed too weak to manage the delivery.”

He nodded. “I’d say it’s a miracle.”

“And the baby is all right?” Lydia’s voice trembled slightly.

Jon smiled again. “Yes, she weighs six pounds, twelve ounces, and has a very strong cry. She looks perfect in every way.”

Lydia stood and embraced Julia.

Kate blinked away her tears and looked up at Jon.

He sat down beside her, weary lines creasing his forehead. “I’m glad you were here, Kate. I know it meant a lot to Lydia.”

“I’m so very thankful there’s a happy outcome.”

“I meant what I said about it being a miracle.” He looked into her eyes. “I believe God heard your prayer for Helen and the baby.”

A wave of awe washed over Kate. “You really think so?”

Warmth and sincerity flowed from his eyes. “Yes, and I’m very grateful for those prayers … and for you.”

Joy flooded her heart. “As I am for you,” she whispered.

Jon stilled, a look of awe filling his eyes. Then a smile overtook his mouth.

A wave of relief surged through Kate. Whatever had caused their separation was no longer important. The gap between them had been bridged. A new connection drew them closer … and Kate couldn’t have been more thrilled.

TWENTY-FIVE
 

Just before sunrise Kate yawned and climbed the main stairs at Ramsey House. Her shoulders ached, and a headache throbbed at the base of her neck, but she was very glad she’d stayed at the hospital long enough to see Helen and the baby. Jon was right. Little Emily was precious and perfect in every way. With that happy thought in mind, Kate climbed into bed and drifted off to sleep.

She awoke a few hours later in the middle of a vivid dream. She lay still, trying to recapture the poignant scene before it faded. Jon had arrived at the front door of Ramsey House carrying a newborn baby and bringing several children with him. She couldn’t see all their faces, but the first three looked like Rose, Susan, and Jack, the children they’d met on the East End and treated at Daystar. She had been surprised to see them, but she welcomed them all inside.

The dream seemed so real that Kate had a hard time dismissing it from her mind. It was probably the result of her conversation with Jon at the hospital and the powerful emotions she’d felt as she waited for Helen to deliver her baby. Maybe it was a combination of everything she’d experienced in the last few weeks.

Rather than ringing for Lydia’s help, she chose to wear a simple skirt and blouse, and then tied back her hair. The clock in the entrance hall struck eleven as she came downstairs and entered the library. William sat at his desk, and Julia sat beside him, reading a book.

“May I go see Helen at the hospital this afternoon?”

William turned and looked her way. “Good morning, Kate. How are you today?” He raised his eyebrows, reminding her of her manners.

“I’m sorry. Good morning. I hope you’re both well.”

Julia laid aside her book. “I’m a bit tired, but very happy we were able to help Helen.”

Kate smiled. “It was wonderful, wasn’t it?”

William’s serious expression softened into a slight smile. “Yes, I understand we have much to be grateful for today.”

Kate nodded. “Would it be all right if Hardy drives Lydia and me to St. George’s at three o’clock? That’s when visiting hours begin.”

William glanced at Julia. “I suppose Hardy could take them, but David and Dorothea are coming for tea at four.”

Julia pondered that for a moment. “I don’t think Kate needs to be here for their visit. In fact, it might be best if it was just the four of us.”

“Yes.” William turned back to Kate. “I have some news regarding David. He has proposed to Dorothea, and she has accepted. They’re planning a private ceremony in a few weeks. They’re coming today to discuss their plans for selling Ramsey Imports and their London properties in preparation for their move to New York.”