The Daughter of Highland Hall (30 page)

But Jon’s future was undecided. He might even return to India. If that was the route he chose, could she leave everything behind and go with him? Traveling halfway around the world sounded exciting, but she wasn’t sure she was prepared for missionary life.

And what about Edward? Perhaps when the police discovered who had murdered Reginald Martindale, Edward would call on her again and want to resume their courtship. Should she hold on to that hope?

If only there was someone she could speak to in confidence. But her aunt would be furious with Kate for even entertaining the idea of encouraging Jon. She could talk to Penny, but her sister was a hopeless romantic and not mature enough to give her good advice. Perhaps she could talk to Julia without giving too many specifics. But it was difficult to hide anything from Julia. She seemed to be able to read between the lines of almost every conversation.

Oh, why did life have to be so complicated? Why couldn’t the decisions about her future simply be made so she could get on with it?

Hoping to distract herself, she bent and sniffed a bouquet of peach and yellow roses, but her thoughts soon returned to Jon.

She’d been terribly upset when she’d seen his face so battered and bruised. The thought of him being outnumbered and attacked by those two robbers was dreadful. And how brave he was to promise he would return and continue the search for Helen.

How could she not want to encourage a man like that?

Louisa jerked on Kate’s sleeve. “Look! The Wellingtons are here!”

Kate tensed and followed her aunt’s gaze to the far side of the tent. It was difficult to see past all the people, but then the crowd thinned, and she spotted Edward speaking to his mother and sister.

“They’re moving to the left.” Louisa took Kate’s arm. “Let’s place ourselves in their path so they won’t be able to avoid us.”

“Oh no. Please, Aunt Louisa, I don’t want to see them.” She kept her voice low, hoping no one but her aunt would hear.

“Of course you do!” Louisa tugged Kate through the crowd. “This is our opportunity to clear the air and let them know we’re not hiding at home simply because your cousin has made a fool of himself.”

“But they never returned our call, and I haven’t heard from Edward in over a week.”

“Honestly, Katherine! We can’t just sit back and do nothing. Sometimes you must take life by the reins and make things happen.”

Kate swallowed a moan as her aunt moved them into position a few yards from the Wellingtons.

“Just act natural and pretend you’re surprised to see them.”

“Oh, it will be a surprise,” Kate muttered, “a dreadfully uncomfortable surprise for all of us.”

Louisa’s eyes flashed. “That’s enough! If you can’t say something helpful, be silent!”

Kate glared at her aunt.

Her aunt plastered on a smile as the Wellingtons approached. “Eleanor, how lovely to see you.”

Lady Wellington looked up, and her face blanched. “Louisa … Why, I didn’t expect to see you today.”

“I always attend the Royal Horticultural Society Exhibit.” She turned to Kate. “We’re enjoying all the lovely displays, aren’t we, dear?”

Kate’s face flamed. “Yes, of course.”

“Katherine has always been extremely interested in flowers.”

Kate lifted her eyes toward the roof of the tent. How could Louisa say such a thing? Kate had never been fond of gardening, and she couldn’t imagine a less likable hobby.

Louisa’s gaze moved from Kate to Edward. She smiled and lifted her eyebrows expectantly.

“I’m happy to hear it,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed coming each year since I was a boy.” He smiled. “It’s good to see you, Kate.”

Edward’s warm expression eased Kate’s discomfort, and she returned his smile. “It’s a pleasure to see you as well.” She shifted her gaze to his mother and sister. “Hello, Lady Wellington, MaryAnn.”

His mother gave a slight nod. MaryAnn did the same, then she lifted her chin and looked away, making her feelings about the encounter painfully clear.

“We should be going.” Lady Wellington looked toward the tent’s front exit. “We need to meet Lord Wellington.”

Edward turned to his mother. “Why don’t you and MaryAnn go ahead? I’d like to speak to Kate.” He shifted his gaze to Louisa. “If that’s all right with you, Lady Gatewood.”

Her aunt’s eyes lit up. “Why, of course. That would be fine.” She turned
to Kate. “I’ll be in the tea tent, dear. You and Edward take your time. No need to hurry.” She smiled at Edward, then turned to Lady Wellington and MaryAnn. “So nice to see you again. I hope you enjoy the day.”

Lady Wellington and MaryAnn bid them good day, but it was a very chilly farewell. They strode off toward the front exit, while Louisa walked in the opposite direction.

Edward offered Kate his arm. “I’m sorry about all that.”

She slipped her hand through the crook of his elbow. “You don’t need to apologize.”

“But I do. It’s terribly unfair of Mother and MaryAnn to treat you and your aunt poorly simply because of your cousin’s … involvement with the Martindales.”

Edward guided her out of the tent. “There’s a spot in the shade.” He motioned toward a wooden bench under a tall elm tree. “Would you like to sit down?”

“Oh yes, please. My feet are aching, and I’m dreadfully tired of walking out in this heat.”

He grinned. “Kate, your honesty is always a pleasant surprise.”

She sighed and sat down. “My aunt doesn’t share your opinion, but I’m glad you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” He joined her on the bench. “I suppose this has been an upsetting time for you and the whole family.”

“Yes, we’re all quite concerned, for David and everyone involved. It’s a terrible tragedy.”

“I’ve kept my eye on the newspaper, watching for the latest developments, but I’m sure there must be more to the story than they’re reporting.”

“Yes, David has been in contact with William almost every day. He insists another man entered the house and killed Reginald Martindale, but he only saw his back as he was fleeing, so he’s not able to identify him.”

“How dreadful.”

“William is committed to standing with David, no matter what the outcome.”

“I hope he’s not disappointed by that choice.”

“William believes David is innocent, even though David and Dorothea have been …” Her face warmed, and she looked down, unable to finish the sentence.

Edward reached for her hand. “I understand. And I’m sorry your cousin’s indiscretions have caused so much trouble for you and your family.”

“It’s certainly put a damper on my hopes for the season.”

He wove his fingers through hers. “Well, I’m not giving up my hopes.”

Kate stilled. She glanced at their hands, then looked up at him.

“I’ve spoken to my parents, but they’re hesitant to make a decision until the case is resolved and your cousin’s name is cleared.”

“You’ve talked to them about us?”

“Of course. You’ve been a continual topic of conversation since the night of the ballet.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize …”

“Kate, I meant what I said the night of your ball. I’d like to resume our courtship, but it will take some time to convince my parents this scandal is going to blow over.” He tightened his hold on her hand, his expression sincere. “Will you wait?”

Edward seemed to genuinely care for her, and he had many of the qualities she was looking for in her future husband, but she was beginning to realize there was much more she needed to consider before she could accept anyone’s proposal.

Still, Edward was not proposing. He was simply asking her if she was willing to wait to resume their courtship—a courtship that seemed to be indefinitely on hold. Was she willing? What if she said yes, and then his parents never changed their mind? What would she do then?

She looked up at Edward. “I’m not sure it’s wise for us to put our hopes on something that may never be possible.”

“I’m sure if we’re patient I can bring my parents around. I just need a little more time. Please, Kate. Don’t give up on me yet.”

The crowd suddenly stirred, and a wave of people stepped back from the walkway.

“The king is coming!” a young boy shouted as he ran past, then he wiggled through the crowd to claim a front-row view.

Edward stood and glanced over the heads of those gathered along the pathway. A smile broke over his face. “He’s right. The king and queen are coming this way.” He held out his hand to Kate. “Shall we find a spot with a better view?”

“All right.” She took his hand and rose from the bench, and they made their way to the edge of the path.

King George and Queen Mary walked toward them, followed by several men in tall top hats and dignified suits and a few women in lovely dresses. Kate spotted Princess Mary among the entourage. She looked just as bored today as she had the day of Kate’s presentation. Perhaps life as a princess wasn’t as exciting as she’d always imagined. That thought brought a smile to her lips.

A wave of people bowed as the royal family reached Kate, and she lowered her head and dipped in a half curtsy, while Edward bowed beside her.

Several people fell in line behind the king and queen and followed them into the next tent.

Kate watched the royal family disappear in the crowd, then turned to Edward. Her stomach tensed. She was not ready to answer his question. “I should go. I don’t want to keep my aunt waiting too long.”

He searched her face. “I hope you’ll think about what I said.”

“I will.” She couldn’t promise him more than that. Even if she was willing, unless his parents changed their minds, there was no hope of them resuming a courtship.

“I’ll walk with you to meet your aunt.”

“There’s no need. I know the way, and I’m sure you want to rejoin your family.”

He smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I’d much rather spend the afternoon with you.”

“You’re very kind. But we’ll be going home soon.” Would she see Edward again? She looked into his eyes. “Good-bye, Edward. I wish you the best.” She pressed her lips together, turned away, and set off to meet her aunt.

Kate followed her aunt up the front steps, her frustration simmering. On the drive home, Louisa had insisted Kate tell her the details of the conversation with Edward. Kate reluctantly complied, but cautioned her aunt not to put too much hope in a positive outcome with Edward. Unfortunately, Louisa would not listen.

“This is such good news!” Louisa sailed through the front door and handed her parasol to the butler. “Good afternoon, Lawrence.”

The butler’s bushy dark eyebrows rose. “Good afternoon, m’lady.” She rarely greeted him by name, and he was obviously as surprised as Kate.

“We had a wonderful time at the exhibition,” her aunt continued.

“That’s … very good, m’lady. Will you be joining the family for tea in the library?”

“Yes, I believe we will.”

He turned and left through the doorway at the end of the hall.

Julia stepped out of the library. “You’re just in time for tea. Come join us. How was the exhibition?”

“Excellent!” Louisa crossed to meet Julia. “We saw the king and queen, and Kate had a very favorable conversation with Edward Wellington.”

Kate pulled off her glove. “I’m not sure I would put it that way.”

“Nonsense! He is still interested in pursuing a courtship. That’s exceptionally good news, and you should be grateful.”

“But his parents are not in favor of it.”

“Not yet, but in time, when things settle down, I’m sure he’ll convince them.”

Kate released a frustrated breath. Why wouldn’t Louisa listen? Nothing was settled, and she did not want to give that impression to Julia or anyone else.

Mrs. Adams walked into the entrance hall. “Excuse me, Miss Foster, Mr. Lawrence said you wanted to see me?”

Julia turned to the housekeeper. “Yes, would you please tell Mrs.
Murdock there will be one more for dinner? And ask Lawrence to set an extra place at the table. Mr. David Ramsey will be joining us.”

Surprise flashed in Mrs. Adams’s eyes, then she lowered her gaze. “Yes ma’am.” The housekeeper turned to go.

“Mrs. Adams, wait!” Louisa’s voice rang out across the hall.

The housekeeper turned, her questioning glance moving from Louisa to Julia.

“You will stay here until this matter is settled.” Louisa glared at Julia. “How could you invite that disgraceful man to have dinner with us?”

Julia’s face blanched, but she straightened. “He is Sir William’s brother, and I don’t believe it is kind or respectful to speak of him in that manner.”

“But his shameful actions have damaged the family’s reputation and placed Katherine at a great disadvantage. How can you even consider including him at our dinner table?”

“Sir William invited him, and he has accepted.”

“I certainly won’t sit at the same table with a man who is involved in an affair with a married woman, especially one who may be responsible for her husband’s murder!”

Julia stood very still for a moment, her gaze fixed on Louisa. “I’m sorry you feel that way.” She turned to Mrs. Adams. “Lady Gatewood will be taking her dinner on a tray in her room.”

Louisa gasped.
“What!”

“Yes ma’am. I’ll see to it.” The housekeeper gave a quick nod and scurried out of the hall.