The Daughter of Highland Hall (31 page)

Louisa’s face grew mottled. “This is outrageous! I have never been treated with such disrespect!” Spouting rage like steam from a boiling teakettle, she swung around and marched up the stairs.

Julia lifted her hand to her chest and closed her eyes. “My goodness.”

“She’s just horrid!” Kate glared toward the stairs and shook her head. “Having dinner with David might be uncomfortable, but it certainly isn’t worth putting up such a fuss.”

Julia moved to Kate’s side. “William wants to show David we’re sincere
about supporting him through these troubles. We hope it will prompt him to have a change of heart.”

“I understand. I’ll greet him as I would any guest.”

Julia’s expression warmed. “Thank you, Kate. I appreciate it, and I know William will too.”

Julia glanced in the mirror and adjusted her necklace to center the pearl pendant. In less than an hour David would join them for dinner. Her stomach quivered, and she ran her hand over her midsection.

She understood William’s desire to encourage his brother, but it was hard to forget the way David had forced an unwanted kiss on her when he visited Highland last Christmas. He’d had too much to drink, but he knew what he was doing. She shuddered and pushed those thoughts away. She had learned her lesson. Never again would she drop her guard around David Ramsey.

A knock sounded at her door.

“Come in.”

Kate looked in and hesitated in the doorway. “Are you ready to go down?”

“Almost. I just need to put on my earrings.” Julia took out the pearl-drop pair William had given her as an engagement gift.

Kate stepped in, folded her arms, and glanced around the room.

Julia studied Kate’s reflection in the mirror as she fastened her earring. Was she feeling uneasy about David’s visit, or was it something else?

“We weren’t able to finish our conversation about your time at the exhibition. What did you think of it?”

Kate shifted her gaze to Julia. “It was hot and stuffy in the tents, and I’m not that fond of flowers. I would’ve much rather gone riding.”

Julia turned. “Even though you saw the Wellingtons?”

“That was the only positive point of the day, but it was quite awkward at first. Lady Wellington and MaryAnn were clearly not happy to see us.”

Julia gave a sympathetic nod. “How did Edward respond?”

“He was gracious as usual, and he apologized for his mother and sister when we were alone.”

Julia raised her eyebrows.

“Not alone, alone. I just mean we took a short walk while Aunt Louisa visited the tea tent.”

“I’m sure it was fine if your aunt agreed to it.”

Kate lifted her gaze toward the ceiling. “You should’ve seen her. She was so happy she could barely contain herself.”

Julia smiled, imagining Louisa’s eager response.

“Edward and I found a bench where we could sit in the shade.” Kate’s brow creased, and she looked away.

“And how did the conversation go?”

“He’s been following the Martindale case in the paper and was sympathetic, but his parents are quite upset about the whole thing. They don’t want us to see each other until the case is settled.”

“I’m sorry, Kate. That must have been upsetting news.”

“Edward’s not giving up the idea of a courtship. He thinks his parents will come around in time. He asked me to wait.”

“What did you say?”

Kate hesitated. “Before I could answer, the king and queen came by, with a crowd following them. After everything settled down, Edward said he didn’t need an answer right away, but he hoped I would think about it. I said I would … but I don’t know what to think. I never imagined this would all be so complicated.”

Kate leaned against the bedpost and looked at Julia. “How soon after you met William did you know he was the man you wanted to marry?”

Julia’s smile returned. “Well, it wasn’t love at first sight, I can tell you that.”

Kate’s expression eased into a faint smile. “It wasn’t?”

“No. The first day I came to Highland, I saw him working on the broken-down motorcar about a quarter mile from the house. He had removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves, and his fingers were covered with grease. We spoke briefly, and he seemed rather bold and arrogant.” She smiled, her heart warming at the memory. “I thought he was the chauffeur.”

Kate’s eyes widened. “Really? Why haven’t I heard that story before?”

She chuckled. “I suppose William is too kind to repeat it.”

“So how did things change between you?”

“Over the next few weeks, I began to notice his positive traits, especially his love for Sarah and the children. I appreciated how he treated the staff and how diligent he was to manage the estate well, and my respect for him grew. The more I got to know him, the more I appreciated his character, and finally that appreciation grew into love.”

Kate pondered that for a moment. “So even if a man and woman don’t start out loving each other … those feelings could come later?”

Julia hesitated, weighing her words. “They could, but choosing whom you will marry should be based on more than just your feelings toward them.”

Kate slowly nodded. “I know it has to be more than that.”

“William and I share a bond of faith and a special friendship as well as romantic feelings. I hope weaving all those together will help us build a strong and lasting marriage.” Julia wanted to say more, but a knock sounded at the door.

Penny looked in. “Oh, here you are, Kate. I’ve been searching for you.”

“Well, you found me.”

“Could you fasten this necklace?” She held out her hand, revealing the gold chain and beads.

“Of course.” Kate took the necklace and placed it around her sister’s neck.

Julia released a soft sigh. She was sorry Penny’s arrival had ended her conversation with Kate. She had been praying for an opportunity to talk with her about Edward. He seemed like a fine young man from a good family, but she didn’t know him well enough to judge his character. Did he have the qualities needed to be a good husband? Would he love and cherish Kate?

Kate’s decision concerning whom she would marry could either bring her great blessing and happiness—or cause her regret for the rest of her life.

Julia committed herself to continue praying for Kate, asking that she be guided toward the right man and the best plans for her future.

SIXTEEN
 

Jon placed his hat on the table in the entrance hall and followed the sound of conversation coming from the drawing room. He glanced at the hall clock as he passed. It was almost eight o’clock and time for dinner. He entered the drawing room, hoping William and Julia wouldn’t mind if he didn’t change this evening.

Julia, Kate, and Penny were seated near the center of the room, engaged in conversation, while William stood by the fireplace with his brother, David.

Jon’s steps slowed and his eyebrows rose. No one had told him David would be joining them. He scanned the room. No doubt that was why Lady Gatewood was not present. Jon couldn’t imagine her agreeing to have dinner with David Ramsey, not after all the terrible things she had said about him.

“Hello, Jon.” Julia stood and greeted him with a smile, but the faint lines around her eyes testified to either tiredness or unease. “I’m glad you’re home.”

Jon kissed his sister’s cheek. “Good evening, everyone. Sorry I was delayed.” His gaze moved around the room until it reached Kate. She looked back at him with an unsettled expression. His chest tightened, and he wished he’d arrived earlier.

“Jon, you remember my brother, David, don’t you?”

David glanced at Jon, his expression guarded.

Jon stepped forward and held out his hand. “Yes, David and I met at Sarah and Clark’s wedding.”

David resembled William but was a few inches shorter, with darker hair and a trim moustache. He slowly reached out and shook Jon’s hand. “That’s right. It’s good to see you again.”

Jon nodded. “Thank you.”

Lawrence entered and approached Julia. “Dinner is served, miss.”

“Thank you, Lawrence.” She stood and glanced at William. “Shall we all go in?”

Kate rose from her seat. Jon moved to her side and waited as the rest of the family walked out of the room, then offered her his arm. “Is everything all right?” He kept his voice low so only Kate would hear.

She gave him a furtive look and slipped her hand through at his elbow. “I suppose.”

“I didn’t realize David was joining us.”

“It was only decided this afternoon. William and Julia want to show their support. I understand, but it’s been more difficult than I expected.”

“I’m sorry.” He could see why William and Julia might want to encourage David, but inviting him to dinner didn’t seem like the best way to do it.

They strolled into the entrance hall, and the front bell rang.

“Are you expecting anyone else?” Jon asked.

Kate looked toward the door. “I don’t believe so.”

Patrick, the footman, crossed the hall and opened the door. Two men in dark suits and bowler hats waited under the gas porch light.

“I am Detective Hammond, and this is Detective Peters. We understand Mr. David Ramsey is having dinner here this evening.”

Jon straightened. What was happening now?

“One moment please, sir.” Patrick turned toward Kate, his eyebrows slightly raised.

Kate’s hand trembled on Jon’s arm. “It’s all right, Patrick. They may come in.”

The footman stood back, and the detectives entered.

William stepped out of the dining room and surveyed the scene. “Gentlemen, what can I do for you?”

“Are you Mr. David Ramsey?”

William’s eyes flickered, and his expression grew guarded. “No sir. I am not.”

They repeated their names and their intention to see David.

Kate shot Jon an anxious glance, but before he could reassure her,
David stepped into the entrance hall. His searching gaze quickly took in the detectives.

Detective Hammond stepped forward. “Are you Mr. David Ramsey?”

David’s face paled. He glanced at William, then back at the detectives. “Yes, I am.”

The detective’s expression hardened. “Mr. Ramsey, you are under arrest for the murder of Reginald Martindale.”

Kate gasped and gripped Jon’s arm.

Panic flashed in David’s dark eyes. “But I don’t understand. I went to police headquarters and explained what happened. Mrs. Martindale confirmed my story.”

Detective Peters took metal handcuffs from his jacket pocket. “Things will go much easier for you, Mr. Ramsey, if you come along peaceably.”

David shook his head and stepped back. “But I didn’t shoot Reginald Martindale. Someone else killed him. I
swear
it.”

William stepped up next to David.

“Mr. Ramsey?” Detective Peters approached with the handcuffs.

David’s posture sagged, and he held out his hands.

The detective snapped on the cuffs, then took David by the arm. “Come along with us.” He hustled David toward the front door.

William followed them. “I’ll contact Mr. Bixby. You are not alone in this, David. I promise I’ll do whatever I can.”

But David hung his head and didn’t answer.

Jon watched them in stunned silence. What a dreadful turn of events! If David was found guilty of Martindale’s murder, he could hang. That would be a terrible price to pay for his illicit relationship with Dorothea Martindale …

Especially if he really was innocent.