The Daughter of Highland Hall (9 page)

Andrew pointed to the boys. “May I join them?”

Ann studied the group, and turned back to Andrew. “All right, but remember, if you want to have friends, you must be friendly.”

“I will!” With that, Andrew dashed off.

“Be sure to play fair,” Ann called, but Andrew didn’t look back.

Ann and Lydia took a seat on a wooden bench nearby with a clear view of Andrew. Millie followed them, but she didn’t sit down. Three young girls played hopscotch on the path a few feet away, and Millie watched them.

Lydia touched her arm. “Would you like to play with those girls?”

Millie bit her lip. “I don’t know them.”

“It’s all right. Just go up and say hello. That’s how you make friends.”

Millie twisted the toe of her shoe in the grass for a few seconds, then slowly walked toward the girls. The tallest girl with long blond curls looked up and invited Millie to join their game.

Ann sighed and sat back. “At last—a moment of peace.”

“Yes, it will be nice to have a bit of a rest.” Lydia gazed across the park, taking in the lovely view and enjoying the warmth of the sun on her shoulders.

“I don’t know why, but I thought things would be easier here.”

Lydia turned to Ann. “You’re finding it harder here than at Highland?”

“Keeping Andrew out of mischief is never easy, but being cooped up inside every day …”

Sympathy rose in Lydia’s heart. Her position as lady’s maid to Katherine and Penelope might be difficult at times, but she didn’t envy Ann, overseeing the children all day, every day. “I’m surprised they brought Andrew and Millie to London. Most families coming in for the season leave their younger children in the country with the governess.”

“They couldn’t very well do that since Miss Foster has come along as well.”

“Yes, that’s true.”

Ann shifted on the bench. “It’s a bit strange, isn’t it? She’s the governess, but she’s Sir William’s intended, and in September they’ll marry and she’ll become mistress of Highland.”

“I’m glad it’s worked out that way. She’s always been kind to me.”

“Yes, to me as well. She knows what it’s like to work for a living and take orders from those above her. I’m sure she’ll be an understanding mistress.”

Ann nodded, and her gaze drifted to the boys kneeling together on the path. “Even though Andrew gives me fits, I’m still glad I came. I’ve always wanted to see London.”

“So have I.” Lydia sat forward, her spirit lifting. “Why don’t we do some sightseeing next time we have our half day?”

“That would be nice. What do you want to see?”

“Maybe the changing of the guard at the palace, or we could go to a picture show.”

Ann smiled. “Yes. Let’s check the newspaper and find out what’s playing next week.”

Lydia started to reply, but something caught her eye. About thirty yards away, a young woman in a dark coat crossed the park toward the lake. She wore no hat, and though her back was to Lydia, the tilt of her shoulders and the way she walked looked familiar.

Lydia took a sharp breath and squinted against the bright sunlight reflected off the lake. The woman looked like Helen! But that didn’t make sense. What would her sister be doing in London … at Wiltshire Park?

“Lydia, what is it?” Ann followed Lydia’s gaze.

A heavyset, broad-shouldered man walked with the woman. He wore a red plaid cap, faded brown jacket, and heavy work boots. Lydia’s heartbeat sped up. It was hard to tell from the back, but he looked a bit like Charlie Gibbons, the farmhand who worked for their neighbors, the MacGregors.

The woman turned, bringing her profile in view.

Lydia gasped and jumped to her feet. “Helen!”

The woman slowed and looked over her shoulder, scanning the park. The man grabbed her arm and tugged her off at a quick pace through the trees at the side of the path.

Lydia lifted her skirt and ran after them.

“Lydia, wait!” Ann jumped up from the bench.

Lydia reached the spot where the woman had disappeared and skidded to a stop. Panting, she bent and peered through the trees, but there was no sign of them now.

Ann caught up with her. “Lydia, what are you doing?”

“I thought … I thought I saw Helen.”

Ann’s eyes widened. “Your sister? The one who ran away?”

“Yes.” Lydia lifted her hand to her chest, trying to catch her breath.

“Are you sure?”

“I don’t know. It looked like her.” Lydia rubbed her eyes and glanced around, trying to make sense of it.

A shout rang out behind them. Lydia and Ann spun to find that the marble game had turned into a wrestling match. Andrew grabbed hold of a pudgy blond lad’s jacket. The other boys circled around, clapping and shouting, urging them on.

“Oh no!” Ann ran toward the tussling pair.

Lydia hiked up her skirt and hurried after her.

“That’s enough!” Ann grabbed hold of Andrew’s shoulder and pushed the other boy away.

Andrew’s face glowed red beneath his freckles, as he squirmed and tried to break free. “Let me
go
!”

“Not until you settle down.” Ann gave Andrew a slight shake and a stern look. “What’s going on here?”

The other boy thrust his finger toward Andrew. “He cheated!”

“I did not!” Andrew’s eyes blazed.

“I saw you move the marble with your foot.”

“That’s not true!” Andrew glared at the other boy. “You called me a liar!”

The blond boy’s mouth twisted into an angry grimace.

“All right.” Ann looked back and forth between them. “Misunderstandings happen in games and in life, but it’s better to talk them out or walk away rather than trying to settle them with your fists.” She turned to Andrew. “Why don’t you say you’re sorry and offer to shake hands?”

Andrew crossed his arms and turned away, his jaw set.

Ann stepped closer to Andrew and lowered her voice. “You better do as I say, or I’ll tell your father what happened. And if he finds out you’ve been fighting, I won’t be bringing you back to the park anytime soon.”

The battle raged across Andrew’s face for a few seconds, but he finally turned around and extended his hand. “Sorry.”

The blond boy continued to scowl.

“Go on, then.” Ann tapped the blond boy’s shoulder. “Shake hands like a gentleman.”

“Oh, all right,” he muttered and gave Andrew’s hand a brief shake.

Millie ran up and joined them. “Andrew, why were you fighting with that boy?”

“Never mind.” Andrew strode off toward the gate leading out of the park.

“Andrew, wait!” Ann took Millie’s hand and turned back to Lydia. “We’d better go.”

Lydia looked over her shoulder to where the man and woman had disappeared. Was it truly Helen, or had her longing to see her sister made her imagine the woman looked like her? But if it wasn’t Helen, why had the man hustled the woman off when Lydia called to her?

“Maybe you can come back and look for your sister tomorrow.” Ann slipped her free arm through Lydia’s.

Lydia nodded. Her throat tightened, and she blinked away her tears.

“Come on.” Ann patted Lydia’s arm. “We better catch up with Andrew before he gets out of sight.”

Lydia stuffed her hands in her pockets and trudged down the path toward the park gate.

FIVE
 

Kate collapsed her parasol and stepped into the shade beneath the large white tent set up in the side garden of the Gleasons’ stately home in Chelsea. About forty guests had been invited to the garden party. Some stood in small groups around the edge of the tent engaged in conversations. Others were seated in white wicker chairs at round tables. Small bouquets of bright spring flowers decorated the center of each table.

If only she felt as fresh and pretty as those bouquets, but with her corset tied so tight, and the stiff fabric of her new blue dress prickling her skin, she found it nearly impossible to relax and enjoy the party.

She plucked at her high collar, wishing a breeze would blow through the tent, but the air felt warm and damp. A trickle of perspiration gathered on the side of her forehead, just below her broad-brimmed hat. She lifted her gloved finger and discreetly wiped it away.

Her aunt scanned the tent, perusing the guests. “Come along, Katherine. There are people we need to meet.” She took Kate’s arm and led her away from William, Julia, and Jon.

Kate glanced over her shoulder. Jon gave her a half smile as he watched her go, then turned and followed William and Julia in the other direction.

A footman walked past, dressed in formal livery and carrying a silver tray filled with tempting-looking sandwiches. He stopped at a nearby table and offered them to the women seated there. A maid in a neat black uniform, white ruffled apron, and starched white cap circulated around the tent, offering cups of tea and fruit punch to the guests.

Louisa tightened her hold on Kate’s arm and lowered her voice. “There’s Agatha Harcourt with her daughter, Laurel. She was presented just after Easter.” She narrowed her eyes. “Goodness, look at that girl’s hair. What a sight. I’d never allow you out of the house with hair looking like that.”

Laurel’s hair was a bit overdone, with ribbons circling her head in the Grecian style and a large, pink silk rose clipped on at the side, but her hairstyle was no more elaborate than some of the other women’s. Of course many wore large hats covered with feathers and flowers so you couldn’t see their hair at all.

Kate glanced across the tent and saw Jon talking to Dr. and Mrs. Gleason and their three daughters. She’d met the Gleasons at a dinner at her aunt and uncle’s home last fall, and her aunt had told her they were important people. Kate searched her memory for the girls’ names. Ethel, Erma, and … Evelyn? Yes, that was it. Evelyn was the same age as Kate and was also coming out this season.

Jon smiled at something Evelyn said. Kate frowned, then turned away. Why should she care if Jon found Evelyn amusing? She hoped he would make some good connections this afternoon. Perhaps they would be helpful to him in the future.

“Louisa, I was hoping to see you today.” A tall, regal woman in a cream-colored suit approached and extended her hand to Kate’s aunt. She wore a beautiful cream hat with a wide brim decorated with several black ostrich feathers. Walking by her side was a handsome young man with wavy blond hair and deep-set gray eyes.

“Lady Wellington—Eleanor—how lovely to see you again.” Louisa took the woman’s hand. Her smile spread wider as her gaze traveled to the young man.

“You remember my eldest son, Edward?”

“Yes, of course.” Louisa beamed at Edward and then smiled Kate’s way.

Her aunt had told her to expect an introduction to Lord and Lady Wellington’s oldest son. His father was the Earl of Dunaway, and they owned a large country estate in Somerset.

Eleanor motioned toward Louisa. “Edward, this is Lady Louisa Gatewood of Wellsbury and her charming niece, Miss Katherine Ramsey of Highland Hall.”

Edward waited and watched Kate with a slight smile.

Kate’s training flashed into her mind. She must be the first to speak to him. With a practiced smile, she offered him her hand. “Mr. Wellington, it’s so nice to meet you.”

His expression warmed. “Miss Ramsey, the pleasure is all mine.” He bowed over their clasped hands. “Since my mother and your aunt are such good friends, I hope you’ll call me Edward.”

Kate’s heart fluttered. That was a positive sign.

He turned to Louisa, still holding Kate’s hand. “That would be all right, wouldn’t it?”

Her aunt could barely contain her pleasure. “Why, of course, Edward. That would be fine. The bond of friendship between our families goes back many years.”

Kate slipped her hand from his, but she sent him her brightest smile.

For the next few minutes they discussed the warm weather, the number of guests attending the party, and the fine menu being served. Edward asked her several questions about her interests and life at Highland Hall, then listened attentively to her answers.

“My, you two certainly seem to have a lot in common.” Good heavens. Louisa was practically gushing!

Kate’s cheeks warmed and she looked away. Edward Wellington was charming, but with her aunt and his mother hanging on every word they spoke, the conversation felt a bit … strained.

Louisa turned to Eleanor. “Elizabeth Gleason and I are on the committee planning the St. George’s Hospital bazaar, and I know she wanted to speak to you about joining us.” She smiled at Edward. “I hope you’ll excuse us for a few minutes.”

“Of course.” He smiled. “I’m sure Katherine and I can keep each other company.”

Relief coursed through Kate. Thank heaven they were willing to leave her and Edward alone.

“We’ll be back in a few minutes.” Louisa’s eyes flashed from Kate to Edward, then she whisked Eleanor Wellington away.

Edward turned to Kate. “Would you like some punch?”

“Yes, thank you.” She actually was very thirsty, and a glass of punch sounded wonderful.

He signaled a maid, and she approached with a tray. He took two glasses, and offered one to Kate. “I understand you were presented at court last evening.”

Kate’s hand stilled, her punch glass halfway to her mouth. Had he read it in the paper or talked to someone who had been present? Kate swallowed and forced a smile. “Yes, I was.”