A Refuge at Highland Hall (24 page)

Penny's eyes clouded. “And that's when he asked you to send him books?”

“No, he wrote to me after, to thank me for helping him, and he mentioned he likes to read, but they don't have many books at the camp, so I thought it might lift his spirits if I sent him these.” She looked down at the two soiled books. Not much of a gift now.

“It's kind of you to want to help him, but I'm not sure it's wise.”

Lydia looked up. “Why not?”

“Well, you wouldn't want him to think he could just ask for whatever he wants and you'll send it.”

“Oh, no, miss. Marius isn't like that. He is a kind, God-fearing man. He hasn't asked for anything.” He had asked her to write, but that wasn't what Miss Penny meant, was it?

The look of concern in Penny's eyes eased a bit. “I suppose it's all right to send the books, but I hope you'll be cautious about future gifts.”

“I will, miss. I promise.”

Penny gave a slight nod. “All right then. I won't say any more about it to anyone.”

Lydia sent her a tremulous smile. “Thank you, miss.” She said good-bye and hurried off. As she rounded the corner, she glanced over her shoulder, but Miss Penny had disappeared into one of the shops.

Was it a mistake for her to write to Marius and send him the books? It seemed like a small way to help someone in need. And didn't the Bible say she ought to remember prisoners and do what she could for them? That's all she was doing—just a small kindness to encourage him.

She shook off her questions. Her letter was written, and the books were purchased. She might as well send them.

How could that cause any trouble?

Lawrence held open the drawing room door, and Julia stepped outside to the veranda followed by Kate, Sarah, and Agatha.

“Why don't you sit here, Aunt Agatha?” Sarah took the older woman's arm and guided her toward a wicker chair with a thick cushion. “I think you should be comfortable here.”

Agatha wrinkled her nose. “I don't know why I let you talk me into coming outdoors.”

“It's a lovely day.” Julia exchanged a smile with Sarah. “And we thought you'd enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.”

Agatha sat down with a thump. “I'll probably catch a chill and be sent back to bed for a month by that doctor…What is his name?”

“Dr. Foster,” Sarah supplied.

Kate turned her head and rolled her eyes, then slowly lowered herself to the wicker settee. Her dress was styled for maternity, but it pulled tight across her rounded midsection, making her look as though her delivery date was imminent, rather than six weeks away.

Julia swallowed and looked away. Would she ever know the joy of carrying and holding a babe of her own?
Please, Lord, help me trust You.
Pulling in a deep breath, she turned back to Kate. “Would you like a footstool?”

“Yes, that would be wonderful. Thank you.”

“How are your ankles today?” Julia slid the stool over in front of Kate.

“Much better.” She put her feet up. “The swelling has gone down.”

“That's good to hear.”

“Aren't you going to offer
me
a stool?” Aunt Agatha lifted her silver eyebrows.

“I'll get you one.” Sarah rose and brought over a stool for Agatha. The older woman put up her feet and adjusted her skirt so as to not expose any more than the toes of her shoes.

Julia took a seat next to Kate and settled back in her chair. She lifted her hand to shade her eyes and look across the terraces and south lawn. The children laughed and called out to each other as they dashed across the grass, playing a game of tag. Penny stood close by, watching over them, while Lydia, Ann, and Helen sat on a blanket in the shade of a nearby cedar tree, entertaining the youngest three children. A smile rose to Julia's lips. It was good to see them all so carefree, enjoying the day.

Her gaze shifted to the left, and she spotted Andrew, sitting off by himself, wearing a bored scowl. He hacked at the grass with a broken stick, looking up every few seconds to shoot glares at the other children.

Julia's heart sank as she watched him. Poor boy. He looked so miserable. What had happened to the happy, energetic boy they'd sent off to school two years ago? She knew he missed his father, but he had been struggling long before William left for London to help with the war effort.

Father, please help me understand what is at the bottom of all this and find a way to help Andrew bounce back. And could You please give me an extra measure of wisdom, patience, and love…I really need it.

Penny strode across the grass toward the house, where Julia, Kate, Sarah, and Aunt Agatha sat on wicker chairs in the shade on the veranda. “Hello, ladies. How nice to see you all outdoors.”

Julia smiled at Penny. “We thought we'd take our tea outside since it's such a lovely afternoon.”

“That's a splendid idea. I'm sure the children will enjoy it.”

Agatha frowned at Julia. “We're having tea outdoors, with the children?”

Sarah looked from Agatha to Julia, her eyes wide.

Julia didn't hesitate. “Yes, I asked Lawrence to serve us all out on the veranda today.”

Agatha sniffed and pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve. “I can't imagine that being enjoyable.”

Heat flashed through Penny, and she had to bite her tongue to hold back a reply. Didn't Agatha realize how hurtful her comments were? Thank goodness the children were out of earshot. Why couldn't the woman at least tolerate the children without complaining—especially after all she and the others did to keep them quiet and occupied so she wasn't disturbed?

Lawrence stepped through the doorway carrying a small silver tray with several letters. Penny's heartbeat picked up speed. Would she finally receive a reply from Alex? Surely Jon had delivered her letter to him by now.

“These arrived in the afternoon post, m'lady.” Lawrence held the tray out to Julia.

“Thank you, Lawrence.” All the women watched eagerly as she sorted through the pile. “Sarah, this one is for you.” Julia held out the envelope.

Sarah took it and glanced at the sender's name. A smile broke across her face. “It's from Clark.”

All the women responded with relieved smiles. Clark's unit had arrived in France a short time ago, and his last letter had been disheartening for them all as he described daily life in the trenches.

Julia handed the next letter to Kate. She eagerly tore open the envelope—it was most likely from Jon.

Julia glanced at the last envelope and looked up at Penny. “This one is from William.” She spoke softly, a hint of apology in her eyes.

Penny's heart sank. She nodded and looked away. Why didn't Alex write? She knew he had a broken arm, but surely there was someone he could ask to transcribe a short note.

“Penny”—Kate looked up from her letter—“Jon wanted me to read this part to you.”

Penny stilled. Had Alex relayed a message to her through Jon? Oh, she hoped so!

Kate began reading. “ ‘Please tell Penny I delivered her letter to Alex soon after he arrived. The break in his right arm was a compound fracture, and it was not healing properly. He had surgery the next day and is still recovering.' ”

Penny released a deep breath. So that was why he hadn't written.

“ ‘It took some extra persuasion,' ” Kate continued, “ ‘but we've made arrangements for Alex to be transferred to Northcote when he is ready for the next phase of his recovery.' ”

Penny's heart surged. Alex was coming to Berkshire! Northcote was only six miles away, close enough for her to see him often, and perhaps even take the children to visit him.

Kate continued reading, “ ‘Dr. Gleason wanted him to stay at a convalescent hospital in London, but I thought he would recover more quickly in the country, and he would have the advantage of being near Highland. I've written to my father and let him know Alex is coming. I'm sure he'll do all he can for him.' ”

Kate looked up and smiled at Penny. “Isn't Jon wonderful? He thinks of everything.”

“Yes, it sounds like a good plan.” Alex was sure to recover quickly with Dr. Foster overseeing his care.

“ ‘But you must warn Penny…' ” Kate's voice trailed off, and her forehead creased as she continued reading silently.

Penny tensed. “Must warn me about what?”

Kate glanced up, then quickly lowered her gaze and continued reading. “ ‘You must warn Penny that Alex's injuries are quite severe. He has lost the vision in his right eye, and his face is badly scarred.' ” Kate's voice faltered. She had to clear her throat before she could continue. “ ‘He wears a patch over his eye, and his appearance is greatly altered. We hope he will regain the use of his right arm in time, but that is not certain.' ”

Penny stared at Kate, trying to take it in. She'd read the list of injuries days ago, but Jon made it sound much worse. Poor Alex! The sooner he arrived at Northcote and could continue healing, the better.

“There's more.”

Penny swallowed at Kate's soft words and nodded to her sister. “Go on.”

“ ‘Alex's spirits are quite low,' ” Kate read. “ ‘He doesn't want to see anyone, and he barely tolerates short visits with me. Yesterday he turned away his sister, Lindy, which made me quite sad and concerned for him. Please keep him in your prayers. We expect his transfer to Northcote to take place Friday.' ”

Penny pulled in a breath and tried to steady her churning emotions, but tears pricked her eyes. Alex was suffering terribly, and it tore at her heart.

Kate read the rest aloud. “ ‘I hope to be home for a visit in a few weeks. Until then, all my love to you and the children, Jon.' ”

Julia rose from her chair and met Penny at the bottom of the steps. She slipped her arm through Penny's. “Let's take a walk.”

Penny nodded, unable to force any words past her tight throat.

When they'd gone a short distance, Julia tightened her hold on Penny's arm. “He'll be all right. He just needs time to adjust and heal.”

Penny sniffed. “Jon makes his condition sound so dreadful.”

“Jon is a doctor. He must report the facts. I'm sure he thinks preparing you will ease the situation when you see Alex.”

“But he doesn't want to see me.” A tear escaped and slipped down her cheek. She quickly brushed it away.

“I know that's hurtful, but I'm sure you want to do what's best for Alex.”

“Why wouldn't it be best for me to see him now? I'm sure I could cheer him.”

Julia smiled. “I'm sure you would try…but it sounds as though Alex needs more than cheering. His life has changed dramatically, and he needs time to come to terms with that.”

Penny chewed her bottom lip. “There has to be something I can do for Alex.”

“It sounds like the best way to help him is to be patient and give God time to work in his heart.”

“But you're the one who always says we are the hands and feet of God on earth, and when there is a need, we should try to meet it. How can we expect Alex to adjust and heal unless someone comes alongside and encourages him?”

Julia inclined her head. “It's true, meeting needs is important, and sometimes God wants us to step up and do our part. Other times He asks us to wait and trust Him. But there's never a need to worry. He's not limited by our small efforts or by the lack of them. All the power and resources in heaven and on earth are at His command.”

“I don't know if I can just stand back and wait to see what will happen with Alex.”

Julia sent her a tender smile. “It takes faith to put those we love in God's hands and trust Him for the unknown future. But it's easier when we remember He loves them even more than we do.”

Penny sighed. Could she trust God like that? She wanted to, but it seemed so hard, especially when it concerned someone who was so special to her and had such a great need.

Julia squeezed her arm. “Let's pray about it while we walk. That will ease our minds.”

“All right.” Penny tried to calm her heart and focus her thoughts into a prayer, but before she could speak the first words, shouts broke out behind them.

Oh, not again!
Penny spun around, tugging Julia with her.

Andrew wrestled Tom to the grass, grunting and cursing. The other boys circled around, urging them on, while the girls shrank back.

Julia lifted her hand to her forehead. “Oh, dear, I feel quite dizzy.”

Penny looked from Julia to the wrestling match. What should she do?

“I'm sure I'll be fine.” But Julia's face had gone terribly pale. “Go put a stop to the fight.”

Penny nodded, then raced across the grass. “Boys! That's enough!” But they wrestled on, as though they hadn't even heard her.

Oh, Lord, help me with these boys!

Marius stood in line with the other men, waiting for breakfast. Many complained of the tiresome daily routine, but Marius wouldn't let it spoil his day. The sun was shining, the medic had finally given him permission to return to the work detail, and he was eager to be off.

Leaning to the left, he glanced around the line toward the serving window connected to the kitchen.

“Don't bother looking. I'm sure it's porridge again.” Siegfried shuffled along next to him.

“There might be bacon or bread today.”

“Don't count on it.” Siegfried turned his glare toward the guard standing watch by the kitchen doorway. “I can't believe they expect us to work all day with only a tasteless bowl of porridge for breakfast.” He tugged up his pants at the waist. “I had to pull my belt in another notch this morning.”

Marius turned his face away to hide a smile. Siegfried had lost an inch or two around his waist, but he was probably healthier for it.