The Daughter of Highland Hall (49 page)

“Thank you, Theo.” The men clapped each other on the shoulder, looking relieved.

Penny kissed Kate’s cheek. “I wish you every happiness.” She handed Kate her bridal bouquet.

Happy tears sprang to Kate’s eyes. “Thank you, Penny. I’m so glad you’re here with me today.”

Then Jon took her hand again. They walked back into the sanctuary and started up the aisle together, the guests smiling as they passed.

When they reached the narthex, Mrs. Fields closed the main door and turned to them with twinkling eyes. “Would you like a moment alone before the guests come flooding back?”

Jon tightened his hold on Kate’s hand. “Yes, thank you.” He led Kate to the corner by the arched window. The snow had stopped, and sunshine broke through the clouds.

He looked down at her with a tender smile. “Well, Mrs. Foster, we’ve made our promises and signed our names. There’s no turning back now.”

“I wouldn’t want to.” She felt a bit breathless as she met his gaze. “You’ve made me the happiest girl in the world today.”

His smile warmed, and he drew her closer. “Is that right?

“Yes,” she whispered. “So very happy.”

He leaned down and brushed his lips softly over hers. Her eyes drifted closed, and her heart seemed to beat with his as they shared their first tender kiss as man and wife.

“The guests are coming,” Mrs. Fields called.

Jon reluctantly released her, and Kate stepped back. His loving look told her this was just the beginning of all they would enjoy together in the days to come. She clasped his hand, and they took their places by the open front door.

The guests poured out of the sanctuary, and a chorus of “Congratulations” and “Best wishes” filled the air around them. From the church tower, bells rang out, adding their joyful song to the celebration.

Kate lifted her face to the sunshine streaming down from an opening in the clouds, and her heart overflowed with thankfulness. How blessed they were to have family and friends who loved them and who shared their happiness today. In a few weeks she and Jon would open the Daystar Children’s Home and begin investing in the lives of needy children. She knew the road ahead might not be easy, but with God’s help and guidance, she was confident they would build meaningful lives for themselves and the children … and no title, estate, or life of privilege could ever compare to the future she and Jon would share.

READERS GUIDE

1. Before Kate came to London for the season, she and her aunt created a list of qualifications for Kate’s future husband. She hoped for a proposal from a man who was from a wealthy family and in line to inherit a title and estate. How did her views change over the course of the story? What do you think are the most important qualities in a mate?

2. Lady Louisa Gatewood wanted Kate to make a good match and be assured of a place in London society. Why was she so intent on this? What did you think of her methods of achieving this goal? What role do friends and family take today in helping someone move toward marriage?

3. Kate and Julia’s relationship has changed a great deal since they first met. How did those changes happen, and what has resulted from those changes? Have you ever struggled in a relationship and seen it change for the better?

4. Jon was torn about where he would practice when he finished his medical training. Why did he struggle with this decision? What factors were important to Jon as he made the decision? What do you think of his choice?

5. Dr. Pittsford decided to move his family to the East End, a dangerous area known for poverty and crime. Why did he do this? How do you think it impacted his family and his ministry? Have you ever been involved in an inner-city ministry, and how did it impact you?

6. William struggled to have a good relationship with his brother, David. When David was called in for questioning and then arrested, how did William show he was committed to helping him? What were the results of those efforts? Have you ever had a difficult
relationship with a sibling or other family member, and what has helped you draw closer to them?

7. Edward Wellington seemed sincere in his pursuit of Kate, but he was strongly influenced by his parents. What do you think of Edward? What are his good points? What are his weaknesses?

8. Kate was very inspired by Catherine Bramwell-Booth’s message about helping those in need balanced with clearly presenting the gospel. Do you know of any ministries today that have a similar emphasis?

9. Helen was afraid to tell her parents she was pregnant, so she ran away with Charlie. Her situation went from bad to worse as she spent more time with Charlie. How was she able to find the courage to get the help she needed for herself and her baby? Discuss what you would do if you were called upon to help someone in a similar crisis.

10. Jon and Kate’s desire to help orphaned and abandoned children led them to open the Daystar Children’s Center and the Daystar Children’s Home. Do you think they will do well in this type of ministry? What qualities do you think they will need to be successful in helping the children?

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I am very grateful for all those who gave their support and encouragement and provided information in the process of writing this book. Without your help it would never make it into readers’ hands!

I’d like to say thank you to:

• My husband, Scott, who provides great feedback and constant encouragement, and who never seems to tire of listening to me talk about my characters and their dilemmas. Your love and support allows me to follow my dreams and write the books of my heart.

• Cathy Gohlke, fellow author and friend, who helped me brainstorm ideas for this series, talked me through difficult days, and then traveled with me to visit Highland Hall–Tyntesfield. It’s great to share this journey with you!

• Terri Gillespie, Vickie McDonough, Claudia Gentile, Caty Dovgala-Carr, and Ella Furlong, my fellow authors and dear friends, for providing help with brainstorming and thoughtful critiques. You have helped me so much. I appreciate you!

• Steve Laube, my literary agent, for his patience, guidance, and wise counsel. He has been a great advocate who has represented me well. I feel blessed to be your client.

• Shannon Marchese, Karen Ball, Laura Wright, and Rose Decaen, my gifted editors, who helped me shape the story and then polish it so readers will truly enjoy it.

• Kristopher Orr, the multitalented designer at WaterBrook Multnomah, and Mike Heath, of Magnus Creative, for the lovely cover design. Thanks for inviting me to have input in the process. You did an awesome job, again capturing the mood of the story and my heroine.

• Heather Brown, Amy Haddock, Ashley Boyer, and the entire WaterBrook Multnomah team, for their great work with marketing, publicity, production, and sales. You all are the best!

• My children, Josh, Melinda, Melissa, Peter, Ben, Galan, Megan, and Lizzy; and my mother-in-law, Shirley, for the ways you cheer me on. It’s great to have a family who love and appreciate each other—and you do!

Most of all, I thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for His grace and provision in my life. I am thankful for the gifts and talents He has given me, and I hope to always use those in ways that bless Him and bring Him the glory and honor.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

C
ARRIE
T
URANSKY
has loved reading since she first visited the library as a young child and checked out a tall stack of picture books. Her love for writing began when she penned her first novel at age twelve. She is now the award-winning author of thirteen inspirational romance novels and novellas.

Carrie and her husband, Scott, who is a pastor, author, and speaker, have been married for more than thirty-six years and make their home in New Jersey. They often travel together on ministry trips and to visit their five adult children and four grandchildren. Carrie also leads women’s ministry at her church, and when she’s not writing she enjoys spending time working in her flower gardens and cooking healthy meals for friends and family.

She loves to connect with reading friends through her website,
www.carrieturansky.com
, and through Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Coming soon!

Look for
A
REFUGE
at
HIGHLAND HALL
in October 2015.