Free A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

Highland Hall had arrived only a few hours after Jon sent his request. They’d spent the last day and a half packing up the house and preparing for their move.
    Kate stood next to Penny, her gloved hands clasped tight as she watched Jon and Alex speak to the porter. The stout man touched his cap and nodded, then began tagging their trunks, bags, and hampers. Nearby, Lydia, Helen, and Mrs. Murdock watched over the children. This would be the first train ride for many of them, and their excited chatter made it clear that in spite of the serious issues prompting the trip, they were looking forward to it.
    Penny glanced at the crowd gathered on the platform. Soldiers in khaki uniforms seemed to outnumber civilians today. Family and friends surrounded many of the men. A few soldiers held hands with wives or sweethearts while they waited for their train. Some of the women blotted tears from their cheeks, while others wore brave smiles.
    She shifted her gaze to Alex again and released a soft sigh. He was leaving today as well, returning to Upavon to finish his training. Her heart clenched. When would she see him again?
    He’d stayed at the house with them following the bombing, spending most of his time entertaining the children with card tricks and humorous stories about his childhood in India. He’d done an excellent job keeping them occupied while Kate oversaw the packing and Jon made arrangements to move his family to Highland.
    Penny had to admit she’d been as captivated as the children as she listened to his exotic tales.
    But there was more to Alex than a quick smile and an adventurous spirit. He was brave and caring, and he’d proved it the night of the bombing. He gave the impression he was strong and confident, ready to face any danger that came his way, yet there was something about him that hinted at a deeper need…
    And that tugged at Penny’s heart.
    She glanced around the platform once more. Why hadn’t his family come to see him off? Did they know he was leaving today? Did they understand what a dangerous assignment he would face after he finished his training?
    She recalled the way Alex had described his late father, but the warmth had faded from his voice when he spoke of his mother. He’d mentioned his sister and said she also lived in London. But neither of them seemed to care enough to meet him at the station today to say good-bye.
    Who would write to him and send him packages? Who would pray for his protection and safe return? And who would be here to greet him when the war was over and he finally came home?
    Penny’s throat burned. No man should go off to battle without knowing someone cared and would be waiting to welcome him safely home again.
    Jon approached and smiled at Kate. “Everything’s taken care of. The porter will see to the bags.”
    “Thank you.” Kate’s voice sounded soft and strained.
    Jon took Kate’s hand. “Everything will be all right, my dear. I promise.”
    She nodded, but her eyes glistened. She blinked and looked away.
    Alex touched Penny’s arm. “Let’s give them a moment.”
    They moved a few paces down the platform, and Penny looked up at him. “What time does your train leave?”
    “Four-thirty, if it’s on time. Then it’s only an hour and a half to Upavon.” He adjusted his grip on his duffel bag. “I should be back on base in time for dinner.”
    Penny looked back at Jon and Kate. “It will be hard on them to be parted.”
    “Yes, I’m sure it will be.”
    Penny sighed. “At least Highland’s not too far away. Jon can come and visit.”
    “Yes. He’s a lucky man.” A wistful look filled Alex’s eyes.
    Penny stilled, and an ache that matched his wistful expression filled her heart. Though they’d only spent a few days together, she couldn’t deny the strong connection she felt to Alex. “I hope you’ll come and see us at Highland on your next leave.”
    “I’m not sure when that will be.”
    “Well, whenever it is, you’re more than