Free A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky Page A

welcome. Highland is a huge old place, and there’s plenty of room for friends.” She forced cheerfulness into her voice.
    “Even when you add all these children?”
    “Yes, even then.”
    He cocked his head, and his mouth tugged up at the corner. “You mean it? You want me to come?”
    Her face warmed, but she kept her tone bright. “Of course. We’d love to see you.”
    He looked down. Was he embarrassed or touched by the invitation?
    “Thank you.” The sudden, husky gratitude in his tone gave her the answer.
    And moved her so she could barely respond. “So…you’ll write and let us know where you’re stationed?”
    “If you’d like.”
    “I would, very much.” She couldn’t believe she’d said that! “And I’m sure the children would love to hear from you as well. We all enjoyed meeting a real-life pilot.” That seemed to lift his spirits.
    She reached in her purse and took out a calling card. “The only address you’ll need is our name and Highland Hall, Fulton.”
    He accepted the card and studied it for a moment, looking at a loss for words. Then he slipped the card in his front jacket pocket and patted the spot. “Right next to my heart.” He grinned and winked.
    She shook her head and laughed. “You are a tease.”
    He laughed along with her, and the sound warmed her heart.
    Just then the bell rang, announcing the approaching train. Penny glanced down the track and bit her lip. Oh, if only they had more time. The breeze blew a strand of her hair loose, and she brushed it away from her face. “I’ll be expecting a letter, so you’d better write.” She made her voice stern, but it was only to hide her growing emotion.
    He frowned at the train, then looked back at her, all the teasing gone from his expression. “I will.”
    The train’s brakes squealed and hissed, sending puffs of steam around them.
    She swallowed hard and looked up at him. His dark eyes glittered, and he opened his mouth to say something else—
    “Alex! Penny!”
    The moment broken, they turned to find Jon waving them over.
    “Let’s all gather round.”
    Penny blew out a deep breath. What had Alex been about to say?
    Alex glanced at Jon. “We should join them.”
    Penny nodded, and she and Alex walked across the platform together.
    Jon waited until he had everyone’s attention, then looked around at each child. “Now, I trust you’ll all listen to Mrs. Foster and the other adults and follow their instructions on the train and when you reach Highland. I’m counting on you to take care of each other and be brave and obedient. Will you do that for me?”
    “Yes, sir,” several of the children replied, while the others nodded.
    “All aboard!”
    At the conductor’s call, Jon shook hands with the three boys and gave their shoulders a pat. He kissed the girls’ cheeks, then turned to the cook. “Thank you, Mrs. Murdock.”
    She pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve and wiped her nose. “God bless you, Doctor.” Then she turned away and climbed into the train.
    “Take care, Lydia. You too, Helen. I’m grateful you’re going along.” Jon turned to Kate and wrapped her in a tight embrace.
    Penny looked away. It hurt too much to watch, and Jon and Kate deserved a private last moment together.
    Alex walked toward the train with her, his face somber. “Take care, Penny,” he said softly.
    She nodded and looked his way. “Good-bye, Alex.” Her throat felt so tight she had a hard time pushing out her next words. “Please, be careful.”
    “I will.” His mouth pulled up at one corner, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes.
    She wanted to say more, but the conductor called again for everyone to board. She scanned his face, hoping to hold that memory in her heart, then followed the children onto the train. With so many in their party, they had to split into two compartments. Penny settled on the bench with Lydia, Helen, and little Emily. She looked out the window and watched Jon give Kate one last kiss before