Free A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky Page B

he helped her climb into the next compartment.
    Alex waited on the platform, his gaze on Penny. She lifted her hand. “God bless you and keep you safe,” she called through the open window.
    He waved. “You too.”
    The whistle blew, and the train pulled away from the station. The last thing she saw was Alex standing tall and alone in the crowd.

FOUR

    J ulia Ramsey descended the main staircase at Highland and looked down at the great hall. Beams of sunlight fell across the red carpet from the windows high overhead in the arched ceiling. She loved this room, with its dark paneling, beautiful paintings, and treasured sculptures. Though the great hall might look large and imposing to others, to her it was the heart of their home. Here they gathered the family and staff for prayer each morning, welcomed guests to their home, decorated a tall Christmas tree each December, and held the annual servants’ ball in the early spring.
    She and William had hosted their wedding luncheon in Highland’s great hall, as well as wedding luncheons for Clark and Sarah, and Jon and Kate. She looked around with a soft smile…so many joyful events giving her special memories to treasure.
    The hall was quiet this afternoon. Only the ticking of the clock on the marble fireplace mantel and the sound of the maids cleaning in the drawing room broke the silence.
    But change was in the air.
    Kate and Penny were returning to Highland today, and they were bringing nine children, two maids, and a cook with them.
    Julia paused at the foot of the stairs. What would it be like to hear the chatter and laughter of so many young voices echoing through the house? Only two children lived at Highland now—William’s ten-year-old daughter, Millie, and Clark Dalton’s niece, Abigail, who was also ten. William’s fourteen-year-old son, Andrew, was away at school, but he would return in a few weeks to spend the summer holiday at home. Then there would be twelve children—an even dozen.
    What a change that would be!
    She looked around once more, memories flooding back. When she’d first come to Highland four years ago, it had seemed a dark and gloomy place. She’d just returned from India, where her family had served as missionaries for twelve years. William needed a governess to oversee Millie and Andrew and his young cousins, Kate and Penny. And Julia needed a job so she could help support her parents. She accepted the position—a decision that changed the course of her life.
    That God brought her a husband and family here at Highland still amazed her. And now she and William had a new challenge before them. The frightening impact of the war had finally reached Highland, and she prayed they would have the strength and courage to meet the challenges and help the family and staff through this time of testing.
    Julia lifted her eyes to the sunlight streaming down from above.
How long, Lord? When will this terrible war end? How much will it cost our country and our hearts?
    A noise below drew her attention. William walked out of the library and glanced at his watch. He looked up at Julia, and even from this distance, she saw the anticipation in his expression. “They should be here any minute.”
    “Yes.” She glanced toward the door. “It’s a lovely day. Shall we wait outside?”
    He nodded, and she went down the stairs to walk with him through the entrance hall and out the front door. The gravel drive was still damp from an earlier rain shower, and a few shallow puddles reflected the blue sky above. Most of the clouds had cleared, but raindrops still glittered on the wide green lawn beyond the drive.
    “I’m glad the weather changed. I’d hate to see them arrive in a downpour.” William squinted up at the sun, then turned to her. “Shall we walk?”
    Her heart lifted. “Yes. Let’s.”
    He offered her his arm, and she slipped her hand through as they set off down the drive. She matched his steps, enjoying the sound of the gravel crunching