The Daughter of Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky Read Free Book Online

that was enough to make him catch his breath.
    Kate’s golden brown hair was swept up in a most appealing fashion, and two white feathers fluttered softly overhead as she began her descent. Around her neck she wore a pearl choker with a diamond-and-pearl pendant. One look at her creamy white neck and shoulders above the beaded bodice of her dress was enough to make him swallow hard.
    Kate’s usually confident expression had been replaced by a guarded, searching look as she continued down the stairs. When she rounded the turn at the lower landing, the rest of her figure came into view. Her dress looked like a shimmering cloud of white, with its full skirt and the lacy veil and long train spreading out behind her on the stairs … just like a royal bride dressed to meet her noble groom.
    All he could do was stare in stunned silence. He swallowed again and tried to take a breath, but his chest seemed locked tight.
    “So, what do you think?” Kate directed her question to William.
    “You look beautiful. I’m sure every head will turn when you walk into the throne room.”
    Millie stepped forward. “Here are your flowers.” The little girl held out a large, fragrant bouquet fashioned of white roses and jasmine with a few trailing vines of variegated ivy.
    Kate reached for the flowers. “Thank you, Millie.” She lifted her gaze to meet Jon’s, a question shimmering in her blue eyes.
    He opened his mouth, wanting to say she looked breathtakingly beautiful,but somehow he couldn’t form those words. Instead he forced a smile. “Good luck, Kate. I hope it goes well.”
    Her countenance faltered for a split second. “Thank you,” she murmured, then turned away.
    “Come along.” Lady Gatewood swept toward the front door. “There will be a huge crowd of carriages, and we don’t want to be last in line.”
    Julia stepped forward and kissed Kate’s cheek. “We’ll be praying for you.”
    “Thank you.” Kate glanced at Jon once more.
    He sent her what he hoped was an encouraging smile.
    Lawrence opened the door, and Lady Gatewood led the procession outside. Millie scurried to help Kate with her train.
    Lady Gatewood turned. “For goodness’ sake, Katherine, pick up your train and place it over your arm. You don’t want it to get dirty!”
    Kate’s face flushed as she bent to scoop up the train and carefully drape it over her left arm.
    Everyone followed Kate out the door and down the front steps. The carriage waited on the drive, the door festooned with flowers and ribbons that matched Kate’s bouquet. One of the footmen sprang forward, opened the carriage door, and offered Lady Gatewood his hand to help her climb in. Kate climbed in after, and the second footman tucked her long train around her feet before he carefully closed the door.
    Julia slipped her arm through Jon’s and leaned closer. “I hope she’ll be all right.”
    “I’m sure she’ll be fine,” he answered in an equally low tone.
    “Kate puts on a brave front, but I can tell she’s nervous.”
    “Really? She always seems so confident.”
    “Didn’t you see her hand shake when she took her flowers?”
    He tensed and glanced her way. “No, I didn’t notice.”
    The two footmen climbed up to their position standing at the back of the carriage. The smartly dressed driver slapped the reins, and the horses pulled forward. Kate looked out the carriage window, lifted her white-gloved hand, and waved as the carriage rolled down the drive.
    “Good-bye!” Penny followed the carriage until it passed out the gate and into the street.
    Jon waved with the others. Too bad they couldn’t all go along to the palace and see how Kate fared. But that wasn’t done. Her aunt would accompany her into the throne room, but Kate would be on her own, those last few steps, as she curtsied before the king and queen.
    Be with her, Father. Give her courage and grace. Guide her through today and into the right path for her future .
    Andrew tugged on his sleeve.