"Actually, I am here to ask you some questions-that is, if it is not too much trouble."
"Of course not, dear." Mrs. Stephens motioned for Hayley to join her on the porch.
Hayley smiled as she sat down. "Do you mind if I ask you about your relationship with Mrs. Sommers?"
"You mean our business relationship?"
"Yes."
"Are you aware that I no longer work for Mrs.
Sommers?"
"Yes, she has employed our housekeeper recently. I am wondering, can you tell me something about Mrs.
Sommers?"
"What is it you want to know?"
Hayley fidgeted in her chair. "About her plans for Aust-her son."
"Ah, Austin. He is a fine young man." She beamed.
Hayley nodded in agreement "Did she ever confide in you concerning his future? You worked for her as long as I have known you. Surely, you have some insight."
"Dear, I'm not sure what you want me to say."
"Did she care about Austin?
"She is his mother, I am sure she did." Mrs. Stephens leaned toward Hayley. "Are you here to find out about Austin's feelings you for?"
Hayley became uncomfortable. "Mrs. Stephens?
Austin left home and I'm sure he would not have done that if his mother cares about him. I am very concerned, but I assure you… It is only because I consider myself a friend, nothing more."
"Again, Hayley, I am not sure what kind of information you are wanting."
"Mrs. Stephens, you have been on the island a long time, and you know things about people in this community, including my father and Maddie Hawthorn."
She cleared her throat. "Do you know how it is that Maddie came here to work for my parents?"
"Yes, well---that is---I was told why she came here."
Mrs. Stephens's expression showed a look of confusion.
"Surely, you know the reason as well."
"My father has not shared the details with me, and I believe that out of duty to him, Maddie has not been fully truthful about why she came here."
"You want me to tell you what I know?"
Hayley nodded bashfully.
"Carolyn was having a baby-you-and when it came time to give birth to you..." She stopped suddenly.
"Perhaps you should ask your father to discuss it with you. It's not my place to tell you what I have heard."
"Please, Miss Stephens, what you tell me may be confirmation of what I have been told."