"Do not look so surprised!" Maddie's face flushed red.
"Is it so hard to believe I could love and be loved?"
"No, no." She could not stifle the excitement in her voice. "You are so beautiful, Maddie."
"Hush, now, with your frivolous talk." She turned away so Hayley could not see her embarrassment. "I will speak no more on the subject."
As Maddie reached the bedroom door, Hayley swung her legs over the edge of the bed and sat up as she spoke.
"Maddie..."
She stopped but did not turn around.
"If you ever trust me enough to speak of him, it will follow me to the grave."
Maddie searched for words, but finding none, she left the room.
_ _
Maddie opened the door, shielding her eyes, as the sun overwhelmed and stung them. She could only see a darkened figure standing on the large porch in front of her. She batted her eyelids quickly to bring them into focus.
"Mrs. Sommers."
"Yes."
The visitor pushed the door hard as she stepped over the threshold. "I have urgent business to discuss with you." The worried look on the woman's expressive face dissolved Maddie's irritation at her barging in.
"What may I do for you, Mrs. Sommers?"
"As you know, I would not think to impose on your day, if it was not of the utmost importance." She looked around the entryway, as though she was there for a thorough inspection of the mansion. "You must know, I would not send my servant to deal with such a matter," she walked to the parlor. The woman stopped in mid-step and swung around so quickly that Maddie had to jump back to prevent a collision.
"Is it not rather warm in here?"
Before allowing Maddie to respond, she walked on.
"May I?" She said, pointing to one of the chairs. She began fanning herself with a small handkerchief. Maddie motioned for her to sit. The woman sighed deeply as she perched herself on the edge of the seat cushion.
"I am in dire need of your services, Miss Hawthorn."
"How do you mean, Mrs. Sommers?" Maddie hoped her expression would convey a desire to willingly assist.
"It is Mr. Sommers." She delicately wiped at her nose with the handkerchief. "He has been very sick the last couple of days. My housekeeper has left temporarily, and I haven't the precious time to find a permanent successor."