"Sir, your drink." Maddie held out a tray of wine and smiled. Austin reached for a goblet and smiled in return, as he nodded his head in appreciation. "Thank you."
"You are quite welcome. Is there anything else I can get for you, sir?"
"There is no need for you to address me so informally.
I believe you know my name."
"Mrs. Sommers would not approve of me addressing you in such a manner, sir."
"Since it is my birthday, I insist that you address me by my name."
"Yes, sir… Eh, Mr. Sommers. "Would you like for me to get you anything else?"
"Yes, the pleasure of your company. Please chat with me for a moment." Austin motioned for Maddie to sit down.
"I must return to my duties."
Austin reached for the tray and set it down on the stone bench beside him. He gestured toward the bench again.
"Mrs. Sommers would not approve of this either."
"She is occupied with her guests-please."
Maddie flashed a nervous smile and sat down. She waited for him to speak, as he paced before her.
"I do want you to know that I care about Miss Lawrence very much."
"How you feel about Mr. Lawrence's daughter is not my concern."
"I understand, but I am forbidden to see Hayley and can never be allowed to reveal to her what I would like to share with you."
"With all due respect, I do not wish to fail in my duties to your mother." Maddie stood. "May I have permission to return to my work?"
"Do you already know what I wish to reveal, Miss Hawthorn?"
"No, of course not." Maddie would not look at him.
"Hayley has told me what an exceptional lady you are.
I'm sure she did not exaggerate when she told me that you are easy to confide in. I only want you to know that I love her, and I always will. In spite of the things you both may witness in the future, my heart will always belong to her."
"She has a broken heart."
"I wish to tell you the whole truth concerning the matter, and perhaps one day you will be able to tell Hayley when I am long out of her heart."
"I love Hayley very much, and I want nothing more than to help her, but I do not desire to be used as a clearinghouse for your conscience, Mr. Sommers."