"Maddie----Miss Hawthorn-I supposed you would be someone who would listen and understand what I want to say and why I need to say it." Austin bowed his head. "Hayley speaks so easily with you, and now I fear I have misjudged your willingness to speak openly with me."
"What is so important that you wish me to hear it, this very moment?"
"Please forgive me for keeping you away from what you came here to do. Austin lifted his goblet to his mouth and sipped the wine. He lowered the cup, and said softly.
"You may return to your duties, Maddie."
_ _
When Hayley reached the dining room, the dinner guests were entering for the meal.
A banquet table had been set for twenty-four diners.
Only the closest friends of the Sommers were seated for dinner after the rest of the party guests had gone.
As Hayley waited for the seating to commence, she stood in a back doorway of the dining room. Hearing a familiar voice she turned and saw Austin in the foyer with a beautiful lady. The woman was smiling broadly while engaged in conversation. Austin smiled the same way he had always smiled at Hayley. The two seemed to be in their own world, oblivious to those around them. Hayley felt a sting of betrayal. She wondered if had he given every woman, he knew the same endearing grin. They didn't look as though they were in a hurry to be seated.
Hayley wondered if they wished they were alone. Not wishing for Austin to catch her staring at them, Hayley walked into the dining room and stood beside a large hearth. As discouragement welled up inside her, she fought to keep her demeanor intact, though she wondered if the expression on her face was revealing the pain in her heart.
As she gave thought to return to the kitchen, she heard the voice of Mrs. Sommers, and she bowed her head.
"Dear guests, we have gathered to honor my dear son, on his twentieth birthday. May you, dear Austin, be blessed with a long and prosperous life, filled with love and many, many heirs."
Harmonious agreements filled the room. Hayley, with her head still bowed, visualized the goblets raised in honor.
The headwaiter stepped up to Hayley and motioned for her to begin serving.
As she approached the guests, she determined not to look at anyone in the face, and she anxiously awaited the moment she would leave the room. Just as Hayley finished serving the last guest, she heard Austin's friendly voice.
"Miss, may I have another glass of water?" Glancing up at Austin, she found him conversing with the lady she had seen with him in the hallway.