"Of course not. What is her illness?"
"Perhaps she is homesick and it is causing her to feel poorly."
Hayley knelt on her knees beside her father. "Father, give me more time. I am sure Maddie will begin to feel better in a few days. Besides, if she is ill she should not be traveling."
"I have made the necessary arrangements."
"What about your promise to me Father? We had planned to spend time together."
"We will not discuss this matter further." He gave her a firm expression.
Hayley ran out of the room and threw herself on her bed. As the tears came to her eyes she thought of her appointment with Curtis. She walked to her closet and reached for her skirt's pocket. After retrieving the card, she held it in her palm against her chest. 'I will have to be careful not to lose this.' She thought. She tucked it away in her unpacked bag and began filling it up.
_ _
Back at the Lawrence estate: "Good morning Miss Hawthorn, may I speak with Miss Lawrence?"
"Certainly, come right in and I will let her know you're here." Maddie climbed the stairs slowly. She turned toward the visitor as she took the final step, and smiled nervously.
Hayley descended the stairs slowly, unaware of the guest coming to call. As she rounded the corner to enter the parlor, she was not prepared for what her eyes would see. As they fell upon Austin, her body felt weak and her head was close to spinning. She reached for the back of a chair and stood behind it.
Austin had been looking out the large window and turned to smile at her. "I hope you don't mind my coming here."
"No." It was close to a whisper.
"I suppose you are wondering why I'm here."
Hayley nodded in agreement.
"I wanted you to know that my wedding has been called off."
Hayley's hands dug in the fabric of the chair. "I'm sorry. You must be very disappointed."
"Yes." He turned back toward the window.
Hayley's face turned red. "You should not have felt an obligation to share your misfortune with me." She struggled to keep her voice calm.
"Hayley why should I not tell you?"
She did not speak.
"I thought the news would matter to you."
"I do not understand why you are here."
"Perhaps you are disappointed that I did not fall on my knees directly and beg for your hand."