Hayley could not find a quiet place, other than her own sleeping quarters where she could be alone to read.
The area was cramped where she slept and there was very little light filtering in.
She decided to go up on the deck and find something to do. She watched as Austin and the other men lifted and carried large crates of goods and supplies on board.
The muscles of Austin's arms were bigger than Hayley remembered. He was a handsome man, and she knew he would make a wonderful husband to a fortunate lady. She tried to convince herself that having him for a cousin was a good thing, but she could not help but wish it were not true. She also regretted not talking to Austin about it, but she did not want to be the one to tell Austin, if he wasn't already aware of the truth. She felt sure that if he did know, he would have mentioned it to her by now.
As she stood aside, silently watching him, she wished for a day when she could be content and peaceful.
Though she did not know where her life would go from here, she was grateful for all the new friends she had and hoped that this would not be the last visit to the ship.
_ _
"Are you ready to leave?" Hayley approached her father.
"Yes, I am." He took her hand. "Hayley, you look wonderful in your nice clothes."
"Thank you, I have missed wearing them. I would like to say good-bye to a few people before I go."
"I will go to get your bag, and we can leave as soon as you are ready." Her father walked away.
Hayley looked toward the bow and saw Austin standing with his back to her, watching the ocean. After a moment, she walked toward him, but stopped suddenly when she heard her name.
"Miss Lawrence."
She saw Mr. Hawthorn standing beside her. "Yes."
"I know your housekeeper."
Hayley was surprised by his confession.
"She is someone I love very much."
"I saw you at our cottage, and I heard you express your feelings to her." He did not speak. "How do you know Maddie?" He remained silent. "Were you married to her?" He would not answer. "Do you still love her?"
"I have said all I came to say."
"Maddie is a good friend of mine, and she would not mind if you answer my questions. She is like a mother to me."