"What about Maddie?"
"A few days after your father returned from Kingston.
He introduced her as the nanny he and Caroline had hired."
"Did you tell her about the baby?"
"I have told no one, except you. My sister didn't know until now. As soon as your father returned home, I went back to the Sommers' house and never returned.
"Maddie knows something about it, I know she does.
That must be what she is afraid for me to find out."
Hayley paused. "She doesn't want me to know the truth."
"You shouldn't jump to conclusions." Mrs. Stephens warned.
"I just need to tell my father what I know and he will have to tell me where I came from."
"Not so fast, missy." Anna's voice was firm. "Do you not understand the consequences of that?"
Hayley swallowed hard.
"If Mrs. Sommers finds out that you are not her flesh and blood, it will ruin your father in more ways than you know."
"I don't understand."
"You certainly don't or you wouldn't be so quick to uncover the truth."
"How could she ruin my father?"
"You forget that she is a bitter woman that was rejected by him. You are the only member in your house that Mrs. Sommers believes is her family. As soon as she finds out the truth, you and her father will be ostracized and out on the street." Anna took a bite of cookie, as Hayley sat speechless. "You must not reveal what you know, if you care about your father."
"How could my father be ostracized?"
"She owns your father's home."
"Why does she own it?"
"She's a Hamilton. I don't know for sure, but it's my understanding that she has agreed to let your father live in the house, because you are a Hamilton."
"If I tell my father what I know, it doesn't mean Mrs.
Sommers will find out."
"Dear, the more you stir the pot, the more it will stink.
You need to keep a lid on it."
"I have to know who I really am." Hayley put her head in her hands.
Mrs. Stephens knelt down and put an arm around her.
"You are who you have always been. You will be who you are destined to be regardless of the past." Mrs.
Stephens smiled. "It's much better to think positively. You should focus on the rest of your life and stop trying to figure things out. Maybe you should leave the island for awhile so that you can figure out what you want to do with your life."