Sarah's expression went from surprise to joy in the blink of an eye. She threw Giddon an exasperated look. "You know I love taking care of Tammy." Her gaze sought Lisa reflectively. "I could use some help around the house, but . . . " Again she glanced at Giddon. This time her expression was guarded. "I've never had a maid. I don't know . . ."
"You have one now," Giddon interrupted solemnly.
Sarah hugged her son and then Lisa. "Thank you," she finally said, smiling up at Giddon. "I'm not sure I have enough chores around here to keep her busy."
Lisa watched the two of them, sensing that there was something neither of them wanted to mention. Sarah's tone had an anxious quality, and Giddon's expression was much too stern for the situation. Was Sarah concerned about the money? Had Giddon overstepped his authority? Who owned the house? Or was it something else that troubled Sarah? Did she think Giddon had other reasons for bringing a young girl into the house? If Giddon had any such plans, he would soon find they were futile.
Lisa sighed. It was probably her overactive imagination again. Maybe it was as Giddon had feared. Maybe Sarah suspected that Giddon felt sorry for her. She broke the tense silence. "If my being here makes you feel uncomfortable . . ."
"Oh no!" Sarah denied, and opened the door as an invitation. "I'll just have to get used to being idle."
Lisa smiled. "Somehow I get the idea that you will find it harder to be idle than working."
Sarah made a face. "I like doing things for myself. I'm not ready for the rocking chair yet."
Was that the cause of the tension? Did she think Giddon was implying that she was getting old? She patted Sarah on the shoulder. "I'll try not to get in the way, but everyone deserves a little time to themselves."
Again Sara's gaze sought Giddon uncomfortably. "I suppose so."