"How long will you be gone?"
"Only for an hour or so." Hayley crossed her arms in front of her and sighed. "Maddie, I will be safe with the gardener! How long have we known him?"
"I am not worried, it's just that you don't get out that much, and you don't know the Stephens'."
"All the more reason I should get out and visit."
Hayley wrapped the shawl around her that had been hanging loosely around her arms.
Mr. Jackson whistled a tune as he turned the last corner, approaching the Stephens's home.
"I appreciate the ride, Samuel." Hayley blushed.
"Don't know as to why you would see fit to lie to Miss Hawthorn." He retorted.
"Samuel, there are times such as this, when it doesn't pay to tell everything. It is not a lie that you are giving me a ride to the Stephens'. I can take a quick look at the foal, and everything will be just as I stated."
"And where are the rose bulbs?"
"You must have left them behind." Hayley did not try to hide the smirk on her face.
"Oh-" Mr. Jackson nodded. "You must think you are clever trying to pin senility on me."
Hayley chuckled. "Samuel, where is your sense of humor? You know I am only jesting."
"What IS the real reason you want to speak with Mrs.
Sommer's old housekeeper?"
"I just want to have a chat with her. Austin was very fond of her and I am sure he was very disappointed that she was dismissed. She may be very lonely and in need of some friendship."
Mr. Jackson glared, letting Hayley know he did not accept her answer.
As they rode up to the gate, Hayley shielded her eyes from the sun, trying to focus her eyes on the house, which stood in front of her.
She caught sight of a lady sitting on the porch, whose face was shielded by shade that seemed to lie across her figure.
The lady stood and walked to the edge of the porch as Hayley stepped down from the buggy.
Hayley approached her slowly and put forth her hand, as the lady stepped down to meet her. "Mrs. Stephens! I am Hayley Lawrence."
The lady took her hand. "It is so nice of you to come and visit."
"I heard about your new foal." Hayley glanced back at Mr. Jackson and smiled before she spoke again.