Mr. Brooks from the hardware store asked about High Meadows cattle. A school teacher Hannah vaguely remembered complimented her dress. Then came the looks. Not cruel enough to challenge.
Long enough to count. Hannah felt them settle on Grant beside her, then on Molly holding Hannah's hand, then back on Hannah. She kept walking. Inside the hall smelled of roasted beef, coffee, apple pie, beeswax candles, and wool coats drying near the stove. Long tables had been pushed together beneath paper decorations cut into leaves.
Grant guided the children toward a bench. Hannah started toward the kitchen. Grant touched her elbow lightly. Where are you going? To help with what?
She looked around. With supper. You were invited to eat it." Hannah glanced toward the kitchen door. Several women were already watching. I'd rather be useful.
Grant's hand dropped from her elbow. His voice stayed low. You don't have to earn your chair tonight. Hannah looked at him. The words were too close to something she had never admitted.
She looked away first. Before she could answer, a woman approached. Alice Vance was perhaps 35, tall and trim, dressed in deep green wool with pearl buttons at the throat. Her blonde hair had been arranged carefully beneath a small velvet hat, and she moved with the comfortable confidence of someone accustomed to rooms making space for her. "Grant," he nodded.
"Alice," her gaze moved to Hannah. So, this must be Miss Pierce. Hannah, Grant said. Alice's smile did not change. Hannah, of course.
She reached for Molly's hand. Molly immediately stepped closer to Hannah. Alice noticed. Still shy? Grant said, "Some days." Alice looked at Hannah again.
I've heard High Meadow finally found steady help. Hannah smiled politely. So far, that house has needed a sturdy woman for years. The word sturdy settled between them, Alice continued. Grant always required someone who could manage a great deal of work.
Men like him need practical women around. Grant's face went still. Hannah recognized the warning in it. She spoke before he could. Practical keeps people fed.
Alice gave a light laugh. Oh, certainly. I meant it as praise. Then I'll take it that way. For half a second, Alice's smile thinned.
Then she turned to Grant. You promised me a dance last year. I don't remember that. I do. Grant glanced toward the tables.
Supper first. Alice smiled as though that were enough of an answer. She walked away. Henry appeared beside Hannah. I don't like her.
Hannah lowered her voice. You don't know her. I know enough. Grant looked down at his son. Henry, what inside voice?
Henry muttered something and went back to Molly. Hannah tried to laugh. It came out wrong. Grant noticed. You all right?