Instead, footsteps crossed the parlor. Then the door opened. Marion stood there. She looked directly at Hannah. In her hand was the envelope Grant had carried all afternoon.
Grant stood behind her. His face had gone hard in a way Hannah had not seen before. Not angry, exposed. Marian looked between them. I think you should read this, Grant said.
Marion. His voice was warning enough to stop most people. Marion did not stop. She deserves to know what she walked into. Hannah dried her hands slowly.
I don't know what you mean. Marian held out the letter. Grant stepped forward. No. The word filled the room.
Henry looked up from the table. Hannah turned toward him. Henry, take the dishes to the pantry. He frowned. But please.
Something in her face convinced him. He gathered the stack and disappeared. Hannah looked back at Grant. What is in the letter? Grant's shoulders seemed even larger beneath his dark work shirt.
For once, size did not make him look powerful. It made him look trapped. Marion placed the envelope on the table. This is not mine to hide. Grant closed his eyes briefly, then opened them.
Hannah. She waited. He did not explain, so she picked up the letter. The paper had been folded several times. Grant's handwriting filled both sides.
Marion, I need you to consider taking Henry and Molly to Helena before winter. Hannah stopped reading. She looked up. Grant did not move. She continued, "I do not ask this lightly.
They have become quieter each year since Anne died, and I am beginning to believe this place is doing them more harm than good." Henry acts twice his age because I have made him feel responsible for Molly. Molly barely speaks some days. I work from before sunrise until after dark and still cannot give them what they need. If I cannot find someone capable of keeping the house and giving them steadiness before roundup ends. I want them with you.
I would rather miss them everyday than keep them here simply because I cannot bear to let them go. Hannah lowered the page. The room had become very still. Grant stared at the floor. Marian's face had softened.
Hannah read the date. June 18th. Months before Grant had written to Edith looking for household help. Before Hannah came, before the pantry, before the ledger, before Molly had placed her hand inside Hannah's, she looked at Grant. You were going to send them away.
His answer came after a long pause. Yes, both of them. Yes, to Helena, if things didn't change. Hannah set the letter down. And they know.
No, Marian said quietly. Not from me. Hannah looked toward the doorway Henry had just passed through. Her voice dropped. Why didn't you tell me?
Grant's eyes finally met hers. Because it wasn't your burden, but it was the reason you hired me. It was one reason. One reason. Grant took a breath.