Henry. Hannah started after him. Grant turned. Stay with Molly. She stopped.
Something in his voice had changed. Not command. Request. Hannah nodded. Grant crossed the yard alone.
They found Henry 20 minutes later in the hoft. Walter saw Grant climbing the ladder and wisely walked away. The boy sat against the far wall with his knees pulled to his chest. Grant did not approach him. He sat near the ladder instead.
From below, Hannah could hear only pieces. Henry's voice first. You lied, Grant answered. Yes. A long silence, then Henry again.
You were going to give us away. No, you wrote it. I wrote that you might live with Aunt Marion. That's giving us away. Grant's reply came quieter.
Maybe it feels that way. You wanted us gone. No. Then why? Silence.
Hannah stood outside the barn with Molly's hand in hers. She could picture Grant sitting there searching for words he probably wished could be repaired as easily as a broken gate. Finally, he said, "Because I thought I was keeping you for me instead of doing what was best for you." Henry answered something Hannah could not hear. Grant said, "I know." Another pause. Then the boy's voice cracked.
"Everybody leaves." Hannah closed her eyes. Grant answered, "I know." "No, you don't." "I do. You stay." Grant did not answer for several seconds. Then he said, "That doesn't mean I've always known how to be here." Hannah looked down at Molly. The girl was listening, too.
An hour later, Henry came out of the barn. His eyes were red. Grant followed several steps behind. Henry ignored everyone except Hannah. He walked straight to her.
You leaving when your 8 weeks is done? The question caught her unprepared. She looked at Grant. He looked away. That hurt in a way she could not explain.
I haven't decided. Henry's face closed. Hannah reached for his shoulder. He stepped back. Fine.
He walked toward the house. Molly followed. Marion watched from the porch. Grant stood near the barn. Hannah turned on him.
You should have told them sooner. Yes. And me. Grant's eyes came back to hers. That part I'm not sure about.
Hannah stared. You hired me into a house where two children might be sent away at the end of my employment. Yes, you let me become attached to them. Grant's face hardened slightly. I didn't plan that.
The answer landed badly. Hannah folded her arms. No, I suppose you didn't. Grant heard the meaning. Hannah.