"Hayley, I told you to leave!"

The other man's voice became calm. "Your daughter is right, we should pursue this discussion another day."

The man wiped his brow and smiled faintly at her.

Mr. Lawrence wore an expression that revealed to Hayley that he had resented her interference. Hayley turned to walk away.

"Miss!" It was the stranger's voice.

Hayley stopped and turned back. The man gave a pleading, pitiful look. "It was nice to meet you."

"Hayley, go home!" Her father sputtered.

She had never seen her father so angry. As she entered the cottage, she rushed to her room and slammed the door. Maddie heard the noise and called out to her. "Hayley? Is everything all right?"

There was no reply. She knocked softly on the door.

"Hayley?"

"Please leave me alone."

Maddie opened the door. "Did something happen?

Did you find the wharf?"

"Father was fighting with a man there. I asked him to stop arguing, but he shouted at me and told me to leave."

"Your father is having problems at the shipyard and that is why he does not know how long we will be here."

"My father confides in his housekeeper?"

Maddie's face revealed hurt and surprise.

"He is my father and yet he chooses to yell at me, but you are allowed to know what is angering him. I did not realize that you and Father were so close."