"Dinner was delicious." Hayley wiped her mouth with her napkin and laid it beside her plate. "May I talk about the trip now?"

"Yes." Maddie squirmed.

"Oh, before I forget, the major news I have is that I met someone you know." She paused, then smiled. "Thor Hawthorn."

Maddie startled, shot a frightened glance at Cedric, which Hayley pretended not to notice.

Neither Cedric nor Maddie spoke.

"I saw him arguing with you one day Maddie, in Kingston. I wanted to ask you about it but you put me off, as though there were something to hide." Hayley raised her brows.

"Why in the world would you think I would be hiding something? Perhaps you have misunderstood."

"Now, you can help me to understand."

"Hayley!" Her father threw down his napkin and pulled away from the table. "You have no right to ask anything concerning Maddie. Her relationship to Mr. Hawthorn is not your business."

"I would like to hear Maddie say it, if you don't mind, Father."

"I would rather not discuss it." Maddie's voice faded to a whisper.

"Will you tell me why you care so little for me, to treat me as a stranger who has no right to ask details of your personal life?"

Maddie had no words.

"Your past is a part of you, Maddie. If you are ashamed of it, you must know that I will always love you regardless of the situation."