Carolina Isle (32 page)

Eden's mouth was hanging open as she stared at Gracey. What incredible lies! She turned back to look at Mrs. Farrington. Should she tell her the truth and risk losing the job—whatever it was? Eden hoped she wasn't being offered the job of trying to clean this house. The dust on that furniture could be carbon-dated.

Mrs. Farrington was looking at Eden in speculation. “Family throw you out when you got pregnant?”

“Yes, ma'am,” Eden said, her eyes looking into the old woman's. They were small black eyes, glistening with life and vitality. Old body; young spirit.

“How old are you really?” Mrs. Farrington asked.

Behind the older woman, Gracey was vigorously shaking her head at Eden not to tell the truth.

“Seventeen,” Eden answered.

Mrs. Farrington turned so quickly that she
caught Gracey shaking her head, disgusted that Eden hadn't lied. “Your whole family are liars,” Mrs. Farrington said, without animosity in her voice, then she left the room, leaving Gracey and Eden alone.

Gracey wasn't offended by Mrs. Farrington's remarks. In fact, she was smiling broadly. She pushed Eden to follow Mrs. Farrington. “Go on.”

“But she didn't say I was hired,” Eden said. “Maybe—”

“Believe me, if you
weren't
hired, Alice Farrington would have told you. She likes you.”

“Likes me?”

“She didn't say one hateful thing to you. It may be a first. Now go on, I have to go bake the pies for tomorrow.”