Rachel whisked them up the back staircase, down a hall, making sure to avoid any guests, and up to the third floor. Wanting to give them privacy, she excused herself quickly, but not before she heard Hannah’s cry of anguish and joy and saw her rush into her mother’s welcoming arms. Downstairs, Rachel threw herself into her work, hoping that would take her mind off what was going on upstairs and Evan’s impending arrival. Hulda came over at nine, bringing back Sophie and giving a full report on the past three days’ reservations, cancellations, and a call from the mason, Joab Rust, about the mill house building. Hulda was curious about Rachel’s sudden departure earlier in the week, but Rachel didn’t dare share any of her secrets with her. Hulda Schenfeld was as good a friend as Rachel had, but without meaning to break her confidence, Hulda would have cheerfully spread the news about Hannah’s return all over Stone Mill before noon. By ten thirty, Hannah’s parents had slipped quietly out of the house, and Rachel had fed her guests, checked two out, and seen the others off for a day of sightseeing.
