Secrets of Hallstead House by Amy M Reade Page B

Hip surgery is very painful and recovery can be a long, drawn-out process. But she is a remarkably determined woman with a great deal of stamina. Her physical therapy exercises are going well, and she and I walk outdoors every day if it isn’t raining.”
    “She’s mentioned several times that she likes to go on walks with you around the house.”
    “I must say that I’m glad that flagstone path is there for her. Without it, I think walking around Summerplace would be much more difficult. Particularly as she refuses to wear more sensible shoes for walking,” I added with a grin.
    Stephan laughed. “She does not like to make concessions to her hip,” he agreed. “If she doesn’t want to wear sensible shoes, no one’s going to be able to convince her to do so.”
    After a moment’s pause, Stephan looked at me and said, “And what about you? How are you doing at Summerplace?”
    I had been trying to think of an answer to his question, and since he already knew I was having a problem with Vali, I decided to broach that subject.
    “Summerplace is breathtaking, and working here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But, as I mentioned when you came upstairs, not everyone is thrilled to have me here. Vali seems determined that I leave as soon as possible, and she has told me that in no uncertain terms on more than one occasion. And I don’t know quite what to make of Leland. He’s not as openly rude as Vali is, but he seems to want me gone too. Do you know why they want so much to be rid of me?”
    Stephan was silent for a moment before answering. “Vali and Leland have been with Alex for many, many years,” he began. “Neither one of them is terribly easy to get along with, as you’ve discovered, but they have always been loyal to Alex. And she appreciates that. I think she also knows that, because of their ages, they might have a hard time finding other employment if she were to let them go. So they stay on and we more or less put up with them.”
    “Yes, but that doesn’t explain why they want me to leave.”
    “Before you came here Vali was Alex’s nurse in addition to being the cook and the housekeeper for this big place. It got to be too much for her. If you think she’s cranky now, you should have seen her a month ago! Anyway, Alex decided it would be for the best if she got another nurse and let Vali go back to the housekeeping and the cooking. Vali is good at those things, as I’m sure you’ve noticed.”
    “She is,” I admitted.
    “Here’s what I think is going on: Vali thinks she’s going to become less and less important to Alex the longer you’re here.”
    “In other words, she’s jealous of me,” I said.
    “That’s exactly it. She thinks that the closer you become to Alex, the more of a confidante you’ll become and the more she’ll be pushed to the sidelines. Don’t forget—Vali has held an important post at Summerplace for a long time now without much interference from anyone. I think she views you as a great threat to her position in the household.”
    “But that’s ridiculous. I’m the last person who could usurp Vali’s position here,” I protested. “I’m no cook, and I’m not much of a housekeeper, either.”
    “You know it and I know it, but Vali is looking at this less objectively than we are. I know this sounds pat, but try to ignore her. And as for Leland, he’s a good handyman, but he lacks personality. I’m sure that hasn’t escaped your notice, either. He more or less does Vali’s bidding. So ignore him too. He’s harmless.”
    I wasn’t sure how harmless Leland was, but I didn’t say anything. I thought briefly about discussing Will’s behavior with Stephan but decided against it. After all, Will and Stephan worked together on a daily basis and I didn’t know the extent of their relationship.
    Stephan seemed to sense that I was mulling over something, and he looked at me intently. “Is there anything else you’d like to discuss, Macy?”
    “No,