Page 141 of Eleanor’s Earrings

Nathaniel sat beside Eleanor. “I have made a terrible mistake.”

“You are not married yet.”

“There is still time?”

“Certainly.”

He looked around at her sisters.

Lydia smiled sweetly.

Martha offered him food.

Grace returned his cup.

Rebecca was still holding his knife.

Caroline and Thomas had apparently forgotten the pencil entirely.

Nathaniel sighed. “No. Too late.”

Eleanor smiled. “Good answer.”

“Was that a test?”

“Everything is a test.”

“I suspected.”

She leaned closer. “You are doing reasonably well.”

“Reasonably?”

“Do not become arrogant.”

Nathaniel took the biscuit Martha offered him. “I am staying for the food.”

Eleanor nodded. “That is how Martha traps people.”

Martha looked up. “I heard that.”

“We know,” Eleanor and Nathaniel said together.

They looked at each other.

Lydia groaned. “Now they even talk together.”

Rebecca said, “It may be contagious.”

“Stand back,” Caroline advised.

Nathaniel bit into his biscuit. “I am definitely staying.”

Chapter Eighteen

April 19-20, 1854

Nathaniel Recovering