Page 93 of Eleanor’s Earrings

Lydia continued. “Eleanor decided she could catch it.”

“I was the eldest.”

Nathaniel whispered, “Ah. That explains everything.”

Eleanor whispered back, “Be quiet.”

“She chased it around the barn.”

“I walked quickly.”

“You climbed the fence.”

“The goose cornered me.”

Nathaniel’s eyebrows rose. “A goose cornered you?”

“It was unusually large.”

Rebecca held her hands apart. “It was this large.”

“That is a turkey,” Nathaniel said.

“It felt that large.”

Caroline took over. “Eleanor stood on the fence for twenty minutes while the goose waited below.”

“I was developing a strategy.”

“You were yelling for Father.”

“I was requesting assistance.”

Nathaniel was laughing openly now.

Eleanor folded her arms.

He tried to stop.

Failed.

“You find this very amusing.”

“I am picturing you negotiating with the goose.”

“I did not negotiate.”

“Did you explain that you owned two wagons?”

Lydia fell sideways laughing.

Eleanor stared at him.

Nathaniel wiped his eyes. “I am sorry.”

“No, you are not.”

“No.”