Page 98 of Eleanor’s Earrings

Thomas said, “Did he answer again?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“He apologized.”

Thomas smiled slowly. “I would like to see the letter.”

Caroline looked at him. “Why?”

“Because I think I may want to frame it.”

Caroline blushed.

Lydia inhaled.

Eleanor clapped a hand over her mouth before sound emerged.

Nathaniel whispered, “You are getting very good at that.”

“Practice.”

Caroline pointed at Eleanor. “Remove your hand from Lydia.”

“No.”

Lydia nodded vigorously beneath Eleanor’s palm.

Thomas laughed.

Caroline’s blush deepened.

Eleanor finally released Lydia.

Her sister whispered, “Maps.”

Rebecca whispered back, “Definitely maps.”

Caroline threw a pinecone at them.

The stories continued.

Charlotte told about accidentally correcting the arithmetic in a merchant’s account book while Father was negotiating with him.

“He was cheating Father,” she explained.

“How old were you?” Nathaniel asked.

“Twelve.”

“What did your father do?”

“Bought me my first ledger.”

Nathaniel nodded. “Appropriate.”

Charlotte smiled.