Page 116 of Eleanor’s Earrings

Lydia smiled and went back to sewing.

It occurred to Eleanor that someday a man might mistake Lydia’s laughter for shallowness. Whoever that man was, he would be very sorry.

Lydia could make a room laugh while noticing every person in it who wanted to cry.

“Do you ever stop talking?” Eleanor asked Lydia.

“While sleeping.”

Rebecca shook her head. “Not always.”

“I do not talk in my sleep.”

“You argued with Eleanor about a bonnet last night.”

Eleanor looked over. “Was I there?”

“No.”

Lydia frowned. “Did I win?”

“Also no.”

Nathaniel laughed.

Lydia pointed at him. “You should not. She argued with you too.”

“In your dream?”

“Yes.”

“Did I win?”

“No one wins against Eleanor.”

Eleanor smiled. “Finally, wisdom.”

Lydia said, “You both kept saying the same thing. ‘I am not ordering you.’ ‘Yes, you are.’ ‘I am asking.’ ‘You ask like an order.’”

Nathaniel looked at Eleanor.

Eleanor looked at Nathaniel.

Rebecca said, “Disturbingly accurate.”

Nathaniel sighed. “I dislike being predictable.”

“Then stop giving orders.”

“I do not give you orders.”

Seven sisters laughed.

Eleanor patted his arm. “You walked into that.”

“I am surrounded.”

“You chose our wagon.”