Page 149 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“Of course not.”

“You sound unconvinced.”

“I value my life.”

Eleanor laughed.

Nathaniel reached across the small space between them and took her hand.

“You may fuss a little.”

“I may?”

“Within reason.”

She squeezed his fingers. “That seems dangerously close to permission.”

“I trust you to abuse it.”

“Finally, you are learning.”

“You are favoring that leg,” Eleanor said.

“I am not.”

“You are.”

“My shoulder is injured.”

“That does not explain your leg.”

Nathaniel looked down. “My boot is rubbing.”

“Sit.”

He smiled.

“What?”

“I enjoy hearing you give orders after weeks of objecting to mine.”

“That is different.”

“How?”

“Mine are sensible.”

Nathaniel laughed and sat.

Eleanor crouched. “You have a blister.”

“I am aware.”

“Why did you not say something?”

“Because I am a grown man.”

“That has never stopped you from complaining about coffee.”