Page 154 of Eleanor’s Earrings

Nathaniel, approaching the fire, stopped. “Is this information I should write down?”

“Yes,” seven sisters said.

Eleanor closed her eyes.

Lydia continued. “Charlotte needs a man who appreciates numbers.”

Charlotte shook her head. “I need a man who does not interfere with my numbers.”

“Different requirement,” Nathaniel said solemnly.

Charlotte nodded. “Thank you.”

“Grace needs someone gentle,” Martha said.

Grace blushed. “We do not have to discuss me.”

“That means we absolutely do,” Lydia said.

Grace surprised everyone by lifting her chin. “Fine. I want someone who listens before deciding what I mean.”

The sisters fell quiet.

Eleanor smiled.

“That is a very good requirement,” Caroline said.

Grace looked pleased.

Lucy raised her hand. “What about me?”

Rebecca answered immediately. “A fast horse.”

Everyone laughed.

“I mean a husband.”

“So did I.”

Lucy threw a folded cloth at her.

Lydia dodged it though it had not been aimed at her. “I need someone handsome.”

“Of course,” Caroline said.

“And clever.”

“More difficult.”

“And funny.”

“Impossible,” Rebecca said. “You will use all the jokes before he can.”

Lydia put a hand to her heart. “Cruelty from my own blood.”

“What about Eleanor?” Lucy asked.

Seven faces turned toward Nathaniel.