Page 155 of Eleanor’s Earrings

He looked alarmed. “Why are you asking me?”

“Because we already chose hers,” Lydia said.

Eleanor stood. “This conversation is over.”

Nathaniel caught her hand before she could escape. “I would like to hear the requirements.”

“No, you would not.”

Caroline counted on her fingers. “Patient.”

“Failed,” Eleanor said.

“Competent,” Charlotte added.

“Occasionally.”

“Not frightened by her,” Rebecca said.

Nathaniel smiled. “Never.”

“Kind,” Grace said.

Eleanor stopped teasing.

“Someone who makes her laugh,” Lydia added softly.

Martha looked at Nathaniel. “And someone who knows she does not need rescuing every time she is tired.”

Nathaniel squeezed Eleanor’s hand. “I am learning.”

Lucy grinned. “Also handsome.”

Eleanor laughed. “The council is adjourned.”

“No vote?” Mrs. Bell called from the neighboring fire.

Nathaniel looked at Eleanor. “I vote yes.”

Her sisters groaned, laughed, and threw bits of grass at him.

Thomas Reed finally looked up from his pencil.

Caroline met his eyes.

Lydia saw it.

So did Eleanor.

Neither said a word.

Some teasing was too valuable to spend immediately.

The next morning, Nathaniel planned to propose, and Eleanor knew something was wrong with him.

He was too agreeable.

He approved Caroline’s route adjustment without comment.