Page 158 of Eleanor’s Earrings

He remembered this while tightening the unreliable earring clasp one more time.

“Where did I put the small pliers?”

“Your coat pocket,” Eleanor said.

“Saddlebag,” Rebecca said.

“Tool roll,” Charlotte said.

“Beside the coffee,” Martha said.

Lydia said, “Did you check your other hand?”

Nathaniel looked at his left hand.

He was holding the pliers.

Silence.

Eleanor’s lips twitched.

Nathaniel looked at Lydia.

She looked unbearably pleased.

“Not one word.”

“I said nothing.”

“You are about to.”

“I was breathing.”

Eleanor began laughing.

Nathaniel pointed the pliers at her. “You created this.”

“I did not.”

“You taught them that phrase.”

“I believe you taught it to me.”

Charlotte nodded. “The evidence supports Caroline.”

Rebecca added, “Unanimous.”

Nathaniel looked around the fire. “I would like to appeal.”

“To whom?” Grace asked.

Mrs. Bell raised her walking stick from the neighboring fire.

Nathaniel looked at it. “Never mind.”

Eleanor leaned closer. “Wise man.”

“I have been forced to become one.”