Page 36 of Eleanor’s Earrings

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THE MORNING AFTER THE ferry crossing, Eleanor discovered that being injured did not exempt her from family commentary.

Martha handed her a cup of coffee and pointed toward an overturned crate. “Sit.”

“I am sitting.”

“You are standing.”

“I was about to sit.”

“You have been about to sit for ten minutes.”

Eleanor lowered herself carefully.

Lydia watched. “Mr. Cooper told you to rest.”

“Mr. Cooper says many things.”

“He says them especially often to you.”

Rebecca looked up from the harness she was mending. “Because she especially often ignores them.”

“I do not ignore him.”

Seven sisters stared at her.

Eleanor drank her coffee. “Not always.”

Caroline sat beside her. “Your ribs?”

“Sore.”

“Your head?”

“Fine.”

“Your earring?”

Eleanor’s hand rose automatically to the repaired clasp.

Lydia grinned. “Very fine.”

“Do any of you have work?”

“We are working,” Charlotte said.

“You are watching me.”

“That is work now.”

Nathaniel arrived carrying a small sack of dried apples he had bought from the trader.

Eleanor narrowed her eyes. “What is that?”

“Food.”

“I recognize food.”