Page 91 of Eleanor’s Earrings

Eleanor looked at him. “You are taking his side?”

“I am preserving the possibility of hostile furniture.”

“You have spent too much time with my sisters.”

“Almost certainly.”

Mrs. Bell told a story about a rooster that had chased the circuit preacher out of her mother’s yard.

“How old were you?” Grace asked.

“Eight.”

“Were you frightened?”

“Of the rooster? No. The preacher was.”

“What happened?”

“He preached from the road.”

Mr. Daugherty laughed harder than anyone.

Mrs. Bell pointed at him. “You would have, too.”

“I believe in respecting local authority.”

“The rooster was named Methodist.”

Mr. Daugherty stared.

Mrs. Bell smiled. “My father was Baptist.”

The camp erupted.

Even Eleanor had to wipe tears from her eyes.

Nathaniel leaned close. “I am beginning to understand Mrs. Bell.”

“That seems dangerous.”

“I did not say I understood her completely.”

“Good. I would worry about you.”

When the laughter settled, Lydia stood again.

“Whitakers’ turn.”

Eleanor immediately said, “No.”

Seven sisters said, “Yes.”

Nathaniel leaned back comfortably.

Eleanor looked at him. “Do not enjoy this.”

“I have no control over my feelings.”