Page 96 of Eleanor’s Earrings

The entire camp exploded.

Even Mr. Daugherty doubled over.

Eleanor could barely breathe.

Nathaniel sat patiently through his humiliation.

When she finally recovered, she looked at him. “You?”

“Yes.”

“The great Nathaniel Cooper?”

“I was nineteen.”

“Seventeen barrels?”

“I can count.”

“That is reassuring, because apparently you could not tie knots.”

“I can now.”

Eleanor smiled. “Suffering truly educated you.”

Nathaniel leaned close. “Tell anyone, and I will deny it.”

“Everyone just heard.”

“I will deny it collectively.”

“That is ambitious.”

Lydia wiped her eyes. “Best story.”

Mrs. Bell shook her head. “Not yet.” She pointed at Caroline.

Caroline frowned. “Why me?”

“Because you have spent the evening looking innocent.”

Thomas looked interested.

Caroline noticed.

Eleanor noticed Caroline noticing.

This improved everything.

Caroline said, “I have no embarrassing stories.”

Seven sisters laughed.

Thomas smiled.

Caroline looked at him. “Do not encourage them.”

“I said nothing.”