Susan nodded. “Jane and Lucas are out playing in the garden. I shall make certain they are quiet if they return."

"Good, I- Owwwwwwww!"

Susan winced. "What now?"

Elizabeth bent down and picked up a small metal object. One of Lucas's toy soldiers. "Is there any reason," she said, "that this is sitting on the floor where anyone may step upon it?"

"None that I can think of," Susan said with a halfhearted attempt at a smile.

Elizabeth just sighed. "I am not having a good day."

"No, I didn't think you were."

Elizabeth tried to smile, but all she did was stretch her lips. She just couldn't manage to get the corners to turn up.

“Would you like me to bring you a cup of tea?'' Susan asked gently.

Elizabeth nodded. "That would be lovely, thank you."

"It's my pleasure. I'll just- What's that in your bag?"

"What?"

"That book."

Elizabeth cursed under her breath and shoved the book down under a handkerchief. "It's nothing."

"Did you borrow a book from Lady Danbury?"

"In a manner of speaking."

"Oh, good. I've read everything we possess. Not that we possess much any longer."

Elizabeth just nodded and tried to dash past her.

"I know it broke your heart to sell off the books," Susan said, "but it did pay for Lucas's Latin lessons."

"I really must go-"

"Can I see the book? I should like to read it."

"You can't," Elizabeth snapped, her voice coming out much louder than she'd have liked.

Susan drew back. "I beg your pardon."

"I have to return it tomorrow. That's all. You won't have time to read it."

"Can't I just look at it?"

"No!"

Susan lunged forward. "I want to see it."