“
You have got to stop doing this.” Millie slapped a cold piece of meat over Everett’s face, and slapped it none too gently, at that, as he sat in a chair in Abigail’s kitchen. “I was not going to stand by and let them say horrible things about Lucetta.” “Which was very noble of you,” Lucetta said as she glided into Abigail’s kitchen and moved to stand in front of him. “But really, Everett, the things those gentlemen were saying were things I’ve heard a million times before, and believe me, I’ve heard worse.” “It doesn’t matter if you’ve heard them before, Lucetta.” Everett readjusted the meat on his face. “Those gentlemen were being inappropriate, and don’t even get me started on the fact they were practically shouting those insults your way as the children were within listening distance.” “The children didn’t understand what they were saying,” Lucetta argued. “You should have ignored the insults to me.” “You’re a kind, compassionate, and far-too-sensible lady for your own good, Lucetta. I would have been no gentleman at all if I hadn’t fought for your good name.” Everett watched out of the eye that wasn’t covered in meat as Lucetta’s eyes turned suspiciously bright before she blinked rapidly, sniffed just once, and patted his arm. “You’re a good man, Everett. I don’t care what anyone else says.” A laugh caught him by surprise even as his father let out what sounded remarkably like a snort from where he was sitting on the other side of the table, a piece of meat slapped over half his face as well. “I must say I do agree with everything my son is saying, Lucetta,” Fletcher began. “Those men were not behaving as gentlemen should behave. I, for one, will be discontinuing my membership at the Reading Room and plan to never step foot in it again.” “Has everyone lost their minds?” Millie asked as she looked up from blotting Reverend Gilmore’s puffy lip with a wet towel.
”
”