My older sister Eleanor has always been a handful in more ways that one. Today was no exception. I stood near the tall windows of the gallery, trying to appear as though I had some deep interest in the musicians below. In truth my eyes kept drifting to the far end of the hall, where she stood speaking with a group of ladies. Eleanor noticed, of course. Eleanor noticed everything when it concerned other people’s happiness.
You are staring again, she said beside me, her voice sharp as a pin. I tried to ignore her but she wouldn't stop probing. You have done nothing but stare for the last quarter hour, She sniffed loudly softly pointing in her direction. At that girl. I sighed and turned toward her. “Which girl?” I said as if portending not to have any idea what she was talking about.
The tall one in the blue gown who laughs too loudly, like a braying ass. I heard her from across the room. So vulgar. she said rolling her eyes, her breast jiggling and she swayed on the spot. Eleanor folded her arms, eyeing the room as though she were the queen of it rather than someone barely invited anymore. Honestly, you, you look ridiculous. Hovering here like a lost puppy. And if Father sees you mooning about after some silly creature he will think you’ve lost your wits. I glanced back across the hall again despite myself. The lady had turned slightly, the candlelight catching the edge of her hair. Eleanor followed my gaze and gave an exaggerated sigh. Good heavens, she is not even particularly pretty. Barely any meat on those bones at all. she said as if comparing herself to the woman of my affections. "She has a pretty smile," I said and it only steamed Eleanor more. Perhaps if you find the smile on a donkey appealing. I could tell it was really getting to Eleanor and on some level I knew she was right. I didn't even know this girl, father would want to know all of her credentials before I was even considering approaching her. She must have been the distant relative of someone as I had not seen her before. She glanced over in our direction and gave a soft smile as we made eye contact. Eleanor noticed the look which only made her whine louder. Ugh, I don't think I've been more bored coming to court of late. she said awfully too loudly, making others nearby stare. I knew I could not endure being here for much longer and decided to take Eleanor home. Once in the carriage her attentions were now solely on me. Eleanor shifted noisily against the cushions for the third time in as many minutes. I pretended not to notice and kept my eyes on the window, though there was little to see but the reflection of the carriage lamp and the vague blur of hedgerows passing by.
Eleanor sighed. Not a natural sigh, one of those enormous, theatrical ones meant to be heard. Really you, must you sit there like a statue? “I am just sitting,” I replied mildly, still staring out the window. You are brooding, over that girl. She wasn't near as pretty as I am, I tried to pay her no mind but I knew that wasn't going to get me far. And my gown was far more elegant than hers, she said trying to get a rise out of me. and more fitted, it doesn't hang from me like a sack she said softly caressing the bare flesh of her collarbone, as if trying to catch my eye. I couldn't tell what kind of game she was playing but it was a strange one. You openly praised her and yet you said nothing of me, or my dress. I am your sister, you have to say nice things about me too. she said almost sulking as she did so often.
