Free Beauty From Ashes by Eugenia Price

who had gone to the Hopeton kitchen to help out, came to serve them a glass of blackberry juice from an ornate silver tray, she said, “Miss Rebecca Isabella, I ‘spect Fanny she miss her papa’s laughin’ more’n she miss almos’ anything.”
    “How come you take part in our parlor talk, Eve? Our servants aren’t allowed to do that,” young
    Rebecca stated.
    All Fanny could think to say was “Eve’s— Eve’s different, Rebecca. That’s all. Families do things differently. You’ll find that out someday.”
    “Why?” young William piped.
    “Never mind why,” Aunt Caroline said. “Look! Look over there, Son. Your grandpapa’s motioning for you to come stand beside his chair. He may have something very important to tell you.”
    When the small boy raced across the room, Rebecca said thoughtfully, “Papa forbids servants to chatter. Is it because my father doesn’t laugh a lot, the way people say?”
    “But when Papa does laugh,” Aunt Caroline put in, “it’s a wonderful sound. Don’t you think it is, Becca?”
    “Are you calling her Becca now?” Fanny asked.
    “Yes,” the young girl answered quickly. “Grandpapa started to call me Becca because that’s what he always called our grandmother. I’m named for her and he misses her, so he calls me Becca. Grandmama’s dead, too, you know.”
    “Yes, Becca, I know. Do you remember our
    grandmother?” 91
    “I—I think so,” the child said. “She died while she and Grandpapa were here on a visit. Mama says it was just a few months after Uncle William Audley and Aunt Hannah King got married.”
    “I might have known William Audley and Hannah wouldn’t get here until tomorrow,” Aunt Caroline said, relieved at the change of subject. “William’s working so hard at Hamilton these days. He’s really trying to live up to the fine precedent your father set, Fanny.”
    Before Fanny could think of anything to say, little Becca pulled her scarf again and asked, “Don’t a lot of people die? At least a lot people we know have died, haven’t they, Cousin Fanny?”
    “Becca, today is no time for such talk. We’re supposed to be having a happy day in Grandpapa’s honor. When anyone lives to be ninety years of age, it’s cause for celebration. Now, run over to where he’s sitting and tell him you’re there to wish him a cheerful, happy birthday! After all, the day after tomorrow will be your birthday too.”
    When the girl scampered off, Fanny gave Aunt Caroline her most loving smile. “Did you ever realize that I love you a lot, Aunt Caroline? You didn’t need to send Rebecca Isabella away. It’s all right for her to let me know she even noticed that—four members of our family died so close together.”
    “You’re very sensible and strong, aren’t you, Fanny?”
    “I am?”
    “I overheard Becca talking to Pete about all the death’s we’ve experienced, and she made a joke to distract the child. I could tell Pete couldn’t face talk of it with such a young girl. Pete seems so strong and in command, too.”
    “And I don’t because I’m quiet a lot, is that it?”
    “I don’t know exactly. I do know I’m relieved to have discovered such poise and strength in you, my dear. Now, it is time for more merriment or Grandpapa Couper is going to explode. I can’t imagine what’s preventing Lydia from clanging her dinner bell. It’s past time for us to dine.” Laughing, Aunt Caroline said, “In fact, I’ll give your Uncle James exactly
    two minutes before he comes striding across this 93 room to inquire of me why she’s all of seven minutes late!”
    Fanny laughed too. “I’ve always heard from Mama that you put up with Uncle James’s strict ways by making jokes right to his face.”
    “Your mama is exactly right. But he’s so kind and good to the children and to me, making him laugh at himself has come to be one of my favorite things to do.”
    “And does he really laugh at himself?”
    Aunt Caroline smiled. “Well, let me