"It is exquisite," said Mary.

"Have you never seen the ships before?" asked her husband.

"Aye, but not so close as this. We took up resi­dence on the coast of Wales for a time and we watched from the high cliffs. They are much larger than I imagined."

Standing next to his brother with a wife at each end, Uriah leaned forward so he could see past Caleb. "And you, Elizabeth, do you find the ships pleasing?"

"I do indeed." Soon, she was distracted by a seagull and lifted her eyes to watch it glide through the air.

Uriah nudged his brother.

Caleb winced and then cleared his throat, "My dear, would you enjoy sailing on one of those ships?"

Elizabeth's attention was still on the bird when she answered, "I would like it very much, but I am content to watch instead. I try never to desire that which is unobtainable."

"But if it should be obtainable, would you object to sailing . . . to the Colonies?"

Elizabeth gave him her full attention, "I see no need of discussing it. We are clearly without the means."

"But if we should have the means, though?"

"That's highly unlikely."

"Not so unlikely as you think."

Elizabeth leaned forward to look at her sister. Mary's brow was wrinkled. "Caleb, have you sold all our future children?"