Eloise

The brooch took three seconds. That filling the glass took longer was today's only mistake.

• NadineCountess, should I log that glass too. No, I won't. I won't log it.
  EloiseLog it. The line you don't write down is always the one that makes the most noise later.
• Veronique DarcyThree seconds. In Nice, we'd call that a careless glance.
  EloiseAnd you look for three days, Miss Darcy, and still quote half price.

Some nights I find myself staring at an empty glass too long. Not because no price came to me, but because I chose not to name one.

• Abram RosenIt wasn't your hand that refused to name the price. It was your eye.
  EloiseMonsieur Rozen, that remark carries fifty years on it. I can't afford it.
• Delia Van HornCountess, make that face and the price drops. I bought three today, and no congratulations?

This one I left unpriced today. The reason is written only in the margin of the ledger.

• NadineThe margin? That's the part I always erase.
  EloiseLeave it, this time, Nadine.
• Veronique DarcyI hear there's exactly one unpriced stone in all of Paris. That's an advertisement, isn't it?
  Delia Van HornIf it's an advertisement, I'll buy it! How much?