“There is no such thing as ‘calm and serene’ in our household,” Poppy said glumly. “Oh, Amelia, why must our family be so odd?”
“We’re not odd.”
Poppy batted her hands in a dismissive gesture. “Odd people never think they’re odd.”
“I’m perfectly ordinary,” Amelia protested.
“Ha.”
Amelia glanced at her in surprise. “Why in heaven’s name would you say ‘ha’ to that?”
“You try to manage everything and everyone. And you don’t trust anyone outside the family. You’re like a porcupine. No one can get past the quills.”
“Well, I like that,” Amelia said indignantly. “Being compared to a large prickly rodent, when I’ve decided to spend the rest of my entire life looking after the family—”
“No one’s asked that of you.”
“Someone has to do it. And I’m the oldest Hathaway.”
“Leo’s the oldest.”
“I’m the oldest sober Hathaway.”
“That still doesn’t mean you have to martyr yourself.”
“I’m not a martyr, I’m merely being responsible. And you’re ungrateful!”
“Would you prefer gratitude or a husband? Personally, I’d take the husband.”