Chapter 11 Castles in the Air Laurie was swinging in his hammock on a warm September day.
He wondered what his neighbors were doing, but he was too lazy to find out.
He hadn't finished his studies, frustrating Mr. Brooke.
Instead, he had practiced the piano, upsetting his grandfather.
Then Lori had played a practical joke on one of the maids and got into an argument with the stableman.
Everyone in the house now seemed angry with him.
Thankfully, he fell asleep and a good nap improved his mood.
The sound of voices woke him from a dream where he was having an adventure at sea.
He opened his eyes to see the March sisters coming out of their house.
They looked odd.
Heech wore a large hat and carried a shoulder pouch and a tall walking stick.
They marched through the garden and up the hill toward the river.
Lori felt slighted that they hadn't invited him.
He decided to follow them.
He found the girl sitting in a shady nook.
Meg was sewing, Amy was drawing pictures, Joe was knitting and reading aloud and Beth was sorting pine cones.
Lori felt bad about spying, but he was so lonely that he approached them.
May I come in, he asked, or will I bother you?
Meg lifted her eyebrows.
Joe said, Of course you can join us.
I should have asked you to come, but I didn't know if you'd want to play our girls' games.
I'm sure it'll be fun, but if Meg wants me to go, I will.
Meg said, You may stay as long as you do something.
This is our busy bee society.
It's against the rules to be idle here.
What should I do?
Joe handed him a book to read aloud while she knit the heel of her sock.
When he finished, he asked, What game are we playing?
Meg asked her sisters, Should we tell him?
Amy warned, He'll laugh.
Lori said, No, I won't.
I promise.
Joe explained how they had been trying all year to be good, productive girls.
They'd bring their work to this spot, where they felt inspired by the view of the wide blue river, the green hills and the silvery white clouds shining like the steeples of a city in the sky.
For fun, they'd wear old hats and play pilgrims on the way.
Joe sighed.
"'Wouldn't it be fun if all our castles in the air came true?'
Lori said it would be hard for him to follow just one dream because he had so many different ones.
"'Which one is your favorite?'
Joe asked.
"'I'll tell you mine if you will all tell me yours.'
They all agreed.
Lori said emphatically, "'I'd live in Germany and become a famous musician.
That's my castle.'
He turned to Meg.
Your turn.
She stated, I'd like to be mistress of a beautiful house and manage it very well.
Lori teased, with a wonderful husband.
Meg blushed.
Joe said bluntly, your castle wouldn't be perfect without a good husband and little angels for children.
And you know it.
Meg retorted, well, you'd have nothing but horses, pens, and ink, and novels, and yours.
Joe smiled.
Exactly.
I'd write and become as famous from my stories as Laurie would be from his music.
Beth quietly noted my dream is to stay home with mother and father and help take care of the family.
Lori asked, is that all?
Yes, Beth said.
Now that I've got my little piano, that's all I need.
Amy piped up, "'My dream is to move to Rome and become a great artist.'
Lori said thoughtfully, "'We're an ambitious group.
Each wants to be rich and famous, except for Beth.
I wonder if we'll all succeed.'
Joe said, "'I've got the key to my castle, but whether I can unlock it is another story.'
"'Me too,' Lori sighed.
Amy held up her pencil.
And here's my key, Meg said softly.
I haven't got any.
Lori responded, oh, yes, you do.
You have your pretty face.
This caused Meg to blush again.
Wait and see, he said, if it doesn't bring you something worthwhile.
Joe suggested, let's meet here in ten years and see how well we've done.
Everyone said this was indeed a fine plan.
Lori remarked thoughtfully, I hope I've done something to be proud of by then, but I'm so lazy.
Joe said soothingly, all you need is some inspiration.
Lori said, I should be happy to please my grandfather.
He wants me in the family business, but I want to be a musician, and I really want to see the world.
Joe suggested.
You should sail away and only come back after you've tried your own way.
Meg scolded.
That's not right.
Lori, you should do as your grandfather wants.
Once he sees you're doing your best in college, he'll be sure to grant your wishes.
She continued.
Do your duty and you'll be respected and admired like Mr. Brooks.
Lori asked what Meg knew about him.
That he took care of his mother until she died and now provides for his mother's old nurse.
Lori agreed that Mr. Brooke was a fine man.
Meg went on to tell Lori that he should also listen to his tutor and do well in his studies.
Lori was offended for a minute but regained his good humor. the Busy Bee Society got back to work.
Lori tried twice as hard to be good to ensure his membership.
That night, while Beth played the piano for his grandfather, Lori watched quietly from the doorway.
He thought hard about what Meg had said and vowed to himself.
I'll let my castle go for now and stay with my dear grandfather while he needs me, for I am all he has.
