She responded, "No, but Laura doesn't call Almonzo by his name anymore.  Now she calls him, (deep sobs and wails), MAAANNLY!" I must admit I was having a hard time not laughing, but I think a smile did escape me.  I explained a bit about pet names and how that was his once they were married.  Then she went on to tell me how even after 5 years of courtship, at the last minute Laura doesn't want to marry a poor farmer.  I again tried to hide my smiles and told her how many people have last minute second thoughts.  I certainly did.  I reminded her that we know they really did marry and had a very happy life.  She seemed a little less upset.

Then, as a last resort to stay melancholy, she said, "but I looked through the whole book, and Almonzo doesn't get called by his name anywhere.  It's always Manly, and it's not just Laura.  The author calls him that too, (sob, sob)."  

Here is where even Derek couldn't contain himself, and neither could I.  From the other room, he burst out laughing and said, "that's because She is the author!!"  I said essentially the same thing at the same time.  Shaylee made the same realization.  We all laughed and felt better.  She's now off giving the whole thing another chance.