The Lucy Mercer who had entered Franklin’s orbit shared certain qualities with Eleanor. Both were tall, with abundant hair, translucent complexions, blue-eyed, bosomy, and well bred. There the similarities ended. Lucy was far more appealing. Her teeth did not protrude, her chin did not recede, as did Eleanor’s, most noticeably in profile. Lucy’s posture was regal while Eleanor’s was stooped. She had a velvety, soothing voice, while Eleanor’s was high-pitched, flutey, with every word, no matter how banal, seemingly freighted with meaning. When stressed her voice turned shrill. Lucy was poised
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