Page 112 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“I am seventeen.”

“Exactly.”

Lucy folded her arms. “Would you?”

Eleanor looked at her youngest sister's worried face. “No man I marry will separate me from my family.”

“What if he wants his own house?”

“Then we will build it near the family house.”

“What if he wants to go back to Missouri?”

“Then he will go without me.”

Lucy considered. “Does Mr. Cooper know?”

“There is no marriage to discuss.”

“But does he?”

Eleanor sighed. “Not yet.”

“You should tell him.”

“Thank you for your wisdom.”

“You are welcome.” Lucy walked away looking pleased with herself.

That afternoon, the road narrowed where a ravine cut across the prairie. The trail divided. One route descended directly and climbed the far side. The other curved along the ravine before crossing at a shallower place.

Nathaniel examined both with several drivers.

“The direct route is shorter,” he said. “The ground is firm enough for teams.”

Eleanor studied the steep bank. “Not for the wagons. A loaded rear wheel could overtake the front.”

“The longer route is soft near the bottom.”

“Then we lay brush for the teams.”

“That will take hours.”

“Repairing a shattered wagon will take longer.”

Mr. Daugherty muttered, “Here they go again.”

Nathaniel ignored him. “Show me.”

Eleanor had expected an argument. Instead, he walked both routes with her. They tested the ground, studied the angle, and watched an empty freight wagon cross the direct descent.

Its rear wheels slid several feet.

Nathaniel nodded. “The longer route.”

Eleanor looked at the soft bottom. “But we use your plan for the teams. Double them on the climb after the crossing.”

“Agreed.”