Page 118 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“She is my sister.”

“Which is why you are the person most likely to run past a clue.”

Eleanor pulled free. “Do not ask me to stand here while others look for her.”

“I am asking you to lead the search.”

The words stopped her.

“From here,” he continued. “Not every leader must be the person walking into danger.”

Eleanor wanted to argue. She also knew he was right.

“Find her,” she said.

“We will.”

Caroline searched the first wagon again and found a folded scrap of paper beneath Lucy's blanket.

Eleanor opened it with shaking hands.

I went back for Anna's doll. She has cried all day. I will return before the wagons leave.

Eleanor read it twice. “The Turner girl's doll was left at the last camp.”

“That is miles behind us,” Rebecca said.

“Lucy went alone.”

“I should have watched her,” Eleanor said.

“You cannot watch seven people every minute,” Nathaniel said.

“I promised I would.”

Nathaniel took the note. “Rebecca, come with me. You know her footprints.”

“I am going too,” Eleanor said.

“The sky is darkening. If the storm reaches camp, someone must keep everyone here and ready to shelter.”

“Nathaniel—”

He put both hands on her shoulders. “Trust me.”

Eleanor looked into his eyes.

“Bring her back,” she whispered.

“I will.”

He and Rebecca left on horseback.

The waiting was worse than any action Eleanor had ever taken.

Clouds covered the sun. Wind moved through the trees. Eleanor ordered wagon canvases secured and animals brought close. She sent searchers to check the creek banks but kept everyone within calling distance as thunder sounded to the west.

Caroline remained beside her. “She will be all right.”