Page 124 of Eleanor’s Earrings

Lydia began moving objects.

First, she placed Eleanor’s stool beside Nathaniel’s.

Then she arranged their coffee cups together.

Then she somehow moved Eleanor’s shawl onto Nathaniel’s shoulder.

Eleanor picked it up. “Lydia.”

Her sister looked innocent.

“Stop arranging us.”

“I am arranging camp.”

“You moved my shawl.”

“It looked cold.”

“Nathaniel?”

He lifted one hand. “I am not involved.”

“You are wearing it.”

“I was told it looked cold.”

Lydia bit her lip.

Eleanor pointed toward the other wagon. “Go.”

Lydia went.

Nathaniel handed Eleanor the shawl. “She is persistent.”

“She is a menace.”

“She likes you happy.”

Eleanor looked at him.

“That does not make her less of a menace.”

“No.”

Nathaniel smiled. “But it makes her a loving one.”

Eleanor wrapped the shawl around herself.

“I suppose.”

A moment passed.

Then Nathaniel quietly moved his stool closer.

Eleanor looked at him.

“What?”