Page 127 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“Unless there is another dishonest trader with a red wagon.”

They found him near the edge of camp. His wagon pointed east rather than west, and he was arguing with Nathaniel about the road.

“The creek ahead is worse,” the trader said. “I am taking the northern road before it rises.”

Eleanor stepped beneath the awning over his goods. “You cannot leave.”

He glanced at her bare ears. “I am not part of your company.”

“You hold my property. Our agreement gives me thirty days to redeem it.”

“Then find me before the thirty days are over.”

“Where?”

“That is your concern.”

Nathaniel's expression hardened. “The agreement states that she may redeem the earrings from you. Leaving by another road with no destination makes that impossible.”

“Weather changed my plans.”

Eleanor took the folded agreement from the pouch beneath her cloak. “Weather does not change your word.”

The trader shrugged. “Bring the money now, and I will return them.”

“You know I do not have it.”

“Then I suppose they remain mine.”

Nathaniel took one step forward.

Eleanor caught his sleeve. “No.”

“He intends to steal them.”

“And striking him will not make his intention more lawful.”

“It may make him more cooperative.”

“I will handle it.”

Nathaniel looked at her. Anger burned in his eyes, but he nodded.

Thomas Reed examined the agreement while Caroline stood beside him. “There is no location stated for repayment,” Thomas said. “Only the period and the amount.”

“Exactly,” the trader said. “She can find me.”

Thomas shook his head. “It also does not allow you to hide the collateral. A judge would likely call that bad faith.”

“There is no judge here.”

“You accepted the earrings,” Eleanor said.

“I gave you lawful collateral,” the trader said.

“And I gave written terms.”

“There will be judges west,” Nathaniel said. “And military posts. And traders who depend upon emigrants trusting them.”