Page 140 of Eleanor’s Earrings

Nathaniel leaned back against the wagon bedding, pleased with himself.

She picked up another blanket.

He raised his good hand. “I surrender.”

“That may be the wisest thing you have done.”

“I am learning marriage already.”

She threw the blanket anyway.

Nathaniel discovered another disadvantage to becoming part of the Whitaker family.

They borrowed things. His knife disappeared. Then his spare cup. Then one of his pencils.

Finally, he walked to the Whitaker fire.

“I would like my possessions returned.”

Eight women looked at him.

Eleanor said, “Which possessions?”

“My knife.”

Rebecca held it up. “Repairing harness.”

“My cup.”

Martha pointed toward Grace. “She needed one for Mrs. Turner’s child.”

“My pencil.”

Caroline looked toward Thomas.

Thomas slowly produced it.

Nathaniel stared at him. “You too?”

Thomas cleared his throat. “Caroline asked.”

Nathaniel looked at Caroline.

She smiled.

He turned to Eleanor. “Do I own anything anymore?”

“Your horse.”

Rebecca said, “Temporarily.”

Nathaniel looked alarmed.

“I am joking,” Rebecca said.

He waited.

“Mostly.”