Page 161 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“Yes. Mother told me once that a matched pair did not mean one stone disappeared into the other. They remained separate and belonged together.”

Nathaniel looked at the garnets.

“Walk with me,” he said.

Eleanor's heart began to race.

He led her beyond the wagons to a small rise overlooking the camp. Evening light spread across the prairie. Behind them, twelve wagons and nearly forty people settled into the familiar work of supper, animals, and bedding.

Nathaniel faced her.

“I had intended to kneel,” he said. “My shoulder and Mr. Daugherty's mud have made that unwise.”

Eleanor laughed softly.

“I have no ring.”

“That seems careless.”

“I know. I am poorly prepared.”

“For the first time.”

Nathaniel gathered both her hands in his left. “I can offer you my life, my savings, my labor, my experience, two horses, and an equal voice in every home we build. I will not ask you to abandon your sisters, your land, or your authority. I ask to join you in carrying all of it.”

Tears filled Eleanor's eyes.

“Eleanor Whitaker, will you marry me?”

“Yes.”

The word came without fear.

Nathaniel kissed her. Eleanor put her arms around him carefully, and he kept his injured arm between them rather than risk the shoulder in his happiness.

When they parted, she removed the left earring.

“Keep this until the wedding.”

He stared at the garnet in his palm. “Are you certain?”

“Two separate pieces,” she said. “Belonging together.”

Nathaniel closed his fingers around it. “I will guard it with my life.”

“Please do not. I have had enough people risking their lives for my earrings.”

He laughed and kissed her again.

*****

THE SISTERS CELEBRATED with sugar.

Martha used part of their precious supply to make sweet biscuits. Lydia announced the engagement before Eleanor and Nathaniel returned to camp, though Eleanor never learned how she knew.

“I have eyes,” Lydia said.

“You were supposed to use them near the fire,” Eleanor answered.