Page 32 of Eleanor’s Earrings

Nathaniel said mildly, “My face?”

“Especially your face.”

Chapter Six

April 6, 1854

West of the Kansas River

Eleanor woke the next morning with her hand pressed against her left earring.

For one terrible moment, she thought she had dreamed that Nathaniel had found it. Then her fingers touched the fine wire he had wrapped around the clasp, and relief moved through her all over again.

She opened her eyes.

Seven sisters were crowded around her.

“What?” Eleanor asked.

“You are smiling,” Lydia said.

“I was asleep.”

“You were smiling in your sleep,” Lucy said. “Caroline said we should not wake you, but Rebecca said we would learn more if we did.”

Rebecca looked offended. “I said no such thing.”

“You said her expression might become interesting.”

“That is entirely different.”

Eleanor sat up, striking her head on the bottom of the wagon. “All of you get out from under this wagon.”

Her sisters laughed as they obeyed.

Caroline remained behind. “He found the earring.”

“Yes.”

“And repaired it.”

“The clasp was bent.”

“And put it in your ear.”

Eleanor pushed back her hair. “Were you awake?”

“The wagon canvas is not a wall.”

“Pretend it is.”

Caroline smiled. “Do you like him?”

“He is the wagon master. Liking him is not required.”

“That was not my question.”

“Go help Martha.”