Page 57 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“One of my followers objected to worship.”

Nathaniel turned. “The ox?”

“He attempted to eat Mr. Coleman’s shirt.”

“Perhaps he objected to the shirt.”

Rebecca considered. “That is possible.”

Mr. Daugherty began before the discussion could become doctrinal.

He read a Psalm about refuge and strength, then spoke briefly about journeys. Not only journeys across land, he said, but the quieter journeys people made when a life they understood became something new.

Eleanor did not look at Nathaniel. She became intensely aware that he sat beside her.

Mr. Daugherty asked whether anyone wished to choose a hymn.

Mrs. Bell immediately said, “Something everyone knows.”

Lydia whispered, “That eliminates anything Grace learned at school.”

Grace nudged her.

They settled on “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”

The singing began unevenly.

Then it became worse.

Mr. Coleman sang loudly and was approximately near the melody. Mrs. Turner had a beautiful voice but kept stopping to hush her youngest child. Mr. Daugherty sang every verse half a line ahead, apparently determined to reach heaven before everyone else.

Nathaniel sang quietly.

Eleanor turned toward him.

He stopped. “What?” he whispered.

“You can sing.”

“I did not claim otherwise.”

“You did not mention it.”

“Was I required to include musical qualifications when we met?”

“You listed your wagon experience.”

“It seemed more relevant.”

Lydia leaned across Eleanor. “Can you sing louder?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because I know what will happen.”

“What?”