Page 77 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“We could divide the remaining load and abandon the second wagon,” Charlotte said.

“And spend six months carrying supplies meant for two wagons in one? No.”

“Other families may help,” Martha said.

“They have suffered losses too.” Eleanor looked at each sister. “This is why Father entrusted them to me.”

Caroline's mouth tightened. “You say entrusted. Sometimes I think he burdened you.”

The words hurt because they were too close to Eleanor's own private thoughts.

“Perhaps he did,” she said. “But the burden is mine, and so is the decision.”

She found the trader near the center of camp. He had already opened his wagon for business, taking full advantage of the fire.

Nathaniel stood beside him, examining the iron strap the trader had boasted of keeping in stock after the fire delayed the train.

He looked at Eleanor's face and then at her earrings. “No.”

“Caroline already said that.”

“Caroline is a sensible woman.”

“We spoke about this yesterday,” he said quietly. “Do not let grief convince you that everything you love is expendable.”

“Do not encourage her,” Eleanor said. “The trader thinks urgency has made us careless.”

“Then we shall disappoint him together,” Nathaniel said.

“Try not to look pleased about it.”

The trader smiled. “Have you changed your mind about the garnets?”

“I will pledge them against the iron strap, fifty pounds of flour, twenty pounds of beans, ten pounds of bacon, coffee, and salt,” Eleanor said. “The garnets are small, but the settings are gold, and you know it.”

“For those little stones?”

“You know their value.”

“I know what I can sell them for.”

Eleanor held his gaze. “Then you know my request is less than half their worth.”

Nathaniel took her arm and drew her several steps away. “You promised not to sell them for pride.”

“I am not.”

“Other wagons have spare supplies.”

“They have children to feed and months ahead of them.”

“You could accept help.”

“I am accepting help. From my mother.”

His expression changed.

Eleanor took Charlotte's account pages from her pocket. “Here. Look at the figures. Even if every sister abandons everything not required for survival, we cannot safely carry the remaining load in one wagon. We need the fitting. If I use our cash for it, we will not have enough food to reach the next reliable place to buy supplies.”