Page 80 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“Probably.”

Her eyes opened. “That is not comforting.”

“I am a poor liar.”

“You are an excellent one. You told me the first day's campsite was useful.”

“It kept us from wandering.”

She laughed softly.

Nathaniel wanted to kiss her again, but he heard Lydia whisper from behind the wagon.

“Move your head. I cannot see.”

“You are not supposed to see,” Grace whispered back.

Eleanor closed her eyes. “I am going to sell my sisters to the trader.”

“He will not give you much,” Nathaniel said.

She laughed into his shoulder, and for the first time since the fire, the weight in his chest eased.

Mrs. Bell’s warning had one immediate consequence: Eleanor could no longer speak to Nathaniel without wondering who was watching.

The answer was usually everyone.

At the noon break he handed her a cup of water.

Lydia looked up.

Eleanor took it.

Grace looked up.

Nathaniel sat on an overturned bucket.

Rebecca looked up.

Eleanor turned toward the wagons. “Is there something all of you require?”

Seven faces became occupied at once.

Charlotte opened the inventory book upside down.

Eleanor pointed at it. “Really?”

Charlotte calmly turned it around.

Nathaniel leaned closer. “I feel observed.”

“You are.”

“Should I leave?”

“That would look suspicious.”

“Should I stay?”