Page 83 of Eleanor’s Earrings

She walked away.

Behind her he said, “That may be the shortest argument we have ever had.”

Eleanor called back, “Do not expect another.”

“I would be disappointed.”

She hated how much she enjoyed him.

Later that evening, Eleanor found Nathaniel staring at the Whitaker wagon.

“What is wrong?”

“I am trying to understand how eight women can own this many hairpins.”

Eleanor looked at the ground.

At least six pins lay scattered near the wagon wheel.

“That is not many.”

Nathaniel stared at her.

“You do not understand women.”

“I understood that before Missouri.”

Rebecca approached and picked up one pin. “This is mine.”

Charlotte picked up another. “Mine.”

Lydia collected two.

Eleanor looked at her. “Why do you have two?”

“I have a great deal of hair.”

“You have the same amount you had yesterday.”

“It has ambitions.”

Nathaniel bent and picked up the last pin.

He held it toward Eleanor.

“Yours?”

She examined it. “No.”

Seven sisters looked at one another.

Nathaniel frowned. “Then whose is it?”

Mrs. Bell called from the next wagon, “Mine!”

Nathaniel stared at the tiny object in his hand.

Mrs. Bell held out her palm.