Page 14 of Caroline’s Compass

Thomas capped the ink. “Sit down.”

“I am about to drive.”

“In twenty minutes.”

“There is work.”

“There will remain work after you sit for ten minutes.”

“That is not comforting.”

Charlotte closed the inventory book. “I will wake you.”

“I am not sleeping.”

Caroline woke twenty minutes later on her bedroll beneath the wagon, with Thomas's coat folded beneath her head and the sounds of the company forming around her.

She sat up so quickly the wagon wheel seemed to tilt.

Charlotte stood at the wagon tongue with the reins ready. “Good morning.”

“Why did you not wake me?”

“Thomas said not to.”

“Thomas does not command this wagon.”

“Neither do you while unconscious.”

Caroline pushed the hair from her face. Beyond the wagon, she saw Thomas mounting several vehicle lengths back. He began speaking to Mr. Hall and did not look toward her.

She felt rested.

It was infuriating.

At the noon break, she found him kneeling beside a wheel with his map board balanced on the hub.

“You told Charlotte not to wake me.”

“Yes.”

“You interfered with my responsibilities.”

“Charlotte drove safely. Rebecca checked both teams. Martha issued breakfast without famine. Lydia complained with her usual vigor. Your responsibilities survived.”

“That is not the point.”

Thomas looked up. “What is the point?”

Caroline had several answers. None sounded sensible aloud. “I decide when I rest.”

“You decided not to.”

“Exactly.”

“A poor decision remains a decision. I understand.”

She folded her arms. “You are not apologizing.”