Page 106 of Eleanor’s Earrings

Nathaniel laughed and kissed her forehead.

Eleanor rested against him for one brief moment before returning to the camp.

She had not promised him a place in Clover Creek. But for the first time, she had pictured one.

The spoon count became a family joke before supper.

Martha laid out eight tin plates and deliberately placed eleven spoons beside them.

Eleanor stopped.

Lydia stopped chewing.

Caroline looked toward heaven as though requesting strength.

“Where is the twelfth?” Eleanor asked.

Martha’s face was innocent. “I do not know.”

“You had twelve this morning.”

“Did we?”

“Yes.”

“Are you certain?”

Every sister suddenly became fascinated by supper.

“Who has it?” Eleanor asked.

No one answered.

Eleanor put both hands on her hips. “I am responsible for seven women, two wagons, four oxen, supplies for six months, and half of Nathaniel Cooper’s wagon train. I will not be defeated by a spoon.”

A laugh came from behind her. Nathaniel stood there holding the missing spoon.

“You.”

He raised it. “I found this unattended.”

“You stole it.”

“I rescued it.”

“From what?”

“An uncertain future.”

Lydia collapsed against Rebecca, laughing.

Eleanor marched toward him. “Return it.”

Nathaniel placed it in her palm. “Twelve.”

“I know how many there are.”

“So, I have heard.”