Page 107 of Eleanor’s Earrings

She narrowed her eyes. “Was this your idea?”

“No.”

“Lydia?”

“Also no.”

Martha began laughing.

Eleanor stared at her gentlest sister. “Martha.”

“I wanted to see whether you would notice.”

“Of course I noticed.”

“Within three seconds,” Caroline said.

Nathaniel leaned closer. “I am beginning to believe the spoons will reach Oregon even if none of us do.”

“They are useful.”

“So are you.”

The quiet words dissolved Eleanor’s irritation.

Nathaniel smiled. “Although considerably more difficult to pack.”

She elbowed him as she passed.

Behind them, Lydia asked, “Was that flirting?”

Seven spoons struck tin plates as everyone suddenly became busy.

Nathaniel became aware that Eleanor had begun touching him casually. A hand on his sleeve when she wanted his attention. A brief touch at his back when passing behind him. Fingers against his wrist when she took the whistle. None lasted more than a second. All of them ruined his concentration.

He mentioned this while they walked beside the wagons. “You keep touching me.”

Eleanor nearly stumbled. “I do not.”

“You do.”

“When?”

“This morning.”

“That was the whistle.”

“At noon.”

“You had flour on your coat.”

“Yesterday.”

“You were standing in the way.”

Nathaniel smiled. “That sounds convincing.”

“It is true.”