Page 117 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“I continue making questionable decisions.”

“Do you regret this one?”

His teasing softened. “Not remotely.”

Lydia groaned. “Now they are romantic.”

Rebecca said, “Give them a minute. They will argue again.”

Nathaniel looked at Eleanor. “Want to prove her right?”

“Always.”

Chapter Fifteen

April 15, 1854

Wooded Prairie

Lucy was missing.

Grace discovered it when the train prepared to leave the noon halt.

“I thought she was with Lydia,” Grace said.

“I thought she was with you,” Lydia answered.

Eleanor looked inside both wagons, beneath them, and around every nearby tree. “Lucy!”

No answer came.

Nathaniel halted the train before Eleanor reached him. “When was she last seen?”

“At the fire,” Martha said. “She carried her plate to the creek.”

“How long ago?”

“Twenty minutes. Perhaps thirty.”

Eleanor's heart pounded. The land here was broken by small creeks, wooded draws, and tall grass. Lucy could be anywhere.

“She would not simply wander away,” Caroline said.

“Then someone took her,” Eleanor said.

“We do not know that.” Nathaniel's voice was calm. “We search the camp first.”

“We have searched.”

“Not for tracks.”

He divided the area into sections and sent people in pairs. Eleanor started toward the trail behind them.

Nathaniel caught her arm. “You remain here.”

“No.”

“Searchers need one place to report. You know Lucy's habits and belongings better than anyone.”