Page 119 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“You cannot know that.”

“Neither can you know the worst thing you imagine.”

“I taught her this.”

“Taught her what?”

“That love is something proved by sacrifice. I gave away Mother's earrings. I work until I collapse. I tell all of you I would give anything to keep you safe.”

“That does not mean Lucy should walk miles alone for a doll.”

“She is seventeen. She learned from what I did, not what I meant.”

Rain began.

Eleanor stood at the edge of camp until her dress was soaked. Every few moments, she thought she heard hoofbeats.

At last, Rebecca rode through the rain.

“We found her!”

Eleanor ran.

Nathaniel followed on his horse with Lucy seated in front of him. She clutched a small doll beneath a blanket Martha had sent with the searchers.

He dismounted and lifted Lucy down.

Eleanor pulled her sister into her arms. “What were you thinking?”

Lucy began to cry. “Anna missed her doll.”

“You could have been lost.”

“I knew the trail.”

“The trail is not a hallway in our house!”

Lucy flinched.

Eleanor forced herself to lower her voice. “I was afraid.”

“I am sorry.”

“I love you more than any doll, any wagon, any land, or anything else we carry. Do you understand?”

Lucy nodded against her shoulder.

Eleanor held her until the fear inside her began to loosen.

*****

THE STORM PASSED QUICKLY, leaving the camp wet and cold.

Lucy received extra work for a week and strict instructions never to leave the wagon circle without telling two sisters. Eleanor also apologized.

“For what?” Lucy asked.

“For letting you think love is proved by risking yourself alone.”