Page 125 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“You moved.”

“It looked cold over there.”

She stared.

Nathaniel kept a perfectly straight face.

Eleanor laughed so suddenly that Mrs. Bell turned from the neighboring fire.

“What did he say?”

“Nothing,” Eleanor answered.

Mrs. Bell shook her head. “Men are most dangerous when women start laughing at nothing.”

Nathaniel looked at Eleanor. “Should I be worried?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”

She bumped her shoulder against his.

This time neither pretended it was accidental.

Rain also revealed which members of the wagon train had leaks in their canvas.

It revealed this loudly.

Mr. Daugherty appeared at the Whitaker fire with water dripping from his hat.

“My wagon leaks.”

Mrs. Bell looked at the sky. “So does the entire world.”

“It is coming through the seam.”

Rebecca said, “Did you wax it before leaving Independence?”

Daugherty hesitated.

“That means no,” Eleanor said.

“I intended to.”

Nathaniel looked at him. “Before or after Oregon?”

Mr. Daugherty frowned.

Lydia whispered, “He is getting funnier.”

Eleanor whispered back, “I know. It is concerning.”

Nathaniel heard both of them. “I am standing here.”

“That has never prevented Lydia from discussing anyone,” Eleanor said.

“Or you,” Lydia added.