Page 146 of Eleanor’s Earrings

Nathaniel frowned.

Eleanor handed him the sharpened knife. “We are all functioning without you.”

“I noticed.”

“It is unpleasant, is it not?”

“Extremely.”

She smiled. “Now you understand how I felt when Charlotte tied the wagon canvas shut.”

“I apologized for that.”

“You praised her knot.”

“It was an excellent knot.”

Eleanor leaned against his uninjured shoulder.

For a while they watched the camp. Caroline and Thomas were bent over a map. Martha and Grace prepared supper. Rebecca argued cheerfully with Mr. Coleman about his harness. Lydia was teaching Lucy a card game Mrs. Bell claimed was morally questionable but continued to watch.

Nathaniel exhaled. “I thought being needed was the same as belonging.”

Eleanor turned toward him.

“If the train can manage without me, part of me wonders what I am for.”

She understood the confession immediately.

“I asked myself the same question.”

“What answer did you find?”

“That perhaps people loving me is enough.”

Nathaniel was quiet.

Eleanor nudged him. “You look unconvinced.”

“I am considering the possibility.”

“Do not strain yourself.”

He laughed.

She took his left hand. “You are not valuable because twelve wagons would fall apart without you.”

“Some of them might.”

“Nathaniel.”

“Sorry.”

“You are valuable because you are you.”

“That sounds suspiciously sentimental.”

“I can take it back.”