Page 157 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“Today?”

“No answer.”

“This morning?”

“No.”

“Before supper?”

Nathaniel began walking.

Eleanor followed. “At the crossing?”

“No.”

“After the crossing?”

“No.”

“You are enjoying this.”

“A great deal.”

She moved in front of him, forcing him to stop. “Nathaniel Cooper.”

“Eleanor Whitaker.”

“Tell me.”

“No.”

She stared.

He stared back.

Then both started laughing.

Nathaniel touched her cheek with his left hand. “For once, let me surprise you.”

Eleanor softened.

“That is asking a great deal.”

“I know.”

She stepped aside. “Very well.”

Nathaniel walked three steps.

“After supper?”

He groaned.

Eleanor laughed all the way back to the wagons.

Late that week, Nathaniel learned one important rule about the Whitaker sisters.

Never ask a question unless he genuinely wanted eight answers.