Page 21 of Eleanor’s Earrings

The operator named his price.

Nathaniel stared at him. “That is twice the rate you charged last week.”

“River is higher.”

“The ferry is the same.”

“Risk is greater.”

Eleanor stepped forward. “Then you will give us a written guarantee against damage.”

The operator looked at her as if a chair had spoken. “What?”

“If your price reflects the risk, you are accepting responsibility for it.”

“I am not guaranteeing anything.”

“Then the price does not reflect risk. It reflects opportunity.”

Nathaniel coughed into his fist.

The operator scowled. “Who are you?”

“A woman with two wagons and seven sisters who can wait here all day discussing your arithmetic.”

Nathaniel moved beside her. “We will pay the regular rate for the first six wagons and a reduced rate for the remaining six. You will earn more today than you usually earn in a week.”

The operator shook his head.

Eleanor folded her arms. “We can also send riders back along the road to tell the trains behind us what you are charging.”

The man's eyes narrowed.

They settled on a price that was higher than Nathaniel wanted and lower than the operator had demanded.

When they walked away, Nathaniel looked at Eleanor. “Do you enjoy making men dislike you?”

“Only dishonest men.”

“That must simplify your social life.”

“Greatly.”

He laughed, and Eleanor felt an unreasonable thrill at being the cause.

*****

THE CROSSING BEGAN the next morning, but preparations lasted through the afternoon.

Nathaniel inspected the ferry, the cable, and every wagon scheduled for the first loads. He ordered loose items tied down, and animals separated where necessary. People complained about waiting, then complained that the crossing was too dangerous to hurry.

This was normal.

The Whitakers waited near the bank. The younger sisters sat beneath the wagon awning, sewing and watching the river.

Nathaniel approached in time to hear Lucy say, “Eleanor, may I wear your earrings?”

“No.”