Page 41 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“It is in our family.”

Nathaniel handed one bucket to Lucy.

She sighed.

He handed the other to Lydia.

Lydia looked betrayed. “I thought you liked us.”

“I do.”

“Then why?”

Nathaniel smiled. “Leadership.”

Eleanor laughed.

Lydia trudged toward the wagon. “I liked him better before he learned from Eleanor.”

Nathaniel looked at Eleanor. “Was that a compliment?”

“Absolutely not.”

“I will take it anyway.”

Chapter Seven

April 7, 1854

Rolling Prairie

The wagon dropped into the rut before Caroline saw it.

One moment, the second Whitaker wagon rolled steadily over the prairie. The next, the right front wheel struck a hole hidden beneath tall grass. Wood cracked with a sound that made Eleanor's blood turn cold.

Caroline flew from the driver's seat.

“Caroline!”

Eleanor stopped the first team and ran. Caroline lay on the ground beside the wagon, her skirt tangled around her legs.

For one terrible moment, she did not move.

Eleanor dropped to her knees. “Caroline, look at me.”

Her sister opened her eyes. “I would rather not. You look frightened.”

Relief made Eleanor nearly dizzy. “Can you move?”

“I believe so.”

“Do not try.”

“You just asked if I could.”

“That did not mean you should.”

Nathaniel arrived and knelt on Caroline's other side. “Where do you hurt?”