Page 62 of Eleanor’s Earrings

“Lydia,” Eleanor said.

“I did not do it!”

Mrs. Bell called, “I did!”

Nathaniel led Eleanor into the open space.

He was careful of her ribs. One hand held hers while the other rested lightly at her waist.

“You do know how to dance,” she said.

“I told you.”

“You tell me many things.”

“Most are true.”

“Most?”

Nathaniel smiled. “You look nervous.”

“Forty people are watching us.”

“Nearly forty.”

“That does not help.”

“Look at me.”

She did. The camp blurred at the edges. Nathaniel guided her through a simple turn.

“You are counting,” he said.

“I am not.”

“You are.”

“I like knowing what comes next.”

“That explains a great deal.”

“What does that mean?”

“You count steps. Miles. flour sacks. sisters.”

“I do not count my sisters.”

“You counted them twice before breakfast.”

“That was because Lucy disappeared behind the wagon.”

“For thirty seconds.”

“She could have wandered off.”

Lucy, dancing nearby, called, “I heard that!”

Eleanor called back, “Good!”