Page 64 of Eleanor’s Earrings

The song ended.

Nathaniel did not immediately release her.

Neither did Eleanor step away.

Then Samuel Turner appeared between them.

“Mr. Cooper?”

Nathaniel looked down. “Yes?”

“Will you dance with my mother? My father has the baby.”

Mrs. Turner turned bright red.

Nathaniel looked at Eleanor.

She smiled. “Wagon master.”

His eyes narrowed.

“You are responsible for morale.”

“That sounds invented.”

“Plans change.”

Nathaniel sighed and offered Mrs. Turner his hand.

Eleanor returned to the Whitaker sisters.

Lydia immediately seized her arm.

“You danced with him.”

“I’m aware.”

“He changed the music for you.”

“I noticed.”

“He put his hand on your waist.”

Eleanor looked at her.

Lydia grinned.

Caroline said, “Leave her alone.”

“Thank you.”

Caroline waited one beat. “Did he step on you?”

Eleanor stared.

Rebecca laughed. “She stepped on him.”

“How do you know?” Eleanor asked.