Page 75 of Eleanor’s Earrings

Nathaniel's mind was not functioning well enough to understand the sentence. “Now?”

“The food may be damaged.”

“Yes.”

“We need to know how much.”

“We do.”

Neither moved.

Eleanor touched her lips. “That should not have happened.”

The words struck harder than Nathaniel expected. “I see.”

Her eyes widened. “I did not mean—”

“You have work to do.” He stood. “I will inspect the axle when it has cooled.”

“Nathaniel.”

He forced himself to look at her.

“I did not say I did not want it,” she said.

Hope rose despite his better judgment.

“What are you saying?”

“I am saying I cannot think about kissing you while seven sisters and two wagons depend upon me.”

“That sounds exhausting.”

Her mouth curved. “It is.”

“Then we will not discuss the kiss tonight.”

“Thank you.”

“Tomorrow may be another matter.”

Eleanor looked toward the smoke-darkened camp. “We should check the inventory before sunrise.”

Nathaniel managed to smile. “Of course you would think of inventory now.”

“Someone must,” she said, though her hand still trembled from the kiss as much as from the fire.

Eleanor blushed. Nathaniel walked away before he kissed her again.

Behind him, he heard Lydia whisper from under the wagon, “I knew it.”

Eleanor closed her eyes. “How long have you been listening?”

“Since the part about the inventory.”

“Go to sleep.”

“It is not dark under the wagon yet.”