Page 25 of Caroline’s Compass

The laughter restored the camp after Samuel's frightening moment at the bank. Caroline could not stop guarding the water, but she allowed herself to sit through one cup of coffee while other adults watched the children. Shared responsibility tasted faintly of salt and cinnamon.

Before the rain, the waiting camp held an informal contest to determine who could predict the creek's fall. Mr. Hall drove a marked stick into the bank. Thomas measured the water against it. Mr. Avery studied clouds and announced six inches by dawn. Mrs. Bell studied Mr. Avery and announced two.

Lucy wagered one peppermint on a foot. Charlotte told her she did not possess a peppermint. Lucy said she expected to win one before payment became necessary.

Caroline marked the official level in Thomas's notebook. Lydia added a private mark two inches lower and labeled it Hope. Grace added another above the water and labeled it Avery's Accuracy.

Thomas found the additions. “Scientific records are being corrupted.”

“By optimism or Avery?” Caroline asked.

“Both are difficult to control.”

At dusk, the water had fallen less than an inch. Mr. Avery blamed an upstream bend. Mrs. Bell collected the imaginary peppermint from Lucy and said debt built character. Lucy offered her the recovered stocking instead.

Then the first drops struck the canvas. The playful predictions ended as everyone tightened ropes and moved belongings beneath wagons or into tents. Caroline checked the ford marker once more before darkness. The creek ignored every wager and continued making its own decision.

Rain settled into a steady fall after supper.

The company pulled wagons into a tighter circle on the high ground. They checked the canvas, tightened the ropes, and sheltered the fires beneath makeshift covers. Caroline moved from one Whitaker wagon to the other until Eleanor caught her by the elbow.

“Both are dry,” Eleanor said.

“The rear flap on the second wagon—”

“Rebecca tied it.”

“The flour—”

“Charlotte moved it.”

“Lucy's blanket—”

“Lucy is sitting on it.”

Lucy waved from beneath the wagon awning.

Eleanor released Caroline. “Come to the fire.”

Nathaniel sat beneath the wagon awning with his injured arm supported. Thomas had spread his map beside him. Caroline joined them and opened Father's compass.

The needle trembled in the damp air.

“Your bearing placed the ford here,” Thomas said, marking his map.

“Our bearing.”

“You took it.”

“You found the shelf.”

“Then we will blame each other if it disappears overnight.”

Nathaniel looked between them. “An excellent basis for marriage.”

Caroline nearly dropped the compass.

Eleanor handed Nathaniel a cup. “Do not interfere.”