Page 64 of Caroline’s Compass

“You may behave responsibly while dancing,” Eleanor said.

“I have never seen evidence of that.”

Nathaniel offered Eleanor his left hand. His right shoulder still would not tolerate a proper hold, so they devised a slow turn that required little more than walking. Eleanor's face changed when she looked at him—softened without losing any of its strength. Caroline had once feared marriage would take her sister away. Watching them, she saw again that love had not reduced Eleanor. It had given her another person with whom to carry herself.

Thomas appeared at Caroline's side. “Does partial courtship permit dancing?”

“I do not remember listing it.”

“Then we have found a defect in the agreement.”

He offered his hand. Caroline looked at the circle. Seven sisters immediately became fascinated by her answer.

“One dance,” she said.

“I will try to survive the restriction.”

Thomas knew the steps in theory. In practice, he counted them under his breath and nearly guided Caroline into Mr. Coleman's back.

“You measure land better than music,” she said.

“Land does not change direction every eight beats.”

“You are meant to change with it.”

“A troubling principle.”

She showed him the turn. His hand rested at her waist with respectful care, but warmth passed through her dress all the same. They moved with the other couples beneath a broad prairie sky, neither speaking for several measures.

The courtship was only partially resumed. The future still contained Fort Kearny, his work, her sisters, and questions neither of them could answer alone. Yet when the tune quickened, Thomas followed her lead without resisting simply because it was not his own.

“You learn quickly,” she said.

“I have an exacting teacher.”

“Flattery is not measurement.”

“It is an observation supported by evidence.”

Mr. Avery changed tunes without warning. Lydia whooped. Grace stole Charlotte's intended partner. Rebecca was finally pulled into the set by Mr. Coleman and danced with such unexpected skill that all her sisters stopped to stare.

“What?” Rebecca demanded as she passed them.

“Nothing,” Caroline said.

“You look graceful,” Lucy shouted.

Rebecca missed the next step and blamed Coleman.

The dance ended in laughter. Thomas didn't release Caroline's hand immediately.

“May I claim the second half of the celebration?” he asked.

“Mr. Avery said half a celebration total.”

“An arbitrary limit.”

“You respected mine.”