Ellie's Redemption

by Molly Jebber

  “A schweschder. She’s no longer with us.” He didn’t want to get into the story about Maryann. He hoped Timothy wouldn’t question him further. “Do you have siblings?”

  “Aaron. He’s ten and a handful. When he was five, our mare kicked him in the head and caused him to act younger than others his age. To accept the result of the accident for Aaron has been hard for my parents. They’re not as patient with him as I am.”

  “Peter, Ellie Graber’s little bruder, might be good for Aaron. He has a big heart and a gentle soul. He’s smart but not arrogant.”

  “I’d really appreciate it if you could bring Ellie and Peter to my haus. They know Aaron from being at the socials and at services, but they haven’t had a chance to really get to know him.”

  Timothy had provided Joel with a good reason for him and Ellie to talk more. And he would like to include Peter too. He had chosen to shut out any gossip and Mamm’s disapproval. Maybe it was a mistake, but it was one he was willing to make. He had a knack for ignoring his problems.

  “When?”

  “Daed wants our family to spend all day Sunday together, since we don’t have a worship service. We usually always have company. How about the next Sunday? You can all kumme after we finish our after-service meal. We can play horseshoes. I have smaller ones for Peter and Aaron.”

  Joel chatted with Timothy about how much they enjoyed playing horseshoes, target shooting, and fishing, and then they arrived at his wagon on the road, repaired the wheel, and harnessed the mare again to Joel’s wagon.

  “Danki, Timothy. I’m glad we met. I’ll kumme to your haus tomorrow for target shooting. What time is good?”

  “Five thirty. And please talk to Ellie and Peter. Ask them to plan on Sunday a week out, at my haus at two. Aaron needs a friend.”

  “All right.” Joel waved, traveled home, and pulled up in front of the barn.

  Daed met him. “You made a new friend. I’m glad. Timothy’s a cheerful young man with a playful glint in his eye.”

  “I’ve noticed him at the Sunday services, but we hadn’t had a conversation. I’m looking forward to doing things with him.”

  Daed put a hand on his shoulder. “Son, Abigail was here again. She’s not giving up.”

  Joel’s mouth gaped open. “Daed, she is persistent. What should I do?”

  “Ignore her. She’ll get the message eventually.”

  Maybe he’d ask Timothy about Abigail and ask for his advice. He wondered if he’d had any issues with the obnoxious girl.

  Joel walked inside the haus. “How are you, Mamm?”

  “I’ve had a pleasant day. Abigail brought me this beautiful rose from her garden. Isn’t it lovely?”

  He didn’t want to upset his mamm. She did look happy. He’d let her delight in her time with Abigail. What harm could it cause? The hairs on his neck prickled. Abigail had ulterior motives. How far would she go to interfere with him and Ellie? He pushed the concerns out of his mind. Another problem he refused to face. A fault he knew might lead to trouble later, but it was easier to ignore his concerns and concentrate on his beautiful Ellie.

  Chapter Three

  Ellie walked with Hannah and Liza to the bakery Monday morning. “I’m glad you said Esther was doing better this past week, Hannah. She still looked a little pale when you all came over for dinner Sunday afternoon. I missed having Sunday service, although I enjoyed our leisurely day together as a family at our haus.” She’d missed not speaking with Joel this past week, and she had to wait another week until she’d lay eyes on him again.

  “It’s good we have services every other week to give us more time with our families and friends. It was fun. Dr. Harrison suggested it may be certain vegetables not agreeing with Mamm. She is stubborn and doesn’t watch her diet. It takes her a while to get better if she’s eaten a lot of what doesn’t agree with her. She has been at the stove each morning since Liza stayed with her, making Daed his crispy bacon and planning what work she wants to do, instead of resting.”

  Liza chuckled. “She loves taking care of people. It’s always been her nature. I’m relieved she’s much better.”

  Hannah hooked her arm through Ellie’s. “Too bad Joel hasn’t kumme to the bakery. You must miss him. Since we didn’t have a Sunday service this past week, I was hoping you’d run into him in town.”

  “I suspect Mrs. Wenger is keeping him from me. I wish I could show her I am the kind of woman she would want her son to be interested in. She’s so opposed.”

  “She’s a mystery.” Hannah frowned.

  Ellie sighed. “I’m afraid his mamm’s disapproval will prevent us from growing into anything serious. He wouldn’t want to upset his parents, and neither do I.”

  Liza crossed the street with them. “I haven’t had an opportunity to talk with her much. Maybe you and I can visit her when we have time.”

  “Danki, Liza. Maybe if you’re with me she’ll be more be open to speaking with me.” Her stepmamm supported her whenever she needed it. Mrs. Wenger was certain to befriend Liza. Her mood lifted.

  Ellie scanned the street and storefronts. The town buzzed with activity. Motorcars honked their horns at slow-moving buggies and wagons. Englisch men wore a variety of colorful clothes. Some with suit jackets and matching creased pants and others with flannel shirts and work pants with big buckle belts. The ladies wore printed skirts with blouses or dresses with buttons and rounded collars. She did think the dresses with simple ribbon and trim were pretty.

  The short paperboy stood on his toes and waved the latest edition. “Extra! Extra! Read all about it! It’s confirmed on this fine day of September twenty-sixth! Three days ago, President Taft issued an executive order barring foreign ships, whether commercial or military, from the waters of Hawaii’s Pearl Harbor, Cuba’s Guantanamo Bay, and the Philippines’ Subic Bay.”

  Ellie shivered. “I avoid any news dealing with politics. The president issuing these types of orders scares me.”

  “I agree with you. President Taft sure does have to make a lot of important decisions. He’s under tremendous pressure.” Hannah pointed to the bakery. “Joel’s waiting for you.”

  “Must be important this early hour of the morning.” Liza hooked her arm through Ellie’s.

  Ellie’s stomach fluttered. “I hope he has good news.”

  “Joel, would you like to kumme inside?” Liza pushed her key in the lock and opened the door.

  Hannah gave him a shy look and went inside.

  He shook his head. “Mrs. Graber, good morning. Danki for asking. I’ve got to get home and help Daed. Do you mind if I speak with Ellie outside a few minutes?”

  “Of course not. Take your time.” Liza gave them an approving nod, stepped into the bakery, and shut the door.

  Ellie gazed at him. “Is anything wrong?”

  Joel took off his hat and held it to his side. “Nah. I came to ask you something. I met Timothy Barkman on Wednesday, and we went target shooting together Thursday. In conversation, Timothy mentioned Aaron, his bruder, could use a friend. I suggested Peter. He asked me to talk to you about having them play together Sunday at his haus after we finish our after-service meal. Would you consider joining us?” He looked at her sheepishly. “I planned to get with you earlier this week, but Daed and I have been busy building a new fence. Sunday, Mamm asked if I would stay home and spend time with her and Daed.”

  “I’m glad you’re here now.” She beamed. “We’d love to go to the Barkmans’ with you.” She’d jump at the chance to spend time with him for whatever reason.

  “I feel sorry for Aaron. It probably isn’t easy for him—being ten and acting much younger due to his injury, getting kicked in the head a few years ago—to make a really good friend. Do you think Peter will mind playing with him?”

  Ellie waved a dismissive hand. “I’m sure Peter is aware of him. They just haven’t been encouraged to be friends. Peter will be fine. I’m certain they’ll have a good time together.”

  “I’ll tell Ti
mothy to expect us. I’ll take you and Peter in my buggy when we’ve finished our meals after the service on Sunday, and then take you both home after ward.” He plopped his hat on his head. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  “I am too.” Should she tell him about Abigail? Nah, she didn’t want to spoil their special moment. She waved and watched his back until he got in his wagon and disappeared down the road. Would Joel be upset she kept Abigail’s visit from him? She dismissed the thought and went inside.

  Hannah stopped putting a tray of cookies on the counter. “What did he say?”

  Liza leaned on the counter with her elbows, fists under her chin. “Jah, tell us.”

  “He’s taking Peter and me to Timothy Barkman’s haus after the service and meal on Sunday. Joel thought it would be a good idea to encourage a friendship between Peter and Aaron, and Timothy agreed.”

  “It’s a grand idea. The kinner will be good for each other.” Liza winked. “And it gives you and Joel an excuse to talk more.”

  Hannah grabbed a towel and gave it a playful snap. “I can’t wait for you to tell me every detail Monday morning when I pick you up for work.”

  Ellie helped Liza and Hannah stack the shelves with cookies, tarts, pies, and breads, then she opened the bakery for customers.

  Dr. Harrison pushed open the door. “Good morning, Ellie. I’m ready for some hot coffee.” He sniffed the air. “Do I smell molasses cookies baking? If so, I’ll take two, please.”

  Sheriff Williams followed him inside, newspaper tucked under his arm, and took his usual seat at the counter. “I’ll also take a cup. Thank you.” He nodded and concentrated on the paper.

  “Wilkom, gentlemen. And jah, you’re just in time for some fresh molasses cookies.” Ellie held up the coffeepot. “I’ve got coffee ready for both of you.” She poured two cups and set them in front of the men. Then she ran to the back and returned and served them the cookies.

  Sheriff Williams slid half the newspaper pages to Dr. Harrison. “Danki, Ellie.” He concentrated on his paper. “My mouth is watering for Whitman’s Sampler to come to the general store. The company is producing them, but they aren’t sure when the new sampler will be sent to stores. The little boxes contain samples of the most popular chocolate pieces sold.”

  Ellie stifled her chuckle. The sheriff didn’t need to add any inches to his belly overlapping his belt. She loved Whitman’s candy, and she might have to try the sample box. “The man who started the Whitman candy sure has made his company a big success. Whitman’s has been around for as long as I can remember.”

  Dr. Harrison focused on his paper. “I was fascinated with Stephen Whitman and how he made his company successful, so I researched his life. I often thought it would’ve been fun to run a candy company but didn’t imagine you could make a good living from it. He proved me wrong. And my ambition to become a doctor won out.”

  Ellie leaned back and crossed her arms. “What did you find out about him?”

  “He was a Quaker and, at the age of nineteen, he opened his first confectionery shop in Philadelphia in 1842, and came up with lots of ideas to market his candy and attract customers.”

  The sheriff shifted his gaze from the paper to Dr. Harrison. “Who runs it now, and has he done anything different to keep the company growing?”

  “Walter Sharp has carried on the same strategy with enticing people to buy the candy. He’s the current president, and he offers a money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied with the candy. A bold decision, but a good one.”

  “I doubt he gets many disgruntled customers. Their chocolates are delicious.” The sheriff went back to reading his paper.

  Dr. Harrison glanced at his friend’s stomach. “Yes, we can tell you’re very satisfied with the company’s confections.”

  “You mind your own business and leave me alone.” The sheriff harrumphed and stuck his nose inches from the paper.

  Dr. Harrison elbowed his arm. “If I did, you’d come knocking on my door wondering why I wasn’t at Liza’s to meet you every morning the bakery is open.” Dr. Harrison gently slapped the sheriff’s back.

  “I suppose I would.” The sheriff’s cheeks pinked, and he addressed Ellie. “I’ll take another molasses cookie, and give him one.”

  Ellie smiled. The two men had been friends for years, and she enjoyed their ribbing and talk about current events when they frequented the bakery. Sometimes they bantered as if they were kinner, and she had a difficult time stifling her chuckle. She was glad Liza had switched positions with her. Waiting on customers gave her the opportunity to learn what was going on in the community and outside world.

  Maybe when Joel had time, he’d visit her at the bakery. She rolled her eyes. She shouldn’t be acting like a silly schoolgirl pining after this man she hardly knew, but she couldn’t help herself.

  Liza stuck her head out the open doorway between the bakery and kitchen. “Gentlemen, what a pleasure.”

  “Liza, what are you baking today?” Dr. Harrison looked at her.

  “I’m trying out a new recipe for peach cinnamon and nut bread. I’m afraid the peaches might make it too soggy or heavy.”

  “Sounds tasty to me. I’d be glad to sample it for you.” Sheriff Williams beamed.

  Dr. Harrison rolled his eyes. “Of course you would.”

  Liza disappeared and returned with a sample for each of the men. “I need your honest opinions.”

  The men devoured the samples.

  Sheriff Williams gave the table a gentle slap. “It’s a winner, Liza!”

  “I must agree with my friend here. Very good.”

  “Danki.” She put a hand on Ellie’s arm. “Isn’t Ellie doing a good job at the counter?”

  “Excellent. You should be proud of her.”

  “I am. Off to work I go.” Liza went to the kitchen.

  Ellie served the men each a sugar cookie. “These are on the haus. It’s the least I can do for your complimenting me to my boss.” After Abigail’s confrontation and the gossips still prattling on about her, it was refreshing to receive compliments from others.

  They all laughed.

  Dr. Harrison snapped his fingers and swiveled in his chair to face the sheriff. “I forgot to tell you Norman bought a used Model T Ford motorcar from a man in Canton. It’s in mint condition. You’ve got to go take a look at it.”

  “Good for him. I’ll take a gander at Norman’s motorcar later this afternoon. The paper had an article about the problems owners encounter with those crank cars. Didn’t sound good.”

  “I doubt he’ll encounter any problem he can’t fix. He’s got a knack for repairing motorcars.”

  Ellie pulled a container of butter cookies from under the shelf and arranged them under the glass dome on the counter. Motorcars fascinated her. No horses to harness, and you could travel to places in less time. She understood why the Englischers desired them, although she had no desire to change. She loved the horses, wagons, and buggies. They held a soft spot in her heart for tradition.

  A boy pushed the door hard until it banged against the wall. He ran in and jumped up and down. “Timothy! Timothy! I want an oatmeal cookie!”

  Timothy followed him in. “Calm down, Aaron, and lower your voice.” He gave Ellie a sheepish wince. “I’m sorry for his outburst. When he gets excited, his voice gets loud sometimes.”

  Ellie grabbed an oatmeal cookie and came around to face Aaron. She bent and handed him the cookie. “Aaron, we love it when customers get excited about kumming to the bakery.”

  He tilted his head. “I like all your cookies.”

  “Danki, Aaron.” Ellie tousled Aaron’s soft brown hair, her eyes on Timothy. “What can I get you?”

  “I’ll take a loaf of nut bread. Joel said you’ve agreed to bring Peter to play with Aaron on Sunday.”

  “Jah, danki for inviting us.”

  Hannah came from the kitchen to the counter. “Ellie, here’s a rhubarb pie for the counter shelves.” She glanced at Timothy and gasped. �
��Oh, I didn’t know you were here. Greetings.”

  “Hannah, kumme join me, Joel, Ellie, and the boys on Sunday. We’ll play games and have a relaxing time.” Timothy’s cheeks dimpled.

  Aaron tugged on Timothy’s hand. “She’s pretty.”

  “Jah, everytime you see her, you say she’s pretty. And I agree. She is, Aaron.” Timothy smiled at Hannah. “What do you say about Sunday, Hannah?”

  Hannah blushed. “I . . . um . . .”

  “She’ll be there.” Ellie avoided Hannah’s gaze.

  “Great! We better go, Aaron. We’ve got chores to do. It’s been a pleasure, ladies.”

  Aaron waved.

  Ellie waited until the door shut. “Hannah, Timothy likes you. He beamed when you walked in.”

  Hannah whispered, “I’m not going Sunday. He makes me uncomfortable.”

  “You’re interested in him. I could tell by the way you couldn’t put two words together when your gaze met his.”

  “He is handsome. All the girls agree. The problem is when he speaks. The man’s mischievous grin and compliments are too forward. He’s not ready for a serious girl like me.”

  “Kumme with me, please. If you don’t, I’ll be the only girl. We can have fun together.”

  “I’ll ponder it.”

  A woman swayed into the bakery with an air of authority, her hair fashioned in the popular bob Ellie had noticed among the Englisch women. The customer wore a light pink high-necked silk blouse with a long cream-colored skirt. The soft wool shawl around her shoulders looked expensive.

  Ellie gestured to the shelves in the counter. “How may I help you?”

  “I’m passing through town, and I can’t pass up sweets. I had to stop in your bakery.” She studied Ellie’s face. “Darling, you have such a dainty nose, and those blue eyes of yours would melt any man’s heart. What I wouldn’t do to dress you in some of my designer clothes.”

  Ellie blushed. “Danki.” The emerald ring on the woman’s hand was hard to miss. “Your ring is exquisite.”

  “Thank you, darling. My husband, Hubert, bought it for me in Paris last year.”