by Molly Jebber
“I’ll pick one up for you.” He took a step toward the pigpen.
“Why did you choose to go now?”
Joel tensed. He didn’t want to lie to his daed. “Do you mind if I go?”
“Not at all. You go ahead. Just be careful.”
He picked up and clenched the handle of the slop bucket and poured the feed into the trough for the sows and the piglets.
The piglets and sows squealed and rooted around for the best morsels.
Joel shook his head. They were so ugly they were cute, with their big snouts, pot bellies, and curly tails. This day had brought about one surprise after another. He’d never forgive himself if he brought Maryann to Charm and she caused more dissention for their family. He’d have to decide whether to honor her request once they spoke.
* * *
Ellie sat with Liza and told her about their plan to go to Massillon. “I could tell Joel had misgivings about his schweschder. He needed prodding to go to her and find out how she is doing. She needs him.”
“Jah. She shouldn’t be left alone.”
Ellie pressed her elbows to her sides. “I believe she’s scared. Her husband was a gambler and not a good man.”
Liza tapped Ellie’s nose with the tip of the towel in her hand. “All of you should be cautious.”
“Daed and Joel will alert the sheriff if necessary.” Ellie rose and lifted the lid to the beef and noodles cooking on the stove. She stirred them to keep them from sticking. “Are you sure you don’t mind managing the store with Hannah tomorrow? I’m sorry to leave you shorthanded.”
“We’ll miss you and we’ll worry about you until you’re home safe. But we’ll be fine. You’re the perfect person to help Joel and Maryann. This is where your knowledge of living in the outside world will kumme in handy.” She shook her head and laughed. “I never thought I’d say those words.”
Ellie held her middle and laughed with Liza. “I’m praying Maryann and her parents can reunite and bring joy back to their family again.” She reached for Liza’s hand. “Let’s say a prayer together.” She bowed her head. “Dear Heavenly Father, danki for all you do for us each day. Please prepare Maryann’s heart before we arrive. Impress upon her to return to you, and please reunite this family. Give us the right words to say to her tomorrow and guide us to make the right decisions. Protect us from harm. We love you, Heavenly Father. Amen.”
Peter came rushing in. “I left Snuggles and Cinnamon out while I played ball. I ran to the barn to chase a squirrel out, and I forgot about them. Now I can’t find them! Hurry! Help me!”
Liza threw down her towel and followed him.
Ellie ran out the door after them, raced around the outside yard, and then halted and cringed. Had a coyote gotten to the dog and rabbit? Why were they so still? She took a brisk walk to them. Cinnamon and Snuggles lay close, with eyes closed, under the old willow tree. She didn’t notice any injuries. She petted the brown fur.
Cinnamon got on all fours and jumped on her.
Snuggles rolled over and hopped to them.
Ellie yelled, “Liza! Peter! They’re over here. They were sleeping.”
Liza and Peter came around the corner of the haus.
Peter picked up Snuggles in one arm and knelt to allow Cinnamon to lick his nose. “You two shouldn’t run off where I can’t find you!”
Liza pressed a hand to Ellie’s arm. “I thought the worst.”
“I did too when I noticed them not moving.” Ellie put her arm around Peter. “Peter, this time the animals were safe. But you’ll have to keep a better eye on them or make sure they’re in their cages when you can’t tend to them.”
He murmured, “I will. I promise.”
Ellie sucked in her upper lip. She’d been afraid of what she’d find when she came upon the animals, the same way she was worried about what Maryann would tell them. What had this woman been through with her husband? Would she be willing to return to the Amish life? She hoped Maryann wouldn’t cause distress for Joel.
Liza grinned. “Supper will be ready soon, Peter. You can play with them a little longer and then put Snuggles away and bring Cinnamon inside. I’ll call you when it’s time.”
Liza and Ellie went inside and cooked a mess of green beans and fried pork cutlets for supper.
Peter and Jacob came in, laughing.
“What’s got your tickle bones?” Liza poured pickled beets in a bowl and set it on the table.
Peter scooted out his chair and sat. “I was telling Daed how Samuel gets into trouble all the time at school. He chased the girls with a snake at playtime. They screamed and ran.”
“You should’ve told him to leave them alone.” Ellie frowned.
“You didn’t let me finish. I did tell him, and he took the snake to the woods and let it go.”
“I’m glad. We need to help each other.” Ellie wouldn’t judge Maryann, no matter what she told them. She’d show her compassion and help her any way she could.
* * *
Ellie woke early and hurried through her chores Tuesday morning. She didn’t want to delay their departure for Massillon. “Daed, are you almost finished with what you need to do here?”
“I’m done. Liza is fixing us biscuits and ham for breakfast to eat on the way. I’ll change and meet you at the buggy.”
Ellie went inside and changed into a clean dress. She went to the kitchen. “I’m wide-awake and ready to go. I’m anxious to meet Maryann.”
Liza winked. “I’m glad distraction has brought you and Joel together.”
“I’m relieved he’s allowing Daed and me to go with him. I shouldn’t get my hopes up, but I can’t help it.” She accepted the wooden crate of sandwiches, cookies, and jars of water. She carried a bag of clothes and necessities in her other. “Danki for the food.”
“You’re wilkom, sweetheart. I’m proud of you and your daed for going with Joel.”
Daed came alongside her and took the crate. “He’s in a difficult position with his parents and schweschder. I don’t mind at all.” He kissed Liza. “We’ll be home in a day or two.”
Ellie smiled. “Give Peter a hug for me when he gets up.”
“I will.” Liza waved to them.
Daed had the mare harnessed to the buggy. “Got everything?”
“Jah.” She pointed. “Here kummes Joel.”
Joel pulled up next to them. “I’m ready to go.”
Daed took Joel’s reins. “I’ll put your horse in the barn, and you get what you need out of your wagon and put it in the buggy.” Jacob unharnessed the horse and took the animal to the barn.
Joel smiled at Ellie. “Ready for this adventure?” He wore a heavy wool jacket. “I’ll get in next to your Daed in case he needs me to drive part of the way.”
“I’m glad we’re sharing it together.” She blushed and fidgeted her hands.
Daed returned, and they rode in silence. Ellie handed Joel the lantern they kept in the buggy to light the way in the early morning darkness. She was ready for the sun to rise.
Joel held up a bag. “Mamm packed food and water for me. I couldn’t ask her for more without raising suspicion. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry. Liza packed enough to feed a schoolhaus full of kinner. We’ll have more than enough food to last us on the way there.” She gave him a shy smile. She pulled her heavy shawl tighter and tugged at the blanket on her lap.
He smiled at her and then at Jacob. “I appreciate this so much.”
“Happy to kumme along. Ellie and I are both looking forward to reuniting you with your schweschder.” Daed kept his eyes on the road. “Don’t fret. I’m no stranger to trouble. We’ll deal with whatever we face. The main thing is to keep everyone safe. I plan to call on the sheriff if we suspect trouble, and if it kummes to it, I have my shotgun under the seat. Hopefully, we’ll not need it.”
Ellie reached in the crate of food and passed a ham biscuit to each of them. “How long will it take us to reach Massillon?”
“I’ve
been there before for supplies not offered in Charm. It’s about thirty miles. Our buggies travel about five miles an hour. Depending on the motorcars, buggies, and wagons on the road, it takes about six or seven hours to get there. You have to take into account how long your stops are along the way.”
Ellie ogled the plain and fancy buggies on the way. Motorcars are fascinating. She’d watched men crank the motorcar, hop in, and drive away. Amish depended on horses to pull their buggies or wagons. She couldn’t understand how the motorcars worked. She dare not ask. Joel might get the wrong idea.
“You missed a bountiful meal after the bishop’s message Sunday, Joel.”
Ellie couldn’t believe he’d miss such delicious food. He’d avoided her and gone home after church since they’d parted, but she hadn’t expected he’d pass up such a feast at this particular time.
“I . . . uh . . . did enjoy Mamm’s dishes at home. She makes the best apple butter and raspberry jam. Daed’s corn turned out perfect, and I’ve devoured so much of it, I’m about to turn into an ear of corn.” He managed a half smile.
She shifted her body in the back seat to get more comfortable. “Daed’s sweet corn is good too. I understand what you’re saying. I’ve made a pig of myself. I’ve got to stop, or I’ll be as wide as a barn.” She laughed.
He laughed with her. “You don’t have a thing to worry about.”
Daed shook his head. “I tell her all the time she has a hollow leg. The girl can put away food and stay slender. I don’t get it.”
Hours later, Daed parked the buggy along the road in Winesburg. “We can stretch our legs, use the public outhaus, give food and water to the horse, and have our dinner before making the rest of the trip.” He pointed in between the general store and blacksmith’s shop. “There’s a sign pointing to the outhaus. I’m headed there first. I’ll meet you at the buggy in a few minutes.”
Ellie got out and waited for Joel. “This small town is quaint, with its few stores. It might be too small to live in.”
“In 1833, the town was first named Weinburg, after a town in Germany. Then they later changed it to a more Englisch name, Winesburg.” Joel scanned the storefronts.
She wasn’t in the mood for any more small talk. She wanted more from him. She shouldn’t be forward, but she wouldn’t let this opportunity pass her by. “Joel, it’s been a miserable three weeks not speaking to you. I’ve missed you.”
Daed approached them. “Ready to dig into Liza’s dinner?”
Ellie’s stomach twisted. She’d needed more time to talk to Joel in private. She’d hide her disappointment. Daed hadn’t meant to interrupt.
“I’ll be right back.” She used the outhaus, washed her hands under the outside pump, and returned to the buggy.
Joel and her Daed stood next to it, and they got in.
She slid onto the back bench, reached in the crate, and passed them each meat sandwiches and cherry-jam sugar cookies. She gave them each ajar of water. “Here you go.”
Joel took a drink. “Look at the handsome black stallion outside the blacksmith’s shop. What a beauty!”
“The town is busy with activity for such a small place.” Daed sat back.
Joel ate fast. “I didn’t notice a bakery. We’d be lost without Liza’s breads and desserts.”
Ellie gave Joel an impish grin. “You’re just complimenting Liza to get in Daed’s good graces.”
Joel blushed. “Jacob and I get along fine. I mean what I say. Liza’s got the best desserts anywhere. Mamm has her specialties, but Liza kummes up with such unique pastries. And nobody can beat her molasses cookies.”
“I’m teasing you. It’s true. Liza’s got a knack for baking, and she’s done well running the bakery. I love working there.”
Daed held out his hand. “Speaking of Liza’s cookies, I’ll take another cherry one.”
Ellie grinned and pressed one in his hand.
Around twelve thirty in the afternoon, they arrived in Massillon. There were more crank motorcars than they were used to seeing among the buggies and wagons on the downtown road. A crowd of townsfolk chatted and went in and out of the shops, which were much larger than what they had in Charm. “I’ve got to go in the quilt shop. Liza said several women have told her about the keepsake pocket quilts sold there.”
Joel scrunched his face. “What makes them different from other quilts?”
“A pocket is sewn on the quilt, and a letter is tucked inside for a loved one. It must be a sight to behold to have so many different patterns for sale in one place.” She scanned the town. “Liza said one of the Englischers told her Ruth and Becca were schweschders who left Amish life in Berlin, Ohio, and came here and opened their store. Ruth and Becca gave permission to their good friend, Grace King, who remained Amish, to open one in Berlin.”
Daed slowed the horse. “There it is. Why don’t you check it out while Joel and I head to the livery? Then we’ll pick you up to go find Maryann. You won’t have long.”
“I’ll be ready to leave when you are.”
Joel snapped his fingers. “I almost forgot. Mamm asked me to buy six yards of dark blue and white fabric. Six yards each.” He pulled coins out of the bag he brought with him and pressed them in her palm. “Would you pick them up for me?”
“Jah, and I’ll wait for you both there.” She slid out and strolled to the quilt shop. She opened the door and the bell clanged. A beautiful blond woman in a printed crisp blouse and ankle-length skirt approached her. She had a kind elegance about her. “Welcome. I’m Becca Carrington. How may I help you today?”
Ellie scanned the shop walls. The pinwheel, wedding, patchwork, and assortment of patterns in an array of colors made up the pretty quilts on the walls. She put a hand to her open mouth. “This store is full of such beautiful coverlets.” Heat rose to her cheeks. “I’m sorry. My name is Ellie Graber. I’m from Charm. We’re here for a brief visit. I had to kumme to your store. I’m so glad I did. I need six yards each of dark blue and white fabric.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Take your time. We also have different sized kitchen towels, table linens, and aprons.” Becca pulled the fabrics from the shelves, measured them, and cut them. She accepted payment and wrapped them. “I’ll hold these at the counter while you shop. Did someone tell you about our store?”
“Jah, an Englischer told my stepmamm about writing a note and tucking it inside the pocket on the quilt and giving it to someone special. I love the idea.”
“Danki. I appreciate your kindness. Did the Englischer also tell her I was once Amish?”
Ellie’s breath caught. “She did. I left to explore the outside world twice. I decided it wasn’t for me, and I returned to the Amish life. I don’t agree that the Amish who leave are shunned by God. A very loving Englisch couple taught me God doesn’t just love or live in the Amish hearts, but all those who love and trust in him.”
“Yes, it’s true. I’m a living example. I fell in love with a handsome and wonderful doctor. We enjoy our children and worship in the church here every Sunday.” She clasped Ellie’s arm. “I’m glad you are comfortable with your decision. And I’m happy you returned to the Amish life. I miss my Amish friends and family. This path I chose is not easy but right for me.”
“You’ve been kind to share your story with me.”
“My sister, Ruth, says I’m to be open with people.” She bent and lifted a patchwork keepsake pocket quilt out of an open cedar hope chest. “Today, I’m filling in for the friend who works here on a regular basis. I’m glad I did, or I wouldn’t have met you. It’s not every day I meet someone who understands our strong belief in God, Amish or not. It’s as if I’ve known you much longer than our meeting here today.” She wrapped the quilt and set it in her arms. “This is on me. I want you to have it.”
“Oh, I couldn’t accept such a generous gift!” The plain colors were appropriate for any Amish friend or family member. Becca had been careful to give her an acceptable quilt.
“Please. I
want you to have it.”
Daed and Joel came in.
“Ready to go?” Daed waved her to the door but stopped and gazed around. “This is quite a place. These quilts are very impressive.”
“I’ll say.” Joel smiled. “Ellie, did you have a chance to buy Mamm’s requests?” He walked to the counter.
“I did.” Ellie blushed. “This is Joel Wenger. He came with my daed and me.”
Daed tipped his hat and smiled.
“Pleasure to meet all of you. I’m Becca Carrington.”
“You have a unique shop.” Joel studied the quilts hanging on the walls.
“I can’t take all the credit. My sister started the business. I’m glad you like it.”
Joel took the package of his mother’s fabric. “Nice to meet you, Mrs. Carrington. Ellie, take your time. Your daed and I will wait outside for you.”
“I’ll be out in a minute.” She waited until Joel went out the door, and then held up her package. “Becca, danki you so much. You’ve made this day very special.”
“You’ve done the same for me, Ellie.” She leaned close to Ellie. “Is Joel someone important in your life?”
She nodded.
“Maybe you can save the quilt for him. I gave one to my husband. He loves it, and he reads the letter every few months. It’s been good for our marriage.”
“Danki for the tip.” She held the package. “Danki, again.” She turned on her heel and then glanced over her shoulder. “Do you know a Maryann Harding?”
Becca wrinkled her brow. “I met her in church. She’s lovely. We haven’t had much time to talk. She didn’t attend any of the socials. Are you here to visit her?”
“Jah. Danki again.” Ellie didn’t want to divulge much information. She’d leave it at that. She was here just for a visit.
“You’re more than welcome.”
Ellie left and joined her daed and Joel. “Becca Carrington is the sweetest woman. She gave me a keepsake pocket quilt.”
“What a lavish gift for just meeting the woman!” Joel jerked his head back.
“Jah. I agree. What was her reason?” Daed peeked inside the wrapping.
“She asked if I’d heard she’d left the Amish life. I told her jah. I also told her I learned from living in the outside world for a short time how God loves us whether we’re Amish or not, if we love and trust in him.” She averted her gaze from Joel to her daed.