by Molly Jebber
Joel shook his head. “They’ll forget all about it, once they lay eyes on you and Betsy.”
“When Ellie returned, it was one of the happiest days of my life.” Jacob exchanged an endearing glance with Ellie. “I’m worn-out. I’m going to retire to my room.”
Joel finished another bite of his pie. “Me too.”
Ellie and Maryann bid the men good night, went to Minnie’s room to get Betsy, and then went to their room and got ready for bed.
Maryann and Ellie lay in bed with the cradle on the floor. “Are you comfortable? Do you have enough room?”
“I’m snuggled in just fine.”
“Ellie, tell me about you and Joel. He can’t take his eyes off you, and your face beams around him. I can tell you love each other. You intimated there was some kind of problem. What is it?”
Ellie recounted her past to Maryann in detail. “Gossips have moved on to other subjects for the most part, but they didn’t hesitate to share my adventures with your mamm when they noticed Joel and me talking at the after-church meals. She doesn’t approve of me, and no matter what I do, she won’t give me a chance to befriend her.”
“Have you and Joel talked about marriage?”
“Jah, but your mamm would never forgive us for doing so. And I don’t believe God would want us to go against her.”
“God wouldn’t approve of her judgmental attitude toward you. You shouldn’t let her shortsightedness get in the way. What does Joel say?”
“He wants to move forward in spite of her warnings about me.”
“Then let’s plan a wedding when we get home.”
She hugged herself. Maryann didn’t have a mean bone in her body. She had taken to her the instant they’d met. How wonderful it would be to have her for a schweschder-in-law. “Nah. I don’t want to cause turmoil for your family, and for Joel and me. I’m praying for a miracle.” She yawned. “Enough about me. This is about you now.”
“She’ll not wilkom me then. Sounds like she’s gotten bitter since I left.”
How much should she tell Maryann? Ellie didn’t want to disparage Mrs. Wenger to her dochder. She should be truthful but delicate. “No one persuaded me to leave. I wanted to go to the outside world. She blames your husband for your departure and not you. She loves you. I’m a stranger. She misses you, and she has justified your leaving in her mind. I understand why, and I’m glad she is forgiving you.”
“My husband was the reason I left, but I made the choice. I’m responsible for my actions. She’s being unfair to you.”
Ellie stretched the blanket up to her chin. Maryann was a kind and considerate woman.
“I don’t dwell on my wrongs. I’ve moved on and so should you. You have a bright future ahead with your family enjoying you and Betsy. Charm lives up to its name. You’ll love the townsfolk, socials, Sunday services, and shops. I can’t wait to introduce you to my family and friends.”
“You make it sound wonderful.”
“I gave Liza, a bakery owner, a hard time when we first moved there. She and Daed fell in love, and she put up with my stubborn and rebellious ways. She wouldn’t marry Daed until I approved.” Ellie recounted how Peter came to live with them. “She treats Peter and me as if she gave birth to us. Her family is now our family, and her niece, Hannah, and I are best friends. They’ll be so excited to meet you and Betsy.”
“They sound lovely. Charm has a bakery?”
“I work there with Hannah and Liza. I love it. You’ll have to visit. Everything is mouthwatering good.”
Ellie bid Maryann good night and rolled over onto her side. It was as if she’d known Maryann for a long time. She loved her already. She hoped Joel’s mamm wouldn’t keep them apart.
* * *
Ellie woke to Betsy’s cooing. She rolled over and lifted the little one out of the cradle. The boppli’s fuzzy blond hair tickled her neck as she held her on her shoulder and rubbed her little back. She glanced at the calendar Maryann had on the wall. Wednesday. A busy day at the bakery. How were Liza and Hannah doing without her? She missed them. They’d be surprised when she told them what had happened in Massillon. It had been quite a day. They would love Maryann and Betsy. She couldn’t wait to introduce them.
Maryann popped in the door. “I brought us some coffee and pastries. I took some earlier to Joel and Jacob. They’re almost ready to leave. I wanted to let you and Betsy sleep.”
“You’re so thoughtful. Danki. I could use some coffee.” She lowered Betsy to the cradle, washed her face, changed into a fresh dress, fashioned her hair in a bun, and slipped on her kapp. She picked up her coffee and took a few sips. “My bag is packed, and I’m ready. May I carry something for you?”
“Sad, but all I have is one bag. I’ll be wearing Englischer clothes when I get to Charm.”
Ellie looked her over. “I’ve got some dresses we can hem, and then we’ll make you and Betsy some new ones.”
“Danki. You make going home easier. Your experiences and encouragement make me feel close to you, Ellie. I look forward to a long friendship.”
“I feel the same, Maryann.” Ellie smiled and slung her bag over her shoulder and carried Maryann’s bag in one hand and her package in the other to the hallway.
Joel met them and took the bags from her. He slung his bag over his shoulder. “Let’s go home.”
Jacob opened the door, and they stepped outside and walked in the direction of the livery.
Ellie glanced at the shops as they walked to get the horse, but the dress shops didn’t hold her interest anymore. She was content with her Amish dresses. The train whistle blew in the distance. She noticed a sign advertising a circus was kumming to town the next week. She would love to go to a circus. The Amish wouldn’t approve, so it was out of the question. And sneaking off to one wasn’t something she would do. She’d done enough damage satisfying her curiosities in the outside world. “I wonder what the circus is like.”
Maryann got in the back of the buggy. “I went to a circus.”
“Did you like it?” Joel turned sideways on the bench.
“I loved it. The trainers had taught dogs and horses tricks. There were tiny men and women, who wouldn’t get any taller, doing somersaults and cartwheels in clown outfits. They were friendly and sold candy to the crowd. Beautiful women in sparkling outfits did all kinds of stunts while on trapezes hanging from the big tent ceiling. A magician performed tricks and entertained us. The games were fun. I won a stuffed bear from throwing a penny into a cup!” Her face turned crimson. She held a hand to her open mouth. “I shouldn’t go on about this. It’s wrong.”
Ellie shrugged. “I love hearing about the circus.”
Joel sat next to Jacob and turned in his seat to address the women. “It does sound exciting, but it’s not a topic we should bring up in Charm.”
Jacob nodded.
“I won’t mention it around our parents or friends.” Maryann kept her head down.
Ellie put a finger under Maryann’s chin and raised it. She darted her eyes to the men. Good. They weren’t paying attention to them. She whispered to her, “Don’t feel guilty for sharing your circus experience. And you can tell me anything. Understood?”
Maryann lowered her voice. “Danki, Ellie.”
Ellie sniffed the air. “Someone’s burning leaves.” She pulled her shawl tighter around her shoulders and covered her legs and Maryann’s with another blanket.
Jacob stopped the buggy hours later on the road in front of the general store. “This is Winesburg, a good place to take a break. We’re about halfway there.” He got out and stretched his legs. He strolled into the general store.
Maryann changed Betsy’s nappy. She then threw a blanket over her shoulder and covered Betsy while she was nursing.
Ellie got out and joined Joel several feet away from the buggy and out of Maryann’s earshot. “Are you nervous about taking Maryann and Betsy home?”
“Not anymore, since she has said she wants to remain in Charm. I doubt she�
�d leave us again. You’ve been so good with her. Danki.” Joel smiled.
“It’s my pleasure. She and I have become fast friends.”
Maryann yelled to them. “Ellie, will you take Betsy for a minute?”
“Of course.” Ellie hurried to her and took Betsy.
Maryann departed from the buggy. “I hope you two are talking about getting married. You shouldn’t let anything stop you. I can tell you are in love.”
Ellie’s cheeks heated. “Maryann, I told you. It’s complicated.”
“Not really, but we’ll discuss it sometime after we get home.” Joel winked at Ellie. “I need to make a trip to the outhaus. I’ll be right back.”
Maryann circled her arm around Ellie. “I need to do the same.”
“Go ahead. Betsy and I will be right here.” Charm was small, but Winesburg was tiny in comparison. The town had little to offer, but enough for the residents to get by. Ellie studied the boppli’s little round face.
Betsy gazed up at her and grinned.
Ellie tickled her stomach. “You’re cuddly. Look at your button nose and those petal lips. You’re a beauty.” She greeted the families passing her, and several women stopped to admire Betsy and then moved on.
Maryann returned. “I’ll take Betsy. Stretch your legs a bit.”
Ellie found the outhaus then went to the pump to wash her hands. She stood still. Steps crunched leaves behind her. The hairs on her neck prickled.
She swung around. “Joel Wenger! You scared me!”
He laughed. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I had to steal a minute alone with you.” He brushed his long, calloused fingers against hers. “I love you so much, Ellie. I won’t give up on us, and you and I are going to sit down with my parents when Maryann gets settled there.”
“Joel, are you sure?”
“I insist, Ellie. I’m not going to waste any more time without you.”
She ached to tell him she loved him and would marry him. He made it difficult to forget they had an obstacle they couldn’t control. “We should go.”
He heaved a big sigh and then stepped with her to the buggy.
Ellie admired how easy it was for Betsy to sleep with wheels hitting ruts in the road and birds chirping. “Maryann, do you have any hobbies?”
“I like to plant vegetables and to take long walks when I have the time.”
“I’ve developed a love for baking. Liza, my stepmamm, has such a creative mind. She kummes up with the most unique recipes for cookies, pies, breads, and tarts.”
“Are you close to her?”
“I wasn’t at first, but now, jah. I can tell her anything and not worry it is a subject off limits. Were you close to your mamm?”
“Yes. We enjoyed working together, and we’d knit, sew, cook, and bake. I could only talk to her about safe subject matters. Not controversial topics. She was loving, and I did enjoy doing things with her. But she tended to overprotect me.”
“What do you mean?”
“I needed time to myself, and I had to hide to have it. She would accompany me to town, and she insisted we do things together. We argued about it, and she finally let me go to town by myself a few times a week.” Maryann cringed. “I met my husband during those times.”
Ellie had had a balanced relationship with her mamm, and now with Liza. They’d both given her adequate time to herself. She better understood Mrs. Wenger’s unbending demeanor. The woman must have an emotional upheaval going on inside of her with worry, blame, and guilt over her dochder. “If she blames herself for you leaving the Amish life, your assurance she’s not responsible for your unwise choice will give her some peace.”
“I’m worried she’ll smother me again. After living on my own, I couldn’t stand it.”
“You’re not the same person in many ways, I suspect. You can, in polite terms, stick up for yourself better than when you left. Our experiences, good and bad, teach us things about ourselves. They’re valuable lessons.”
Maryann’s shoulders perked up, and she lifted her chin. “You’re right, and I need to stop it if it becomes a problem.”
Joel stretched his neck to look at Maryann. “I’ll be there to help.”
Ellie watched the comradery between bruder and schweschder. She had the same close-knit and protective relationship with Peter. Joel and his schweschder hadn’t been together again but a short time, and they already acted like they’d never been separated.
Joel reached for Betsy. “Let me hold her for a while.”
Ellie watched him talk to her. He’d be a good daed when he had kinner.
Hours later, Jacob pulled in front of his haus. Joel and Maryann and Betsy exited, thanked Jacob and Ellie, and got in Joel’s wagon and left to go home.
* * *
Joel drove the short distance to their home.
Maryann rocked Betsy. “I’m nervous, Joel.”
“Don’t worry. They’ll be thrilled you’re here.”
He pulled down the lane and halted the wagon.
The Wengers came outside and then ran to Maryann. Mrs. Wenger cried and hugged her dochder and granddochder. “I can’t believe you’re here! You’re home at last! I knew you’d kumme back to me! And who do you have in your arms?” She put her arms under the bundle and cradled her. “Oh, she’s beautiful.”
Maryann swiped tears. “Her name is Betsy.” She hugged her daed. “Don’t worry. I’m here to stay.”
Daed’s shoulders shook as he wept, holding her close.
Joel stood back and blinked back tears. He bowed his head and whispered a prayer. “Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for anything I’ve said or done to disappoint You. Danki for bringing Maryann and Betsy to live the Amish life in Charm with us. Danki for all you provide for us. Amen.” He looked up and found his parents and Maryann had bowed their heads and joined him.
“Good prayer, Joel.” Daed patted his back.
Mamm carried Betsy and ushered them inside the haus.
Joel recounted the story of receiving the letter and going with Jacob and Ellie to get Maryann.
Maryann told them about Gerald’s need to gamble and how the habit had changed him, and not for the better. “I hope you’ll forgive me, and I will ask the church to do the same. And if they’ll let me, I’d like to live the Amish life here with you.”
“Of course we forgive you. I’m certain many of the Amish folks will wilkom you here.” Mamm squeezed her hand.
Daed nodded.
Joel’s heart pounded with relief. “We have so much to look forward to with Maryann and Betsy here.”
Mamm and Maryann fussed over the boppli.
Joel headed to the door. “Daed, let’s bring in the cradle you and Mamm used for us. Betsy can sleep in it.”
They crossed the yard to the barn, found and cleaned the cradle, and brought it inside.
Joel said, “This will be perfect for Betsy.”
“How special that she’ll use our cradle, Joel. I had to leave the one I had behind. There was no way to bring it.” Maryann clasped her hands under her chin. “I’m glad you kept ours, Daed.”
“I had hoped we’d have grandkinner one day.”
Mamm showed Maryann around the haus. “I have your room arranged just like it was in Lancaster.”
“I’m glad my letter got forwarded. There would’ve been no way for me to know you’d moved to Charm. Danki, Mamm, for keeping my things. I don’t deserve it.”
“We left our new address at the post office just in case you would write to us.” Joel followed them to get Maryann’s reaction to the rest of the haus.
The two women were happy and Mamm’s face beamed like he hadn’t observed since his schweschder had left.
They went to the kitchen, and Mamm served them potato and bacon soup and cheese sandwiches. She set a pot of tea and coffee on the table.
Betsy slept like a bear in hibernation.
Maryann sipped her warm tea. “If it wasn’t for Ellie, Joel might not have answered my plea for help. She�
��s the one who coaxed him to kumme to Massillon.”
“Maryann’s right. I wasn’t sure what to do. I didn’t know if it would be good to put you through more hurt should she leave again.” Joel stole a glance at Mamm.
She kept her eyes on her plate and didn’t look at him. Would she be grateful to Ellie?
Mamm sipped her coffee and remained quiet.
“I’ll have to thank her.” Daed dipped his spoon in the soup.
Joel waited a moment.
“I’d like to invite Ellie and her family to supper.” Maryann reached for the breadbasket. “I want to grow my friendship with her, and she glows when she talks about Liza and Peter. I can’t wait to meet them.”
“What a splendid idea! When should we do it?” Joel leaned forward.
Mamm’s coffee mug shook in her hands. “I’m not sure I agree.”
Joel narrowed his eyes. “Why not? How can you object after what Ellie and Jacob did for us? It’s the least we can do to thank them.”
Her face hardened. “Why didn’t you take us instead of them? You were wrong to keep Maryann’s letter from us.”
Joel gripped his spoon. “I apologize for not telling you about the letter. I wasn’t sure what Maryann’s situation might be or what I should do. Ellie and her daed offered to go. They were impartial. I thought it best I take them up on their help. I do believe it worked out for the best.”
“Joel was protecting you and Daed. He needed to make sure I was serious about living the Amish life and growing roots in Charm. He did the right thing.” Maryann put her fork down. “Ellie befriended me without judgment. She’s a compassionate and loving woman. I’m blessed to call her my friend. Without her coaxing Joel to kumme to Massillon, I might not be here right now.”
“Did she tell you she’s lived in the outside world?” Mamm squinted and pinched her lips.
Maryann sighed. “Yes she did. We understand each other.”
“Your situation is different.”
“No. I’m responsible for my actions, just like Ellie. I left of my own free will.”
Joel let his schweschder convince Mamm she should wilkom Ellie into their home. She had a better chance of getting through to her. He assumed Daed had kumme to the same conclusion.