by Molly Jebber
A short, round man approached him. “I’m Zeke. How can I help you today?”
The man exhibited a cheerful smile and rosy red cheeks. Andrew liked him on the spot. “I’m Andrew Wittmer.”
“You’re Luke’s nephew. I’ve been anxious for you to arrive. Luke’s my friend, and I owed him a favor. When he asked me to manage the store, I wouldn’t let him down, but this isn’t my cup of tea. He’s done many things for me and my family. I didn’t have the nerve to refuse. I’m a farmer, not a salesman or builder.”
“It was kind of you to help.” He faced the man. “Will you recommend a man to work with me? I’ll need a salesman. It would be great to find a man who has your pleasant disposition.”
“I’ve asked friends for names, and they haven’t kumme up with any. They’re farmers or owners of businesses who have loyal employees who’ve worked with them for years. I posted an advertisement in the general store, but I haven’t had anyone apply.” Zeke shrugged. “I’m at a loss as to what to do. I’m glad Luke asked me to mind the store in the winter months. If it had been planting season, I couldn’t have done it. My sons are performing maintenance on our equipment. I’m anxious to join them.” Zeke squinted at Andrew. “I’m not partial to indoor work.”
“Aunt Dora showed me the accounting journal. I need to catch up on our suppliers and what we have in stock. Then you can leave and I’ll take over.” Andrew had hoped Zeke would stay on and assist him for a couple of days. He could tell Zeke had no intention of offering this. He didn’t blame him. He’d done enough.
“The store opens at eight and closes at five.” Zeke reached for the journal and flipped the pages. “The shop’s profit has declined in the last couple of months, but we have two handcrafters who bring in their products to sell, keeping it afloat. Our inventory is a little better since the consignors dropped off their pieces last week. We’ve got a lot of space for more things to sell.”
“Is the workshop in the back stocked?” Andrew scanned the large shop. The man hadn’t arranged the furniture in order. Headboards and kitchen tables and chairs filled the space in one corner, and desks and potato boxes were together. It was a confusing mess. The floor hadn’t been swept, and it was damp and slick from the snow their boots tracked in. The furniture hadn’t been dusted, and the counter had food stains on it.
He followed Zeke to the back room. There were some half-finished projects but no pieces ready to put on the sales floor. He picked up a piece of maple and then pine. He’d have enough to make some decent chairs, bread boxes, and a desk to bump the profits to 100 percent on what he’d construct. He noticed the journal showed a drop in income since Clyde had passed. His uncle had depended on consignors to keep the store stocked. “I have to hire a clerk soon. I’d prefer they liked to handcraft, to help me before and after the store opens. Then one of us can be handcrafting while the other waits on customers. Are you sure you can’t think of someone?”
Zeke rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Matt Yoder is a man about your age who is a talented handcrafter. You might ask him, since you’re desperate.”
Andrew furrowed his brows. “Why haven’t you or my uncle hired him?”
“He jilted a sweet Amish girl, Annalynn Burkholder, on their wedding day. There have been hard feelings over his decision. The Burkholders are close friends of mine and Luke’s. Matt left Millersburg, and then he returned five months later. The gossips say he remained true to God and Amish life while he was in Sugarcreek, Ohio. He might be a good choice. I’m skeptical about him since I don’t know him well.” Zeke dropped a ring of keys in Andrew’s hand.
Andrew sighed. It wasn’t any of his business why Matt chose not to marry Annalynn. He didn’t have a problem giving the man a chance. He wouldn’t hold what happened against him. He hadn’t told Luke and Dora about Maryann’s background. He didn’t want any prejudice against her. He wouldn’t tell them unless it came up, for some reason. “Where does Yoder live?”
“A mile north of town. Take the main road and their place is the large farm with the corn silo. Third haus on the left. You might want to talk to your uncle first. He’s not too keen on him. Care if I leave? If you get in a bind, I’ll fill in. But I’m not your man for the long haul.”
“Danki, Zeke. Yes, you can leave.” Why was Zeke shuffling his feet and glancing at him? He snapped his fingers. “You want to be paid.” He flipped the journal until he found the payroll information. He removed the money he owed Zeke from the metal cash box and handed it to him.
Zeke shrugged into his coat and pushed his hat on his head. “Tell your uncle I’m praying for him.”
“Will do.” Andrew watched the door shut behind Zeke. The place was quiet. For the next three hours, he dragged furniture to arrange it in appropriate sections like he wanted it. He rubbed the ache in his back. The pieces were arranged by bedroom, kitchen, sitting room, office, and smaller products. He grabbed a rag and scrubbed the counter, dusted the furniture, and mopped the floor.
A distinguished gentleman and elegant woman entered. “Why, Helen, Luke must be back. This place is rid of the chaos we found it in last week.”
Andrew crossed the room to them. “I’m Andrew Wittmer, Luke’s nephew. I’ll be managing the store. Danki for your compliment.”
Helen grinned. “We’re Christopher and Helen Redding. We love this furniture store. We miss Luke. Zeke said he was ill. I hope he’ll recover and return soon.”
“My uncle has retired. Due to his failing health, he’s chosen to hand over the store to me.” He held out his hands. “Are you wanting a particular piece of furniture?”
“Please give your uncle our best wishes.” Mr. Redding scanned the store. “I need a chair for our bedroom. I’d like one with fancy spindles in the back and wider than most in the seat. Maybe maple.”
A woman entered wearing a red velvet coat and hat. She tapped her fingernail on the counter. “Sir, can you help me?”
“I’ll be right with you, madam, after I finish with the Reddings. Why don’t you sit in one of these comfortable chairs?” He gestured for her to sit in a cushioned chair. He should’ve asked Zeke to stay.
The woman ignored his suggestion, crossed her arms, and tapped her shoe. She didn’t seem happy.
He took a deep breath. “Mr. and Mrs. Redding, right this way.” He motioned them to the spindle chair. “Do you like this one? It’s cherry.”
Helen tapped a finger to her lip. “I’ll need a moment to decide.” She sat in the chair and wiggled to get comfortable.
“Sir! I don’t have much time.” The woman huffed and stared at him.
A short, round man came in using a handsome carved cane. He scowled and waved the cane in Andrew’s direction. “Where are the bread boxes?”
Andrew’s head began to ache. “In the far corner of the store on the right on the second shelf.”
Helen stood. “Do you like the chair, Christopher?”
The woman in the velvet coat marched to the door and slammed it behind her.
“You need a salesman, Andrew.” Christopher met his gaze and then examined the chair. “We’ll take it.”
“I can’t find the bread boxes. Why can’t you show them to me?” The man with the cane scowled.
“I’ll be there right after I finish with the Reddings.” Andrew accepted their money. “Danki for kumming in. Would you like me to carry the chair to your wagon?”
Mr. Redding picked the chair up and carried it to the door. “No. I can strap it to the wagon, and we brought a quilt to cover it. We’re all set. Thank you.”
Mrs. Redding thanked him and left with her husband.
Andrew bustled to the man with the cane. It was unusual for any store to have several customers at once like this in a town this size. Why today? He wilkomed the business, but he needed an assistant. “You found the bread boxes.”
The man tapped the rolltop hardwood bread box. “I like this fancy one. I’m buying it for my lady friend for Christmas.”
Andrew car
ried the box to the counter, accepted payment, and carried it to the man’s buggy parked in front of the store. “Danki for kumming in.” He returned to the shop and plopped on the stool behind the checkout counter.
A young couple strolled into the store. She gazed at her husband with adoration and had her gloved hand hooked through his.
“How may I help you?” Andrew approached the Englischers.
The young man wore a double-breasted black wool coat and good-looking leather boots. “We’d like a coat tree and two quilt racks.”
“Theodore, we don’t have to buy two quilt racks.” She batted her eyelashes at her husband.
“Go wait at the door.”
Her cheeks reddened. She bowed her head and bustled to the door. She rubbed her coat sleeves and shifted from one foot to the other.
The man glared at her and then returned his attention to the furniture. “I’ll take one quilt rack and the coat tree.” The man glanced at the woman.
She didn’t make eye contact.
Andrew accepted payment and helped the customer carry them to his wagon.
The man grabbed the woman’s arm and jerked her into the wagon. “Keep your mouth shut.”
Andrew thanked them.
They didn’t respond, and the man drove away.
He went back inside. He didn’t like the man’s rude attitude toward his fraa. He’d never treat a woman the way the man had treated her. He respected Maryann, and her happiness was of utmost importance to him. He would expect they’d have differences, but he wouldn’t dismiss her concerns. They’d discuss them and arrive at a mutual solution.
He locked the door to the shop at five. Store owners waved, and he smiled back at them. Buggies and wagons left the livery and drove onto the main road, peddlers packed up their goods, and couples headed for the corner restaurant in town for supper, taking big steps to avoid the dirty snow puddles.
He retrieved his horse from the livery and headed to Matt Yoder’s haus. He hoped this man would make a favorable impression on him and agree to work in the store. The sun shone bright and had turned the snow to gray and dirty slush. His horse’s hooves pounded what was left of the snow. He turned onto the long lane to the Yoders’ farm. The two-story white haus, big barn, and tall silo were impressive. He parked his buggy and said a prayer asking God for His will about Matt Yoder being the right person for the job. He hopped down from the buggy, hurried to the door, and knocked.
A man about his age, with light brown hair and an average build, answered the door.
Andrew couldn’t help but stare at the two-inch scar on the man’s cheek. He tipped his hat. “I’m Andrew Wittmer. Are you Matt Yoder?”
“I am. What can I do for you?” Matt opened the door. “Please kumme in.” Matt gestured to a high-backed maple chair with a brown seat and back cushion.
Andrew hung his coat on the knotty-pine coat tree. He noted the excellent workmanship. “Nice place you have.”
“My parents passed last year, and I hired some friends to help me run the place, along with the men who worked for my daed. I don’t have any openings at the moment.”
This wasn’t good news. Matt wouldn’t have time to devote to the furniture store. He had to try. “I’m not seeking a job. My uncle owns Wittmer’s Furniture Store. He’s ill, and I’ll be running it. Luke’s friend, Zeke Miller, referred me to you. He said you were a handcrafter. I’m desperate for help. I prefer a man who can sell and build furniture. Any chance I can talk you into working for me?”
Matt slapped his legs, eyes wide. “I’d love to.”
Andrew’s jaw dropped. “I didn’t expect you to accept. You have such a large property.”
“I’d much rather build furniture than farm. I trust the men I have working for me to take care of the livestock. We’ve got two hundred twenty acres. We harvest enough crops and breed enough cattle to bring in more than enough money to pay them an excellent wage. Farming isn’t what I enjoy. To get paid to handcraft and do what I love would be great. What are your expectations?”
Andrew discussed his wages and schedule. He cocked his head. “Are you comfortable as a salesman?”
“I will sell to customers, but I’d much rather build furniture.” He sighed. “Are you aware of my past in this area? You may find some Amish who may refuse to shop in your store if I work for you.”
“Zeke mentioned you jilted Annalynn Burkholder at the altar. It’s none of my business why you made this decision. I’d still like to hire you.” Amish should forgive those who recommitted their lives to God and Amish life. But each community had their share of gossips and those who liked to judge others. He remembered Ellie and Maryann had been prey to the gossips upon their return to the Amish life in Charm.
“It’s true. I walked away from Annalynn on our wedding day. I fled to Lexington, Kentucky, and worked in a hardware store, but I remained true to God and Amish traditions. I had good reason not to marry her, but I’d rather not say why. I had to get away from Millersburg. I came back when a friend wrote and told me Daed had died. I needed to take over the farm. Mamm had already passed five years ago. Friends of the Burkholders give me the cold shoulder.”
“None of this matters to me. You said you had good reason, and I believe you. I’d be grateful if you’d take the job.” Andrew stood and held out his hand. He liked Matt. He’d been honest. This was going much better than he’d expected. He just hoped their business wouldn’t suffer due to Matt’s past with Annalynn.
Matt pointed to the scar on his face. “I didn’t get this from a fight. A boy threw a rock at me in school and gave me this scar. I’m not a troublemaker.” He smiled and shook Andrew’s hand. “When do I start?”
“Did the boy get in trouble?”
“Yes. He got sent home. He apologized the next day. He didn’t mean to hit me. He was teasing and his aim was better than he thought.” Matt grinned.
“How’s tomorrow morning at seven sound for your first day?” Andrew held his breath.
“I’ll be there. Would you like to stay for supper? I’ve got leftover fried chicken.” Matt nodded to the kitchen.
Andrew exhaled. “I’d love to, but I didn’t tell my aunt and uncle I planned to visit you. I’m living with them, and I shouldn’t be late. They’ll worry. Maybe next time.” Andrew lifted his coat off the tree, shrugged into it, and put on his hat. “You will make my life much easier, Matt. I’m grateful.”
“Your visit is a wilkom surprise. We’ll both benefit.”
Andrew bid Matt farewell and left.
He snapped his fingers. He forgot the lemon drops. The general store stayed open until seven. He turned his buggy around, returned to town, jumped out, and ran inside the general store. The store was ready to close. He bought four small bags of lemon drops. He didn’t want to disappoint Levi, and he wanted to bring a treat to his aunt and uncle. He’d give them each a separate bag. He’d enjoy the bag he’d bought for himself, too.
Andrew used his lantern he kept in the buggy to light his way as he drove to his uncle and aunt’s home and met Levi outside the barn. He handed Levi the reins and a bag of candy. “Enjoy.”
Levi grinned. “These are my favorite. Danki. I’ll share them with my fraa.”
Andrew swallowed his chuckle. Levi’s eyes had twinkled, but the man had another front tooth missing since the last time he’d seen him. He wasn’t sure if the candy was a good idea for his new acquaintance. He could be contributing to this man losing his teeth. He tipped his hat to Levi. He carried his bag of candy and the two other bags for his aunt and uncle and headed for the haus. Today had been challenging, but he felt good about hiring Matt. They’d need another employee to help out, but he would worry about that problem later.
Chapter Six
Maryann mopped the wet spot left from customers’ snowy boots. She gasped as the door flew open and Joel rushed inside around noon Tuesday. “Maryann, Ellie, and I stopped to check on our parents, and we found Mamm wailing in pain. Ellie’s there with Betsy.
Mamm begged me to fetch you.”
Her stomach churned as she removed her apron and hung it on the wall hook. With each episode, she feared it would be Mamm’s last. She dashed to the back room. “Magdelena and Rachael, Mamm needs me. I’ll be gone for the rest of the day. Would one of you oversee the counter? Danki.”
“Go and don’t worry. We’ll take care of the customers and the baking.”
Rachael limped to the front. “I’ll take care of the customers.”
Magdelena stopped stirring her oatmeal cookie batter. “Please give your mamm our best.”
Maryann thanked them and followed Joel out the door and to the buggy. “I’m worried about Mamm.” She wished they knew more about these headaches. It was scary not to understand what damage they could cause.
“Over the last several days, Mamm’s painful headaches have become worse. Mamm’s fragile and too much for the rest of us to handle. She responds best to you. You being in Charm is a must.”
Maryann’s stomach churned. She stayed quiet during the drive to their haus.
Joel pulled the buggy close to the front of the haus.
Maryann charged inside and followed Mamm’s loud sobs to her parents’ bedroom. Her daed and Ellie sat in chairs on opposite sides of the bed, trying to soothe Mamm.
Maryann knelt beside the bed. “Mamm, please stop crying. I’m not going anywhere.”
Mamm uncovered her face, and her hands squeezed Maryann’s. “My head throbs. I’m worried about you leaving us again. I need you.”
Daed held a rag. “This is a fresh cold rag.” He passed it to Mamm.
Maryann’s stomach clenched. “Mamm, please stop fretting. I’m not leaving. I’m canceling the wedding and staying in Charm.”
“I’m sorry to ask this of you, but I must. I can’t bear to lose you again.” She covered her face again and wept.