When Rose’s husband and Tulip’s father were in the room, Tulip repeated her good news.
“That’s wunderbaar,” Hezekiah said.
“I know.” Tulip nodded.
“Congratulations, Tulip,” Mark said as he looked at Rose. “Did you know?”
“I only just found out.”
They stayed talking for a while and then since Hezekiah came in his buggy, Tulip left by herself and Nancy and Violet went home in Hezekiah’s buggy.
Just as they were halfway up the driveway to the house, Nancy said, “I’m pleased I’ve already got the dinner cooked and in the oven. I didn’t realize we’d be out this late.”
“We’ll have to hope that they’ve left some for us,” Violet said.
Nancy laughed. “Jah, I hope so. We made enough of it, didn’t we?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“It’ll be bread and dripping for us if they’ve eaten it all,” Nancy said.
“I’ll give that a miss,” Hezekiah said, pulling up at the house.
“Do you want me to help you with the horse and buggy, Onkel Hezekiah?”
“I’m used to doing it on my own denke, Violet.”
Violet and Nancy walked into the house, leaving Hezekiah to tend to the horse. Lily was on the couch warming herself by the fire and Willow was nowhere to be seen.
“Where’s Willow?” Violet asked.
Lily jumped up and faced them. “She was feeling a bit sore and she’s gone to bed early with the hot water bottle. Before that she had a hot bath.”
“I thought she would’ve recovered by now. Did you put some more balm on for her?” Nancy asked Lily.
“I completely forgot about it.”
Nancy nodded. “Maybe we should take her to the doctor if she’s not any better.”
“Okay.”
Nancy headed to the kitchen to get the dinner ready and saw that the table was set with three places. She stepped back into the living room. “Did you set the table, Lily?”
“I had to do something while I was waiting for you.”
“That’s a lovely surprise.”
“You didn’t eat all the dinner then?” Violet asked.
Lily giggled. “I was thinking of it, but there was too much there.” Lily followed her mother into the kitchen while Violet went upstairs to wash up.
“How was Tulip in the end? Was she feeling a bit better by the time you left?”
“I think so. I don’t know what got into her tonight. I think she’s feeling a bit left out or overlooked.”
“She’s never felt like that before.”
“Perhaps she’s feeling a little bit more sensitive now. Pregnancy can do that to a person.”
Lily grimaced. “Rose’s personality didn’t change.”
“Everyone is different.”
Chapter 11
Nancy walked into Willow’s bedroom since she was late coming downstairs for breakfast. She had the covers over her head. Pulling the covers back, Nancy leaned over her. “Are you okay?”
Willow opened her eyes and squinted from the light. “I’m quite sore.”
“That’s only normal since you had such a hard fall. Do you need help getting dressed?”
“I think I can do it.”
“Perhaps we should go to the doctor.”
“Nee, not the doctor. I’ll be fine. As you said, nothing’s broken. All the doctor will do is give me a script for painkillers and maybe something to rub into my shoulder.”
“I’ll mix up another potion. That should help. I’ll try something different this time. I’ll see you downstairs when you’re ready. It’ll take me only a few minutes or so to mix up the balm. I used to have it on hand when the boys were young.”
“Denke, Aunt Nancy.”
“I use the one with chamomile and wintergreen oil. The boys always had some kind of injury.” Her mind drifted off to days gone by as she remembered how the boys had one injury after another, from falling out of trees to getting fishing hooks stuck through their feet. She looked back at Willow. “Would you like to visit your Mamm today?”
Willow shook her head. “She’ll find out about my fall and she’ll worry.”
“Okay. You’re probably right. Even if we kept it from her she’d smell the wintergreen and figure out you’re sore somewhere.”
“She finds out everything.”
Nancy gave a little laugh. That’s what her daughters always said about her.
“I’ll have to visit her soon and tell her about Tulip’s exciting news.”
“You told her about Rose’s boppli, jah?”
“Jah, I called your parents when it was daylight, from Rose’s haus.”
“You could visit her today if you want. Tell her Violet and I are doing plenty of chores to help out. She’ll be happy about that.”
“You wouldn’t mind if I stop by and see her today? I’ll only be an hour or so.”
“I wouldn’t mind. Mamm would like it if you went to see her and told her the good news.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll do that after I cook your breakfast.”
“You don’t have to cook me breakfast, Aunt Nancy. I can get my own. I’m fine now.”
Nancy shook her head. “Your mudder wanted you here so I’d look after you and that’s what I’ll do. I’ll cook your breakfast and then I will visit your mother and I’ll just have to hope she doesn’t get too suspicious and ask why you and Violet aren’t with me.”
“She’ll be so happy about Rose’s boppli and about Tulip expecting as well.”
“I hope so.”
“She will be.”
“I’ll stop by and see if Rose’s doing okay before I see Nerida. The midwife’s going there today too and she’s got Mark, but a girl needs her mudder sometimes. That’s why I thought you might need yours.”
“Nee, I’m fine, truly.”
* * *
Later that day, Nancy left her two nieces at home and traveled to her sister’s house. She was weary from having hardly any sleep, but she had things to do and had to keep going. After ten minutes of the horse trotting along the road, her head nodded and she jolted awake. She’d fallen asleep for a few seconds. The only cure she could think of to keep herself awake was to sing a hymn. There was no one around to hear her, so it didn’t matter that she couldn’t hold a tune and had a terrible voice.
The song did the job of filling her lungs with oxygen and giving her some more energy.
As soon as she stopped the buggy at the house, John came out to see her. “How is she today, John?”
John stroked his long gray beard. “About the same, Nancy. She’s feeling sorry for herself and wants to do more than the doctor says she’s able.”
“Surely she can walk around on crutches or with a walking stick?”
“Maybe soon. Come in and see her.”
She walked with John into the house and was surprised to see Nerida propped up by pillows on the couch.
Nerida looked up and saw her. She knew by Nerida’s face that she was a welcome sight. “Ah, at last, a visitor.”
Nancy laughed. “I would’ve visited sooner if I knew you wanted to see people so badly.”
“Anything to stop the boredom.”
She nodded her head toward the couch. “So, this is your new bed?”
“It is now until I can get up the stairs.”
“Jah, I didn’t think about that.” Nancy said.
“How are the girls?” Nerida asked.
“The girls are good, really good. I have some news for you, some really good news.”
“You’ve already told us about Rose’s boppli.”
“It’s not that. It’s Tulip. She’s expecting.”
Nerida went quiet and put her fingertips to her eyes. “That’s such good news. I don’t normally cry so easily.” She sniffed.
“Nee, you don’t cry easily. I can’t even count on one hand the amount of times I’ve seen you cry.”
“I’m so happy for you and Hezek
iah. You’ve been blessed with so many grosskinner.”
“I know. It seemed to happen all of a sudden. We had none and then we had one and now we’ve got quite a few.”
“You’ll have a lot more too, once Daisy has a couple.”
Nancy stared at Nerida and hoped that she wasn’t resentful or jealous. “You’ll have some too, when your girls get married.”
“I know and I’m looking forward to it.” Nerida smiled and then she looked over at John, who was standing in the doorway. “Did you hear that, John? You’ll soon have another niece or nephew from Wilhem and Tulip.”
“Wunderbaar. Another blessing Gott has bestowed upon you and Hezekiah, Nancy, and us.”
Nancy smiled. “We’re grateful for every one of them.”
“John, can you make Nancy a cup of hot tea?”
“Coming up.” He headed to the kitchen.
Nancy bounded to her feet. “I can do it.”
“You sit down, Nancy. I’ve found a few skills I didn’t know I had since Nerida has been off her feet.”
Nancy sat back down. “Okay.” She turned to Nerida. “Do you have any sewing you can do?”
“Jah, I’ve got reading, I’ve got sewing, I’ve got my sampler needlework.” Nerida sighed. “Things could have been worse.”
“I know. I got such a fright to hear you’d fallen off the roof. That is very dangerous.”
“Nee, I told you, that’s something I do all the time. I’d never fallen before.”
“You’ll never do it again, then, will you?” Nancy stared at Nerida until she shook her head. “Are you certain?”
“I’m certain I won’t do it again. I give you my word. I’d like to do something though. Everywhere I look there’s something that needs to be cleaned. I’m sitting here looking at the curtains that haven’t been washed for two months. I just want to get up and wash them.” Her gaze lowered. “And look at this floor.”
“It looks fine to me,” Nancy said.
“I can see dust everywhere.”
“Well, stop looking for it. When things calm down a bit at home, I’ll come and clean for you.”
“What’s going on at home?”
Nancy had to think fast. The last thing she needed was for Nerida to worry about Willow. “It’s just that Lily has started work at the flower stall where Rose used to work, and Rose has just had the baby, so I’ll have to be over there lending her a hand every day. Then there are just lots of little things that keep cropping up.”
“If my girls are too much trouble, just send them back.”
John came out from the kitchen with the tea. “You should have complete rest, Nerida. Nancy told you she doesn’t mind having the girls.”
“That’s all I’ve been doing. Resting, resting, resting.”
“The girls are no trouble. I love having them there, and they’ve been such great company for Lily. She misses Daisy. I know she loves having them there too. And the girls all get along so well.”
“Are you sure?” Nerida asked.
“I’m quite sure,” Nancy said as John handed her a cup of tea. “Denke, John. Are either of you having tea?”
“We’ve only just had one,” John said.
“I wouldn’t have had one if I knew that neither of you were having one.”
“That’s okay, John doesn’t mind. Now what else has been going on in the community? Rose’s baby has just been born, and Tulip’s expecting, so is there anything else you haven’t told me about?”
“I can’t think of anything.”
“Has Lily got a boyfriend yet?”
“Nee, and she’s my next project. I’m monitoring the situation closely.”
Nerida looked over at her husband who had just walked into the kitchen. She whispered to Nancy, “Who do you think is a good match for Lily?”
“I have my eyes on two men. Matthew, Mark’s brother, and Elijah Bontrager.”
Nerida slowly nodded.
“Which one do you prefer?” Nancy asked.
“I don’t know them well enough. The Bontragers keep to themselves really, and Matthew seems a little young. I can see Lily with an older man. Maybe Elijah would be good.”
“I’d be happy if she married either one of them.”
“What does she think about them?” Nerida leaned forward.
“That’s the problem, Nerida. Lily doesn’t think.”
Nerida covered her mouth with her hand and giggled. “Oh, Nancy, you’re dreadful.”
Nancy laughed along with her. Being with her sister was just like old times in their pre-rift days. They were getting along as though nothing had ever happened.
* * *
Lily figured the proper thing to do was to make amends with Tulip. She wanted her to know that she was genuinely happy for her and that’s why she made up her mind to visit Tulip after she briefly stopped by Mark and Rose’s to take them the bread and potatoes they needed. While she was there, she had a quick hold of baby Sarah. Then her two older brothers arrived with their wives, giving Lily the perfect excuse to leave and see Tulip.
As she stepped down from the buggy outside Tulip’s house, she saw Tulip opening the front door. “Hello.” Lily waved as she looped the reins over the fence.
“Hi,” Tulip called back. “Is everything okay?”
“Jah, I just thought I’d stop by.” When she got closer, she said, “I just wanted to say I’m sorry for the argument we had.”
“That’s okay. Come inside. Do you want something to eat or maybe some coffee?”
“Nee denke. I’m just on my way home from work.”
She knew from the look on Tulip’s face that she was pleased. She continued, “Mamm’s got such a lot on with Willow hurting her shoulder, Aunt Nerida sick and now Rose’s boppli.”
“Jah, I know, but I feel it’s always the same. I’m always missing out. If all that hadn’t happened, Mamm would’ve been over here fussing over me and making sure I have everything I need.”
“What do you need? I can get you anything you need.”
They both sat on the couch as Tulip giggled. “I don’t mean it like that. I just mean that, oh, it’s hard to explain. Anyway, I don’t need anyone to make a fuss, but it is my first boppli, so it’s kind of a special time for me and I just would’ve liked everybody to be happy for me.”
“Everyone is happy for you.”
“I guess.”
“Anyway, you have a husband to fuss over you now.”
“I know and he’s been really good.”
“Have you had morning sickness?” Lily asked.
“Nee, and I’m pleased about that.”
“Show me how fat you are.” Lily leaned forward and pressed Tulip on her stomach.
“Stop it!” Tulip smacked her hand away.
“I was only checking.”
“I’m hardly fat at all. It’s too early to tell.”
“Rose was fat when she was four months.”
Tulip giggled again. “That’s only because she’s so skinny normally.”
“True.” Lily was hoping she was cheering Tulip up.
“Have you heard from Daisy?”
“Nee. Mamm told me that Daisy told her she was going to write and she hasn’t. She’s having too much fun with Bruno, I suppose.”
“Jah, I guess. It’s hard. I mean, don’t be too upset with her. She’s a newlywed and they naturally want to spend time with each other.”
“I noticed. She’s got no time for me at all.”
“That’ll change and you’ll be her closest friend again. She’ll need you more than ever soon. Just wait until she gets back and gets settled into a daily routine.”
Lily nodded and hoped Tulip was right, but she’d come to make Tulip feel better. “I want to sew your boppli some clothes, or even knit something.”
“You don’t have to do that. I know you don’t like sewing or knitting.”
“I do. It’ll be fun. And making small clothes, they’d be done in no time.”
“Okay, if you want to.”
“I do. Do you think you’ll have a boy or a girl?”
“A girl, I think. I had a dream about a girl.”
“Just one? Not twins?”
Tulip covered her mouth and giggled. “Just one. I don’t think I’d be able to handle the double trouble of twins.”
“It wouldn’t be so bad. I’d like it.”
“Perhaps Gott will bless you or Daisy with twins.”
“Jah, I think so. What time does Bruno get home?”
“In another hour.”
Lily nodded, wondering what else to say. It was hard without Daisy. Their conversation had always been bounced off the other’s. “I’m so happy about your boppli, Tulip.”
“Me too. I thought I was never going to get pregnant and I’d almost given up hope. My miracle came when I wasn’t expecting it.”
“I should get home. I’ve had a long day.” Lily stretched her arms over her head and yawned. It was hard being on her feet most of the day.
“Denke for stopping by, Lily.” Tulip reached over and gave Lily a hug.
Lily felt good about visiting Tulip. She’d been so close to Daisy that she sometimes hadn’t appreciated her other two sisters. With Daisy gone, she was able to see that.
Chapter 12
Lily walked in the door, glad to be home. Lately, it had been one tiring day after another. When she noticed a letter waiting for her on the table just inside the front door, her mood altered dramatically. Her mother and father received letters all the time, but no one ever wrote to her directly. The letter had to be from Daisy.
After she’d grabbed the letter, she stared at the carefully executed L of her first name. A wide scroll at the top of the L was extenuated by an equal sized loop in the corner of the L. The Y of Yoder was just as scrolled and wonderful. Lily giggled out loud when she pictured the concentration on her twin sister’s face as she, with head bent over inches from the envelope, labored over producing the wonderfully crafted letters which would’ve had to have been just so. Daisy was fairly haphazard about most things, but writing was something that she was careful about.
Amish Lily Page 6