This was the third item that had caught Jed’s eye, but he’d dropped out of the bidding when the price went higher than he felt the particular tool was worth. I can’t see paying these prices.
By ten-thirty, his stomach was rumbling, and he’d struck out further with each item he’d tried to secure. He wandered over to the buggy shed to have a look at the food selection. The place was crowded with church benches and tables set up on one side. Orpha and two other girls he didn’t recognize were helping with the food, and he stepped up to order a barbecue sandwich.
Orpha spotted him and smiled, the roses in her cheeks growing brighter. I have to admit, he thought, she’s very friendly. And pretty, too.
“Anything else you’d like?” Orpha asked, pointing out the soda options.
“There’s also plenty of pie and ice cream,” another of the girls piped up.
“I’ll be back for dessert later,” he said, paying for his sandwich and going to sit at one of the only spots available.
While he ate, he wondered if he might have been too quick to judge Orpha. Should I give it another go?
After all, he was interested in marrying a level-headed, responsible young woman, and Orpha seemed to be that. She didn’t, however, come across as a book reader, though she was smart. His uncle would be pleased if he came home with good news to report.
Still, she’s nothing like Lydiann, he thought. And that was the heart of the issue, the answer behind every dating-related question.
The day was mild and sunshine plentiful. The occasional scent of lilacs wafted on the breeze as Naomi walked along with Abner at the auction late that morning. They greeted two other Plain couples, one with young children in tow, and Naomi savored this chance to mingle.
On the other side of the corncrib, Naomi spotted their youngest son, Elam, with his little boy, two-and-a-half-year-old Sammy. The very instant the child laid eyes on his Mammi Naomi, he began pulling on his father’s sleeve, asking in Deitsch if he could walk around with her and Dawdi Abner. Elam agreed and told Naomi he’d catch up with them in a little while.
Sammy’s blue eyes sparkled as he looked up at Naomi, who delighted in feeling his small hand tucked into hers. “Such a nice surprise,” she said. “Maybe you’d like some ice cream.”
Abner tapped their grandson’s miniature straw hat, which leaned jauntily toward the back of his little head. “I’m going to amble over to look at the farming equipment,” he told Naomi.
Naomi nodded and happily led Sammy to the concessions area, where dozens of folks were lining up. While in the crush of the crowd, Sammy managed to slip away from her.
She turned quickly, calling his name. How’d he get loose? she wondered, scurrying about.
Leaving the area, she went in search of the dear child, thinking now that he must have spotted his father and changed his mind, wanting to be with Elam instead. Like Kinner are known to do.
But she couldn’t locate him—it was hard to spot such a tiny boy amidst the throng.
Naomi’s heart raced as she headed toward the wagons where the larger tools were laid out. Nearby, she saw one of Abner’s cousins talking to another man, but there was no sign of little Sammy. Help me, Lord! she prayed, hoping she might find the lad before he became frightened, small as he was.
———
Jed was pleased to finally have taken the bid on an apparently coveted set of hammers and pliers. He reasoned it was sensible to pay a little more when they were so well made.
He’d brought his prize back to Jonas’s house and was eager to return to the jovial atmosphere. When he was on the grounds again, he felt a sudden tug on his pant leg. Looking down, his gaze was met by a small boy staring up at him.
As if embarrassed, the little fellow stepped away and put his hands behind his back.
He thought he recognized me. Jed crouched down. “Hey, there, aren’t you the smallest bidder ever?”
The boy swallowed, and a wee smile crept back onto his features.
“Are you lost, young man?”
The boy nodded.
“Well, I think it’s time to find out who you belong to,” Jed replied. “But first, do ya know what might help our search?”
The boy shook his head.
“Some ice cream, maybe with whipped cream and sprinkles.”
The boy giggled and all was well. The towheaded child began babbling in Deitsch, talking about his Mammi Naomi. A moment later, however, and his smile disappeared again; he rubbed his eyes, his lower lip stuck out.
Jed summed up the situation. “Here, let’s get you a better view so you can find your family.” Reaching down, he hoisted the boy onto his shoulders. The small straw hat fell off, and Jed caught it, then passed it up to the child. “Was is dei Naame?” he asked.
“Sammy,” the boy said and clapped his hands with glee perched up there so high.
His Mammi will spot him now. Jed left the bidding area and headed across the field toward the concession table. “Do ya like whoopie pies better than ice cream, maybe?”
More clapping came from above and a pocket-sized “Jah.”
“All right, then, let’s go.”
Jed purchased a whoopie pie, and Sammy’s smile returned. Pulling the wrapping off as quickly as he could, Jed handed the treat to the boy. “We need to find your Mammi, young fella. She’s gonna worry.”
Sammy shook his head, pointing to his treat.
Jed laughed. “Don’t worry. You can finish that first.”
Chapter Thirteen
“WHAT DO YA SAY we go to the auction now?” Eva suggested to Frona as her sister wiped down the jar rims. “I’ll even hitch up for ya.”
Frona shrugged casually. “I guess it’d be nice to have the noon meal there. I’ve been hungry for a nice bowl of ham and bean soup.”
“All right, then. I’ll hurry.” Eva rushed off to the stable, ever so ready for a change of scenery.
When they arrived at the auction, neither was shocked at the size of the crowd—word of mouth never failed to spread such news. Eva recommended they get right in line for something to eat. Frona agreed, and after the ham and bean soup Frona was hankering for, she went for some vanilla ice cream and a large peanut butter cookie.
They weren’t poky at the table, since so many families were present. When they’d finished eating, Frona spotted some friends. “I’ll catch up with ya later, sister.”
“Sure, take your time.” The sun felt so good on her back and shoulders. Eva lingered near a cluster of tall oak trees, enjoying the gaiety and observing all the goings-on. At one point, she raised her face to the sky, wishing she might have more opportunities to work outdoors—her little shop kept her inside several days a week.
She remembered the first time she and Lily had gone to a mud sale—an Amish auction to raise money for local fire departments. They were only young girls, and the mud from spring rains had been so deep that Lily had gotten stuck, her little rubber boots nearly buried in the mushy mess. As Eva called to their Dat for help, she had managed to pull her out partway. She’d never forgotten how their dear father had run over and scooped little Lily into his arms, not caring how terribly soiled his black coat and trousers might get. Dat took Eva by the hand as he carried Lily all the way across the mucky field to their carriage. There, he wiped Lily’s tears with his clean white handkerchief.
Eva sighed and turned her attention again to the pleasant drone of the large gathering. Not far away was a tall man with a darling little boy perched on his squared shoulders. Watching them, she noticed the boy’s smile; his tiny arm raised high overhead. He’s playing horsey, she thought, smiling at this from her vantage point.
Then, looking closer, she realized the child was Naomi Mast’s grandson. But then, who was the fellow with the strawberry blond hair hauling him around? Eva made note of the young man’s hat brim, certainly narrower than those she was accustomed to seeing. Her curiosity got the best of her and she called to Sammy, waving to him.
The man tu
rned toward her, and the youngster grinned, saying her name, “Eva . . . Eva!”
They moved in her direction, the cordial-looking man picking up his pace. But as they approached, his contagious smile suddenly disappeared, and he frowned slightly, his eyes narrowed, almost as if startled by her appearance.
Does he know me? She measured his peculiar expression, but considering his attire, he was certainly not local, and she was quite sure they’d never met.
“I’m Eva Esch,” she introduced herself before pointing to Sammy. “And I know this little friend of yours.” She reached up to touch the boy’s hand, and he laughed.
“He’s lost . . . unless you’re his Mammi.” The handsome fellow’s steady gaze was unsettling, but she could see a trace of humor there.
“Well, I do know both of Sammy’s grandmothers,” Eva said, her neck and face warm in the sunlight. “One is my neighbor, in fact . . . my friend Naomi.” Eva astonished herself, talking so freely to a stranger, of all things.
The man continued to study her, his head tilted, his expression serious.
“I’ll help ya find Naomi Mast,” she said, feeling awkward because the young man still hadn’t offered his name. “Do I know you, maybe?”
“Nee,” he replied softly. “Just never expected to meet you here. . . .”
She felt her forehead crinkle to a frown at the odd response. “Sorry?”
“I . . . I meant,” he began, blinking all of a sudden, as though snapping out of a dream or a momentary memory snag. “Forgive me, it’s just that—”
“Mammi Naomi!” young Sammy called, jostling up and down, clearly wanting to keep going.
“Jed Stutzman’s my name.” He gave Eva an engaging smile. “From Berlin, Ohio. I’m in town for the week,” he added.
“Lookin’ for treasures today like everyone else?”
“Unfortunately, I haven’t ended up with many.”
Sammy was still bouncing around, trying to get Jed moving again and calling for Naomi.
Jed glanced over his shoulder. “Do you happen to see Sammy’s grandmother anywhere?”
Eva scanned the nearest group of people and shook her head. The bidders were clustered around another wagon, and from where she stood, she could see the flat crowns of a sea of straw hats. “Walk with me,” she said. “I have an idea where she might be.”
“Wunnerbaar-gut,” Jed said, clasping Sammy’s feet, which dangled near his chest.
They walked so slowly at first, she wondered if Jed might be reluctant to head back into the crowd. It sure seemed that way, considering he kept glancing at her.
“By the way, I’m interested in going to a local market while I’m here,” he said unexpectedly. “Do you know of one nearby?”
“Just thataway on Thursdays.” She pointed in the direction of Quarryville. “You could prob’ly go on foot; it’s quite close.” Without thinking, she added, “My sister and I will be tending a table there, actually.”
He nodded, eyes brightening all the more. “Gut, then, I’ll keep an eye out for ya.”
“Denki.” His winning way made her heart flutter, yet she hardly knew what to think.
They walked farther, Jed telling about his uncle in Ohio arranging for his stay with Jonas Byler and his wife, just two farms over. “They’re mighty nice, I’ll say. The salt of the earth.” He went on to say his uncle was also a carriage maker, and that he and Jonas intended for Jed to spend the whole week learning about Jonas’s techniques and perspective on the trade.
“I wonder what the buggy-man, as we call him, will do with his time once he’s retired in a few months,” she said, falling into step with Jed.
“I, for one, can’t imagine not workin’.”
She mentioned her little candy shop, just for fun. “It’s my pride and joy, but in a gut way, if ya know what I mean.”
“More womenfolk are opening small shops like this in their homes,” Jed replied. “At least out in my area of Ohio.”
“Is that right?” She found this interesting. “My father got me all set up back when I was young.”
“Hey, maybe you blazed the trail.” He chuckled.
Just then they heard a woman’s voice. “Sammy Mast!”
When they turned, Eva saw Orpha Byler waving, along with two other young women. “Ah, there’s one of Jonas’s granddaughters with some of her cousins,” Eva told him.
Orpha was all a-chatter. “Well, lookee who’s got ya, sweetie,” she said, reaching to playfully poke Sammy’s arm. Then she proceeded to introduce Jed Stutzman to her cousins, Linda and Rebecca, who blushed simultaneously. “That was one delicious supper Mammi Elsie fixed last evening, ain’t so?” Orpha declared.
Orpha seemed intent on singling out Jed and making it clear they’d spent time together.
Jed turned respectfully to Eva. “Orpha, have ya met Eva Esch?”
“Oh jah. Seen her at market over the years,” Orpha said, eyeing her. “But we attend different church districts.”
Still more families were arriving now that the house furnishings were going up for bid. Eva looked around for Frona, wondering if she’d decided to spend all of her time with friends.
“It’s nice to see you again, Orpha,” Eva said, then looked up at little Sammy, who was beginning to pout. “You know what? I’m going to run over and see if Naomi’s where I think she is. She’s surely worried by now.”
Jed nodded agreeably.
“I’ll bring her right over, once I find her,” Eva assured him.
“I guess we’ll be seein’ ya later, Jed,” Orpha said before leaning closer to whisper in Jed’s ear—something about “homemade ice cream, up at the house.”
She’s carrying a torch for him! thought Eva and wondered if he liked pushy girls.
Orpha and her followers waved at Jed and wandered off.
“Sorry ’bout that,” Jed said just as Eva was about to take her own leave.
She shrugged and wondered why he’d apologized.
Just then, from behind them, Naomi came hurrying over, her face as bright as a red beet egg. Then, seeing Eva, too, the dear woman slowed her pace. She looked bewildered as she walked right up to Jed and reached for her grandson. Sammy leaned down and tumbled into her arms. “Where, oh where have ya been, mei Buwli?” Naomi kissed his chubby cheeks, hugging the daylights out of him.
“Naomi, this is Jed Stutzman. He’s the one who found your Sammy-boy,” Eva told her.
“Denki for findin’ my Kinskind.” She smiled and nodded at Jed, then hugged Sammy again.
“He actually found me.” Jed explained how the boy had walked up to him and indicated he was lost.
Naomi surveyed Sammy’s chubby cheeks again, wiping at them with her fingers. “Looks like someone’s been eating sweets, ain’t?”
Comically, Sammy pointed an accusing finger at Jed and grinned.
“Mighty glad to help,” Jed said, offering a handshake. “Sammy, nice to meet ya!”
The little tyke reached over and shook his hand like a grown-up.
Naomi’s eyes widened. “Well, I never.”
Eva had to smother her laughter. She was even more aware of the bond between Jed and the boy whom he’d just met.
She and Jed waved good-bye to Sammy; then Naomi took his hand, a look of relief on her face. At Jed’s request, Eva lingered, enjoying his company.
After the auction, and following a light supper of homemade bread and jam, cold cuts, and Jell-O, similar to the shared meal after a Preaching service, Jed and his hosts indulged in some homemade ice cream. Orpha and her parents seemed eager to spend more time with Jed, as well, and Jonas talked about his work-related plans with Jed for the week.
Later, Jonas brought out the cards for Dutch Blitz, and the suppertime gathering was extended. Orpha Byler positioned herself in his group of players, and as the game progressed, she smiled at him frequently, clearly sending a message of interest. For her sake—and for the sake of his wonderful host—Jed did his best to keep an open mind.
Even so, despite all the distraction, it was Eva Esch who lingered on his mind. The girl in the photograph . . .
Chapter Fourteen
EVA AND FRONA HAD BEEN TEMPTED to take the long way home after the auction, and they soaked up the lovely evening—mild enough for light shawls in the carriage. The ride brought with it a sense of quiet, ideal for relaxing as the horse pulled them steadily toward Eden Valley. Along the way, they encountered other Amish buggies, everyone waving and calling greetings in Deitsch to one another.
“You had yourself a fine time,” Frona said, her hands on the driving lines.
“Jah, helpin’ Sammy Mast find Naomi,” Eva said. “He got himself lost somehow.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Oh,” Eva replied, suddenly feeling a little shy.
“But you certainly did seem to enjoy the search for Naomi. Or, at least, the prospect of it.” Frona let out a rare smile. “And you seemed to stick together for a gut long time after Sammy went off with Naomi.”
Her sister was having fun with this, no question. “Well, Orpha Byler didn’t bother hiding her opinion of Jed, now, did she?” Eva volunteered, wondering how long Frona had been observing her.
“Oh, it’s just Jed already . . . is it?” Frona’s eyes narrowed with mischievous delight.
“Jah, Jed Stutzman from Ohio. His boss is related to Jonas Byler by marriage.”
“Well, ‘just Jed’ looks ’bout our age,” Frona noted.
Eva didn’t know how much more she wanted to divulge. Now, if it were Lily asking, she wouldn’t have had any problem with telling all.
“It wonders me how Orpha got so chummy with him, at liberty to march over there with her cousins.” Frona was inching into the prying side of things.
Eva began to hum “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and let the comment be, grateful when Frona didn’t weasel for more information. Besides, it was only a single encounter. Who knew if Jed would actually appear at market on Thursday.
You just never know about out-of-towners, she decided, leaning near the window, glad they were nearing the turnoff toward home.
The Photograph Page 8