The Timepiece

by Beverly Lewis

  The ordination had not only altered Amos’s and Eva’s outward appearance, but their children had been affected by the divine lot, too. Titus and his younger siblings were being raised in a very strict manner and were expected to set an example of piety. “Forever trying to be more devout than other church members’ kids,” Earnest murmured as he rode past the ivy-covered farmhouse of David Beiler, son-in-law to the Wise Woman.

  He fleetingly wondered what Ella Mae Zook might say about his interfering with Sylvia’s engagement. But conferring with the Wise Woman was for womenfolk. If only Mahlon were still around to ask . . .

  Leaning back in the bench seat, Earnest tried to relax, but he was worried even though the decision to go ahead with the marriage was ultimately up to Sylvia and Titus. When it came down to it, he wanted his daughter to be judged on her own merits, independent of his past mistakes. I just need to see what Amos thinks about what’s going on between our children, he thought. Is he a part of the problem, or is it more about Titus?

  But above all, it was the potential of heartbreak for Sylvia that compelled Earnest to pay Amos a visit today.

  Sylvia walked up to Cousin Alma’s, wanting to get her mind off Dat’s visit to Preacher Kauffman and to spend time with Alma. She will give her honest opinion on what Titus and I discussed last evening, she thought, knowing her cousin would also be reasonable.

  When Sylvia arrived, the Yoders’ watchdog was standing out near the road, barking and wagging his long tail. She called to him, clapping her hands, and he bounded over. After she had given his neck a good rub, he followed her up the driveway and toward the back of the house, where he playfully lunged at a grasshopper near the walkway.

  The place seemed almost too quiet, and when she knocked on the rear screen door, there was no sign of anyone. She called several times with no answer, so she walked out past the stable and peeked into the small carriage house, finding it empty.

  They must be out visiting, she thought as she headed back down the driveway to the road.

  An occasional breeze cooled her some as she walked more slowly now, recalling that Ella Mae Zook had once said that a walk was as good for the soul as for the body. And, realizing she hadn’t seen the Wise Woman out and about lately, Sylvia wondered if the dear woman was suffering from the heat, much like Ernie yesterday. Older folk mind muggy summers, she thought, hoping all was well.

  As she strolled along, she noticed dairy cows wandering amongst the trees, seeking shade. She did her best not to fret over what Dat might be saying to Titus’s father right about now. Truth be told, Sylvia didn’t think Dat would have gone over there if she’d asked him not to. So why didn’t I?

  Recalling her conversation with Titus in the haymow, she felt sure that he had not understood why she cared about trying to put herself in Adeline’s shoes. She only wants to connect with her natural father. Titus cares more about how something looks than the people actually involved, she thought, dismayed and feeling terribly frustrated.

  One gray enclosed horse-drawn carriage after another rolled along past Sylvia as she walked. Most people recognized her and waved or called out a greeting, but there were a few who were undoubtedly from other church districts, traveling home after visiting Hickory Hollow relatives.

  A carriage slowed up suddenly, and the horse pulled over onto the shoulder in front of her. She was surprised when Andy Zook’s face appeared in the back opening of the buggy. “Need a ride, Sylvia?” he called, smiling broadly as he often did.

  “Is there room?” she asked, going to the open door on the driver’s side, where Andy’s father, Benuel, sat holding the driving lines.

  Rebecca, Andy’s mother, motioned her around to the other side, and when Sylvia got there, she could see that there really was no space for her to sit other than balanced precariously on the very edge of the front seat. Even so, she climbed in, leaning in and holding on to the seat back for support. “I’m all set,” she announced with a laugh. “Denki!”

  Andy’s younger brother, Michael, fifteen, was telling her that their father had gotten stung by a bee when they first got in the buggy.

  “Oh, I hope he’s not allergic.” Sylvia glanced at Benuel and saw the telltale red bump surrounded by a white patch of skin.

  “’Tis just an annoyance is all,” Benuel told her, and Rebecca nodded and said her husband was a tough one.

  Rebecca looked now at Sylvia. “Your face is nearly purple with the heat, dear,” she said. “Gut thing we came by to give ya a lift.”

  “I appreciate it.” Sylvia was surprised they’d taken time to stop, given how crowded their buggy was.

  “Say, how’s Ernie doin’?” Michael asked, jumping into the conversation. “Is he lookin’ forward to going to Singings next winter?”

  Sylvia recalled a conversation she and her brother had had not so long ago, but she wouldn’t reveal that Ernie didn’t think he was ready to start seeing girls home just yet. “It’s a big step,” she said.

  “Well, Andy’s been tellin’ me how much he enjoys it,” Michael added.

  She nodded and thought again of Titus, wondering if he still enjoyed attending, considering they weren’t even seeing each other at Singings or on Saturday night dates, like before.

  “Are ya goin’ next Sunday night?” Andy asked, surprising her.

  “I might,” she said, conscious that his parents and siblings were overhearing everything.

  “Your Aendi and Onkel are hosting it,” Andy continued.

  Just the way he said it made her think he was about to suggest she go.

  “They’re planning a big picnic on the grounds before the Singing starts,” Andy added.

  Michael snickered a bit, as if trying to stifle a laugh at his brother’s persistence.

  “Sounds nice,” she said, not wanting to give the wrong impression. It was a bit unusual for Andy to mention this, all things considered.

  Andy brought up an upcoming volleyball game, too, but Sylvia just listened. Then, thinking she ought to clarify what she’d said earlier about possibly going to the Singing, she said, “If Adeline’s still here, I’ll stay home with her Sunday night.”

  Nothing more was said on the subject after that, and Sylvia was relieved when her house came into view.

  At the end of the driveway, Benuel halted the horse, and she got out. “Denki again!”

  “Anytime,” Rebecca replied with the sweetest smile.

  Sylvia waved and turned to head toward the house. Goodness, she thought. That was unexpected!

  CHAPTER

  fourteen

  Adeline was pleased to be invited to tag along with Rhoda to visit her youngest sister, Hannah Mast.

  “Hannah has a Double Wedding Ring quilt on her bed you oughta see while we’re there,” Rhoda told her as they walked along the road. “It’s possible that it’s more like the one your mother was given.”

  “I’d love to have a look at it,” Adeline said. She’d changed out of her cropped pants and into the new skirt she purchased yesterday, thinking it might be a good idea, since Rhoda was dressed in a plum-colored dress, full black apron, and crisp white head covering.

  When they arrived at the back door of the neighboring farmhouse, Hannah seemed surprisingly eager to meet Adeline, opening the door wide and welcoming her and Rhoda inside. “Mamm told Curtis and me about your visit here,” Hannah said, smiling brightly at Adeline, then offering to shake her hand. “Willkumm to our family,” she said, ushering her and Rhoda through the kitchen after Rhoda mentioned Adeline might like to see her quilt.

  What a warm greeting! thought Adeline as she followed the sisters to Hannah’s upstairs bedroom. Rhoda and Hannah are alike in more than just their appearance.

  There, Hannah showed Adeline the most beautiful bed quilt. While the pattern was the same as that of her mom’s and the quilt in the Millers’ spare room, this one was done all in pastel pinks, blues, and yellows, with an off-white background. “May I look at the stitching more closely?” she asked.


  “Go right ahead,” Hannah said, lifting the quilt’s border on one side for her to inspect.

  The stitching, in the shape of many small hearts, was so perfect it seemed impossible that anyone could have done it by hand. “You must be grateful to have it,” Adeline said, marveling at the workmanship.

  “It’s a treasure to me ’cause Mamm and my sisters made it,” Hannah told her.

  Adeline quietly observed how neither Rhoda nor Hannah vied for attention, simply taking turns talking with her. It was refreshing.

  “Would ya like some homemade root beer?” Hannah asked as they headed downstairs to the kitchen.

  “Sure,” Rhoda said, “if Adeline wants some.”

  Adeline agreed, touched by how Rhoda was including her in the decision to stay.

  As they took a seat at the long table, Adeline was completely charmed by Hannah’s sincere warmth and welcoming spirit. Are all Amishwomen like this?

  “I’m not here to cause trouble, Amos,” Earnest said as they sat outside the Kauffmans’ stable on overturned buckets. “But I’d like to know what Titus intends to do about his engagement to Sylvia.”

  The men slapped at flies, neither saying a word.

  After a time, Amos breathed out a long sigh, then said, “I s’pect Sylvia knows you’re here.”

  Earnest gave a nod of his head. “She does, but my coming wasn’t her idea.”

  Amos considered this while scratching his beard. “I’ll admit Titus has questions. We both do. Guess it comes down to this, Earnest: How can it be that ya didn’t know about your first child?”

  “That’s a question I’ve asked myself.” Earnest paused. “I don’t know why her mother didn’t tell me, but for whatever reason, she didn’t.”

  Leaning back, Amos was quiet, nodding his head as if pondering this.

  “If I’d known, I would’ve told you about Adeline when I confessed earlier this summer.”

  Amos looked away toward the barnyard. “Fair enough. Yet it’s one thing to have this young woman track you down and quite another for her to have an influence over your children while she’s visiting.” He removed his straw hat and began to fan himself.

  “Do you fear Sylvie isn’t steadfastly rooted in the faith?” Earnest had to ask. “That she might be led astray by Adeline?”

  Amos shrugged. “None of us likes the idea of Sylvia spending time with an Englischer. The way I see it, everything hinges on what Titus is thinking now. I’ve counseled him several times—Eva and I both have, actually—and we feel protective of him and his future. Frankly, all this has Titus worried what other unpleasant surprises might be coming his way. Don’t get me wrong: We think Sylvia is a nice girl, but we’re concerned that Titus might come to regret his decision.”

  Earnest fell silent. After hearing Amos’s opinion, he was beginning to see the man’s point, though from the opposite side of things—that Sylvia might regret marrying Titus.

  “It’s up to our children to do what they feel is right ’bout their relationship,” Amos continued. “We’ve encouraged Titus to be prayerful and certain the two of them are on the same page.” He leveled stern eyes at Earnest. “I’m sure you’ve done the same with Sylvia.”

  Truth be told, Earnest had not mentioned praying to Sylvia, though he knew Rhoda would be quick to do so. It was the People’s way, after all.

  “I’m sorry ya felt ya had to come over here and leave your family behind on the Lord’s Day,” Amos said more kindly now.

  “From past experience, I’ve learned it’s best to clear the air sooner rather than later.” Earnest rose and thanked Amos for his time.

  “No need to spread this around,” Amos said, walking with him to the waiting horse and carriage. “I’m sure you agree.”

  “Well, I agree that Titus and Sylvia need some breathing room to decide whether to stay the course or to break off the engagement,” Earnest answered, more convinced now that Titus was not a good match for Sylvia, after all.

  Since Mamma and Adeline had gone somewhere together, and the boys were out in the meadow eating ice cream under a tree, Sylvia sat on the back porch sipping iced tea while trying to keep her attention on her Bible reading. Instead her mind continued to wander from one scenario to another as she wondered what was taking place between Dat and Preacher Kauffman. She could feel her heart beating too hard and, taking several deep breaths, she looked out toward the barn and silo, the peaceful landscape of meadow and grazing livestock.

  At long last, Dat came rolling into the driveway, taking the carriage clear up next to the stable to unhitch Lily. While she waited for him, she noticed how very serious he looked, walking tall and straight, his stride quick.

  As he led the mare into the stable to curry her, she decided to give her father some time to himself. She willed herself to read three more psalms until, finally, he walked over to the clock shop, bypassing the porch. She assumed he hadn’t seen her sitting there, which was all right, considering his grave expression.

  She sighed and wondered about his demeanor. Then, when she could no longer keep still, she wandered over to his shop, where she found him sitting and staring into space.

  “Okay if I come in, Dat?” she asked softly as she peered in through the screen door.

  He jerked his head her way and waved her inside.

  Going to sit down, Sylvia hardly knew what to say. “Not such gut news, I guess,” she said, her stomach in knots.

  Dat leaned forward for a moment, then rose and walked to the screen door, where he stared out. “Ah, Sylvie, I don’t like to see you hurt over Adeline’s arrival . . . or what I did in the past.”

  “But the People have already disciplined ya for that, Dat.” It pained her to see him beat himself up. “And as for Adeline, well . . . Titus shouldn’t judge me for that. Not if he loves me. He’s just ferhoodled by everything, I think. After all, we’ve all been a bit off-kilter lately.”

  Dat wandered back to his chair and sat. “I would do anything for your happiness, Sylvie.” He inhaled audibly. “Unfortunately, there are some things I can’t change.” He went on to say that he had been unwise in rushing into marriage to Adeline’s mother. “I should have paid closer attention to troubling signs in my relationship with her . . . signs not unlike those I’m seeing in your relationship with Titus.” He shifted in his chair. “I would hate to see you make the same mistake, Sylvie. The cost is too great.”

  She listened, understanding his concern. “I want a strong foundation for our marriage,” she told him. “I honestly thought Titus and I were right for each other, but now I’m not so sure.”

  “Well, it’s critical to choose wisely.” Dat paused. “And to pray about that choice, too.”

  It was the first she’d ever heard her father say anything like this about prayer. “Maybe I should talk to Ella Mae ’bout some things,” she said softly, glad for his loving counsel. “Denki, Dat,” she added in almost a whisper. “This did my heart gut.”

  Monday morning was ideal for getting the clothes out on the line early, this being their usual washday. A steady breeze came from the west, and with not a cloud in the sky, Sylvia expected another scorcher. Perfect for drying laundry, she thought, noticing an abundance of grasshoppers while she and Mamma carried out the wide wicker basket full of newly washed clothes. Adeline had offered to make veggie omelets for all of them while Sylvia worked outdoors with Mamma. It was a kind and unexpected treat, having someone doing one of their regular chores.

  “She seems a bit more at home, don’t ya think?” Mamma asked Sylvia as they pinned the clothes on the line. “And not quite as puzzled by our ways.”

  “Maybe we’re the ones getting used to her,” Sylvia suggested.

  Mamma smiled. “You may be right.”

  Earlier that morning, Sylvia had offered to show Adeline how to use the wringer washer to do her own clothing. But Adeline had politely refused, saying she preferred to wash things by hand. Sylvia certainly understood, considering how very new th
e old-fashioned ways were to Adeline.

  Much of the rest of the day was consumed by the family’s laundry, which also entailed taking it off the line and folding it, then distributing it to all of the correct bedrooms. By the time Adeline’s own laundry was hung on the line, it was time to think about making supper. Sylvia suggested they make a haystack dinner.

  “It’ll be another new experience for Adeline,” Mamma said while Adeline chatted on the porch with Dat. Presently she was getting a feel for stitching through two layers of fabric.

  “I still can’t imagine bein’ in her shoes, not knowing what kind of family she was walking into,” Sylvia said as she gathered some of the many ingredients for the meal—crackers, rice, corn chips, carrots and cheese to shred, onions and peppers to dice, lettuce, raisins, black and green olives, walnuts, and sunflower seeds. “And to think she’s already makin’ such progress in learnin’ to sew.”

  “She could use a lot more practice, but even so she’s quite determined,” Mamma said as she went to the pantry for some taco seasoning and spaghetti sauce. Then she began to fry the lean ground beef in her big black skillet.

  Sylvia washed the carrots in the sink and recalled her discussion with Titus about Adeline’s staying. None of this is her fault, she thought, feeling guilty for not making her half sister feel more welcome.

  “Your Dat’ll be happy we’re havin’ haystacks,” Mamma said from where she stood near the gas range.

  “It’s Adam’s and Calvin’s favorite meal, too.” Sylvia glanced toward the windows. “There are never any leftovers.”

  Mamma agreed. “And one way to clean out the fridge.”

  Sylvia nodded. She could hear Dat outside talking with Adeline and was grateful that he had shared so openly about his visit to Preacher Kauffman’s. He’s awfully worried about Titus and me, she thought, knowing full well he was not alone in that.

  CHAPTER

  fifteen

  The next morning, in better spirits after helping her mother with a bit of ironing, Sylvia invited Adeline to go with her to Quarryville to BB’s Grocery Outlet after the noon meal. “Bents, Bumps, and Bunch of Bargains,” she said, quoting their slogan.