The Stone Wall

by Beverly Lewis

  “Hmm, I see what ya mean. Guess we’re stuck with just letters, then.” Eb sounded sad.

  “Jah, stuck,” she whispered. “In more than one way.”

  “What’s that?”

  “Sorry, I was muttering. A bad habit I have, according to Aunt Joanna.”

  “But who doesn’t mutter?” Eb wasn’t laughing now.

  She could see that they were turning into a lane that led to a beautiful wooded area. “Thought you were takin’ me to my aunt’s place.”

  “I wanna show ya this real perty spot first.” He directed his gelding to slow as the carriage wheels rumbled over rocky terrain. “Whoa, Buckeye. Whoa.”

  They came to a halt in what looked to be the middle of nowhere. “Are ya sure we oughta be here?” she asked, a little concerned.

  “Let’s get out an’ walk,” he said, opening the door to a rush of fresh air.

  She hopped out of the buggy and fell into step with Eb, pleased about the unexpected time with him.

  “I had no idea I’d get to see ya today.” He reached for her hand, and it felt so good—warm, even comforting. “Must be Providence.”

  She glanced at him. “Today might be the only time we walk together like this,” she said.

  He nodded, then stopped and looked at her ever so sweetly. “You’re just the kind of . . . well, friend I’ve always wanted, Eliza.” His gaze was focused on her. “The best kind, I’m thinkin’.”

  “Why’s that?” she asked as they continued to walk, their fingers interlaced.

  “Well, you’re a gut listener. And I feel so at home with you.”

  She felt the same way. Oh goodness, she did!

  They strolled quietly onward, enjoying the breeze that ruffled the trees and the remarkably beautiful surroundings.

  “Maybe we shouldn’t go too far into the woods,” she said suddenly. “The produce will get warm in the buggy.”

  “Jah, I s’pose I’d best be takin’ ya home.”

  They turned to head back, and lovely thoughts flooded her mind as they ambled along, his arm brushing against hers now and then. It was apparent that Eb had also turned a corner—that they were no longer acting like friends was obvious. But she couldn’t think on that now, wanting to enjoy these tender moments together, in case they might be their last.

  Chapter 41

  Anna’s return to Strasburg Sunday evening came with lingering sadness over Mammi Eliza’s broken wrist. Thankful to have spent some time with her, Anna also felt guilty that she lived so far away, especially now. If she had any regret about moving to Strasburg, it was that she couldn’t see Mammi Eliza as often as she would like.

  Now that she was back at the Flauds’, though, Anna looked forward to returning to work. She felt a bit impatient, as well, waiting for all the trees in the nearby wood to turn as vividly bright as the red sumac shrubs and sugar maples near the tree house. The several times she’d gone there to pray recently, she had noticed even more depth of color.

  Prior to leaving for Mifflinburg yesterday, Anna had sketched out homemade patterns for small outfits for Emmie’s doll—a soft pink dress and white apron for one, and a short black coat, too. Once she got some fabric scraps and sewed them up, Anna was certain Emmie would be surprised and happy to receive them.

  While sitting out on the back porch, she received a text from Mart asking about her grandmother and inviting her out for supper this Friday evening, which made her smile. He’s always so thoughtful. . . .

  After most of Sadie’s chores were done late Monday morning, including hanging out the washing, she went with Glen to stroll around the gardens, making small talk about Anna’s coming and the ways it had changed their lives. “All for the better,” Glen said, and Sadie agreed.

  “I’m sure she’ll attract a nice young fella and start her own family,” Sadie commented. “I’ll miss her if that should happen.”

  “It’s not a question of if, but when.”

  They moseyed around the yard, and Glen remarked how an early October wind had knocked over the tomato cages and frayed the geraniums and hollyhocks. And Sadie bemoaned the hummingbirds’ departure not long ago, recalling how comical it had been to see them fly up close to the windows and flutter there for a time, as if to say good-bye till next spring.

  “’Twas a gut summer, ain’t?” Glen said as they walked up the back porch steps and into the house.

  “Ever so gut,” Sadie said, smiling up at him.

  Once in the kitchen, he reached for her hand and kissed the back of it, his expression tender.

  “Well, ain’t you all starry-eyed,” she said, baffled but secretly enjoying her husband’s attention.

  The next day, after conducting several tours, Anna stopped by the Strasburg Market Place on the way home. Sadie had asked her to pick up some ground turmeric and basil.

  Anna was happy to do what she could for dear Sadie, and as she parked and hurried into the store, she made a mental note to pick up a gallon of fresh apple cider as a surprise.

  Inside, Anna reached for a shopping basket and was heading toward the baking aisle when she noticed Gabe over near the canned soups, scrutinizing a piece of paper. Her heart fluttered at the sight of him, and after a moment of indecision, she turned to head toward the next aisle instead.

  “Anna,” he called to her. “What a nice surprise!”

  She turned sheepishly. “Hullo, Gabe,” she said, eyeing the paper in his hand. “Looks like you’ve got your grocery list.”

  “Oh, mostly ready-to-eat foods,” he said, flapping the paper. “Things I can warm up quickly, ya know.”

  Anna recalled that he and Emmie had most of their meals at the Masts’.

  “Where’s your list?” Gabe chuckled.

  “Well, Sadie only wants a couple items, but she wants them in bulk containers.”

  “Bulk items? Come, I’ll show ya where those are,” Gabe said, directing her to a different aisle and following alongside her even though she could have easily found it on her own.

  He asked if she was still enjoying her tour guide work, and she nodded. “Each group is so different, which makes things fun!”

  Gabe asked if she had discovered all the back-roads quilt shops and whatnot.

  “I spent quite a lot of time tracking them down,” she replied. “Of course, the information center had a very helpful list for me, which was a great starting point.”

  “Speaking of lists.” Gabe glanced at his. “Since I’m here, I should get some roasted almonds.”

  Anna laughed softly. “My brother Wayne eats them by the handful.”

  “Your brother has gut taste,” Gabe said, chuckling. “What’s your favorite snack?”

  “Let’s see. I love stove-top popcorn with oodles of butter, salt, and cracked pepper. Oh, and a little sprinkle of Parmesan, too.”

  “Sounds wunnerbaar-gut.” He grinned.

  “My Mammi Eliza always made it like that, on a hot burner with plenty of oil,” Anna said, realizing they were blocking the aisle, where a young mother with a baby and a toddler in the cart wanted to pass. “She didn’t use the Parmesan and pepper, though.”

  Gabe stepped back. “Excuse us,” he told the woman, who waved it off as not a problem, her expression a bit scrutinizing.

  “Maybe you can make some on Friday when ya come.” Gabe’s eyes were bright with hope. “Okay?”

  She had to smile. “Sure, it can be Emmie’s and my morning snack,” she teased. “Oh, and yours, too.”

  He was laughing, and she liked seeing him this happy over something as simple as homemade popcorn. But it gave her pause even while her own heart rose with delight in spite of her reservations.

  Come Friday morning, Anna was eager to present the homemade doll clothes to Emmie. “These are for you, honey-girl,” she said the minute she arrived.

  Without blinking an eye, Emmie left the kitchen and brought back her dolly and sat at the wooden bench next to the table, where she began to undress her. Emmie’s little fingers work
ed methodically, and very quickly, her doll was outfitted in its new dress and apron.

  “And what if it’s cold outside?” Anna asked. “What will your dolly wear then?”

  Emmie reached for the little black coat and held it up to show her.

  “That’s right!” Anna could have cried, she was so happy. “Is it cold enough today for her to wear the coat?” she asked, delighted by the interaction and hoping for more.

  Emmie shook her head.

  “Maybe a sweater, then?” Anna asked.

  Emmie nodded her head, eyes wide and ever so serious.

  Anna couldn’t help staring at the darling girl. Goodness, can this be happening? “You’re talking to me in your own way, Emmie, ain’t so?” Anna asked softly.

  Emmie nodded again, and Anna could scarcely contain her joy. It was almost as if they were having a conversation. “Is your Dat in his workshop?” she asked rather breathlessly.

  Emmie nodded repeatedly, smiling at the dolly now and holding her up to Anna.

  Anna was tempted to ask Emmie if she could say “jah,” but she didn’t want to interfere with this wonderful exchange.

  Later, when Gabe came in for some cold meadow tea, Anna told him about Mammi Eliza’s fall and broken wrist, saying she’d forgotten to tell him when she’d seen him at the market.

  “I’m awful sorry to hear it,” he said, his eyes kind.

  Anna motioned for him to slip into the sitting room next to the kitchen with her while Emmie was focused on her dolly, showing it off to a much larger brown teddy bear and a petite rag doll.

  Smiling, Gabe followed her, and Anna quickly told him what had transpired earlier. “Nearly every time I come here, Emmie seems to open up more. It’s so exciting to watch her come alive like this.”

  Gabe’s eyes met hers. “There’s a gut reason for that,” he said quietly. “And if ya don’t mind, I’d like to talk to you before you leave today.” He glanced toward the kitchen doorway, as though not wanting Emmie to hear. “It’d be just for a minute or so.”

  She had to respond. “All right,” she said, curious to know what was on his mind.

  After Gabe returned to his work across the yard, Anna sat on the wooden bench and read aloud to Emmie several children’s poems she’d found at the library, trying to ignore that her stomach was in knots. What does Gabe want to talk about?

  Emmie continued to play on the floor, and Anna hoped the gentle rhymes and the sound of her voice might somehow instill in her a desire to speak. Just a single word would be wonderful, she thought.

  When Anna paused in her reading, she listened to see if there were any small peeps or sounds coming from Emmie while she engaged with her dolls and teddy bear, but Emmie remained as silent as ever.

  Eventually, Emmie got up and carried her newly dressed doll over to the back door, making her doll peek out of the window.

  She wants to go outside, thought Anna, so she suggested they go and collect some pretty leaves together. Emmie smiled, and they slipped on sweaters and headed outdoors, where, while collecting orange and red leaves, Anna began to tell Emmie stories about her own childhood with her sister, Wanita. “We made a special place in the attic,” she said, describing the cozy spot and remembering finding Mammi’s little diary in an attic not so long ago. “Maybe we could make the tree house cozier, too. Would ya like that?”

  Emmie frowned and shrugged with her dolly nestled in her little arms.

  “Cooler days are here already, and in not too many weeks, winter will come, and it’ll be real cold,” Anna said, thinking out loud. “But what if we took some old blankets up there for story time next week, if it’s not too chilly . . . and a blanket for your dolly, too?” She paused. “I wish I knew her name.”

  Emmie smiled, nodding her head and looking at the tree house, then down at her doll.

  “I’ll bring the blankets, and you bring your baby, okay?” Anna asked, delighted at all the immediate responses she was getting today. Yet she still yearned to hear little Emmie’s voice—she’d even daydreamed about it. What did it sound like?

  Does Gabe even remember?

  Putting on her coat, Anna hugged Emmie good-bye and noticed the noontime temperature had dropped quite a lot. She stepped onto the porch, where she saw Gabe hurrying this way.

  Together, they walked to her car.

  “If you’d like to go with me to the Harvest Days Festival tomorrow afternoon, I’ll ask Barbara to watch Emmie for a few hours. One of the drivers I use can take us.”

  This has nothing to do with Emmie, realized Anna with a start. Gabe’s asking me out on a date.

  An alarm bell clanged in her head, and her breath caught in her throat. We shouldn’t, she thought, and yet . . . she wanted to go. It sounded like fun, and she recalled Barbara mentioning the festival last Friday at the noon meal. Even so, she felt all twisted up, like a pretzel, confused about how she felt toward Gabe. He had been married before, for one thing, and he had a daughter, as well. They’re a package deal.

  Besides, she thought, falling for someone like that, on top of our very different backgrounds, doesn’t make sense at all.

  “Just so ya know, this would be my treat,” Gabe said with a chuckle.

  His demeanor was so self-effacing that Anna was actually tempted, but, attracted to him as she was, she was terrified where this might lead. “I’ll have to think about it,” she said at last.

  “We could go Dutch, if that’d make ya feel better,” he said, sounding just as inviting as before.

  “As friends.” She pondered this rush of emotion.

  “Sure,” he added. “Friends.”

  “Well, all right, then,” she agreed, wondering how she would share this turn of events with Sadie, who’d seemed a bit nervous the last time she’d talked with her about Gabe and Emmie.

  And so did Mamm, thought Anna.

  For most of the afternoon, Anna worked with Sadie redding up the house, since Sadie planned to be at market tomorrow with Lillian again. Anna also made time to write to Wanita and to Mamm, this time not hinting that she would be seeing both Mart and Gabe this weekend. No need to concern them, she decided.

  She freshened up and changed clothes for her supper with Mart, then received a text from him that said he was on his way. She sat on the back porch waiting for him, waving to Marcus and Eddy, who ran past the yard with Brownie yipping at their heels. The boys headed toward the woods and their wonderful tree house, and she wondered, just then, how it would look tomorrow when a passenger van pulled into the driveway and there was Gabe Allgyer coming to the door to get her.

  I didn’t think this through. . . .

  Not long after, Mart arrived. Getting out of his car, he looked so wonderful in his gray dress slacks and tan sports jacket that she felt befuddled as he came up the walkway. Kind though Gabe was, she wished now that she hadn’t complicated things by accepting his invitation for tomorrow.

  Chapter 42

  Anna was having such a nice time with Mart at Yoder’s Restaurant and Buffet in New Holland, she found it easy to focus on their supper conversation. Mart shared that his parents had invited the whole family over, including extended family, for Thanksgiving this year.

  “A houseful, jah?” she said, curious where they’d put everyone.

  “Absolutely!” Mart mentioned that his mother was concerned they might not be able to gather everyone in one location next year, considering that a number of his cousins would be graduating from high school and leaving for vocational training, college, or even missions work in Haiti with Christian Aid Ministries. “So I understand why she and Dad want to make this work.”

  “That’s a lot of people for one house,” she said.

  “That’s just the thing—Dad’s looking into using our church basement.”

  She thought unexpectedly of Gabe’s family, wondering how many extended relatives he and Emmie had. Where did his parents live? Anna knew of his former sister-in-law, Barbara, but did Gabe have any siblings of his own?
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  She pushed away such thoughts, wanting to be attentive to Mart, the fellow she should be thinking about.

  One thing was sure, she wanted to be in Mifflinburg with her own family for Thanksgiving, with at least a third of them sitting around Mamm’s extendable table. Wanita, her husband, Conrad, and their nine children would come, as usual, and so would Wayne and Cindy and their family. The other five brothers and families regularly went to their wives’ parents’ homes for the holiday, trading off with Dat and Mamm for Christmas or Easter instead.

  “Anna? You’re deep in thought,” Mart said, studying her.

  She nodded. “Oh . . . sorry.”

  He leaned forward on the table. “Busy week?”

  “Very.”

  He mentioned key lime pie for dessert. “Are you ready for something sweet?”

  “Are you having some?” she asked.

  “I wouldn’t think of passing up pie of any kind.” He motioned for her to go with him to the dessert section.

  “What is it about buffets that brings in so many people?” she asked later, carrying her slice of pie back to the table.

  Mart set his on the table and went to hold her chair while she was seated. “It’s probably that there’s so much to choose from—something to make everyone happy.”

  “Variety’s gut,” she said, staring at the generous piece of key lime before her.

  “Some folk here come and sit and eat and talk . . . and then eat again for hours.”

  “The owners surely lose money on them.”

  As she looked around the space at the many diners, she spotted a particularly elderly gentleman whose fork shook as he raised it to take a bite, and Anna couldn’t help but think of Mammi’s broken wrist. Was Wanita or one of the older children still helping to feed her?

  After the meal, they returned to Flauds’, and Mart got out of the car to go around and open her door. “It was wonderful having supper with you again, Anna,” he said, walking with her to the back door.

  “Thanks for another special evening.”