Simple Amish Love 3-Book Collection

by Rachel Stoltzfus

  “Ken. You know I spent a significant amount of time living with the Amish. It’s a culture shock, yes. No electrical appliances, the Plain clothing, their reliance on God, the language differences – and their moral code all take getting used to. But, look at what you’re selling! Why would you try to cheat the very people who make it possible for you to even have this store? Talk about biting the hand that feeds you! You ungrateful wretch! And I mean that.

  “I found the Amish to be a smart, friendly, ethical and direct people. When they say they’re going to do something, they do it. When they say they can’t do something, there’s usually a very sound reason for that. You tried to get Jenny King to rush that quilt, and you can’t rush that kind of quality. You’d have gotten a cheap, falling-apart piece of dreck. Knowing you, when she refused, you got angry and decided to ‘show her’ who’s boss, and that backfired miserably. I am telling you this now, and for your own good: If you attempt to cheat Miss King – or any other Amish craftsperson with whom you have a contract – I will withdraw every single last penny of financial support for your business. Now, I’m going to do damage control. For the store not you. I’m very angry with you. Give me her address so I can go visit her. Oh, and know this: She has me on her side.”

  Ken knew when he’d been beat. He raised his hands and let them fall against his beefy thighs, then gave Mara the address. After she left, he stared, as if without sight, at the walls of the well-appointed office. Wandering over to the table where he’d dropped the folded King quilt, he ran one hand over the thick, quilted fabric, admiring the use of colors and patterns that Jenny had incorporated in her design. In the back of his mind, he knew the quilt would draw appreciative attention, and that it would sell quickly. Well, I screwed up royal. All I can do now is wait.

  Mara Williams, knowing the rest of her day was free, decided to drive to Peace Landing that afternoon. She called her housemate, telling her, “I have a trip to make to Lancaster County. Damage control. I should be back by dinner time.”

  In Peace Landing, Mara asked for directions to the King home. Arriving at the neat, well-kept home, she knocked at the front door. She smiled at the older woman who answered.

  “Good afternoon. I realize you don’t know me. My name is Mara Williams and I am Ken Carey’s business partner. He told me what he did and I would like to apologize to Jenny King, if she’s available.”

  “She is here, Mrs. Williams. Please, come in,” said Rebecca.

  “Oh, that’s ‘Ms.’ Williams. I’m single,” said Mara.

  “Oh! My apologies!”

  “None needed, Mrs. King. I just never met the right man.”

  “I see. Jenny’s in here – would you mind if I listen to your discussion with her? She’s very . . . hurt . . . by what Mr. Carey tried to do.”

  “Actually, I would appreciate having your presence. Jenny – Miss King – needs your support.”

  “Denki. Jenny, you have a visitor – Mara Williams. She’s Mr. Carey’s partner, and she says she doesn’t appreciate what he tried to do.”

  “Mrs. Williams. I have to tell you that I don’t know what my decision will be. Mr. Carey’s lack of honesty leaves me disillusioned.”

  “Miss King – may I call you Jenny?”

  At Jenny’s nod, she continued. “I spent some time living among the Amish in another community several years back. It was a very educational period for me. I got to know, not only the clothing and the refusal to rely on technology, but the reasoning behind that decision. The Amish are a very proud and honest people, and when someone – like Ken – tries to cheat them, that’s a clash of cultures and a look into the worst part of the Englisher culture and mentality.”

  At Mara’s use of an Amish term, Jenny’s eyes widened.

  “Ya, when he tried to rush me, then cheat me, I felt hurt. I can’t work with someone like that. I told him I would reconsider and let him know my decision, but . . .”

  At this point, John King and Jacob, alerted by the presence of a strange car parked outside, came into the house. They stood quietly just inside the quilting room door, listening as Mara and Jenny talked.

  “Jenny, I let Ken have it. What he did was wrong on all levels. First, you were dealing with him, expecting that he’d respect your decisions. When he didn’t, you relied on your faith and the Ordnung to guide you. Again, he violated your trust. Jenny, I don’t blame you, not one bit. I have nothing but respect for your reliance on God, your lifestyle and your talent. Oh, my God! That quilt is beautiful! If you decide you can’t work any longer with Ken, I wouldn’t blame you – he tried to abuse your decency and trust, but, please know this: You have a gift from God, and it shouldn’t be hidden. Take your time making your decision. Oh, I nearly forgot – I told Ken that, if you decided to make that second quilt and he tried to cheat you again, I’d withdraw all of my financial support for his store. I’m very serious on that. He’s not going to cheat you or any other Amish artisans with whom he deals. I hope this will make it easier for you to come to a decision – I’m giving you my address and phone number. If you should decide to make that second quilt and if Ken tries to cheat you again, call me or write to me. He knows what the consequences will be,” said Mara ominously.

  Jenny smiled. “Thank you. You do understand, I can feel that. I will make my decision soon. Denki for your phone number and address,” she said, holding up the business card.

  “Jenny, I just don’t like to see anyone being cheated. Ken understands this now. I’m serious – if he tries something again, you let me know right away.”

  “Ya. I will,” promised Jenny. “Please, let me introduce you to my daed and to my beau, Jacob Lapp.”

  After Mara left, she stayed in the quilting room, turning the business card over and over as she thought. Jacob sat next to her with a smile of relief on his face.

  “You have someone on your side in the city. I like that,” said Jacob.

  “Ya. It will make my decision easier to make.”

  “Take your time. Make the decision that’s right for you,” said Jacob.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Now that it was spring and the Easter season, Jacob was working long hours in the field. From sunup to sunset, he labored, plowing and planting, then watering and weeding.

  Similarly, Jenny was elbow-deep in the second quilt she’d agreed to make for Ken Carey. After Mara Williams had given her contact information to Jenny, the younger woman found it easier to make the decision to proceed – knowing she had a defender who would wield a strong consequence upon Ken made her feel safer. The day after Mara’s visit, Jenny sent off a letter to Ken, telling him that she would make the second quilt and, depending upon his treatment of her, she would make her decision whether to proceed any further.

  For this reason, the couple decided to visit with each other only on the weekends. Jenny was now busier, since the planting season was in full swing. This meant that, more often than not, she didn’t finish her day’s quilting until after the dinner dishes had been washed, dried and put away.

  Jenny found her working experience with Ken Carey to be much easier as she worked on the second quilt. Instead of pressuring her to finish the quilt quickly or making unannounced visits, Ken restricted his communications to monthly letters to update himself on her progress. Jenny found this level and form of communication to be much easier to handle. She was able to focus almost fully on her quilting, which allowed her to ensure that the work she did was of the best quality.

  “So, now that he’s not bothering you, are you any closer to a decision on working with Mr. Carey after this second quilt is done?” asked Rebecca. Outside, the sun shone and the birds chirped. The two women had opened the windows in the quilting room, welcoming the gentle breezes that helped to cool the room down.

  “I’m finding it easier to work with him, ya, but I won’t really know until I deliver this quilt and he pays me. If he doesn’t try to cheat me again, then I may go ahead and continue working with him. I want to pray to
the Lord about my decision, too. He will give me the right answer,” Jenny said with certainty.

  “Ya, He will. You handled Mr. Carey very well, Jenny. With grace, dignity, respect and maturity. I suspect that he’s more used to dealing with people who wouldn’t treat him well.”

  “So, he’s trying to get what he thinks he’s due before someone cheats him? I’m glad I didn’t go on a ‘running-about time!’”

  “It’s an eye-opener for many of us. Some handle it better than others. Your beau handled it very well.”

  “Mamm? If Hannah Lapp hadn’t been like she was, do you think her parents would have allowed her to go on her ‘running-about time?’”

  “Ach, ya! They did the best they could with her – and now that she’s decided to leave the Order, while they are unhappy that she’s gone, I suspect that, in time, they will be able to accept her decision.”

  “I asked Jacob about that, mamm. His mamm and daed knew for years that they might lose Hannah to the Englisher world – she has always been restless and had a hard time with obeying the Ordnung.”

  “Ya. And you? Are you ready to be baptized yet?”

  “Ya, I am. I would like to speak to the deacon about it at the next church meeting, if I could.”

  “Wunderbahr!” Rebecca gathered her daughter into a heartfelt hug.

  Jenny beamed, happy now that she had made the decision to become a full member of the Amish community.

  “And I will be finished with my second quilt in the next two months! I have much to be happy about.”

  ***

  Jacob and Jenny, accustomed to their weekend dating schedule, continued to grow closer to each other. Now that Jenny knew Jacob’s protective instincts came from his feelings for her, she chafed less under his watchfulness when it came to Ken Carey. Thus, when he asked how she planned to deliver the second quilt to the businessman, she told him she wanted to travel to Philadelphia so she could deliver the quilt, accept payment and see the shop for herself.

  “I am very curious about his shop and about the other artisans who make things for him. And, I figure, if I decide to work with him beyond this quilt, I should know as much as I can about him. Meeting his partner, Mara Williams, gave me the courage to make this second quilt and think about continuing the professional relationship, as long as he doesn’t try to cheat me.”

  “One request, Jenny – if you do go to Philadelphia, please think about going with me, at the least. Maybe your daed should also go with us.”

  “To make sure I stay safe? That sounds . . . reasonable. Okay. If I decide to travel to the city, I will ask you and my daed to go with me,” Jenny promised.

  Eight weeks later, Jenny finished the second quilt. This quilt was made using a traditional Amish design. Jenny had varied only the fabric colors and prints to create the Wedding Ring design.

  “Daed, I am finished with the second quilt for Mr. Carey. I would like to go to Philadelphia to deliver it to him and take payment – and I would appreciate it if you would go with me. I am also going to ask Jacob to go, if he can spare the time,” Jenny said.

  “Well, daughter. What day are you planning to go?”

  “I called Mr. Carey and he told me that he would be out of town next week until Thursday afternoon. So, the only day he’ll be in his shop will be next Friday. Will you be able to go with me?”

  “Next Friday? Ya, I think I can. I am just waiting for the crops to be ready for harvesting. What about Jacob and his farming schedule?”

  “I will check with him when we see each other this weekend. I am hoping he’ll be able to take the day and go. If he can, I’ll arrange a driver to take us.”

  “Good. Let’s plan for next Friday – and, Jenny, you are making a good decision.”

  “Denki, daed.”

  The next Friday, the trio left Peace Landing shortly after breakfast, arriving in Philadelphia close to midmorning. The Englisher driver quickly found the Amish crafts store and promised to wait for them.

  John Fisher held the quilt, encased in a plastic bag, as Jacob held the door open for him and Jenny. Walking in, he gazed around, seeing the work of several artisans he considered friends.

  Jenny moved slowly from piece to piece, admiring the work and beauty she saw. She ran her fingertips over smooth, glossy wood; perused the detail on other quilts; and admired the craftsmanship of the furniture on display.

  “Well, Miss King! You made it! How was your trip?”

  “Good, thank you. I have the quilt, if you’re ready to take a look at it. This time, I used a traditional Amish quilt pattern, but used my own colors and print fabrics,” Jenny said. “And . . . I appreciate that you respected my boundaries as I worked on this quilt. Denki.”

  “You’re welcome. I’m just grateful you decided to make this second quilt. Your first one sold quickly – within two weeks, if I’m not mistaken. This one should sell at least as quickly. Let’s take a look at your work – Oh! Beautiful. Wonderful craftsmanship and use of color. The Wedding Ring pattern, correct?”

  “Correct.”

  “I like the quilt backing and the binding you used. The colors are a good contrast to the colors you used on the top of the quilt,” said Ken.

  Pulling an envelope out of his jacket pocket, he handed it to Jenny.

  Jenny smiled her thanks and, opening the envelope, counted the money. In contrast to the first time, Ken had paid her the full amount.

  “You are a young woman to be reckoned with, Miss King. My partner, Mara Williams, let me have it for how I treated you several months ago. I was wrong, and I apologize. If you agree, I would like to continue our professional relationship – say, four quilts a year. Do you make baby’s and children’s quilts?”

  “Yes, I do. And I’d be willing to consider working with you into the future. However . . . my daed and beau have to be present as we discuss this.”

  “I’m fine with that. Let me get my store manager to put your quilt on display while we go to my office and talk.” Ken motioned his manager over and asked him to put the quilt on display.

  In his office, he offered the three coffee, which they all accepted.

  “Now, I would like four quilts a year. You make the smaller quilts – how long does it take to make them?”

  “Two to three months. Again, it’s a matter of quality. I’m careful to choose the right fabrics, prints and colors. I measure very carefully before I cut the fabric pieces and I stitch them together very carefully, especially when I’m working on a recognizable pattern. Depending on what you need, I can agree to four quilts a year,” Jenny said.

  “Excellent. Now, because of the quality of your craftsmanship, I’m increasing how much I pay you per quilt – from $2,000 up to $2,500 per. Smaller quilts will earn you $1,500 to $1,750 each. I hope this is satisfactory,” Ken said seriously.

  Jenny had been doing quick math in her head. Nodding slowly, she said, “Ya, it is. This is good – and, as long as we deal honestly and respectfully with each other, I will continue working with you. I can use some of my payments to replenish my supplies. Denki,” said Jenny. As she finished speaking, Mara Williams swept into the office, giving Jenny a hug.

  “Hello, my dear! Well, Ken has behaved, hasn’t he?”

  At Jenny’s affirmative nod, Mara exhaled with relief.

  “Good! We worked on a tentative contract, just in case you agreed to continue your partnership with the shop. If you – and your daed and beau – will all read through, I think you’ll be pleased.” She handed a typed contract to Jenny, who huddled with her father and Jacob as they read the legal document. As she and Ken had agreed upon, she would make four quilts a year and her payments for the largest quilts would increase to a higher per-quilt payment.

  Talking among themselves, they mutually agreed that the contract was a good one. Jenny signed the contract, giving it back to Ken, who signed it as well.

  “I have some questions for you, but I want to make a copy for you first. I’ll be right back,” said Mara.


  A few minutes later, Jenny had a copy of the new contract and was answering Mara’s questions about traditional Amish patterns and the use of colors and prints in her designs. Once they had finished talking, Jenny, Jacob and John left. Their driver suggested stopping for a late lunch. They stopped at a famous chain restaurant, where they ordered home-style foods, vegetables and a dessert. At home, they sat around the dinner table and updated Rebecca on the day’s events.

  “Mamm, I have a new contract! And he promised he wouldn’t try to take advantage of me again, but I reminded him that mutual respect would allow our professional relationship to go much farther,” Jenny said, catching her breath. “Oh! And he’s paying me for the biggest quilts! He also wants me to make quilts for children and babies!”

  “Good! Was Ms. Williams there?”

  “Ya, she was. I’m glad, because she reminds him to treat me right. I know what he said about being used to doing things his way, but I think that’s an excuse for just getting his own way dishonestly. But, knowing she’s watching him makes me more sure that he’s going to be honest, even if he only ‘has to’ do so.”

  “Daughter, you know you’re going to be earning quite a bit of money. Buy your supplies from what you get paid and save the rest,” advised John.

  “Ya, that’s what I plan to do. I can help you and mamm now with household expenses and set the rest back for my needs,” Jenny said.

  ***

  Now that she was officially contracted to make several quilts a year, Jenny bought several bolts of fabric and sewing notions, which she stored in the quilt room. She found several traditional Amish patterns in the library in a small Englisher town and had copies blown up and made for her use.

  The wet spring slowly melted into a wet, windy and hot summer. John King was worried about his crops, as were other Amish farmers in and around Peace Landing. They talked about it after church services and met with each other in kitchens, discussing the prospects for smaller harvests.

  Jenny and Rebecca were also affected by the unusually cloudy, wet and blustery weather. Because they had no electricity in the home, they relied completely on natural light and on kerosene lamps. On several dim, overcast afternoons, they found themselves lighting their lamps much earlier than usual so they could see to continue their sewing work. On one particularly blustery afternoon, Jenny was painstakingly drawing out a pattern when something heavy hit the outside of the house. Startling at the sudden noise, she made a dark line in error. Dropping her pencil, she looked outside and was startled to see a tree branch lying on the wide, deep front porch.