by Mary Ellis
Audrey bobbed her head. “Ah, yes. Every one of the Davises has a good eye for horseflesh. I’m sure you did well having Jamie pick out your purchase.” A horn blared from the direction of the loading dock. Mrs. Dunn rose to her feet. “Looks like I’m about to receive another delivery. Do you have other stops to make? The men will finish weighing your bulk wool, and then I can have a check ready in about an hour.”
“Jah, we’re going to lunch,” Hannah said, also standing. The three women shook hands and a still-glowing Emma hurried for the door. “We’ll stop back later.”
Hannah glanced at her niece as they walked to the restaurant. The teenager’s mood had taken a tumble. “I’m hungry. Are you ready to eat? I daresay the profits today were better than expected. Your father insisted we treat ourselves to something special. They’ll be plenty left to put toward your mamm’s medical bills.”
Emma seemed to barely pay attention as they passed shop windows loaded with lovely things for sale. “You pick where, Aunt Hannah. I’m not particular.”
“All right. Then let’s go to Beachy’s,” Hannah said enthusiastically to Emma’s modest nod.
Inside the restaurant, the younger woman picked at her food, despite a buffet of delicious choices. Hannah ate more than usual and then walked over to peruse the dessert area. “Oh, my,” she said, returning to the table. “They have an ice-cream sundae bar with chocolate syrup, candy sprinkles, and real whipped cream.”
The confectionary bounty failed to pique Emma’s interest. “Not for me, danki. No room for it.”
Hannah couldn’t see herself indulging alone, so with disappointment she too skipped dessert. With growing uneasiness, she picked up the bill and headed toward the cashier. “What’s wrong, child? Don’t you feel well?”
Emma didn’t answer until they left the restaurant. “I feel fine physically, Aunt, but inside it feels like my heart has been torn in half.” Two large tears slipped from beneath her lashes. “When Mrs. Dunn asked about James, I remembered just how much I miss him.” She shuffled her feet like an elderly woman as they walked back uptown.
This was more than Hannah had bargained for, preferring not to get between Simon and Emma during her Rumschpringe. But considering her niece’s misery, she decided to break her rule this once. “Haven’t you received any letters from him since he left?” she asked. “I know your parents said that you two could write.”
After Emma climbed into the wagon, a torrent of tears let loose. “I didn’t for the longest time, but I got a letter yesterday.” She dabbed at her nose with a tissue. “It was ever so nice a letter. He told me all about his dorm and classes and the town of Wooster.” Emma tried to take in a breath, but it caught in her throat. “And he said he missed me more than he thought possible!” Her voice sounded strangled.
Hannah patted her knee. “It is hard to be young. I do remember that.” With the sympathetic gesture, Emma’s sobs increased.
“James invited me to come visit him. Truly, he begged me to come. He said he had so much to show me. They have a special farm for the students where they test new seed hybrids and fertilizers and whatnot. I guess they practice farming.” She shook her head in confusion, setting her kapp strings swinging. “I don’t really understand it, but I do want to visit him. Mamm and daed would never allow it. They’ll say it’s not proper for me to go to Wooster alone.” She hung her head inconsolably.
Hannah spoke without thinking. “What if I accompanied you for the day? What if you were never out of my sight? Then they might agree to the visit.”
Emma turned her watery blue eyes to meet Hannah’s. “You would do that for me, Aunt Hannah?”
“I would if they say it’s okay. And they just might. Your parents know how hard you’ve worked during Julia’s recuperation.”
“Oh, danki so much.” Emma threw her arms around her aunt’s neck and hugged so hard, Hannah couldn’t breathe.
“Goodness, Emma. If you choke me I won’t be able to chaperone.” She wiggled from the embrace.
“Sorry.” Emma scooted back on the bench and straightened her skirt. “I can’t wait to get home to ask them. And pick out which dress I’ll wear in case they agree to the trip. I’ll write to James the minute they say yes. Do you suppose my bangs will be grown out enough that they won’t keep falling into my face?” The waterworks had mysteriously stopped.
“Perhaps a tighter kapp will help. I’m going in to get the check from Mrs. Dunn. You wait here in the wagon.” Hannah handed her niece the reins and went inside the shop. When she returned, Emma was still staring at the horses’ backsides with the same wistful expression on her face.
“Did you miss me, child?” Hannah asked, clucking to the horses.
“Pardon?” Emma asked, waking from her daydream of a joyous Wooster reunion.
“Nothing. Just hang on to the seat so you don’t bounce out of the wagon on the way back.” To the team she called, “Get up there,” and slapped the reins lightly on their backs. The team picked up the pace and they soon left Sugar Creek behind.
Hannah was eager to get home to fix dinner for her husband and daughter…but not quite so anxious to face the music with her brother-in-law.
Emma could hardly believe her good fortune. When she’d received the invitation from James, her pleasure had been short lived. She was sure her father would never permit a visit to a college campus. Rumors abounded even in the Plain world as to the poor behavior of young women and about far too much alcohol consumption. She had tucked the letter into her drawer, preferring not to ruffle any family feathers. But Aunt Hannah’s willingness to come along changed everything. Emma tried to concentrate on the scenery during the trip home so she wouldn’t float right up into the clouds.
Matthew came running from the barn the moment the wagon rumbled up the driveway. He was smiling and waving as though they had been gone for weeks.
Emma and Hannah exchanged surprised looks. “I’ve never seen a boy so eager to rub down horses before,” Hannah said, chuckling. “Either that, or he certainly missed his big sister this afternoon.”
“Probably the first possibility. My bruder has never met a horse he didn’t like.”
Hannah brought the wagon to a stop close to the pasture gate and set the brake.
“Emma, Emma! I’ve got some great news,” Matthew shouted as he joined them. He grabbed onto the lead Belgian’s bridle as Aunt Hannah climbed down.
Emma held up an index finger, like a schoolmarm. “One moment,” she said to him, and to Hannah, “Danki for taking me to Sugar Creek and for the delicious lunch.” Emma spoke very primly. “I shall keep you informed regarding the other matter we discussed outside Mrs. Dunn’s.” Then she faced her brother. “Where are your manners, young man?” She scolded him as though far more than two years his senior.
Matthew swept his hat from his head. “Guder nachmittag, Aunt Hannah. ’Cuse me. I hitched up your mare a little while ago so your buggy would be ready. Want me to drive you home and then walk back?”
“No, Matthew, I’m perfectly able to get myself home. Good day, you two. Tell your mamm I’ll be over in the morning for a visit. I need to start dinner now.” Hannah climbed into her buggy and set off without another word.
“Thank you for a lovely day!” Emma hollered, waving her hand frantically. Then she wheeled around to Matthew, who seemed incapable of standing still. “Now tell me your news. What is so important that I couldn’t properly see off my aunt?”
Matthew tipped his hat back and scratched his forehead. “What else did you plan to say other than goodbye?” He looked thoroughly perplexed.
Emma lifted her tote bag from the wagon and crossed her arms. “Never mind. You wouldn’t understand.”
Matthew needed no further prodding. “I got a job, Em. A real job with a paycheck!” His freckled face lit up like a dozen burning candles.
“Doing what? You’re still in school till May. Does daed know? What about your chores?” Emma rattled off one question after another.
>
“Training horses. After school and Saturdays until I’m done with school.” He paused to recollect. “Jah, daed knows; he slapped me on the back. I’ll still get all my chores done. Pa made me promise. Besides, Henry is no boppli anymore. He should take on a bigger share.”
Emma walked beside her brother as he unhitched the team and led them to their stalls. “That is good news,” she said. “Where is this job?”
“Over at Macintosh Farms on the county road. They’re English folks. Mr. Macintosh breeds quarter horses and thoroughbreds, and he hired me to work them in the ring. Mainly, I’ll just be an exercise boy, but I’ll apprentice to a real trainer and work my way up.” He started brushing the first draft horse with so much zeal it could end up a show horse…or bald.
“I’m real proud of you, Matty,” Emma said. “Mr. Macintosh must have recognized your talent with four-legged beasts.” She patted the Belgian’s rump and then jumped back when he suddenly reared his head.
“Stay back, sister. You’re making him nervous.” He calmed the horse with a long, smooth pat down his flank. “Mr. Mac—that’s what he told me to call him—said I was a natural. I understand animals and can figure out what they’re thinking.” He wielded the brush with finesse on the neck and mane.
“Thinking?” Emma giggled. “Horses don’t think. Daed said they must have brains the size of a pea.”
Matthew shook his head. “You had better get on the other side of the stall if you’re going to talk like that! Horses are not only smart, but they know when someone doesn’t like them. And they’ll treat you accordingly.”
Emma clucked her tongue with skepticism but stepped back just the same.
“A horseman learns to read an animal’s body language and uses that information in training.” Matthew scratched the Belgian’s large wet nose.
“Body language?” Emma asked. “What do you mean—they talk by scraping their hooves in the dirt or shaking their tails?”
“Oh, forget it, Emma.” Matthew was rapidly losing patience.
“Well, I am happy for you, and I wish you luck with the new job.” She reached in between the slats to pat his arm. The horse turned his head and focused one dark brown eye on her. She yanked her hand back. “I should go in and help Leah. I’ll see you at supper.”
Emma fled the barn before the beast decided that her “pea-sized brain” comment had been in poor taste. Anyway, she had more important things to think about than horses communicating with their tails.
All of them had to do with a tall, blond-haired fellow from Charm.
November
A stiff wind, cold enough to cut a person almost to the bone, blew the last of the leaves from the trees the day Emma was to visit Wooster. Standing on her aunt’s porch, she tightened her wool cape around her shoulders. Hannah was feeding the chickens and had suggested that Emma wait inside the kitchen for James’ arrival. But Emma was so excited she couldn’t stand another moment in the overheated kitchen.
James had selected a Friday for their trip to campus for two reasons: First, he had no Friday morning classes, and second, the labs would be fully staffed for an accurate picture of the agricultural college. He was due at eight o’clock. If he thought it strange to pick her up here, and not around the corner, he hid it well. Although her father had agreed to the visit after much prodding by Julia, he wasn’t in favor of his daughter mingling with “heathens of loose morals.”
Emma had become indignant, knowing how much James loved the Lord. In his last letter, he’d told her that he joined a church and a Bible study group in Wooster. But Simon Miller had not been mollified.
Do not leave your aunt’s sight.
Do not dawdle in public restaurants or shops.
Do not drink anything that didn’t come from your tote bag. Someone could add a drug to your beverage.
Simon left these instructions before storming off to his milking parlor.
With shame, Emma remembered stamping her foot in response. A show of defiance would never win her daed over, but she’d lost her temper. Thus, she decided it would be best if the shiny green truck didn’t pull up their driveway this morning.
The rooster marched down the henhouse ramp to deliver his message well after dawn, just as James turned into the Miller lane. “At long last,” Emma murmured.
“It’s only five minutes after eight,” said Hannah, coming up the steps with a full basket of eggs. “I’ll set these inside and we can be off.”
She didn’t sound very excited, but Emma didn’t care. The man of her heart had just jumped out of his truck and was headed her way. He carried the largest armload of roses Emma had ever seen.
“Hi, Emma!” he called while still twenty paces away.
He was wearing a wool sport coat, a navy blue sweater, and dark jeans. His boots had been polished, and his hair freshly washed.
“Hello, James.” She hoped she didn’t appear as eager as she felt.
“These are for you.” He held out the enormous multicolored bouquet.
“I’m not sure if she can accept those, James, knowing how her father feels about expensive gifts,” Hannah said. She had put the eggs away and returned to the porch in record time.
“Oh, no, ma’am,” James said. “These weren’t expensive at all. They were grown in a greenhouse on campus. The students can buy them for their moms or…friends…for next to nothing.”
“All right,” Hannah said to Emma. “Put them in water in the kitchen and let’s be off.”
Emma felt a tingle of static electricity snake up her spine as she accepted the bouquet. “Thank you, James. I love how they’re different colors. I didn’t even know green roses existed.”
James blushed the traditional shade of long-stem roses as he slipped his hands into his back pockets. “The horticulture students experiment with different hybrids to see what colors they can come up with.”
“Seems to me they should leave God’s handiwork alone,” Hannah muttered, already walking toward his truck.
Emma went inside to put the roses in water and decided not to let anything dampen her spirits on her day with James. When she got to his truck, Aunt Hannah was seated in back, so she took the front seat. It wouldn’t be polite to make him feel like a professional chauffer. The drive to his campus took less than thirty minutes, and their route took them through the village of Apple Creek, where Emma saw Amish folk milling on the street and spotted several tied-up buggies. “Are we still in Holmes County?” she asked.
“No, we’re in Wayne County,” James said. “Plenty of Amish live here as well. In fact, three Amish farms surround the land owned by my school.”
“There are lots more people in general, I expect,” Hannah said petulantly from the backseat. “The traffic up here is worse than where we live.”
Emma had counted only a few cars on the road but decided not to argue. Her aunt had allowed her to sit in the front seat. She and James were mere inches apart.
“Perhaps you could slow down, young man? I’m feeling sick to my stomach.” Hannah crossed her arms over her belly.
“Yes, ma’am. I’m sorry.” James immediately braked to reduce his speed. “We’re almost there.”
Emma reached over the seat to take her aunt’s hand. Hannah did indeed look pale as she peered out the window.
“We’re almost there,” James said, glancing into his rearview mirror.
Emma had expected tall college buildings, but instead she saw rolling fields, fenced pastures, well-tended paddocks, and several large buildings.
“This is the farm laboratory,” James explained, driving slowly up the lane. “Or at least, part of it. It spreads out in all directions. We have dairy, beef, swine, and agricultural facilities, besides the land lab, farm office, and the equine center.”
“Equine center as in big horse barn?” Emma asked.
James smiled. “It’s much more than that, Em. It’s a state-of-the-art facility for horse breeding and genetic engineering, veterinary trials, and clinical
studies of diet, supplements, and pharmaceuticals.”
“Looks like a bunch of horse barns to me,” Hannah mumbled.
“Should we get out and walk around? You can watch some of the work being done.” James parked outside a large set of double doors.
Emma wanted to investigate, but her aunt answered first. “No, thank you. We’ll tour the campus from inside the vehicle. It looks muddy and like it might rain at any minute.”
Emma rolled her eyes while James chanced a sly wink at her. “Where exactly do you take your classes? Inside these barns?”
“Oh, no. We work on projects here, but the classroom complex is down the road. We’ll go there next.”
As he explained the research projects going on, Emma heard a tone of condescension in his voice she’d never noticed before. None of it made much sense, nor was it very interesting.
James pulled the truck into a parking lot. “Here are the classroom buildings and dorms. The student activities center and the apartment village for married students are over there.” He stole another glance in Emma’s direction—one that made her stomach tumble. “Want to see the residence hall?”
“Absolutely not!” Aunt Hannah screeched, reminding Emma of a barn owl.
“I only meant the dining hall, not the rooms, Mrs. Miller. I thought maybe a bite to eat might settle your stomach.”
“Oh…thank you,” Hannah said, dabbing at her forehead with a hanky. “I’d prefer to eat in a restaurant when we get to Wooster.”
“Okay,” he agreed. “But first let’s take a stroll through the campus conservatory. I think both of you will enjoy that.”
Emma had no idea what to expect, having never heard of a conservatory before. It turned out to be nothing more than a big fancy greenhouse—overly warm, very humid, and smelling of chemicals and fertilizers.
James walked by her side, pointing out plants, shrubs, and trees she had never seen before, nor even heard of. Hannah lagged behind them, looking greener than some of the foliage in the giant pots.