The Farmers' Market Mishap

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ; Brunstetter, Jean;

  It was almost nine thirty when Lizzie showed up. By then, five customers stood in line at the counter. Lizzie’s plump cheeks colored like a bright red rose as she limped across the room. Elma noticed the elderly woman wore one black shoe and one sandal. Lizzie’s swollen big toe poked out of the open-toed sandal.

  “Oh, my! What happened to your toe?” Elma asked.

  Lizzie moved toward the counter, wincing as she walked. “I dropped a jar of pickles on my foot last night, and my big toe took the brunt of it.”

  “How awful. It must hurt a lot.”

  Lizzie gave a nod. “It’s not broken, though—only bruised. Had my driver take me to the hospital emergency room last night to have it checked out. The doctor said to stay off my feet as much as possible and put ice on the toe.”

  “You should have stayed home today and rested your foot.” Elma spoke in a soothing tone.

  “No way was I going to leave you in the lurch.” Lizzie raised her dimpled hand.

  Elma stepped down from the stool. “Well, then, you’d best sit here and wait on customers today, while I take care of other things.”

  Lizzie didn’t have to be told twice. She made her way behind the counter and took a seat on the stool. Then she got down again. “Oops, I almost forgot.” Lizzie pulled a small cushion out of her satchel. “I hope you don’t mind, but I brought along something soft to sit on. In fact, you can keep it here for the counter stool. It’ll be comfortable for Thelma, and you can sit on it, too.”

  “Good idea, Lizzie. Would you like to rub some Arnica on your toe?” Elma asked. “There’s a tube of it in my first-aid kit. As you probably know, it’s good for bruises and other injuries.”

  “Danki for your thoughtfulness.”

  “You’re welcome.” Poor Lizzie, Elma thought, as she hurried to the back of the store. I hope coming here today won’t be too much for her. Oh, I wish Thelma was free to work full-time again.

  By closing time, Elma was so tired she could barely put one foot in front of the other. While Lizzie waited on customers, she ran back and forth directing people to the items they wanted, cleaning up after anyone who dropped something on the floor, cutting material, and placing the bolts back on the shelf.

  Elma was putting away the last bolt of material when she heard a deep droning noise coming from the front of the store. She set the fabric in place and hurried up front to investigate the sound. Halting her footsteps, her mouth dropped open. Lizzie was bent over, with her head on the counter. Her snores sounded like the reverberation of buggy wheels when some of the young Amish fellows got into a racing match.

  Elma covered her mouth, stifling a snicker. Lizzie’s fatigue wasn’t what tickled her funny bone, though. It was the vibration of her snores against the wooden counter.

  Sucking in a deep breath to rein in her emotions, Elma stepped around the counter and gave Lizzie’s shoulders a gentle shake.

  “Was is letz do?” Lizzie sat up with a start.

  “Nothing’s going on here.” Elma spoke softly. “You nodded off, and I needed to wake you because it’s time to close up the store and go home.”

  Lizzie leaned her head back and released a noisy yawn. “Oh, my, I must have been more tired than I thought.” Glassy eyed, she glanced around. “Sure hope I didn’t miss anyone wanting to pay for their items.”

  Elma shook her head. “Everyone’s gone. I’m sure the last ones left before you fell asleep.” At least I hope that was the case.

  A horn tooted from outside, causing Elma to jump.

  “I’ll bet it’s my driver. With my toe hurting so badly, I didn’t want the bother of hitching my horse to the buggy this morning.” Lizzie stepped off the stool and winced when her feet hit the floor. “I’m glad you let me sit up here most of the day. Don’t think I’d have been able to do all the things you did today.”

  “Would you like me to go to the back room and get your empty lunch basket?”

  Lizzie gave a quick nod. “I’d appreciate it.”

  As Elma headed back to get the basket, she thought about the cookout she’d been invited to at Thelma and Joseph’s this evening. As tired as she was, she wouldn’t be the best company, but at least it meant not having to cook a meal. If things went as they usually did whenever Thelma’s husband fired up the barbecue grill, he would do all of the cooking. A little relaxation was what she needed.

  When Elma entered her sister and brother-in-law’s backyard, she was surprised to see Delbert standing near the barbecue grill, talking to Joseph. Ginger rolled around in the grass nearby. When Thelma invited her to join them this evening she hadn’t mentioned Delbert would be here.

  As Elma approached, he looked over at her and smiled. “Guder owed, Elma. I didn’t know you’d be here this evening. But then, guess I should have figured as much, since you live right across the street, not to mention being Thelma’s twin sister.”

  Elma smiled in return. “Good evening, Delbert. I’m surprised to see you as well.” She glanced around then looked at Joseph. “Is Thelma inside?”

  “Jah. She’ll be bringing out the paper plates and silverware, along with the potato salad she made.”

  “I’ll go see if she needs any help.” Elma gave the men a brief nod then hurried into the house. She found Thelma in the kitchen, putting paper plates, napkins, and plastic silverware on a serving tray.

  Thelma smiled. “Oh, good, I’m glad you made it. I was afraid after working in the store all day you might be too tired to come over.”

  Elma shook her head. “I’m never too tired to spend time with you and Joseph.”

  “Delbert’s here, too.” Thelma took a bowl of potato salad from the refrigerator.

  “I know. I spoke to him a few minutes before coming in here.”

  “I hope you don’t mind that we invited him.”

  “Course not. It’s your right to invite whomever you choose.” Elma gestured to the tray. “Would you like me to carry it outside to the picnic table?”

  “That’d be great. I’ll bring the potato salad and condiments for the burgers on another tray.”

  “Maybe I should carry that one for you.” Elma handed Thelma the silverware tray. “This is lighter and will be easier for you.”

  Thelma’s brows furrowed as she pressed both hands against her hips. “I am perfectly capable of carrying the other tray. Besides, it’s not that heavy.”

  “Okay, if you insist.” Elma could see by the determined set of her sister’s jaw that she was not going to give in. Thelma could be so stubborn sometimes.

  “Is that a new dress you’re wearing?”

  “Jah. I’ve been eyeing the new color for a couple weeks at the store and finally decided to treat myself to a new dress.” Elma gave a wide grin. “It’s not my usual color choice, but I thought a change might be nice.”

  “That shade of lavender looks nice on you. You should wear it more often.” Thelma’s voice lowered. “I think Delbert’s changed since we first met him, don’t you?” She glanced out the kitchen window.

  “Changed in what way?”

  “He seems to be more even tempered.”

  “Maybe so. I hadn’t really noticed.”

  Thelma turned to face her. “Maybe you should be more observant.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Oh, nothing.” Thelma set the potato salad along with ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and pickles on the tray and picked it up. “Let’s join the men. I think this is going to be a fun evening.”

  Elma wished she had her twin’s enthusiasm. With Delbert here, she didn’t feel like she could really be herself.

  CHAPTER 8

  Grabill

  Where are you going?” Ben’s mother asked when he started for the back door Saturday evening.

  “Out to the barn to groom the horses,” he called over his shoulder. “Think I’ll wash ’em down before I start brushing.”

  “Sounds good. I’m sure the animals would enjoy a good bath.” Mom sipped her coffee and set the m
ug in front of her. “But can you wait a few minutes before you go outside? I want to talk to you about something.”

  “Okay.” Ben snatched his straw hat from the wall hook and turned back around. “What’s up, Mom?”

  “As you know, with this warm weather we’ve been having, my garden is doing quite well.”

  He gave a nod, pressing his back against the counter. “Jah, those cherry tomatoes and the Early Girls you’re raising are mouthwatering. Their taste is far better than the ones they pick early and ship to the markets.”

  “True, and I’m thinking of taking some of my produce to the farmers’ market in Shipshewana next month. Maybe the second Wednesday of July.”

  “Wouldn’t you rather set up a fruit and vegetable stand in front of our place, like you’ve done in years past?”

  Mom shook her head. “With the abundance of produce I have, I’d never get it all sold. By going to the market, I might be able to make some extra money to put aside for something I need later. Shipshewana brings in not only the locals, but a huge number of tourists as well.”

  “Good point. You might check with one of our drivers who owns a truck to see if they’d be available to take you that day.” Ben shifted his weight. “Anything else?”

  “Umm, jah—two things, actually.”

  He crossed his arms, waiting for her to continue while trying to remain patient. Sometimes Mom could be a bit long winded.

  Ben thought about the customers he had to see this week. He wasn’t sure until he verified his schedule, but it was getting closer to the time he’d be checking in on one of his biggest clients.

  “Son, are you paying attention to me?” With arms crossed, Mom’s foot tapped against the shiny linoleum floor.

  “Sorry, Mom. I have a lot on my mind. Now what were you saying?”

  “Well, first of all…” She stepped forward and stroked the side of his face. “It doesn’t look like you’ve shaved today.”

  “I did it first thing this morning.” He wiped a hand across his stubbly chin. “I can’t help it that my beard grows faster than most men’s.”

  “If you were married, you could let your beard grow, and it wouldn’t be a problem.”

  Ben backed away, lifting his chin. “Please don’t start with that again, Mom. If the good Lord wanted me to have a wife, she would look me right in the eye and say, ‘Benjamin Wagler, you’re the man I love and can’t live without.’”

  With a shake of her head, Mom snickered. “Not many women would be so bold.”

  “Exactly.” He turned toward the door again and put on his hat. “Now if you don’t need me for anything else, I’d better get out to the barn and take care of the geil.”

  “I do have one other quick question.”

  Ben paused, with his hand on the doorknob. “What is it?”

  “When I take my produce to the farmers’ market, would you like to go along?”

  “It depends on whether I have any horses to put shoes on that day.”

  “Can’t you make sure not to schedule any? I could use some help setting up my stand, and maybe during the sale things will go well, and I’ll get a lot of business.”

  “Okay, but if I’m not free that day, you’d better see if someone else is free to go with you.”

  Mom gave him a wide smile then pointed to the door. “Better not keep those horses waiting.”

  “You’re right. I’m on my way.”

  When Ben went outside, Dorothy got out a notebook and pen then took a seat at the kitchen table to make a list of all the garden produce she wanted to take to the farmers’ market. She had peas and beans aplenty, as well as onions, zucchini, and tomatoes. In a few more weeks, carrots, cucumbers, and maybe some beets would also be ready.

  Maybe I should also pick some of my colorful flowers to sell. Surely there would be some people attending the market who might be interested in buying a lovely bouquet.

  Dorothy smiled, thinking about the fuss Martha Graber had made over her flowers when she’d been here last Sunday for supper with her folks. Martha especially admired the zinnias. Dorothy couldn’t blame her. Zinnias were one of her favorite flowers, too. Bunched together in the flower bed, their rainbow of color was not to be missed.

  Martha was as stunning as those flowers. A beautiful young woman such as her, with hair the color of straw and eyes as blue as the summer sky, would make any man stop and take notice. How could my son not be interested in someone as lovely as her?

  Dorothy tapped the end of her pen along her jaw. I need to have Martha over again, only this time without her parents. After supper I’ll discreetly retire to my room, leaving Ben and Martha alone to visit. If they spend enough time together, surely they’ll find some things they have in common. She set the pen down and poured herself a cup of coffee. My son’s too timid for his own good. He needs to be more assertive around women.

  Ben finished washing his buggy horse, Fella, and led him back to the stall. Once inside, he grabbed the currycomb to untangle the animal’s mane and tail. As Ben worked the comb slowly and carefully through Fella’s hair, he couldn’t help thinking about what his mom had said earlier. “If you were married, you could let your beard grow, and it wouldn’t be a problem.”

  Ben sucked in a breath. I understand why Mom wants me to find a wife, but she’s trying to match me up with who she thinks is the right woman for me. His shoulders slumped. It had been awkward the other evening when the Grabers came for supper. It was especially uncomfortable having Martha sitting across from him, and not finding much in common to talk about. Mom means well, but I’m old enough to make my own decisions. I might decide to stay single, if that’s what I choose to do with my life.

  Ben switched from the comb and used the soft-bristled brush, working it along the horse’s side, while Fella munched on his hay. The sweet grassy aroma filled the air, tickling Ben’s nose. The barn was quiet and peaceful—a nice area to think—just him and the horses.

  Mom’s buggy horse, Patsy, chewed on the hay in her stall across from them. Ben had taken care of her earlier. Patsy possessed a mild demeanor, which Dad had said he felt from the moment he’d purchased her at an auction. He brought her home for Mom so she would have an easygoing horse.

  Ben preferred to take Fella out with his buggy, and sometimes he rode horseback. In addition to having more get-up-and-go, the horse always brought Ben numerous compliments. Even strangers commented on the animal’s shiny, deep chestnut color. It was hard not to feel prideful.

  Stepping away from Fella, Ben admired his work. All the brushing he’d done brought out a nice sheen to the horse’s stunning coat. “Fella, you look good enough to take out on the town.” He carried the brush and comb out of the stall and put them away. Then he went outside to where he’d given the horses their baths and returned the sponges to the shelf in the barn. Following that, Ben began coiling up the hose. When he backed up, he tripped over the bucket. Soapy water splashed out, soaking Ben’s pant legs. “Oh, great!” He glanced toward the house and saw Mom looking out the window, shaking her head. She probably thinks I’m a clumsy dummkopp.

  Heat flooded Ben’s face as he retrieved the bucket and hurried back to the barn.

  Topeka

  “Those were some mighty good burgers, Joe. I couldn’t stop at two, so I had to have three.” Delbert laced his fingers together and placed his hands behind his head. “My compliments to the cook.”

  Joseph’s face flushed a bit. “It doesn’t take much to grill burgers. The real compliment should go to my fraa for her tangy potato salad. But I’m glad you enjoyed eating the meat.” He paused and smiled at Thelma.

  Delbert smacked his lips. “You’re right. The salad was appenditlich. I had to have a second helping, in fact.” He grinned at Thelma. “If I could find a single woman who made potato salad this good, I’d marry her tomorrow.”

  With little thought of what she was about to say, Thelma pointed to Elma. “My sister makes potato salad every bit as delicious as mine.”
>
  Elma’s face flushed a deep crimson, while Delbert’s ears turned bright pink.

  Hoping to cover her slip of the tongue, Thelma changed the subject. “How did things go at the store today, Elma?”

  “They were hectic, since Lizzie couldn’t do any more than sit on the stool and wait on customers.”

  “How come? Doesn’t she usually help with other things?” The question came from Joseph.

  “Normally, she does, but Lizzie came to work today with a badly bruised big toe. She could barely walk, so I had no choice but to let her sit behind the counter, which meant I was on my feet most of the day. She did bring a cushion for the stool, which she said we could keep there.”

  “How’d she hurt her toe?” Thelma reached for her glass of iced tea, rubbing her fingers where moisture collected.

  “She dropped a jar of bickels on it. Lizzie thought at first it might be broken, but the doctor said it was only a bad bruise.” Elma sighed heavily. “I hate to say this, but Lizzie seems prone to accidents.”

  “That’s not all.” Thelma shook her head. “When I was helping at the store yesterday, I couldn’t help noticing how forgetful Lizzie seemed to be. She was also quite the chatterbox with customers.”

  Delbert leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “Sounds to me like her name oughta be ‘Dizzy Lizzie.’” He chuckled and so did Joseph. Even Thelma had to hide a snicker behind her hand.

  A slight muscle jumped in Elma’s left cheek. “Better not say anything like that in front of poor Lizzie. She may have a few quirks, but she’s really a dear soul.”

  “Maybe so, but from what I saw while installing new screens, that ‘dear soul’ is more of a hindrance than a help, Elma. If I were you, I’d look for someone more dependable to work in the store.”

  Elma’s lips pressed together as her face tightened. “I appreciate your concern, Delbert, but as long as I’m in charge of the store, I’ll decide who stays and who goes.”