A sheen of sweat erupted on Delbert’s forehead as he lifted his hands as if in surrender. “Okay, okay…no need to get all umgerennt.”
“I am not upset.” Elma folded her arms and looked the other way.
Thelma sagged in her chair, pressing a hand against her stomach. Maybe I was wrong thinking Elma and Delbert might get together. It seems the problem between them from before is still there. If they could just learn to agree to disagree, things might go better. Well, I’m not giving up yet. Perhaps I’ll try again some other time when Elma isn’t so tired.
CHAPTER 9
Since the store was usually closed on Mondays, Elma used this time to get caught up on things around the house and run errands. She had her lists on the kitchen table, where she’d been jotting down a few late additions.
Elma brewed some black tea and sat nibbling on blueberries that had come from her garden. “Yum. These berries are sure tasty.” She added a dollop of vanilla yogurt and smacked her lips.
Tiger sat in a sunny spot on the floor not far from her. He seemed content, although he blinked his eyes against the intense light.
“I wish you could do some chores for me, Tiger. How about going out to the barn and getting the horse ready for me this morning?” Elma chuckled.
Tiger meowed; then his tongue came out as he began grooming himself. When he finished his bath, he plopped down and closed his eyes.
Elma picked up her dishes and went to the sink. She still needed to get her horse, Pearl, ready in the barn, but she needed to finish up in the kitchen first.
It would be nice if Thelma could come with me today. I’d welcome her company, and maybe she could drive Pearl while I jot down more items to my lists. Elma rinsed the blueberry juice from the bowl. I miss the quality time we used to share.
Today, being the last Monday in June, she’d decided to make a run to town for groceries and a few other items. One of the things she wanted to do was look for baskets she could use to display her garden produce when she went to the farmers’ market next month. This would be Elma’s first time renting a stand at the market, and she hoped it would be a profitable day.
In addition to selling her garden produce, Elma planned to take a few handmade items, along with flyers listing some of the things sold in the store and giving directions on how to get there. While most of the locals knew about Elma and Thelma’s store, many tourists did not. So her trip to Shipshewana the second Wednesday of July would have a twofold purpose.
Joseph would take time from his harness shop that day to accompany Elma and Thelma to the market. Of course, they’d have to close the store. Elma certainly couldn’t expect Lizzie to manage by herself. Thelma had agreed, saying it would be less to worry about having the store closed for the day. There were times, like the day Lizzie had come to work with a bruised toe, when the poor woman could barely function. Expecting Lizzie to run the store by herself would be asking for trouble.
Elma had already taken the buggy out of the shed in readiness for her trip to town, so she placed her purse inside on the seat and headed for the barn to get Pearl. Stepping through the tall double doors and into the building, she heard the rustle of hay and smelled nose-tickling straw, but didn’t hear her horse’s usual whinny-greeting or hooves scuffing the wooden floor.
The old boards creaked as she made her way over to Pearl’s stall. The gate whined when she opened it and stepped inside. Pearl stood with her backside near the wall, almost as if she was leaning against it for support.
“What’s the matter, girl? Are you mad at me for not putting you in the pasture this morning so you could run and kick up your heels?” Elma ran a currycomb over the curve of the mare’s back. “Well, I had a good reason. I need you to take me to town.”
Pearl nickered, nuzzling Elma’s hand.
Elma smiled. She loved this old horse, and felt ever so thankful Dad had brought her to them a few years ago, when he and Mom came for a visit. Pearl was gentle and reliable—nothing like Rusty, the unpredictable horse they’d inherited from their grandfather when he and Grandma died, leaving them the house and store. Rusty was spirited and could be a handful at times.
Elma was glad Thelma had taken Rusty as her horse when she’d married Joseph. From the start, she’d been able to control him better than Elma could. Elma figured Rusty rightly sensed her fear. Merely thinking about the feisty gelding made her break out in a cold sweat.
Elma put Pearl’s lead rope in place to take her from the stall, but the horse only snorted with huffing breaths and wouldn’t budge.
“Come on, girl, now don’t you be stubborn this morning.” Elma gave a tug.
Pearl took a few faltering steps and halted. The horse seemed to be favoring her right back leg, appearing not to put any weight on it.
“What’s the matter, Pearl?” Elma looked down, and she gasped when she saw a nasty gash on the horse’s back leg. “Ach, you poor thing. No wonder you don’t want to go anywhere with me.”
Elma removed Pearl’s leade rope and was quick to close the stall door. She’d need to call the vet immediately. Hopefully he would be free to come out right away.
Thelma hummed as she stood at the counter near the kitchen sink, preparing a pot of garden mint tea. Their bishop’s wife, Lena Chupp, would be here soon, bringing some baby items one of her grandchildren had outgrown. Thelma looked forward to going through them to see what she might be able to use. It had been a while since she’d visited with Lena, so she’d invited her to stay and have lunch.
A knock sounded on the back door. Thinking it must be Lena, Thelma hurried to answer. Opening the door wide, she stepped back in surprise. Her red-faced sister stood on the porch, blowing out a series of short breaths. Elma’s stooped posture and wrinkled forehead let Thelma know she was distressed about something.
“Elma, what’s wrong? You look umgerennt.”
“I am very upset.” Elma stepped inside. “Pearl’s been hurt, and she won’t be able to pull my buggy for several weeks.”
“Ach, my! What happened? Have you called the vet?” Thelma’s body tensed.
“Pearl has a gash on her right back leg. I’m not sure when she got the cut, but I called Dr. Brown as soon as I discovered it, and he came to check Pearl right away.” She paused, her chin trembling a bit. “At first we didn’t know how it had happened, but then the vet discovered a nail sticking out of one of the lower stall boards. Don’t know why I didn’t see it before.”
“Is your gaul going to be all right?” Thelma’s concern escalated. If Pearl dies, Elma will be devastated. I’d miss that trusty old horse, too. And then she would need to buy another buggy horse, which would be expensive.
“Dr. Brown put medicine on the wound, wrapped it good, and gave her an antibiotic. His instructions were to keep an eye on her and watch for infection. I’ll need to change her bandage once a day and apply the ointment to the gash.” Tears gathered in Elma’s eyes, and she blinked several times. “I hope I can do a good job for her. The doctor left medicine for Pearl, and bandages to rewrap the wound, but I’ll need to pick up more sterile pads in town. I hate to say this, but if my horse doesn’t recover well enough, she may not be able to pull the buggy anymore.”
Thelma slipped her arms around Elma and patted her back. “Hang in there and try not to worry. I’m sure she’ll be fine.”
“I hope so, but in the meantime, I’ll either have to ride my bike everywhere or rely on a driver to take me places. Also, I wouldn’t mind some support, or at least having someone next to me while I change Pearl’s bandage tomorrow. Do you think you or Joseph could come over to help?”
“Not to worry. One of us will be there. Oh, and you can borrow one of our horses until Pearl is better.” Thelma gave her sister a hug.
“Danki.” Elma smiled, returning the embrace. “I appreciate it. As a matter of fact, I was planning to go into town today to do some shopping, so can I borrow Joe’s horse? In addition to the sterile pads for Pearl, I need groceries, plus I want to buy several baskets
to display the produce I’ll be taking to the farmers’ market in a few weeks.”
“Rusty is available, but Joseph’s already left for work, so his horse isn’t here this morning.”
Elma’s eyes widened as she pressed her hands to the sides of her head. “Oh, no, I can’t take Rusty. That horse is too temperamental for me.”
“Both Joseph and I have worked with him over the last two years, and he’s more manageable than he was before.”
Elma moved closer to Thelma. “Could you go with me today? You’ve always handled Rusty better than me.”
“I would if I could, but Lena Chupp will be here soon, and I invited her to join me for lunch, so she’ll probably stay awhile.”
Elma’s shoulders slumped. “Maybe I’ll see if one of our drivers is available.”
Thelma clasped her sister’s arm. “You should take Rusty today. You need to get past your fear.”
“I can’t.” Elma’s chin trembled. “Even the thought of taking that horse makes me naerfich.”
“I understand your nervousness, but as I said before, Rusty is easier to handle now.”
“For you maybe, but I doubt he would be for me.”
“Just keep a firm hand on the reins and let him know who’s boss. I’m sure he will do fine for you.”
Elma’s shoulders curled forward as she clutched her arms to her chest. “Okay, I’ll give Rusty a try, but if things don’t go well, I will never use him again.”
Thelma glanced at the clock. “Lena won’t be here for another fifteen minutes, so I’ll go outside with you and hitch Rusty to the buggy.”
Elma’s fingers ached as she clung to the reins. Other than tossing his head a few times, so far Rusty had behaved himself. Maybe the trip into town wouldn’t be so bad after all.
She loosened her grip a bit and tried to relax. Rusty must have sensed it, for he stopped shaking his head. The closer Elma got to town, the more her senses heightened. The car traffic grew heavier, and some drivers got a little too close for comfort. She wondered if all this was worth putting herself through so much stress. Her thoughts raced. What if something spooks or upsets Rusty? If he takes off and won’t slow down, I’ll be in a pickle.
Elma could tell by the sweat rolling down her back that she was losing faith in her abilities. She spotted a place to pull off the road to rest and collect her thoughts for a moment. As she sat holding the reins, Elma closed her eyes to pray. Lord, allow me the strength and safety to continue on with this day You have made. Please surround me with Your wonderful peace and help me not to be afraid. Amen.
After a while, Elma’s nerves calmed as she allowed the horse to take the lead. With all his years of experience pulling the buggy for her grandparents, Rusty certainly knew the way to town.
Elma waved to an English neighbor on a riding lawn mower, cutting his grass. She’d seen it before but still had to giggle, watching the barn swallows swoop at bugs the mower kicked up.
They’d almost made it to the first intersection in town when a car pulled out of a side street without stopping, right in front of the horse and buggy. Rusty planted his hooves, halting the buggy, before Elma could even pull back on the reins.
She blinked a couple of times. Thank You, Lord. What an answer to prayer. Leaning forward, she clucked to the horse. “Good boy, Rusty. You are one schmaert horse and may have just saved our lives.”
Elma jumped when the driver blared his horn at her and was even more stunned when the car kept going. How can people be so rude?
Despite the prickling of her scalp, Elma drew a deep breath and continued in the direction of town. Rusty nickered as if to assure her that he had everything under control. If she needed to go any distance in the next few weeks, perhaps she would borrow Thelma’s horse again.
CHAPTER 10
Shipshewana, Indiana
Entering the farmers’ market, Elma’s gaze came to rest on the rows of tables with bright tablecloths, filled with local seasonable produce. Many craft tables were filled with various handmade items, and food vendors were selling cookies, breads, pies, and beverages. One English man pulled his red pickup truck into one of the open spots to sell his rustic birdhouses. Cloth awnings of different colors hung behind several of the booths. While other tables sat outside her view—where numerous miscellaneous items were sold—unless Thelma and Joseph stayed at the table, it wasn’t likely Elma would get to check out many of the vendors’ tables.
Even though the market hadn’t opened yet, an increasing number of visitors already were milling about. The aroma of fresh herbs and ripening berries mingling with fragrances from homemade soaps and creams filled Elma’s senses as she drew a deep breath. She appreciated being able to take part in a rural event that nurtured the feeling of community spirit.
“Look at all the people who came to sell their wares at the market today,” Joseph commented as he helped Elma set up her table. Thelma had brought a few things to sell, too, but most of the proceeds from whatever they sold would go to pay for more repairs needing to be made at the house or store.
Elma inhaled sharply. It seemed the list of repairs at both places was endless. Thelma and Joseph were fortunate to have bought a place in such good shape.
Now don’t start feeling sorry for yourself. Elma picked up one of the baskets she’d bought a couple of weeks ago and filled it with fresh fruits and berries. She put cucumbers, beets, peppers, and carrots in another basket and a mixture of both in a third basket. Soon, all the baskets were full, and several other items were placed on the table by themselves.
“The display looks nice.” Thelma gestured to a hefty watermelon. “It’s a warm day, so I’m sure lots of people will be looking for sweet-tasting summertime fruit such as this.”
“I hope so. Sure don’t want to haul a lot of this produce home at the end of the day and then try to figure out how we’re going to eat all of it.”
“Not to worry.” Joseph motioned to the table. “If I were a betting man, I’d bet most of your produce will be gone by the day’s end.”
Thelma nodded. “I believe my husband is right.”
“Well, it remains to be seen.” Elma rummaged through the oversized bag she’d brought along and retrieved some chair pads she’d remembered to bring for the day. She picked out a bottle of sunscreen and set it aside for later. “It’s good to be prepared and as comfortable as we can. Lizzie gave me this idea.” Holding up the cushions, she placed them on the hard, wooden stools they’d also brought from home and took a seat. Thelma sat on the other stool. “My only concern,” Elma admitted, “is all the other vendors with the same type of produce as mine. It may be too much competition.”
“I’m glad you came with me this morning.” Smiling, Dorothy looked up at her son. “If things get really busy, I’ll need your help at my table.”
“No problem, Mom. That’s why I agreed to come along.” Ben glanced around. “Looks like there’s a lot of other tables full of produce, though. Sure hope you’re able to sell most of your things.”
“I hope so, too, but if not, at least I can say I tried.” Dorothy placed a dark green tablecloth on the table and began setting things out.
Ben grabbed a box filled with a variety of plants Dorothy had brought to sell. “I don’t see too many people selling flowers like yours, so that should help.”
“Jah. Providing anyone who comes to the market today is looking for flowers.” She folded her arms. “I was excited about coming here, but now a few doubts are settling in.”
Ben put his hand on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, Mom. Things will go okay. Just try to relax and enjoy the day.”
“You’re right.” She smiled. “I need to keep a positive attitude.”
“Good to hear.” Ben set the last of her things in place. “Would ya mind if I take a look around before the market opens for business? If things get busy later on, I may not have a chance to do it.”
“Go right ahead. I’ll be here waiting when you get back.”
“I won’t be gone long,” Ben called over his shoulder as he headed off.
Ben wandered around for a bit, savoring the tantalizing smells of the food vendors. He and Mom had eaten a hearty breakfast this morning, but the thought of chomping down on a juicy hot dog or bag of tasty kettle corn made his stomach growl. Well, he’d have a chance to do that later on, when it was time for lunch. For now, though, he wanted to see what some of the vendors were selling, because he might not get the opportunity again. It would be great looking around with fresh inventory sitting undisturbed at the different booths. Having first pick of things made it worth getting here early.
Ben stopped to admire some knives on display at a nearby booth. He picked one up and let it rest in his hand, feeling its weightiness. He couldn’t resist running his thumb along the handle where the detailed carving of an eagle was made. I’m glad my mamm convinced me to come and help her today. Maybe she’ll sell enough produce at the market to make it worth her while.
“What do you think about that knife there?” the bearded English vendor asked.
“It’s nice. I have a few at home, but none like this one.” Ben placed it on the table in front of him.
“I’ve collected many through the years, and passed a lot of them down to my sons.”
“I’m sure they liked receiving knives like these.” Ben glanced at an enclosed case next to him. “Think I’ll take this one off your hands.” He pointed to his choice and reached for his wallet.
“Okay.” The vendor took Ben’s cash and put the knife in its original box then handed it to him.
“Thanks.” Ben carried his purchase along while he checked out a few more tables. The smell of food cooking filled the air, and the irresistible aroma made his mouth water. Fighting the urge to get something to eat, he headed back to their table.
His mother smiled at him. “I see you found something to buy already. What did you get?”
Ben passed the box to her. “Found a nice knife to add to my growing collection.”
The Farmers' Market Mishap Page 7