The Farmers' Market Mishap

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ; Brunstetter, Jean;

  Cocking his head to one side, with ears perked, she almost felt as if the dog understood what she’d said.

  When Elma heard the crunch of loose gravel from a vehicle pulling in, she peeked out her bedroom window. Instead of a truck, like the one Ben’s driver had driven when he brought Ben to the store two weeks ago, she saw a minivan pulling into the yard. Either Dave had more than one vehicle, or Ben had hired someone else to bring him there this evening.

  “Some watchdog you are,” Elma said, nearly tripping over Freckles, who now lay in the hall outside her bedroom. He hadn’t even barked. “Well, it doesn’t matter. My ride is here, and you, my furry friend, must go down to the basement.” With the August heat and humidity, Freckles would be in a cool, comfortable place for the evening.

  Elma opened the basement door, and the dog went obediently down the stairs. She still couldn’t get over how well–behaved this animal was. His previous master must have trained the dog well. She appreciated Freckles and felt thankful he’d come into her life at just the right time. Having the dog in the house during the night made her feel secure and a lot less lonely.

  Elma shut the basement door, grabbed her black handbag, and hurried out the door. She met Ben as he came up the walk.

  “I planned on coming up to the house to get you.” Shoulders back, he held his head erect, never breaking his gaze into her eyes. “It’s good to see you again, Elma.”

  She swallowed hard, clutching her purse against her side. “It’s good to see you, too.”

  “I talked my favorite driver into driving his van tonight.” Ben started walking in the direction of the vehicle. “Figured it’d be more comfortable for you, and we can sit in the back and visit without Dave feeling like he has to be part of the conversation.”

  “I see. I hope he won’t think we’re being rude if we don’t include him.”

  Ben shook his head. “Nope. I’ve gotten to know Dave real well, and he’s not the least bit sensitive. Nothing ruffles him.”

  “Okay.”

  Ben opened the passenger’s door in the back, and Elma slid in. Then he went around to the other side and took his seat.

  “It’s nice to see you, Elma.” Dave turned and smiled at her.

  “Nice to see you, too. The seats in your minivan are comfortable.”

  He gave a nod. “This is really my wife’s rig, but she lets me drive it whenever I need to.”

  “It’s cool in here, too,” Elma commented.

  “If you like, I can turn the air-conditioning off or down, but I thought it would be more comfortable with this heat,” Dave offered.

  “No, you don’t have to. It actually feels quite good.” Elma was thankful for the cooling system in Dave’s van. At least it would help to keep her from perspiring, since she was a ball of nerves.

  “Okay, then.” Dave turned around and pulled out of the driveway.

  “You look nice in that color.” Ben’s cheeks colored as he looked at Elma.

  “Danki.”

  “Are you hungerich?”

  “I’m getting there. Where are we going?” Elma asked when Ben’s driver headed out of Topeka in the direction of Shipshewana.

  Ben grinned. “Thought we’d have supper at the Blue Gate Restaurant. Have you eaten there before?”

  She nodded her head. “My sister and I ate there a few years ago.” She saw no need to mention that it had been with Joseph and Delbert during the time the men had been courting the twins.

  “They have good food at the Blue Gate,” Dave interjected, glancing back at them from his rearview mirror. “My favorite supper dish there is meatloaf shepherd’s pie. It’s served with a generous helping of mashed potatoes smothered in a tasty blend of cheeses.” He snickered. “Course, the smoked pork chops are real good, too.”

  “I may have to try the shepherd’s pie.” Elma looked at Ben. “What’s your favorite meal?”

  Ben smacked his lips as he gave his stomach a tap. “Anything that includes chicken. I like it fried, baked, or roasted.”

  “I like chicken, too,” Elma agreed.

  “Well, then, you’re both in luck. The Blue Gate has plenty of chicken dishes on the menu,” Dave called over his shoulder.

  Elma shifted in her seat, pulling on the seat belt buckle to make sure it was snug enough. She always felt safe when she buckled herself in. Elma sometimes wished there were seat belts in Amish buggies. Wearing one kept a person from being jostled around, not to mention being safer in the event of an accident.

  “See that crossroad over there?” Ben pointed to his left.

  Elma nodded.

  “It leads to an Amish-run business I’d like to visit someday—Lambright Wind Chimes.”

  “I’ve never been there, but my brother-in-law, Joseph, bought one of the Lambright chimes to hang in their backyard. It has a beautiful, melodic sound.” Elma leaned against the seat, feeling quite relaxed. So far things were going well between her and Ben.

  “I bet it does. The hardware store in Shipshe sells them, and after listening to the quality of their tinkling sound, I became interested.” Ben reached across the seat and touched her arm. “Maybe the two of us can go there sometime.”

  “To the hardware store?” His touch had Elma feeling so rattled she could barely think or speak.

  “No, to see where Lambright’s chimes are made.”

  “Oh.” Elma’s cheeks warmed. She was sure they’d turned red, and she hoped Ben wouldn’t notice. “That would be nice. I’d enjoy visiting there.” She glanced his way.

  Ben gave her a dimpled smile. “I’ll be looking forward to it. Maybe we can do it soon, when we both have some time off from our jobs.”

  “Okay.” Elma clasped her trembling hands together in her lap. He wants to see me again. He must enjoy my company as much as I enjoy his. I’m already looking forward to seeing Ben again.

  “You’re kind of fidgety tonight,” Joseph commented as he took a seat beside Thelma on the couch. “Is the boppli kicking again and making you feel uncomfortable?”

  “No, it’s not the baby.”

  “Well, that’s good.” Joseph picked up a book to read. “Oh, I wanted to ask if you’ve been hungry for fish.”

  “I can always eat fish—fried or on the grill. Why? What were you thinking?”

  “It’s been a while since Delbert and I went fishing, and I’d like to check out the Little Elkhart River not far from here, where there’s a designated trout stream. It feeds into a chain of lakes, which might be a nice area for all of us to go sometime. Maybe we could pack a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon there.”

  “Sounds nice, and I could surely eat some fresh trout.” Thelma smiled. “Maybe we can have another cookout with Elma and Delbert—if you guys catch enough fish, that is.” She poked Joseph in the ribs. Then just as quickly, she returned to her knitting and grew quiet.

  “I’m sure Dell and I will bring home plenty for a supper meal.” Joseph nudged Thelma’s arm when she didn’t respond. “Hey, all of a sudden you’re like a million miles away. What’s up?”

  “I can’t stop thinking about Elma.”

  “What about her?”

  “She went out to supper with that Amish man from Grabill.”

  “You mean Ben Wagler?”

  “Jah.” Thelma’s knitting needles clicked as she set them aside once more. “He’s been calling her a lot lately, and now Ben’s hired a driver to bring him all the way up here to take Elma to a restaurant.” She pursed her lips. “He is moving way too fast, don’t you think?”

  Joseph shrugged his shoulders. “If a man knows what—or should I say who—he wants, shouldn’t he go after her? After all, Ben and Elma aren’t getting any younger, so what’s the point in wasting time? And look at us…it didn’t take long for you and me to realize how we felt about each other.”

  “That part’s true.” Thelma gave her husband’s arm a light tap, while her shoulders tightened. “They’re not that old. But I don’t want my schweschder to get hurt
.”

  “Why would you think your sister’s going to get hurt?” Joseph’s chin jutted out.

  “Ben lives in Grabill, and Elma lives here. It’s a long-distance relationship, Joseph, and I don’t see how it can work.” Thelma peered at him over the top of the glasses she wore for reading and close-up work. “If they became serious about each other, one of them would have to move.”

  “Oh, I see what this is about.” Joseph’s eyes narrowed. “You’re worried your sister might move to Grabill.”

  She nodded. “I couldn’t stand it if Elma moved away. Until I married you, she and I always lived together. I’m thankful our home is across the street from hers so we can see each other regularly.”

  Joseph took hold of Thelma’s hand and gave her fingers a tender squeeze. “I think you’re worried about nothing. First of all, Ben and Elma don’t know each other well enough to be making any kind of long-term commitment. And second, have you forgotten that the relationship between Elma and Delbert’s cousin didn’t last? One of the reasons was because Myron lived too far from Topeka and they rarely saw each other.”

  “True. Danki for reminding me.” Thelma grasped her knitting needles once again. Maybe Joseph is right. This whole thing with Elma and Ben could be just a passing fancy. I certainly hope that’s the case, because I couldn’t stand it if my twin sister moved away. I need her living close to me.

  CHAPTER 19

  Danki for helping me paint the boppli’s room.” Thelma gave her sister a hug.

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad I found the time to do it.” Between work at the store and being courted by Ben, Elma’s days were busier than ever.

  Thelma opened the refrigerator and took out a pitcher of lemonade while Elma finished making tuna-salad sandwiches. “Why don’t we take our lunch outside on the front porch?” Thelma suggested.

  “Good idea. The fresh air will do us both some good.”

  Once outdoors, they took seats and bowed their heads for silent prayer. When they opened their eyes, Thelma handed Elma her sandwich and beverage.

  As Elma ate and drank, she thought about how nice it was on this lovely September day, enjoying some quality time with her twin as she listened to the sounds of cows mooing in the distance. They both waved when a friend from their church district passed by in a buggy. Joseph and Thelma’s porch gave a nice vantage point, enabling them to see a good ways down the road.

  A slight breeze kicked up, and the wind chimes swayed with the harmony of soft, tinkling sounds.

  “Those chimes sound so pretty.” Elma cocked her head to listen.

  “I know. I’m so glad Joseph moved them to the front porch for me. It seems lately I’ve been sitting out here a lot more.” Thelma sighed.

  “Ben wants to take me to an Amish-run business where they sell the Lambright wind chimes.” Elma added. “I can’t see the road from my house as well as you can, but I wouldn’t mind having some wind chimes on my porch, too.”

  Thelma nodded but didn’t respond to what Elma said about Ben. “I never grow tired of sitting out here and watching the people go by. Sometimes I bring my mending or knitting, but it’s easy to lose track of time.” Thelma drank the rest of her lemonade.

  Elma bobbed her head. “I know what you mean. Wish I had my crossword-puzzle book with me.”

  They sat quietly for a while as Elma watched one of the sociable barn cats Thelma had named Marble come up to the porch. Meowing, it slunk over to them and jumped into Elma’s lap. She set her empty plate on the wicker table and stroked the cat’s silky head.

  Thelma chuckled. “I remember when you wouldn’t let any of the katze do that.”

  Elma shrugged. “I still prefer dogs, but cats do have an appeal, and they’re good for keeping the mice at bay.”

  “I’ll take the dishes inside while you enjoy sitting here with Marble.”

  “She’s a pretty little calico, and her name always makes me think of Grandpa and Grandma Hochstetler. Remember the jar of marbles spilling when I had that nasty migraine a few years ago?” Smiling, Elma stared at the home across the street that had once been their precious grandparents’.

  “I’ll never forget that incident. I make sure the jar I keep full of Grandpa’s marbles in the center of my kitchen table has a tight-fitting lid. Sure wouldn’t want it getting tipped over and spilling all over the place like they did that day.” Thelma collected the plates before going inside.

  Grabill

  Over the past several weeks, Ben had seen Elma as often as he could. He took her out to supper several times and joined Elma at her sister’s house for pizza and games. The trips to and from Topeka were costing him money, but he didn’t care. It was worth every penny to be able to spend time with her. By the middle of September, Ben was convinced he’d fallen in love with Elma. It might seem too soon to some people—especially Mom—but Ben knew what he wanted. Elma Hochstetler was the woman he’d been waiting for all his life. Of course, he hadn’t told her yet. It might seem too forward, and the last thing he wanted to do was scare her off.

  Ben had been invited to join Elma at her sister and brother-in-law’s place tonight for a barbecue. He looked forward to going and was eager to get on with his day of shoeing several horses so he could rush back home and get ready for his driver to pick him up.

  “Will you be leaving for work soon?” Mom asked when Ben placed his empty coffee cup in the sink.

  “Jah. I’ve gotta get going so I’m home on time to get ready for my evening with Elma.” His face broke into a wide smile.

  Mom’s gaze flitted around the room as she rubbed the side of her cheek. “You’ve been seeing her a lot lately.”

  He nodded. “I enjoy Elma’s company. We have a lot in common.”

  Her forehead wrinkled. “Such as?”

  “For one thing, we both like chicken as well as some other foods.”

  “Puh! You can’t base a relationship on liking the same kind of food. You need to think alike on many levels, and—”

  “Sorry.” Ben held up his hand. “Can we talk about this some other time? If I don’t go now, it’ll take all day to get the horses done.”

  “Okay, I understand.”

  Ben picked up his lunch box and moved toward the door. “See you later, Mom. I hope you have a good day.” By the time the door closed, he’d begun to whistle.

  Groaning, Dorothy grabbed her cup of tea and sank into a seat at the table. If she didn’t do something soon, she could very well lose her son to that young woman.

  She took a sip of mint tea and let it roll around on her tongue as she thought things through. I might be worried for nothing. It’s not as if Ben is making plans to get married. I’m sure he’d tell me if he was. Maybe after he’s courted Elma awhile and gotten to know her better, Ben will decide she’s not the right woman for him.

  Dorothy sighed. She’d been convinced Martha was the right choice for Ben, but it didn’t appear that he had any interest in the young woman. For that matter, Martha didn’t seem too upset when word got out in their community that Ben had begun courting a woman from Topeka.

  Doesn’t anyone but me care that he might move away? If he did move, would he invite me to go with him? Is there any chance at all that Elma would be willing to move here?

  She stared into her cup as her mouth twisted grimly. No way could I leave my home. And if Ben left, it would mean he’d have to start all over with his business, looking for new clients who live in or close to Topeka.

  Dorothy turned and glanced at the throw rug by the back door where Hunter used to lie. It was a shame he never made his way back home. If Ben had his dog right now, maybe he’d be too busy getting him ready for the hunting season to worry about courting.

  Topeka

  Elma stood at her bathroom sink, patting her hot cheeks with cold water from the faucet. For the middle of September, it was still quite warm and humid. She wondered how much longer the hot weather would last. It was a good thing Joseph and Thelma’s backyard had sever
al shade trees. It would be much cooler eating out there at the picnic table than inside the warm house.

  Elma wanted to have Ben over for a meal at her house but didn’t feel it would be appropriate unless Joseph and Thelma joined them. Maybe in a few weeks she would invite them all over for an evening of homemade pizza and board games.

  The more Elma saw Ben and talked with him on the phone, the more she liked him. She often caught herself fantasizing about what it would be like if she were married to him. If their relationship continued and Ben eventually proposed, she couldn’t imagine herself saying anything but yes. After the wedding, Ben would need to move to Topeka, of course. Elma couldn’t leave her sister—especially since Thelma was expecting a baby. Elma looked forward to being an aunt and helping her twin in any way she could.

  Then there was the matter of running the store their grandparents had left them. Once the baby came, Thelma could not run the business by herself.

  “And she shouldn’t be expected to, either,” Elma murmured. Owning the store and running it was a joint effort, and Elma wouldn’t think of leaving her sister with the full responsibility.

  Feeling flushed, Elma patted her cheeks with a little more cool water. I don’t know why I’m even thinking about all this. Even if Ben should propose, it won’t be for a while, so there’s no point in me dwelling on this right now.

  After brushing her teeth and making sure her hair was neatly combed with her bun and white head covering in place, Elma left the bathroom. When she stepped into the kitchen to get the healthy dessert she would take to Thelma’s, she halted. Lying on the braided throw rug in front of the sink was Freckles, with Tiger nestled right beside him.

  Elma grinned. “Amazing! I believe these two animals have actually become friends.” She hated to disturb them, but it was time to leave, and Freckles needed to go down to the basement.

  Well, maybe it wouldn’t hurt this one time if she let him stay in the house. She wouldn’t be gone more than a few hours, and if the cat and dog kept sleeping peacefully, everything should be fine.