The Farmers' Market Mishap

by Brunstetter, Wanda E. ; Brunstetter, Jean;

  Ben placed both hands on his knee to keep it from jiggling. “Um, no, not really. Well, maybe a little. This’ll be the first time Elma’s been to Grabill, and I’m worried she might not like it.”

  “What’s not to like? If you ask me, our little town’s a great place to live.”

  Ben gave a nod. “True, but not everyone likes small towns.”

  “Topeka’s not that big, either.”

  “Right, but it’s close to Shipshewana and several other communities. There’s a lot more Amish living in Elma’s area, too.”

  “Are you sure that’s all you’re worried about—the size of the town and how many Amish live there?” Dave glanced at Ben with brows drawn together; then he looked back at the road again.

  Ben swallowed hard while loosening the collar of his shirt. Truth was, he was worried if he and Elma got married that she’d be unwilling to leave her twin sister. But he saw no reason to share that with Dave. Instead, he glanced out his side window and commented on the herd of goats they’d just passed.

  Dave gave a little grunt. His cell phone rang then, but like other times, he let it go. He’d once told Ben he didn’t like being distracted while he was driving. Besides, it wasn’t safe to drive while talking on the phone. Ben couldn’t count all the times he’d seen other drivers with their cell phones up to their ears. It seemed to be the thing to do these days.

  Ben leaned his head back, closed his eyes, and tried to relax. They’d be in Topeka soon, and he’d feel better once he saw Elma.

  Topeka

  Needing something to do with her hands, Elma nibbled on a handful of almonds, which probably was a mistake, because now she’d need to brush her teeth again before Ben arrived.

  She glanced at her cat as he lay purring under the dining-room table.

  “Wish I felt as relaxed as you look,” Elma murmured before heading to the bathroom.

  After brushing her teeth, she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Kapp on straight, no cat hairs showing. Satisfied with her appearance, she went to get her handbag. A quick glance at the clock, and she hurried out the door. The butterflies in her stomach were hard at work as she took a seat on the porch.

  While Elma waited nervously for Ben’s arrival, she made a mental list of everything she had done to be sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. She’d put the dog in the basement a while ago and then gone out to the store to check on Delbert. He was doing fine on his own and seemed a bit perturbed when she’d come in asking questions. But that’s just Delbert. He never has liked it when he’s doing a job for me and I check on him or offer suggestions.

  Elma stepped off the porch and strolled around her vegetable garden. Some potatoes, carrots, and beets remained to be dug up, but other than those areas, the garden was bare. It was just as well. She didn’t have time to do much in the way of preserving right now. Dad had gone home to Illinois, and Mom would follow within the next few weeks; then Elma would need to help Thelma as often as she could, with little time for other things. So it was good she was seeing Ben this evening, because after tonight she might not have time for much socializing.

  Elma’s attention turned to the road when she heard a vehicle approach. Her heartbeat quickened as a van pulled in and she saw Ben inside with his driver, Dave. Elma rushed out to meet them, eager to take Ben across the street to meet her niece and nephew.

  Although not quite finished with his job, Delbert set his tools aside and went to the front of the store to sit on the stool behind the counter and eat the candy bar he’d brought along. After finishing the treat, he ambled over to the window and looked out. Delbert watched with interest as a van pulled into Elma’s yard. A few seconds later, an Amish man got out. They stood beside each other for a bit then got into the van. The vehicle pulled across the street and up Thelma and Joe’s driveway. Elma and the Amish man got out and went inside.

  Delbert pressed his nose against the window. I bet that’s the man who’s been courting her. Delbert needed to get back to work, but he couldn’t keep from watching. His lips grew tight as he thought about the days he’d courted Elma. Truth was, they’d never had much to say to each other unless she was scolding or questioning him about something, and he was constantly defending himself.

  Delbert wondered what would have happened if he hadn’t stopped courting Elma. He slapped the side of his head. Why am I even thinking such thoughts when Elma always got under my skin and annoyed me to no end?

  Seeing Elma with another man was like watching a possibility fade away. For some reason his heart did a flip-flop and sadness quickly took over.

  Thelma had finished feeding and diapering the babies when a knock sounded on the door.

  “I’ll get it.” Mom rose from the rocking chair, where she’d sat burping Miriam a few minutes ago. She hurried from the nursery.

  Thelma was about to put the babies in their bassinets when Mom returned, saying Elma was here, along with an Amish man who’d introduced himself as Benjamin Wagler. “They’re on their way to Grabill and said they stopped by here first to see the bopplin,” she added.

  Thelma frowned, brushing some baby powder off her blue dress. “I can’t believe Elma agreed to go there with Ben. I told her we planned to have Delbert over this evening to finally eat those fish he and Joseph caught a few weeks ago.”

  Mom tipped her head. “Are you still trying to get those two together?”

  “I’m not pushing things, but it would be nice if it happened.” Thelma handed Charles to her mother then picked up Miriam.

  Mom tapped her shoulder. “You know the old saying, ‘Love has no bounds.’ If your sister chooses that young man in the other room, you won’t have an easy time changing her mind.”

  Thelma’s shoulders slumped as she lowered her voice. “To tell you the truth, I’m struggling with the issue. Why can’t she be content with Delbert?”

  “It’s not up to you to choose for her. Please think about it, and a little praying would also help. Besides, Elma didn’t decide Joseph was the one for you. You did.”

  “You’re right. Guess we’d better go out and say hello.”

  Upon entering the living room, Thelma’s heart clenched when she saw Elma and Ben sitting on the couch, wearing big smiles as they engaged in conversation. In all the time Delbert and Elma had been courting, she’d never seen her sister look so happy and relaxed.

  That’s how it’s always been with me and Joseph. Thelma moved toward the couch. “It’s nice to see you, Ben. I understand you came by to see our twins.”

  His eyes brightened as he bobbed his head. “I expected to see their daed here, too.”

  “Joseph will be home later. He had some work to get done at the harness shop today.” Thelma handed Miriam to Elma then looked at Ben. “Would you like to hold our little Charlie, or do bopplin make you naerfich?”

  “I’m not nervous at all.” He held out his arms. “I would very much like to hold him.”

  Thelma put the baby in Ben’s arms and was surprised to see how at ease he seemed to be as he placed Charles against his shoulder and patted the baby’s back. It seemed strange that a man who had no children would appear so relaxed. Even Joseph acted nervous when he first held the twins.

  “You’ve been blessed with two fine-looking bopplin.” Ben chuckled when little Charlie let out a healthy burp. “And this one’s already learning what it is to be a man.”

  “Miriam can burp pretty loud, too,” Elma interjected. “I’ve heard her on several occasions.”

  “It’s amazing how small we start off when we enter the world.” Ben stared at the babies.

  “Jah. These little ones have a ways to go, but they will grow too quickly, I’m afraid,” Mom responded.

  Thelma and Mom both took seats in the chairs opposite the couch, and everyone visited awhile, with the conversation revolving mostly around the babies.

  When a horn tooted outside, Ben stood and handed Charles back to Thelma. “I think my driver is getting anxious to go.”

>   “You could invite him in,” Mom suggested.

  Ben shook his head. “Elma and I need to get going anyway. I want Dave to drive us around Grabill before it gets dark so Elma can see what she thinks of the area.”

  Elma stood, too, and gave Miriam to Mom. Then she turned to face Thelma. “I don’t know how late I’ll be, so when Delbert finishes at the store, would you ask Joseph to go over and make sure all the doors are locked?”

  “Of course. But since Delbert will be joining us for supper, we can ask if he locked up.”

  A rosy color erupted on Elma’s cheeks. “Oh, that’s right, I’d forgotten he was coming here for the evening meal.”

  Thelma’s forehead wrinkled. How could my sister have forgotten? It was only a few days ago when I mentioned our plans and invited her to join us for the fish fry. Thelma determined that apparently the only thing on Elma’s mind right now was spending time with Ben. Her concern over losing her sister grew as she said good-bye to Ben and Elma and watched them head outside, both all smiles. If this relationship wasn’t nipped soon, she might lose her sister to Ben Wagler, as well as to the town of Grabill.

  CHAPTER 26

  Grabill

  As Dave drove Ben and Elma around Grabill, Ben pointed out the various sights. They went past an Amish-run fabric store, two grocery stores—one owned by the Amish and one by the English. They also saw a feed store, buggy shop, health food store, machine shop, the local library, and two Amish schools. As they passed several buggies on the road, Ben explained that the Grabill Amish only drove open buggies.

  “How interesting. I bet it can get a bit chilly in the winter,” she responded.

  “Jah, but we manage.”

  “That’s Miller’s Country Store over there,” Dave put in. “They sell everything from housewares, shoes, sewing notions, china dishes, baby things, and vitamins.” He glanced over his shoulder at Elma. “They even carry stoves and refrigerators.”

  Elma sucked in her breath. The exterior of the building made her and Thelma’s store look small by comparison. She’d have to hire a lot more help if she and her sister owned such a big place.

  “There’s Nolt’s Dinner House, where a lot of English folks like to go for a taste of Amish-style cooking,” Ben commented as Dave turned his van onto another road. “My mom’s and my place will be coming up soon.”

  Elma’s hands grew sweaty as she clasped them tightly in her lap. I hope this evening goes well. What if his mother doesn’t like me?

  “So what do you think of Grabill?” Ben’s elbow connected gently with Elma’s arm. “Do you think you could ever live here?”

  Unsure of how to respond, she smiled and said, “It’s a lovely town—although smaller than Topeka or Shipshewana.”

  “But that’s the beauty of it,” Dave interjected. “Fewer tourists come here.”

  “And we can go about our lives without so many curious stares from outsiders. Not all English are like Dave,” Ben was quick to say.

  When he paused, Elma felt him watching her. She turned toward him, unable to look away.

  “So could you ever live here?” Ben asked again.

  She dropped her gaze. “I don’t think so. Thelma needs me in Topeka, not to mention I have a business to run…. What about you?” she dared to ask. “Could you move from Grabill and start over someplace else?”

  “It would be hard for me to leave.” Rubbing his hand against the front of his shirt, Ben’s lips pressed together in a slight grimace. “Grabill’s my home, and I have a responsibility to take care of my mamm, as well as my horseshoeing business.”

  Elma’s chest tightened. Then why are we carrying on this long-distance relationship that can go nowhere? She clasped her fingers tightly around her purse straps. I should never have agreed to come here today. But, oh, I do enjoy being with you, Ben. If only you lived in Topeka, or could move there to be closer to me.

  Dorothy opened the oven door to check on the roast. It poked tender, so she turned the temperature to low. After closing the oven door, she looked up at the clock above the refrigerator. Ben and his guest should be here soon, so she might as well put the potatoes on to boil. If they got done before Ben and Elma arrived, she would put the kettle on a low burner to keep them warm.

  Dorothy put the fruit salad she’d made in the refrigerator and began setting the table. After placing silverware beside each plate, she heard the back door creak open and click shut. A few seconds later, Ben stepped into the room with a lovely young Amish woman at his side.

  “Mom, I’d like you to meet Elma Hochstetler.”

  “Jah, we’ve met. When I went into her store once, with my friend Eileen. I’m sure I mentioned it to you, Ben.” Dorothy gave Elma a hug, as she didn’t want to appear unwelcoming. “It’s nice to see you again.”

  Elma nodded. “It’s nice to see you, too. I didn’t realize when we met that you were Ben’s mamm, however. What a coincidence.”

  “Maybe it wasn’t.” Ben looked over at Elma and grinned. “It could have been fate—like the day the two of us met at the farmers’ market in Shipshe.”

  Ben’s beaming expression and glowing cheeks said it all—he was in love with Elma.

  “Is there anything I can do to help with supper?” Elma asked, setting her purse on the floor in the corner of the room.

  Mom was about to respond when Partner bounded into the kitchen, yipping up a storm.

  Elma raised a hand to her mouth, giggling as the puppy slid to a stop at Ben’s feet.

  “Hey little fellow, did ya miss me today?” Ben squatted down to greet the small dog.

  Elma went on her knees beside him. “What a lieblich pup.” Partner licked her hand when she reached out to stroke his ears.

  Ben looked up at Mom in time to see her wrinkle her nose. “Oh, he’s adorable all right, but not when he’s stirring up mischief. He got into my knitting basket earlier and unraveled a ball of yarn. Why, the little schtinker even pulled one of Ben’s hemmer out of the laundry basket this morning and dragged it all over the yard. I had quite the time chasing after him.”

  Ben chuckled. “I’ll bet it was a sight to behold.”

  She shook her finger. “It’s not funny, and you’re fortunate the shirt didn’t end up with more than a little dirt on it. Partner could have put a hole in the sleeve.”

  “Partner?” Elma tipped her head. “Is that the puppy’s name?”

  Ben gave a nod. “Haven’t had him very long. Mom brought the pup home after my dog, Hunter, disappeared.” He gave Partner a pat on the head. “It’ll be a while before he’s old enough to do any bird hunting, but I hope to begin early training for him later this fall. Hunter could work a field real good when he was hunting birds. I’m hoping Partner will take after him in that regard.”

  Elma lifted Partner’s chin and gazed at him. “It’s amazing how much he looks like my dog, Freckles.” She shrugged her shoulders. “But then I suppose most German shorthairs look similar.”

  “Jah.” Ben rose to his full height, and Elma stood, too. “Well, now that we’ve both got our hands all doggied, guess we’d better wash up or Mom won’t let us sit down at her supper table. You can go first, Elma.”

  She took a few steps forward but hesitated, looking quizzically at Ben.

  “The bathroom’s down the hall—second door on the right.” Mom pointed in that direction.

  “Okay, danki.” A deep flush crept across Elma’s cheeks as she hurried from the room.

  A short time later, they all went to the dining room. Ben’s mother directed Elma to have a seat next to Ben. The table was set with pretty pink-and-white floral china and a cream-colored tablecloth. Dorothy had obviously put some thought into this visit.

  They prayed silently, and then Dorothy passed the roast and potatoes. They also circulated a mixed green salad, steamed carrots, and broccoli.

  “This is a tender roast, Mom. Very good.” Ben smiled in her direction.

  Elma nodded in agreement.

  “Your
daed taught me how to pick the choicest cuts of meat.” Dorothy looked across the table at Elma. “This is one of Ben’s favorite meals.”

  “I can understand why.” Elma ate some potatoes. “Everything is delicious.” Ben’s mamm is a good cook, and she knows how to do up a fancy table.

  “I made a blueberry and a cherry pie for dessert.” Dorothy took a drink of water.

  Ben scooted his chair in closer. “Wait till you taste my mamm’s pies. She’s the best baker.”

  “It sounds tempting. I hope I’ll have room for it after all this supper.”

  Dorothy gave a quick wave of her hand. “Well, if you don’t, I’ll send some home with you.”

  Elma smiled. “Danki.”

  “Mom’s also quite the yodeler.”

  “Is that so?” Elma’s ears perked up. “I’ve always admired people who could yodel.”

  “It’s part of Swiss Amish heritage here in Grabill. Maybe she’ll sing and yodel for us after supper.” Ben looked at his mother with expectancy.

  “We’ll see about that.” Her cheeks colored. “I understand Ben showed you around our small town. What did you think of Grabill, Elma?”

  “It’s a nice place. There seems to be plenty of shops, plus a few restaurants.” Elma took a bite of mashed potatoes.

  “At times I go with my friends to one of the larger towns. The variety we get here can’t match those of the larger stores.”

  Ben picked up a pretty etched-glass dish and spooned some of its contents onto his plate. “My mamm makes some good apple butter. If you have room, give it a try on a piece of bread.” He placed the small jar near Elma.

  Elma scooped a spoonful and put it near her salad. She ate some mixed with the lettuce. “This is good.”

  Dorothy beamed then changed the conversation back to shopping.

  Elma remained quiet during most of the drive home. She’d enjoyed spending time with Ben this evening and getting to know his mother. The meal had been good, and after Dorothy sang and yodeled a few songs, they’d had fun eating popcorn while working on a puzzle for a short time. Partner had taken a liking to her and had even fallen asleep in her lap. She meshed okay with Dorothy, too, although Ben’s mother seemed a bit reserved when they talked. Deep down, Elma’s feelings were growing for Ben, but she couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d told her earlier—that his home was in Grabill and he bore responsibility for his mom. Ben obviously had no plans to move.