“Jah?”
“I guess it’s best to be blunt. It’s my nature.”
Her smile widened. “So I’ve noticed.”
Martin heaved a great sigh and said, “He has feelings for you and plans to court you, come spring.”
Startled and somewhat confused, she asked, “How do you know? Did he warn you away?”
“No, nothing like that. But we talked.”
Her voice raised an octave. “About me?”
Martin nodded. “He said you pushed him away. He lost confidence. But I encouraged him to deal honestly with you.” Shrugging, he said, “Just thought you should know.”
Hanna’s face warmed with anger. “You’ve no right to get involved in my personal life. To trifle with my future. How dare you? And the things I shared with you were not to be spread around the village like gossip.”
Martin’s expression filled with shock. “I wasn’t gossiping. I was only thinking about your Christmas prayer and wanting to bring you the joy you deserve.”
“And so now you are replacing God?” She huffed. “For He isn’t able to answer my prayers?”
Martin’s eyes narrowed and darkened. “Don’t be ridiculous. I just wanted to leave knowing you would be cared for and that your dreams would come true.”
She arched a judgmental brow. “How big of you. But I don’t need your pity or anyone else’s. I see things clearly now. I misjudged you. You don’t need to push me away by recommending Kir.” She shook her head. “Godspeed on your journey, and I hope it occurs speedily.”
“I can see how you pushed Kir away. Just like you’re doing to me now.”
She retorted hotly, “Isn’t that what you want?”
“It’s not what I want. I’d rather stay. Surely you know that.”
Her lips thinned. “If you did, you would.”
His expression became pleading. “It’s not that simple.”
“Isn’t it?”
Filipp stepped onto the porch. “Is this the way you show our appreciation, brother? By riling our hostess? I’m sorry if he’s offended you. Martin doesn’t have any soft edges.”
“I’m fine,” she said bitterly.
“Jah, I’ve heard that one before.” Filipp grinned sheepishly.
She felt sorely reprimanded. “I’m sorry.”
He winked and turned to Martin. “Dmitri doesn’t need us, so whenever you’re ready.”
Martin gave her a hot, piercing look then wheeled and left. She hurried inside and bent over the sink, her heart tight with misery. Was he right? Did she push everyone away? Was she so prideful that she couldn’t accept any words of concern without spitting out, I’m fine. She bit her bottom lip until she tasted blood. With the pain came the truth. Her real wretchedness came from the fact that Martin didn’t return her feelings, at least not enough to stay in Mountain Lake. And compared to what she felt for him in such a short time, she knew she didn’t love Kir. Lord, this isn’t joy, but ‘tis anguish I feel.
♦ ♦ ♦
As they started to the village depot, Martin festered over Hanna’s angry rebuff.
“What was all that about?” Filipp pressed.
“Women!”
“What’d you say to her?”
“I told her Kir was going to court her in the spring.”
Filipp shuddered from the cold and pulled his coat tighter around his neck. “Why would you do a crazy thing like that?”
“I care about her. Want her to find happiness.”
“Can’t you see she cares for you? Telling her that would feel like a slap in the face.”
As the frigid trees sped past, Martin considered his error. “And after that I accused her of pushing men away.”
“What a hole you’ve dug for yourself.”
“Why does it matter? You know we aren’t staying.”
Pulling his sled up a hill, Filipp panted, “Have you considered returning to her someday? After you fulfilled your obligations to our family.”
“No.” Martin fibbed, unable to admit his brother was practically reading his mind. Stubbornly, he refuted, “I’ve been spending all my energy guarding my heart against her.”
“And has that worked?”
Martin jumped back on his sled. “No. I’m miserable.”
Ducking to avoid a low-hanging branch and brushing snow off his shoulder, Filipp replied, “At least you need to make things right with her so you leave on good terms. Then after a season, if you can’t forget about her, it will be easier to come back and win her over.”
Martin was beginning to catch Filipp’s vision. “I’m a fool. The way it stands, I’ve probably pushed her into Kir’s arms, come spring.”
“It’s a fine fix you’re in, but I know what will make amends.”
Filipp sounded so sure of himself that Martin glanced sideways, but his brother was looking straight ahead at the snowy road. A long silence continued. Finally he asked, “And you’re going to make me beg you for this information?”
Grinning, Filipp goaded, “You’ll do my soddy chores for the rest of our stay?”
“I’ll haul the wood and water, but that’s all.”
Filipp shrugged. “Kiss her.”
Amused, Martin shouted, “Oh, that’s your fine advice?”
“Have you tried it?
Martin shot him a hot look.
“Kiss her and speak honestly and tenderly. Tell her you’ve been a fool. She’ll forgive you.”
Martin shook his head. “I’ve no intentions of breaking the girl’s heart.”
“You already have. Don’t crush her dreams, too. Leave her with some dignity.”
Martin’s opinion of his brother changed all in a moment. Filipp possessed a great deal of insight and soul. And he’d proven he could be counted on when troubles assailed. Surely Father had known it all along. Could his own opinion have been tainted by jealousy over Filipp’s natural charm and easygoing personality? Had he been coveting his position as the eldest? Martin suddenly realized that if he let down his guard, there was a lot he could learn from Filipp. “And what would you do, if you’d met the woman of your dreams here in Mountain Lake?”
“And you’ll do the dishes, too?” Filipp teased.
♦ ♦ ♦
The sun shone brightly through the kitchen window, warming Hanna’s cheek, but she hardly gave it notice as she continued to stare at the tracks in the snow made by Martin’s recent departure.
“You look troubled.”
Hanna wheeled. “Mom! What are you doing out here?”
Sonya was a tall, large-boned woman whose words normally carried authority. But given the pallor from her illness and the way she presented herself, in nightdress with her long braid resting prettily down the front of her shoulder, she appeared almost vulnerable. “I’m finished with the sickroom.” Her voice rusty from disuse, her declaration came across more feeble than persuasive.
“Are you sure?”
“Jah. Now you didn’t answer my question. What has you looking so forlorn?”
“Oh”—Hanna shrugged—“I was just watching the brothers leave. They’re going back to the village again. To dig out the railroad tracks.”
“And you don’t want to see them go?”
Hanna glanced at her mom then dropped her gaze to the floor.
“So much has happened since I’ve been sick. It’s time I met them. I’m tired of not knowing what’s happening under my own roof. I hope you invited them for supper.”
“Hardly.” Hanna raised her gaze and met her mother’s eyes with a sheepish grin. “I told Martin the sooner he left us, the happier I would be.”
“Now that’s an unusual tactic. Will it work, you think?”
“I spoke out of anger. He worked with Kir yesterday, and they had a discussion about me. He persuaded Kir to court me in the spring.” She saw the surprise in her mom’s eyes. “I don’t know if Martin pities me or really cares about me. Of course, I jumped to the conclusion that he pities me.”
“I can see your confusion. And understand your disappointment.” Sonya clutched a chair to steady herself.
“Mom! Please sit until you have more strength. And don’t worry yourself about my affairs.”
“Very well. I’ll sit a spell before I get dressed. And I’ll think the matter over. I’m sure it’s not comforting to hear, but love does have a way of working itself out. But sometimes the process is painful.”
Hanna sighed.
“Meanwhile, let’s take inventory to see if we have everything we need for peppernut cookies. Oh. But first bring me my comforter to work on. We’ve no time to lose.”
Happy for the distraction, Hanna replied, “Jah, I’ll go get it.” She paused in her parents’ room long enough to make the bed and glance at herself in her mother’s looking glass. Her appearance was tidy and her face prettier than most in the village, but her expression was guarded, stoically not reflecting the matters at war within her heart. She didn’t want to be a person who couldn’t display any emotion except anger. It was time she softened her guard. She would begin to try at once. When she returned to the kitchen and plopped the comforter in her mom’s lap, she meant it wholeheartedly when she exclaimed, “It’s so good to have you back.”
Chapter 6
Hanna! Come quick!” Viktor exclaimed. “Dad fell.”
“Oh no.” Sonya jumped to her feet, her comforter slipping to the floor.
“Hurry!” Viktor grabbed Hanna’s cloak from the peg by the door and tossed it to her.
“Stay here, Mom! We don’t need you to get sick again,” Hanna demanded.
She watched her mother waver then sink back into her chair. “Go to him, child. Hurry.”
Shrugging into her cloak, she ran as fast as she could, given her limp, following Viktor to the barn. The ladder that had been used to access the hayloft was toppled to the snowy ground, and Dad was crumpled on his side next to it. Dropping to her knees, she touched his cheek as she slid her gaze over his body to assess his injuries. It was hard to see through his coat and boots, but there wasn’t visible blood in the snow, and his limbs didn’t appear to be twisted grotesquely like she’d conjured up in her imagination as she’d fled from the house. “Can you move?”
He groaned. “Jah, but it’s my leg.”
Hanna looked helplessly about her, knowing her mom remained worrying inside. “We need to get you to the house.”
Viktor clenched his fists. “But the brothers took our sleds.”
“I’ve got an idea. Get a hammer from the tool chest. You need to pry some boards off the corral. The animals aren’t using it anyway. Long boards.”
With understanding, Viktor nodded and ran for the hammer.
As Hanna knelt in the snow, her legs burned through her stockings and her feet throbbed, but she ignored her own needs and examined her father closely. It was frightening to see the once powerful man’s face pinched in pain. “Once we get you inside, I’ll go for the doctor.”
“Thank goodness the soft snow broke my fall. If only I hadn’t hit the ladder. It’s my own fault. I should have dug out the barn door by now. Quit using that ladder. I knew it was icy.”
“Of course, it’s not your fault. It was an accident.” She watched Viktor break free some wood slats from the fencing then drag them near.
“But I don’t have time for an injury. It’s been hard enough with your mother sick.”
Hanna was glad Dad always spoke whatever was going through his mind. It helped her to comfort him now. “Mom is up! She’s left the sickroom.”
She watched his eyes light up then darken when Viktor kneeled beside them and touched his leg.
“We’re going to move you onto the boards now.”
♦ ♦ ♦
Hanna hurried as fast as she could on foot. It was clear and sunny, but the cold air stung her airways with every inhalation. Thankfully, she was able to catch a ride with a neighbor within a mile and a half from home and made it swiftly into the village.
“Thanks, Mr. Bergmann,” she called with a wave as her neighbor dropped her off in front of the blacksmith’s shop, where he had business to arrange. She’d not gone far until she heard her name called. Wheeling, she waited for Kir’s approach.
“I heard the news. How can I help?”
Instantly all that Martin had told her about his recent conversation with the blacksmith came to mind. And almost as instantly, her pride rose rebelliously against his aid. “We’ll manage.”
“How do you know that? From what I heard, your barn isn’t even accessible yet.”
She sighed. “That’s true, but what about your work? Surely the town needs you.”
Kir shook his head. “I’m not too busy to help you, Hanna. In fact, we have some spare time lately.”
She glanced down the street. “I need to fetch the doctor.”
“Then I’ll hitch up the sled and pick you up there. Wait for me?”
She knew the doctor would be taking his horse, and she didn’t relish the idea of walking home. Reluctantly, she nodded and watched Kir’s husky form as he hurried away.
Moments later she was disappointed to discover the physician was out making calls. Fortunately, he’d left his itinerary on his desk. It looked like she could catch him at the Epps’ farm and was glad she hadn’t refused Kir’s help.
As soon as Kir returned for her, she said as much, explaining her new plan.
“I guess it’s fate,” he said. With a determined nod of his blond head, they were on their way.
“The Lord is our helper. Not fate,” she replied. Then she laughed at herself. “That sounded sanctimonious, didn’t it?” A sideways glance at the burly man beside her caught his smile, and she felt glad for his capable assistance. Being with him again brought back a flood of pleasant memories, and she knew he would do everything in his power to help her family.
As they left the outskirts of the village, the horses found their gait and easily pulled the sleigh. Even beneath his coat, she could see Kir’s bulging muscles relaxing as he loosened his grip on the reins. “It’s good to see you smile again.”
“Have I been that bad?”
He shrugged. “No, but you’ve withdrawn since your accident. At least with me.”
The ease she had once felt with him returned, and she regretted having hurt him. “Sometimes healing is a slow process.”
“I’m a patient man.”
“I know you are, but what if it isn’t fate?”
He furrowed his brows. “You talking about us?” She fingered her shawl and started to speak, but he touched her cheek. “No. Don’t answer that yet. For today, just let me help.”
The gesture reminded her of his gentle ways and the respect he’d always shown her when they were courting. She knew he was an honest, capable, and dependable man. Many would feel fortunate to take such a man as their husband. Once, when she was sixteen and he was twenty, she’d thought they were headed in that direction. Now, two years later, she didn’t want to lead him on. But if he was willing to give her time to sort out her feelings, then she would accept his gift. She’d only known Martin for a short time, and he seemed determined to push her away. Rash decisions were not always the best ones. What was it Mom had just told her? Love had a way of working itself out. With God’s help, of course. For she didn’t believe in fate at all. She believed in prayer.
“Thank you for understanding,” she replied.
He smiled and turned his attention back to their surroundings. They were nearing the Epps’ farm. “Look!” He pointed. “The doctor’s horse.”
Relief flooded her being.
♦ ♦ ♦
As Kir and Viktor climbed the ladder back into the barn to milk the cow and take care of the Friesens’ two horses, cow, and flock of chickens, Hanna prayed and prepared a meal for the doctor, who was attending her dad. When he came out of the bedroom, she motioned him to the table and placed a platter of eggs and ham in front of him.
“This smells good.”
“How i
s he?”
The doctor’s face sagged with fatigue. “A very fortunate man. It’s a clean break. The trick will be keeping him off his feet. Of course, he’ll sleep now that I’ve given him medicine.”
Hanna knew they would need help and she would have to swallow her pride to accept it. Mom was still weak, and she didn’t want her taking over the housework yet. Hanna wasn’t as good with the animals as Viktor. But school would reopen soon. And surely Kir would have to get back to the blacksmith shop. If only Martin and Filipp would be willing to stay, now that there was a need. But it would be weeks before Dad could take over the chores again. And hadn’t she just told Martin she’d be happy to see him leave? The sooner the better? Upon his return, she would apologize. Whether or not he helped with the chores, she owed him a heartfelt apology. She hoped he would stop by the house and not go straight to the soddy. Anxiety welled up within her. Christmas was only five days away, and it was not turning out at all as she had envisioned.
♦ ♦ ♦
As they pushed forward, sledding over the snowy rolling hills toward the Friesen farm, Martin thought about the day’s work. Once again, many of the townsmen had volunteered their services to help clear the tracks. They’d even invited him to church services. But as they neared their destination, his heart sped up over the conversation he’d had that morning with Filipp. “Kiss her”. Those two small words had wormed their way into his brain, and as the day progressed, he’d entertained many scenarios about how he might make it happen. He knew his time with her was short, and the sooner amends were made, the more time he had to make sure they were in a good place when he boarded the train.
Given her anger, he didn’t think she’d invite him to supper but would probably have something ready for them in the soddy. So after he ate and cleaned up, he’d go to the house and return the dishes. Then he’d apologize and hopefully get the chance to take that kiss.
Around dusk the farm came into sight. Instantly Martin noticed a sleigh unhitched and parked near the barn. He pointed. “Someone’s here. And the barn door’s open.” They hurried and were perplexed to find Kir inside straddling a stool and milking the Friesens’ cow. A quick glance told him that everything was in order. “What’s going on? Is everything all right?”
A Plain and Sweet Christmas Romance Collection Page 16