Esther waved back and whispered out of the corner of her mouth, “You have that all wrong. Isaiah wasn’t talking about me on Sunday.”
“Oh yah, he was,” Dorrine said, laughing. “What a delight it was to watch your face turn various shades of red. You were so pretty. No wonder the man has fallen in love with you. Confusion brings out your beauty like it does on few women I know. Now on me, embarrassment just shows off all the pimple scars from my youth.”
“Stop it,” Esther told her, which only made things worse.
“The woman of the Lord,” Dorrine said in her best imitation of Isaiah, “is worth a price far above the rubies treasured by the world. Such a woman is made in the image of the Lord’s grace and is prepared for some of the noblest tasks the Lord can give us. She is—”
Dorrine hid her face behind Biscuit as another woman walked past. “The man’s eyes were practically glowing,” she whispered.
“I am about ready to slap you,” Esther whispered back.
Jason appeared in the barn doorway, and Esther composed herself. Dorrine scurried behind her buggy.
“Can I take Biscuit into the barn for you?” Jason offered.
“My, what a gentleman,” Esther said, handing him the reins. “Thank you very much.”
Jason pulled himself up a few inches higher as he led Biscuit away.
“Act your age,” Esther chided when Dorrine reappeared. “You’ll set a bad example for your sons, and here I was thinking about how Jason would be a proper suitor for Diana when they’re older.”
Dorrine’s face glowed. Clearly the latter comment had undone the rebuke. “You were? Oh, Esther, shall we begin making the arrangements now or later in the week?”
Esther joined Dorrine in her laughter.
“It’s so goot to be in love!” Dorrine exclaimed. “And to watch other people fall in love so deeply. You and Isaiah are sweet.”
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” Esther shot back. “Shouldn’t we go in now before someone thinks we have lost our minds?”
“There’s plenty of work inside for hardworking, honorable, Proverbs 31 women.” Dorrine attempted another Isaiah impersonation. “She looks at a field and makes a smart purchase. She keeps her house well and her family fed with wholesome food. She is a woman honored of the Lord, and such is our most beloved sister Esther, who will soon be my frau.”
“Isaiah did not say that!” Esther whirled about to face Dorrine. “Now, please! Stop it!”
“You don’t have to take my ear off! Isaiah might as well have said it, and it’s nothing you should be ashamed of. You arrived in the community a widow and captured the heart of our esteemed minister, and I’m happy—as is everyone else. But here we go again, chattering when we should be working.” Dorrine made as if to hurry toward the house, but a moment later she dawdled again. “And you haven’t heard the latest news on Arlene and Joseph, have you?” When Esther didn’t answer, Dorrine leaned closer. “Arlene hasn’t told me a lot about what’s going on. Every time she tries to explain, the girl dissolves into tears, so I haven’t pressed her for more information. She’s—”
“What has Joseph done?” Esther interrupted. “Surely he wasn’t harsh with the girl? I can’t imagine him being anything but gentle and kind.”
“Oh, you would be right. Joseph has touched Arlene’s heart in a way I’ve never seen any man do before. But of course, Arlene was always sure Joseph was the husband for her. I just never thought things would turn out quite this…emotional.” Dorrine smiled wickedly. “Anyway, Arlene is really moved by Joseph allowing her to come over and cook supper for him. They’re doing it twice a week now. Can you believe that? All because of your goot influence.” Dorrine clasped her hands and declared in Isaiah’s voice, “She sews her own clothing and those of her family. She—”
“I’m not listening to any more of this,” Esther declared, hurrying up the sidewalk.
Dorrine caught up with her at the porch steps. “Okay, sorry, I won’t start up again.”
“Today, you mean,” Esther quipped, sending both women into laughter again, right outside Beth’s front door.
Beth greeted them with a smile. “I thought I heard the two of you laughing.”
“You’ll have to excuse us,” Dorrine told her. “Esther is in love.”
The protest died on Esther’s lips. From the look on Beth’s face, it was useless anyway.
“Has she seen Isaiah this morning?” Beth pretended to look down the road in both directions, which only drove Dorrine to giggles again.
“You’d better come in before more people see the two of you,” Beth said with an even broader smile. “The capers you displayed on the way to the house this morning!”
“I’m so sorry.” Esther put on her best apologetic face. “It’s all my fault.”
“I suppose most of us only get to fall in love once,” Beth observed. “In your case twice.”
All of the women smiled as Esther walked into the living room. She pulled out a chair and began to busy herself on the quilt they were making. This pattern was a Texas Star, and the quilt across the room was a random patchwork. From what she could see, both projects promised to turn into warm comforters that would bless some poor person this winter.
Esther forced herself to think about something other than Isaiah and his wunderbah words. The United Methodist Church in Fort Plain had agreed to find worthy recipients for the charity work these monthly gatherings produced. Blankets and baby clothing were always in demand. Beth had driven to town in her buggy when the Amish first moved here and made contact with the Methodist pastor. That the pastor was a woman had not been in anyone’s calculations, but in the end it turned out to be a benefit. Pastor Alice had made this her pet charity project and gave the Amish women vital feedback on who received their gifts, which kept everyone’s spirits up as they worked each month.
Sadie, pulled out a chair and sat beside Esther. “How are you doing today?”
“Quite goot, and yourself?” Esther asked.
“We’re blessed as usual. Looks like you and Isaiah are coming along quite fine.”
“I suppose so.”
“Now, don’t be bashful,” Sadie chided. “Being in love is nothing one should be ashamed of, even the second time around. The Lord gave you a great sorrow, and now He comforts your heart.”
“Sometimes I think I’m behaving like a teenager,” Esther said, glancing at Sadie.
Sadie smiled. “It’s clear Isaiah is quite taken with you. You’ve even crept into his sermons.”
“Don’t go there,” Esther muttered, lowering her head to study the stitch lines and work her fingers nimbly.
Sadie’s laugh was soft. “I don’t mean that as a criticism, Esther. I’m pleased, and so is Daniel. Isaiah has been too long without a frau to comfort his home and heart, but it seemed like he couldn’t find one on which to settle his affections. Now you show up out of the blue, directed by the Lord’s hand, no doubt. Someday you’ll have to tell me that story.”
Esther made a face. “There’s really nothing to tell.”
“Oh, there’s a story there, I’m sure,” Sadie insisted. “I must hear it after the wedding vows are safely said and the dust has settled.”
“Really, there isn’t!” Esther countered.
“Love is very unpredictable, dear,” Sadie said. “Just as life does not go the way we plan. You of all people should know that.”
“I do.”
Sadie’s smile grew. “Let me say that I agree fully with Isaiah’s assessment of you, and so does Daniel. He has been very glad to see Isaiah come out of himself again, and he has encouraged Isaiah whenever possible.”
“Did Daniel tell him to preach that sermon?” Esther paused with her needle in the air.
Sadie hid her face for a second. “No, but he did encourage Isaiah to make that little speech at the barn raising. It was so much fun to see you turn all sorts of colors. You two are so dear, and it’s such an honor to be part of a lovely cou
ple’s path to the wedding vows.”
“Well, at least I wasn’t fully to blame,” Esther muttered.
“What did you say?” Sadie leaned closer.
Esther gave her a big smile. “Maybe I should keep some secrets in my life.”
Sadie smiled. “It’ll get better before long. You’ll have the wedding vows said with Isaiah by this fall and be settled into married life by then. Best wishes, that’s all I can say. Sorry to enjoy your discomfort, but it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
“I suppose not,” Esther allowed. She fixed her gaze on the quilt’s stitches again. She still wasn’t sure about all of this!
TWENTY-ONE
On Friday night Esther was stirring a pot of rabbit stew with a skeptical look on her face. An occasional change in the menu was fine, but she wasn’t about to risk Isaiah’s regular meal, so all around her lay the usual supper she always prepared for him—pot roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, and green beans. Pecan pies were set to cool on the counter, pulled fresh from the oven around noon. She and Diana had eaten light sandwiches at lunchtime as the little girl chanted, “Isaiah is coming. Isaiah is coming.”
Esther held back her rebuke. This was such a change from Diana’s earlier relationship with Isaiah that she could stand a little excess. In fact, maybe she had indulged in a little of that herself. Her emotions had been all over the place since the women’s sewing circle on Wednesday. Yet the joy she felt from being publicly praised by Isaiah was followed quickly by stabs of guilt. She hoped she would be able to face him tonight without blossoming red like one of Joseph’s roses. She had been tending her garden yesterday when Isaiah dropped off the rabbit, and she had come home to find a little note on the kitchen table, scribbled in a man’s scrawl.
Sorry I missed you. Rabbit’s in the refrigerator. Happy stew and best wishes. Love you.
Maybe Isaiah hadn’t wanted to face her after the gush of his words lately, and he had timed his visit accordingly. But how would he have known she would be down at the greenhouse? He couldn’t have. This was all coincidental, and she should stop speculating.
Esther twirled the spoon in the rabbit stew, sending a spray of liquid over the stove top. She gasped as smoke rose from the hot surface. What was wrong with her?
Esther let go of the spoon to reach for the wet cloth that was draped over the kitchen sink. Where had her calmness and steadiness gone? Those traits had always been some of her strongest virtues. Now she was reduced to daydreams in her kitchen and giggling fits with Dorrine on Beth’s front lawn.
“Isaiah’s here,” Diana called. Esther startled. The spoon flew across the stove and landed on the floor.
Esther set her lips and cleaned up the mess. Enough was enough. She had to gain control over the situation. She moved the stew further back on the stove top to simmer and wiped her hands on her apron before going to the front door. There was no sign of Isaiah or of Diana, but a trail of straw led around the corner of the house. She traced the trail back to Isaiah’s buggy, which was parked in her driveway.
So Isaiah had kept his word to shoot a bow and arrows with Diana. Not that she had doubted him, but the bale of straw was the surprise. Isaiah had brought one with him. Her brothers used to set those up in the yard for target practice, so Isaiah was sparing no effort in his attempt to please Diana.
Esther drew a deep breath and slipped around the corner of the house. Isaiah was standing by Diana’s side with the straw bale a short distance away from them. A large bow and arrow lay on the ground, and Diana was holding a bow more her size. Isaiah was down on his knees with his hands overlaying Diana’s and the bow was drawn back all the way, ready to shoot.
“I want you to take aim,” Isaiah instructed. “Keep your eyes open and then let go.”
The arrow flew across the short space to miss the straw bale by several feet. The arrow landed on the edge of the lawn with the point hidden in field grass. Diana whooped and raced off to retrieve the arrow.
Esther waved her hand in greeting and managed to smile. At least her face didn’t light up like an Englisha Christmas tree. She hoped no one had told him about the happenings at the sewing gathering on Wednesday.
“Hello,” Isaiah called to her. “I didn’t hear you come up.”
Esther moved closer as Diana returned with the arrow. “I can get you another bale of straw from the barn,” she offered.
“That would be great.” Isaiah grinned from ear to ear. “But wait. I can get it.”
She stopped him with a shake of her head. “I’m sure Diana is going to complain if you leave even for a moment. She’s been looking forward to this all day. All week, in fact.”
“Let’s shoot!” Diana declared, as if to emphasize the point.
“This time, we’ll try to shoot straighter,” he said.
“I can do that.”
Esther left for the barn as the two bent over the bow again. She found the bale of straw near the horse stalls and lugged it outside. Diana was at the edge of the fields retrieving another arrow when Esther came around the corner of the house. Isaiah noticed and hurried over to help.
“Here,” he said, his strong hands gripping the bale. He heaved upward, the straw light against his strength.
Esther followed him as he placed the extra straw bale on top of the one he had brought. “Now there will be no missing,” he declared. “And we can move closer.”
Esther waited as Diana hit the straw this time but missed on the second try. She raced off and brought the arrows back with her face aglow. “Now it’s your turn,” Diana told him, peering up into Isaiah’s bearded face.
“Okay.” He smiled at Esther before he backed up with the larger bow in his hands, pulled the bowstring back, and let the arrow fly, singing its way to the center of the straw bales.
Dianna danced a jig as Isaiah went to retrieve his arrow. Esther slipped back into the house to check on the stew. She stirred it and then sampled a bite. The taste wasn’t bad, almost like chicken stew with a wilder flavor. She had seasoned it to perfection, and Isaiah would be impressed. Of course, he would likely find anything acceptable tonight with the rose-colored glasses he was wearing. That was a downside of falling in love. One didn’t see too well anymore.
How strange things were turning out. Arlene and Joseph had kept their heads together all afternoon in another part of the greenhouse while Esther worked on her garden. Other than an occasional hi and a nod, that was all she had gotten out of the two. But she was sure Joseph wasn’t falling in love with Arlene. He didn’t have the gleam in his eye that Isaiah had, nor did Joseph sing Arlene’s praises in public. From the conversations she had overheard, Arlene’s tongue still had its sharpness, but Joseph was patient with her.
Something confusing was going on in Joseph’s life…and in hers. It was as if they had exchanged places. Maybe that was all part of falling in love. She needed to have a long talk with Isaiah after supper to see if some of her feelings could be dialed back. Not that she wanted Diana and Isaiah’s relationship to retreat, but she did long for the simple and calm days of knowing how to behave herself around a man.
Esther set the table and brought the food from the stove. She opened the kitchen window to call into the backyard, “Supper is ready!”
Isaiah turn to wave as Diana jumped up and down. Several arrows were stuck in the straw bale, so the two must have fired only seconds before. Esther paused to savor the moment. She would not turn back from this. She had been selfish to say she wanted to fall in love with Isaiah, but wanting Diana to have a close relationship with the man she planned to marry was not selfish. Joseph had fascinated the child, but now Isaiah was winning Diana’s heart. How the man had managed, she had no idea. Who would have thought that buggy rides, rabbit stew, and bows and arrows would outweigh Joseph’s tales and playhouses built with boxes? But they had.
And Isaiah was in love with her. Even now, her heart pounded over that thought. She had clearly gone off the deep end. Never had her heart pounded t
his fast over a man—or rather, over the thought of a man who loved her. Lonnie had loved her in his own way, but he never would have said the things that Isaiah had, and most certainly not in public.
Did she really want to go back? Did she want to lose the joy that sprang up inside of her of its own accord? Could she turn the tide of this river even if she tried? At least she could make the attempt. They could have a long talk after supper to find a way for Isaiah and Diana’s relationship to grow while he and she settled into a more normal one.
At least, a relationship in which her heart didn’t have a mind of its own.
The front door slammed, and Diana raced in to take her seat at the table.
“Did you have a goot time?”
“Yah!” Diana exclaimed. “I could almost hit a rabbit now. I can take my bow and arrow down to Joseph’s greenhouse, and Joseph won’t have to put up as many wire fences when I shoot the rabbits.”
Esther laughed. “You’ll have to talk to Joseph about that. We’d have to eat the rabbits you shoot, so maybe you’d best taste this stew first to see if you like it.”
Diana leaned over the bowl of stew to take a deep smell. “I could eat all of it myself!”
“Where is Isaiah?” Esther asked.
Diana shrugged. “He told me to run into the house and let you know that he would come inside in a moment.”
“He must have gone to put away the straw bale,” Esther guessed. She peeked out of the kitchen window and saw that both bales of straw were gone.
“I had so much fun tonight,” Diana declared. “Can we do this every Friday night?”
“I don’t know about that. We should be thankful that Isaiah visits us even when he doesn’t do wunderbah things.”
The front door opened, and the sound of heavy footsteps came across the floor. Esther glanced up to see Isaiah’s bearded face peering around the doorway, but the rest of him was out of sight.
“Howdy.”
“Supper’s ready,” Esther told him. “Is…something wrong?”
In answer, the rest of him moved into view. Isaiah’s hands were clasped behind his back. He stepped closer and brought his hand around to reveal a bouquet of flowers, wild ones, with flashes of white, blue, purple, and yellow. His eyes twinkled with the surprise. “I brought you a few flowers for the table tonight.”
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