The Healing Jar

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  “No, I haven’t forgotten about Mother’s Day. I just thought with the barbecue taking place at seven o’clock, you’d have plenty of time to get home from work.”

  “As I said before … I may be working late.”

  He placed his hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry, but the plans have already been made and I don’t want to disappoint the people I’ve invited.”

  Her jaw clenched as she looked up at him. “Just how many people did you invite?”

  “There will be eight, counting us.”

  “Well, that’s just great. The next time you decide to plan an event at our house, please send me a memo.” Sara dropped her Bible on the entry table and tromped down the hall to their bedroom. This was the first real disagreement between her and Brad, and it hurt to know he hadn’t put her needs above others’. The worst part of all was that he hadn’t even told her about it.

  Strasburg

  “Your new buggy is very nice,” Lenore said as she and Mark traveled down the road.

  “Danki, I like it too, and I’m real pleased with how well it rides.” He ran his hand across the upholstered seat in the area between them. “The interior is in good shape too. Sure am glad I found this rig and was able to get it for a reasonable price.” Mark’s tone was enthusiastic.

  “How long do you plan to stay in Lancaster County?” Lenore asked.

  “I’m here to stay.” Mark’s brows lowered as he turned his head to look at her. “Thought I told you that when we met the first time after I came back here.” He gestured to the front of the buggy. “Why else would I have invested in this?”

  Lenore’s ears burned. “Oh, sorry. I must have forgotten.”

  “No problem. Maybe I just didn’t make myself clear.” He reached across the seat and gave her arm a light tap. “I don’t plan to stay at my uncle’s place indefinitely, though. If things work out as I hope, I plan to either rent or buy a home of my own.”

  “I see.”

  “How long do you plan on teaching school?” Mark asked.

  “Until the Lord guides me in a different direction. I hope to have a home and family someday. But for now I’m content to live with my grandma and teach school.”

  “I’d like to get married and have a family too. Just waitin’ for the right woman to make me fall in love.” He gave her another sidelong glance, then focused on the road again.

  Lenore remained quiet, and they rode without talking for a while.

  “Say, next Saturday is my birthday,” Mark said, breaking the silence. “My aunt and uncle are planning a birthday dinner for me. Would you like to come? We’ll be making homemade ice cream,” he added with a grin.

  “That sounds yummy. Sure, I’d like to come to your birthday celebration.”

  Mark’s horse picked up speed, and he pulled back on the reins. “Slow down, Clipper. No need to hurry, boy.” He looked at Lenore once more. “Unless you need to get home soon, that is.”

  She shook her head and relaxed against the seat. It was nice to spend time with a man who seemed genuinely interested in her. The fact that Mark had invited Lenore to his birthday party let her know that he might have more than a passing interest in her.

  “I don’t think you’ve ever said, but I’m curious as to the reason you decided to move back here without any of your family coming along.” Lenore sat quietly, waiting for his response.

  Mark’s lips drew into a straight line as he kept his focus on the road. Several seconds passed before he answered her question. “I … uh … just needed a new start.”

  Was Mark reluctant to answer her question? She felt it wouldn’t be right to prod him further, so she changed the subject. “It’s a nice evening, jah?”

  He nodded. Lenore couldn’t figure out why he’d gone quiet all of a sudden. Mark had been plenty talkative until she’d brought up the subject of why he’d moved back to Strasburg. Could Mark have had a falling out with his parents? Or maybe he was trying to get over a broken relationship with a young woman. Many reasons could cause someone to want to start over, but Lenore wouldn’t press Mark for the details. If he wanted to talk about it in his own time, she’d be willing to listen.

  Holding tight to his fidgety daughter in his arms, Jesse stepped onto Mary Ruth’s porch and knocked on the door. All the way here he’d thought about Lenore and what he would say to her. Sure hope she’s willing to give me another chance at courting her. How else can I ever really know what my true feelings are for her if I don’t give it more time? I was stupid to just break things off like I did. Should have told her the truth and then asked if she’d be willing to postpone the wedding and give us more time to court and get to know each other better. With a little more time, maybe my feelings for Lenore would have changed.

  A few minutes passed before the door opened. Mary Ruth stood inside with her head covering askew. “Ach, Jesse! It’s nice to see you.” She reached up to adjust her kapp. “And you too, sweet girl.” Mary Ruth touched the end of Cindy’s nose, which caused the child to giggle. “Please, come inside.”

  When Jesse entered the house, Mary Ruth held out her arms. “May I hold her?”

  “Of course, but she’s getting heavy. Not fat, just solid.” Jesse gave a nervous laugh as he glanced around, hoping Lenore would make an appearance. “Maybe I should put her down and you can walk with her out to the living room.”

  Mary Ruth bobbed her head. “Good idea.”

  Once Jesse set his daughter on her feet, Mary Ruth clasped Cindy’s chubby little hand, and they all went to the living room.

  After Mary Ruth was seated in her rocking chair, she lifted Cindy into her lap and got the chair moving at a slow and gentle pace. “I’ve missed this precious little girl something awful.” She brought Cindy’s hand up to her lips and gave it a kiss. “I’ve missed seeing you too, Jesse. We don’t really get the chance to converse at church, and I’ve only seen you there a few times since I quit watching Cindy. How have the two of you been?”

  “Doing okay, but Cindy and I both miss you as well. She did much better with you watching her than she does with Vera.”

  “I wish I could offer to watch her again, but with you and my granddaughter breaking up, it might be too awkward. Especially since Lenore will be done teaching school for the summer soon. She’ll be here most of the time, so it would be hard for you to avoid seeing her.”

  I don’t want to avoid seeing Lenore. I want to spend more time with her. Jesse kept his thoughts to himself.

  Crossing and then uncrossing his arms, Jesse shifted on the couch. “Speaking of Lenore, is she here right now?”

  Mary Ruth shook her head. “No need to worry. Mark Zook came by a while ago to take Lenore for a ride in his new buggy.”

  “Oh, I see.” Jesse weaved his fingers through his beard. “Well, would you please tell her I stopped by, and that I said hello?”

  “Of course.” Mary Ruth set Cindy on the floor again. “Now how about I go into the kitchen and fetch us all some millich un kichlin? Maybe by the time we’re done eating, Lenore will be home.”

  Jesse lifted a hand. “No, that’s okay. Don’t trouble yourself. I just dropped by to say hello, but we really should get home now.”

  Mary Ruth’s shoulders slumped a bit, but she did offer him a smile. “Whatever you think is best.”

  Jesse got up, scooped Cindy into his arms, and moved toward the front door. Apparently renewing his relationship with Lenore was not meant to be. I’m too late. Lenore is already being courted by someone else.

  Mary Ruth stood at the door, waving as Jesse guided his horse and buggy out of her yard. I wish he’d stayed a while longer. In addition to wanting to spend more time with Cindy, Mary Ruth hoped if Jesse and Lenore could spend a little time visiting, they might get back together. “Maybe it’s just my silly wishful thinking again,” she murmured. “Guess I’m a romantic at heart.”

  Mary Ruth went to the kitchen and heated hot water for tea. She’d no more than sat down with her cup when Lenore sho
wed up.

  “You just missed Jesse and Cindy,” she said after Lenore entered the kitchen.

  Lenore blinked a couple of times. “They were here?”

  “Jah. Came by to say hello, but they didn’t stay long.”

  Lenore hung her lightweight shawl over the back of a chair and took a seat at the table. “I bet you enjoyed seeing Cindy. When I saw her in church this morning, I was surprised to see how much she’s grown. I think Jesse’s been going to Vera and Milton’s church district the last few weeks, because today is the first time I’ve seen him and Cindy in a while.”

  “Jah, that could be.” Mary Ruth took a sip of her tea. “Jesse asked about you. He seemed disappointed when I told him you weren’t here.”

  “I’m sorry I missed them.” Lenore fiddled with the basket of napkins on the table, wishing they weren’t having this conversation. “It would have been nice to spend a little time with Cindy again.”

  “What about Jesse? Wouldn’t you have enjoyed visiting with him?”

  She shrugged. “I suppose so, but it would have been kind of awkward for both of us. Since Jesse broke things off with me, we’ve only spoken a few times, and I could feel the tension between us.”

  “Maybe he’s having second thoughts.”

  Lenore gave a deep, weighted sigh. “I doubt that Jesse misses me.” She yawned and stretched her arms over her head. “I’m kind of tired, Grandma. If you don’t mind, I’m going upstairs to bed.”

  “That’s fine,” Mary Ruth said, trying to hide her disappointment. She’d hoped the two of them might sit and visit awhile before retiring for the evening. Mary Ruth wanted to hear how things had gone with Mark and maybe say a few more things about Jesse.

  She stood and gave Lenore a hug. “Good night, dear one. I hope you sleep well.”

  “You too, Grandma.” Lenore smiled, but there was an unmistakable sadness in her eyes.

  Lenore may not be willing to admit it, but I am convinced that she still misses Jesse, Mary Ruth thought as her granddaughter left the room. Tapping her chin with her knuckles, she tipped her head to one side. There must be some way to get those two back together. I just need to figure out what.

  Chapter 40

  Lenore finished her cup of coffee and set it in the sink. “Oh Grandma, before I leave for school, I wanted to let you know that I won’t be here for supper Saturday night.”

  “Oh, why’s that?”

  “Last night on our buggy ride, Mark invited me to attend his birthday supper at his aunt and uncle’s place. I should have told you after I got home, but I had other things on my mind and forgot to mention it.”

  “Danki for letting me know. Guess I’ll plan something small for my supper that evening, or maybe I’ll hitch my horse to the buggy and go out somewhere to eat.”

  Lenore’s brows lifted. “By yourself?”

  “Of course. I’m not so old that I can’t take the horse and buggy out by myself, and I don’t mind eating alone once in a while.”

  Lenore blew out a quick breath. Now, in addition to being a bit nervous about going to Mark’s party, she’d have to worry about Grandma all evening.

  Grandma waved her hand. “I know what you’re thinking, and I’ll be fine, so there’s no need to druwwle about me.”

  “Okay, I’ll try not to worry.” Lenore managed to smile. “Oh, and one more thing before I forget … After school lets out today, I’m going shopping to get a birthday present for Mark. Any suggestions for what I should get?”

  Grandma shook her head. “You know the young man better than I do. What kinds of things does he like?”

  Lenore shrugged. “To tell you the truth, I’m not really sure. Mark works in his uncle’s woodworking shop, but that’s his job. I don’t know what kinds of things he enjoys doing when he’s not working.”

  Grandma tapped her fingers along the edge of the table. “How about a buch? Most people enjoy reading.”

  “A book would make a nice gift if I knew what type of subject Mark likes to read about.”

  “How about a book on railroads or Pennsylvania history? I would think he might enjoy reading either of those topics,” Grandma suggested. “You could go to Moyer’s Book Barn here in Strasburg and see what they have.”

  Lenore wrinkled her nose. “I would feel kind of funny about getting him a used book, which is mostly what they have there in the old barn.”

  “Guess you could try Gordonville Bookstore. There’s also the Ridgeview Bookstore if you’re looking for someplace closer than Lancaster.”

  “Okay, thanks for the ideas.” Lenore leaned over and kissed her grandmother’s cheek. “I’d better get going or the scholars will be at the schoolhouse before I am. I’ll try to be home in time to help you fix supper.”

  Grandma lifted both hands. “No worries. I can fix the evening meal without your help once in a while.”

  Lenore smiled and hurried out the door. It was a blessing and a privilege to be living here with Grandma. Something she may not be able to do if she ever got married, since her husband might want a place of their own. If a marriage were to happen, which Lenore thought was doubtful, she would join forces with her parents to convince Grandma to move in with them.

  After Lenore went out the door, Mary Ruth remained at the kitchen table with a cup of cinnamon tea, pondering what Lenore said about being invited to Mark’s birthday celebration. She couldn’t help feeling some concern that Lenore might end up getting serious about Mark. He was obviously trying to develop a relationship with her or he wouldn’t have invited her to take a ride in his buggy last evening, not to mention asking her to attend his birthday supper.

  Mary Ruth took a sip of tea and set the cup on the table with renewed determination. “I have to come up with some way to get Lenore and Jesse together again. If I were to invite him and Cindy to join us for supper some evening, that might seem too obvious to both Lenore and Jesse. Maybe I should enlist someone’s help with this.” She tipped her head from side to side, weighing her choices. “Now who could I ask that’s had some experience in matchmaking?”

  As Sara wrapped a gift for a customer, she tried to keep her focus on making the package look as nice as possible. It was hard to keep her focus on anything other than the unresolved disagreement she and Brad were having.

  We should have talked things through before going to bed, Sara thought as she handed her customer the wrapped item.

  “Thank you.” The young woman smiled. “I’m sure my mother will like the pretty beaded necklace and matching earrings. Mom’s allergic to most flowers, so I appreciate that you sell other things here besides floral arrangements.”

  “You’re welcome.” Sara did her best to offer a friendly smile. “I make the beaded items whenever I have some free time.”

  “This is my first time in your shop, but it won’t be the last,” the woman called over her shoulder as she headed for the door.

  Sara was pleased by the customer’s comment, but her heart still felt heavy. When she went home this evening she planned to air things out with Brad and say she was sorry for anything she’d said yesterday that may have hurt him. And I need to give him the benefit of the doubt. With all the busyness in the shop the past week or so, maybe he did mention plans for a barbecue and I just forgot.

  Since no other customers were in the store for the moment, Sara stepped into the back room to see if Misty needed her help with anything.

  Sara’s nose twitched and she sneezed a couple of times. She was surprised to see Misty putting bleach in a bucket with the grate for the Gerbera daisies.

  “How come you’re adding bleach in there?” Sara asked, stepping up to her talented designer.

  Misty gestured to the daisies. “It may seem strange, but Gerbs like the bleach. It actually helps them stay fresh longer.”

  Sara’s eyes widened. “How interesting. I never would have guessed that any flower would do well in bleach.”

  “Would you like another tip—only this one’s for tulips?” />
  “Sure.”

  “Putting a couple of pennies in the bottom of the vase helps tulips stand up straight.”

  Sara tipped her head. “Seriously?”

  “Yes, and did you know tulips are the only flowers that continue to grow after they are cut? They can grow up to an inch.” There was a gleam in Misty’s eyes. “Here’s another one for you. Hydrangeas can be a difficult flower to keep alive once they’re cut, as they wilt easily. So the trick is after you cut them, you should dip them in alum before adding them to an arrangement. Some florists turn them upside down in the water for a while and then turn them over, cut the stems, and put them upright in the bucket. Oh, and spritzing the hydrangea can help some too.”

  Sara gave a slow, disbelieving shake of her head. “You are amazing, Misty—so full of information the average person would not know.”

  Misty grinned. “It’s my job as a floral designer to know lots of things about flowers.”

  Sara patted Misty’s arm. “I’m glad you’re here working for me. I’d be lost without you.”

  The bell on the front door jingled, signaling a customer had come into the store. “I’d better get out there. Talk to you later, Misty.”

  Misty gave a nod. “Sure thing.”

  When Sara stepped into the front of her flower shop, she was surprised to see Brad standing in front of the counter, holding one hand against his chest. “I came to apologize to my beautiful wife. If I did plan the barbecue without telling you, I was wrong, and I shouldn’t have gone to bed last night without saying I’m sorry.”

  Sara rushed into his arms. “I’m just as much at fault as you for the disagreement and not resolving it then. Will you forgive me, Brad?”