by June Belfie
“I’ll be gut, Mamm. I don’t know about my bruders, though. Of course, if Dawdi’s there, maybe they’ll behave.”
Anna smiled. “Jah, he’ll see to that.”
In spite of her words, Beth looked forward to meeting this Josiah. Though she had no expectations of being swept off her feet, it would be nice to talk to someone new. Someone who wasn’t from the area. He just might have something interesting to say.
She picked out a deep green dress to wear. Everyone said it made her eyes look pretty. Well, not everyone—just Anna, but Anna wouldn’t lie about it. She re-braided her hair and twisted it under the kapp before pinning on her matching apron. Glancing at the clock, she saw that it was nearly five. Anna had said she’d come early, but perhaps she’d had problems with the kids. They certainly could be an unruly bunch.
Some of the older women at church had grouped together and Beth could tell they were discussing her sister and her lack of control with the little ones. Maybe instead of talking about her behind her back, they should be over there helping her out. Beth felt guilty for her anger and recalled the many visits her sister had received after Jeremiah passed away. The older women had kept the family in casseroles and desserts for the first two months. She’d been too harsh in her judgment. In fact, she knew she was too judgmental toward most people. She’d have to pray about it. Maybe that was one reason her relationships with men never panned out.
She reached into her top drawer for another pin when she spotted the wrinkled card Randy had given her. She could picture him that day when they had ice cream together. What might have transpired if his friend hadn’t appeared out of nowhere? Would they have decided to meet again? Maybe God sent his friend in at that moment so they wouldn’t make plans to be together. Her attraction to him was strong. She could easily fall in love with a man like him. But it would mean giving up so much. Nee, it was better this way.
She thought about helping at the school in the fall. The main teacher was married now and usually that meant she’d be in a family way soon or at least anxious to be a full-time housewife. She could check and see if they had anyone in mind to take the woman’s place. When she had graduated from eighth grade, she had helped as an aide for a couple years, but she’d become bored and quit, allowing herself more time to read.
Her sister’s voice came from downstairs as she spoke with their mother. Anna’s children could be heard outside as they set up bases for a game with some of the children from the next farm, who had already congregated. That’s good. Maybe they’d stay outside for a while and give the adults time to talk uninterrupted. The “children should be seen and not heard” was an adage she agreed with.
Her children would never behave like her sister’s. In all fairness, they had been very well behaved when their father was alive. Maybe this new man, Josiah Yoder, would be interested in Anna and willing to father her wild children. Mmm. Gut idea. I’ll encourage the relationship and get Mamm off my back. Teaching sounds like a fine idea.
Beth went downstairs—a woman with a mission.
Chapter Eight
Anna and Beth made the salad together and chatted about the children’s behavior. “So it worked—the story about Daed’s punishment?” Beth asked, grinning as she sliced fresh tomatoes to add to the salad.
“It’s too soon to declare victory, but they went to bed without fussing for once. It wears me out. It’s hard enough dealing with widowhood, but then to have to listen to their arguments—sometimes I feel like locking myself in the bedroom and never coming out.”
Rose was listening from her place at the sink, where she was washing a cucumber. “My poor dochter. I have to spend more time helping you.”
“Oh, Mamm, you’ve been wonderful. I know you’re busy. I don’t expect to have people constantly there to watch over me. I’m doing better, really. I still miss Jeremiah with all my heart, but I don’t hear his voice or his steps on the stairs every few minutes like I did at first. I finally have accepted the fact that I’ll never see him again on this earth.”
Her mother nodded and shut off the faucet. She turned and handed the cucumber to Beth and then went and put her arms around Anna. “Nee, but someday.”
“Jah, I believe that.”
“The kinner will learn to listen. They’re hurting, too. Maybe that’s why you see the arguments. It’s hard for little ones to express what they feel. Try to sit and talk to them individually, Anna. Maybe they’ll open up.”
“I have done that, but you’re probably right. It’s been better since Luke and I had that talk. He’s one of them now and the younger boys accept him again. I think they resented his taking on authority. After all, he’s only two years older than Matthew.”
Beth smiled at her sister as she put the finishing touches on the salad and placed it in the refrigerator. “You do pretty gut, Schwester. I don’t know how you keep up with their laundry. Those sohns of yours sure know how to get dirty fast. Look at them now.” The three women looked out the kitchen window at the group of children playing. Mark had just slid to home base, though there didn’t appear to be a ball in play.
Anna laughed at the sight. “Jah, he’s the worst, dear Mark. He gets dirty just watching people play.”
“I hear a buggy coming down the drive. I’ll bet that’s our guest,” Rose announced.
Beth’s hand automatically went up to her kapp. She pushed it back slightly and checked for stray hair. All was well.
Isaiah showed Josiah where to tether the horse and then brought him inside. The women went up front to the sitting room when they heard him come up the walk with Isaiah. He shook everyone’s hand again. Then Rose invited him to sit and asked if he was thirsty.
“I’m fine, denki.” He twisted his straw hat in his hands as he sat on a small wooden chair. His legs seemed to take up half the braided rug in the center of the room. He certainly was tall. “Nice day, today.”
“Jah, hot though,” Rose agreed.
“Jah. But it’s summer.”
“Jah, true.”
“So,” Beth said, aware of his discomfort, “You came from Ohio? Why did you leave?”
Anna looked over at her mother, whose mouth had dropped open. Goodness, Beth certainly had a directness about her.
“Uh, I always liked it here in Pennsylvania. I used to visit family here every summer as a boy. It was getting pretty crowded at home and I have six bruders—all older than me and I thought—”
Isaiah jumped in. “You don’t have to explain to us. It’s not anyone’s business,” he added, glancing over at his daughter. “Why don’t you get some cheese for Josiah, Beth. The homemade cheese you and your mamm made last week.”
Beth knew she was being excluded on purpose. She rose to obey and avoided looking over at her guest.
Anna got up to join her in the kitchen. As she prepared a platter with crackers, Beth cut the cheese into small slices and added them. “I guess I goofed again. Too personal a question, Anna? Was that it?”
“Jah. He had just arrived, Beth. You’re always so direct. I think it made him more nervous. Poor thing, even his hand shook a bit.”
“That’s the last thing I meant to do—make him nervous. I just thought it would be something to talk about.”
“Jah, but maybe he left because something bad happened.”
“You think he might be a criminal?”
Anna giggled. “That’s not what went through my mind. Nee, he seems nice enough. But maybe he had a wife and she died, or maybe he’s sick or something. Who knows? It’s just odd for a young person to pick up and leave.”
“I guess we’ll just have to wait to find out. I’m certainly not going to ask him any more questions. About anything!”
“It wasn’t that bad, Beth. Don’t act like a bensel.”
“So now I’m behaving like a silly child!”
“Shhh. People will hear you”
Beth let out an elongated breath. “Let’s go back in. I feel I need to make amends.” She picked up th
e platter and headed back in the sitting room.
“Uh oh,” said Anna under her breath.
Their father was discussing the crops with Josiah, comparing the progress of the corn in Ohio with his own.
When Beth set the platter on a table in front of the men, Josiah looked up and smiled at her. “Denki. Cheese is a weakness of mine. I could eat it all day.”
“Well, you certainly don’t gain weight easy,” Beth said. “You’re pretty skinny.”
Anna and her mother glanced at each other.
Josiah coughed into his hand and leaned back in his chair.
“Supper will be ready in a few minutes,” Rose said as she stood. “Come give me a hand, girls.”
They left the men to themselves and went back into the kitchen. As they set-up the food in serving dishes, Rose remained silent.
“What? Why isn’t anyone speaking?” Beth said, brows drawn. “Did I do it again?”
“Oh, Beth, don’t you hear yourself? You don’t mention a man being skinny. He doesn’t want to hear things like that. Men like to think they’re all strong with muscles. Even Amish men. Didn’t you know that?”
Beth laughed and covered her mouth to keep her voice down. “How silly. I thought he’d like to know he was skinny so he could eat more cheese.”
Anna chuckled as she poured water in everyone’s glass. The children would sit at a separate table a few feet from theirs, so Beth put a pitcher of milk on their table after pouring half glasses for the little ones. Then Rose went out to the back porch and rang the large bell hanging on a post to alert the children about mealtime.
Once everyone had arrived and was seated, Isaiah put his head down. Everyone followed his lead and after a few moments, he slid his feet across the floor to announce the closing of the blessing. Several minutes passed. Anna looked over at her four children. They were silently eating. Goodness, what a change. Were they thinking about their dawdi and a non-existent switch? If so, halleluiah!
“Delicious potpie,” Josiah said, nodding at Rose.
“Denki. Beth makes wonderful-gut potpie, too.”
Beth bit back a smile. Her mother was so obvious.
Isaiah had been quiet through most of the meal. Before accepting seconds, he sat back in his chair and ran his thumbs under his suspenders. “You say you want to open a small business, Josiah? What would you sell?”
“I’m a carpenter at trade. I’d like to open a small home business making cabinets mainly. Kitchen cabinets.”
“Gut business.”
“Jah. That’s one reason I left Ohio. I didn’t want to compete with the man who trained me. It didn’t seem right.”
“Ah, I see,” Isaiah said, a smile forming above his blonde beard. “We have our own carpenters here, but they are all busy. There’s always room for an industrious man with a skill.”
Beth looked over as she laid her fork aside. “Would you sell to English or Amish?”
“Anyone who would pay the price,” he said.
“Would they be fancy?” Rose asked.
“Plain or fancy. I can make either. I love working with wood.”
They sat quietly for a few moments.
“Would you like more noodles?” Beth asked their guest.
“I think I’ll wait for dessert. I spotted my favorite pie—lemon sponge.” His grin made him appear less stern. More human. He nodded toward the buffet where two pies sat waiting.
“Anna, help clear the table, if everyone is done, and Beth you can cut the pie. We have coffee or tea,” she added, looking over at Josiah.
“Coffee would be just fine,” he said as Anna took away the soiled plates.
Beth placed one of the pies in the center of the table and reached for a knife. With that, Mark and Matthew let out squeals. “Mark kicked me under the table,” Matthew called out.
Anna ran back into the dining room. “Enough. No dessert for either of you,” she added sternly, but in a lowered voice.
“But, Mamm, Mark’s the bad one. I didn’t do anything wrong,” Matthew said scowling.
“Jah, you did,” Mark said quickly. “You poured salt on my noodles. I saw you when you thought I wasn’t looking.”
“I wanted to help you out and make it taste better,” came Matthew’s weak response.
“You may both leave the table now,” Isaiah said, softly. “Wait in the barn and I’ll have a talk with you after I’ve had my dessert. Go on now.”
The boys looked at each other. If only they could take it all back. Maybe they’d find the switch before their dawdi got out there, and maybe they’d hide it. They left the table and went quietly out the back door.
“I’m sorry, Josiah,” Anna started. “They’ve been difficult since their daed passed away.”
“I’m sorry to hear about your husband. It must be hard on you. I’m sure they’re really gut buwe.”
“Not so gut,” Beth said quickly.
Anna glared at her sister.
Beth added, “Sometimes, they’re angels. Just not today.”
Rose smiled at Josiah. “When you’re done eating, Beth can show you around the farm, Josiah. We have a new windmill.”
“I noticed. It’s a fine one.”
“Maybe Daed would like to take Josiah around. I should help you and Anna clean up.”
“Nee, there’s not much to do. You look a little peeked. You could use fresh air, Beth.”
“All right, but let the poor man have his dessert first.”
Josiah looked up at Beth and let out a chuckle. “This poor man has eaten enough for two. I think you’re trying to fatten me up.”
Beth bit her lip. “Uh, why would I do that? You look fine the way you are. Full of muscles. I bet you’re real strong.”
“Oh, my,” Rose said as she poured herself a cup of tea and shook her head.
Josiah continued to smile at Beth. “Strong enough to build cabinets, I guess.”
After what seemed to be hours, dinner was officially over and Rose pushed Beth and Josiah out the door, mentioning a possible storm cloud heading their way. Beth looked up to check the sky and couldn’t find a single cloud.
The two of them walked alongside each other toward the barn. “Maybe we’ll save the barn for last,” Beth suggested. “I believe I saw my daed head out to talk to my nephews.”
“They are nice little boys. I hope to have some myself someday.”
“Guess you’d be wise to marry first,” she said.
“Oh jah, for sure and for certain.” He grinned at her. “So tell me about yourself, Beth. What do you like to do?”
“Read. I hate housework, but of course, I do it.”
“What do you read about?”
“Everything. I love historical fiction and I like to read about other countries.”
“I see. Have you travelled?”
“Not much. Just to Florida once. We Amish don’t exactly travel the world.”
He nodded. “I’ve been to Canada. I have an onkel who lives there. It’s pretty country.”
“I bet it’s cold in the winter.”
“Jah. I was there in June, so I didn’t suffer any. I’ve also been to New York.”
“The city or the state?” she asked. They had reached the horse pasture and stopped to lean against the fence.
“Both. New York, New York,” he added with a grin. “Never again. It was during my Rumspringer. Too many people for me.”
“I think it would be fun.”
“Jah, for about an hour. I like reading, too. I’m studying Greek right now.”
“Really?” She saw him in a new light. “Why Greek?”
“I like a challenge and hopefully, I’ll learn enough to read some of the old scriptures in the original.”
“I’m impressed.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound proud.”
“Oh, I don’t think of you as a grossfeelich man.”
“What do you think of me?”
“Goodness, I barely know you.”
“Just your first impression. See, most women seem to think I’m a bit seltsam, I’m afraid.”
“Well, I don’t think you’re weird. Quiet maybe and distant sometimes, but not that strange. No stranger than I am.”
He laughed aloud. “You? Strange? I find you interesting, Beth. You’re not afraid to speak your mind.”
“It gets me in a lot of trouble.”
“How old are you?”
“What does that matter?”
“I’m just asking.”
“Almost twenty-five. Do I look older?”
“Nee, younger. So why aren’t you married?”
“Now who’s bold?” She grinned at him and cocked her head. “I haven’t found any one who interests me. What about you?”
“The same, I guess. Most Amish girls have one thing on their mind—to marry and have a slew of children.”
“There’s nothing wrong with that.”
“You’re right and I’d want my wife to feel the same, but it would be important to be able to talk together about interesting subjects.”
“Exactly. I feel the same.”
“Do you find skinny men unattractive?”
“I don’t think about things like that. I look beyond the obvious.”
He nodded and they began to walk again. “Would you like to see the chicken house?” she asked.
“Perhaps. Though most chicken houses look the same.”
“I don’t know what else to show you. You know my mamm was just trying to get us together. She’s afraid I’ll be an old maid.”
He laughed heartily. “I was aware of her plans, Beth. I don’t think she should fear you’ll be an old maid. Not a cute girl like you with a gut mind as well.”
“I’ve had guys interested, but I always manage to break up with them whether I try or not.”
“Perhaps it’s for the best. I believe when the time is right, you’ll find just the right man for yourself.”
“I see my daed leaving the barn with my nephews. They look happy enough. I guess I can show you our cows—in case you’ve never seen one before.”
“Every cow is different—right?” he said with a smile.