His Amish Nanny

by Samantha Price

  Jessie smiled. “Denke, for giving me your words of wisdom. I’ll bring some dinner up for you.”

  * * *

  When she went to bed that night, all Jessie could think about were her bruder’s words. Elijah, since he was in the community, and the only single man in her age range, would be the logical choice. The problem was now she wanted to find out more about Donovan.

  Chapter 18

  The next morning was a hum-drum day for Jessie, and Linda was back at work.

  “This afternoon we have to clean the fireplaces in rooms one and two. They’re the only rooms with fireplaces.”

  “I’ve never cleaned a fireplace before. My brother always does that at home.”

  “We’ll do it together. There’s a special way Mrs. Billings likes us to do them.”

  Jessie wasn’t surprised. Mrs. Billings had a special way of doing everything. After they both pulled on cleaning gloves, Linda passed some equipment to Jessie, and they made their way to room one. First they spread newspaper from the fireplace to halfway across the room, and they were ready to begin.

  “We take this spade, and scoop all the ash into the black, metal bucket.” Linda leaned down and scooped. “When it’s all out, we brush it clean. No need to do more, just brush.”

  “The people in here last night had a fire I see,” Jessie said.

  “Yes, and so did the guests in room two, so we also have to re-stock the kindling and the firewood into that bucket there. We keep the firewood and the kindling in the locked room behind the restaurant.”

  “Do you want me to get it?” Jessie hoped she didn’t sound too enthusiastic. If she went near the restaurant, she might see Donovan since she hadn’t seen him at lunch time.”

  “In a minute. You try doing what I just did.”

  Linda stood up, and Jessie took over. “Do you think Mrs. Billings is pleased with my work?”

  “You’re still 'ere, aren’t ya?”

  Jessie looked up at Linda. “That means ‘yes’?”

  Linda nodded. “When we finish this one and the other fireplace, I’ll go with you and show you where the firewood is kept.”

  An hour later, they had finished cleaning the fireplaces. They washed the black soot off themselves and Linda took hold of a key and they set off to get the firewood.

  “He’s not here today,” Linda said, smiling at Jessie.

  “What do you mean? Who’s not here?”

  “Donovan.”

  Jessie looked down at the ground as she continued to walk by Linda’s side. “I didn’t say anything.”

  “I can see your head swiveling about looking for him. Don’t be embarrassed, you’re not the first woman who’s had a crush on him and I’m sure you won’t be the last. He’s had to drive his mother somewhere today. The day always goes more smoothly when she’s not here checking up on everything.”

  Linda put the key in the lock, opened the door, and they filled their cart with firewood and kindling. On the way back to the main building Linda said, “Since the old girl isn’t 'ere, I’m leaving early. You can do the same thing if ya like. She won’t ever find out; I won’t be tellin’ her.” Linda laughed.

  “No, I’ll stay and work until my proper time.”

  They refilled the wicker baskets with wood in both of the two rooms, and then Linda left Jessie alone an hour before going-home time. At five o’clock, Jessie waited by the front fence for Olive to fetch her and take her for coffee as arranged. As usual, Olive was running late.

  Jessie leaned down and plucked a wildflower by her feet and then she heard the low hum of a car. She looked up to see Donovan’s car coming toward her. When his car turned into the driveway, he stopped next to her.

  “Off home?”

  “Yes, I’m waiting for a friend.” Seeing no one else in the car with him, she said, “You were driving your mother somewhere today?”

  “She had some appointments and won’t be back until later tonight. Have there been problems here?”

  “No, not at all.”

  His grin widened. “You missed me, didn’t you?”

  “I noticed you weren’t around.” Jessie looked up when she heard the clip-clop of horse’s hooves. “Here’s my friend now.”

  Donovan ignored her words. “I’ve been thinking about you, Jessie. In fact, I can’t get you out of my mind.”

  Jessie looked at him thinking he might be joking. When she saw he was serious, she swallowed hard.

  He glanced around at the advancing buggy, and looked back at Jessie. “Would it be out of the question for you to have dinner with me one night? I know you have rules and everything. Do the rules forbid two people having a meal together?”

  Her eyes were locked onto his and she knew from the sound of the hooves that the buggy was close. She also knew that she would get a hundred and one questions from Olive about the man in the car. “Can I talk to you tomorrow? I have to go.” Jessie walked away.

  “I’ll meet you at lunchtime in the garden,” he called after her.

  She called over her shoulder, “Okay.”

  Just as she knew she would, Olive questioned her as soon as she climbed into the buggy. “Who’s that in the car?”

  Jessie looked at Donovan’s car zooming up the driveway. “The boss’ son. He owns the restaurant.”

  “Oh, that’s him?”

  Jessie knew she would have to change the subject. “How was your day?”

  “Fine, it was fine.”

  “Well, what did you do now that you’re unofficially betrothed and officially unemployed, or retired, or something?” Jessie was talking fast to keep the conversation away from Donovan.

  “I’m working on a quilt. I’ve joined my mudder’s quilting group.”

  Jessie laughed. “Just like an old married lady.”

  “Jah, I will be one soon. But the bishop said we couldn’t get married for six months because he’s got to adjust to the community and also get baptized, of course.”

  “I suppose you never expected to find someone outside the community.”

  “Nee.” Olive shook her head. “I never even thought of it.”

  * * *

  When the girls arrived at their coffee shop, they were pleased their usual table was free.

  Dan met them at the door. “Hello, girls. You’re a little late today.”

  “You’re not closing, are you?” Olive asked.

  “Nee, we’re open for dinners now; light dinners. And will the others be joining you?”

  “It’s just us today.” Jessie knew that Dan liked Lucy, and it was clear from his face that he was trying to hide his disappointment.

  “Do you know what you want?” Dan asked.

  Jessie was a little hungry, but she knew her mudder would have a big meal waiting for her. She looked in the glass display case at all the cakes. There was an array of sweet cakes and cookies, but she did not want anything too sweet. It was a choice of banana bread or gingerbread. “The gingerbread looks good. Can you toast that?”

  “We toast it and you can have it with butter.” After he spoke, Dan waited politely for the two girls to make a decision.

  “I’ll have gingerbread and a cappuccino.” Jessie turned to Olive. “What are you having?”

  “Oh, that looks good.”

  Jessie read the label on what Olive had been pointing to. It was a banana cupcake with chocolate ganache. “Have one then.”

  “Okay, I’ll have one of those and a black coffee, thanks, Dan.”

  “Black today?”

  “Yes, for a change,” Olive answered.

  The girls walked to their usual table and sat down.

  “Now that we’re alone, tell me how things went with Elijah,” Olive said.

  Jessie wished she could speak to Olive and ask her opinion of the two men, but one was Olive’s bruder, so she was hardly an impartial person to speak with. “We had a nice talk, and he’s pleasant.”

  “He’s good looking too. Girls tell me that all the time.”
r />   Jessie smiled. “Jah, he is.”

  Olive wriggled in her seat. “Jessie, you seem to be holding something back from me; what is it? We’ve always told each other everything.”

  Taking a deep breath, Jessie said, “It’s just that I’ve met someone.”

  Olive’s nose wrinkled and her eyebrows drew close together. “You have? Where?”

  “Where I work.”

  “Not that Englischer I saw you speaking with when I arrived? You said he is the boss’ son—the same one you were telling the girls about the other day?”

  “Jah, that’s the one. I don’t know him very well. I’ve spoken to him a few times in the past week.”

  “What’s so good about him?”

  “The way he makes me feel. He’s confident, and he’s got that restaurant with people working for him and he’s so young. That’s impressive.”

  Dan interrupted them when he brought their coffees and food. “There you go, ladies. Enjoy.”

  “Thanks, Dan,” they both said, and laughed.

  Olive carefully lifted her cupcake out of the paper holder. “I mean, you don’t know this man, as you said. He could be putting on a good act.”

  “Nee, I’ve only just met him but he seems nice. I like him.”

  “And you like Elijah as well?”

  “There’s something I never told you about Elijah.”

  Olive leaned back. “What?”

  “I liked him two years ago and nothing happened, and I doubt anything will.”

  Olive’s eyes grew wide, and then she quickly bit into her cake. As she chewed, she frowned at Jessie. When she had swallowed, she said, “You didn’t tell me that. When was that?”

  “We used to talk a little at the volleyball games and I liked him from that point. Then I saw a girl in his buggy, Andrea, so I knew he didn’t like me. I put him out of my mind.”

  Olive nodded. “I remember her. They didn’t last.”

  Jessie shrugged. “Jah, well. I don’t know. He never seemed interested, so there was nothing I could do about it.”

  “You should have said something to me.”

  “Nee. I couldn’t say anything. I didn’t want him to like me because I liked him. Do you see what I mean?”

  “Nee.” Olive shook her head.

  Jessie lunged and grabbed her arm. “Don’t dare breathe one word of this to him.”

  “Why not?”

  “Nee, please, just don’t say one word.”

  Olive narrowed her eyes. “Okay, I won’t say anything, but you’re being senseless.”

  “Me? He’s the one who acted as though he liked me and then nothing. He never did anything about it. I’m not going to ask him on a buggy ride or ask him to the coffee shop. I’m just not.”

  “I’m sure he would’ve had a reason.”

  “Jah, probably the reason was that he didn’t like me enough.” Jessie shook her head. “I’d rather not know.”

  “Nee, I can tell he likes you. Don’t ruin it by thoughts of that Englischer.”

  Jessie slumped back in her seat. “Things worked out for you when you fell in love with Blake and now he’s joined the community. Don’t forget he was an Englischer.”

  Olive smiled. “I’m not forgetting.”

  “This is the happiest I’ve ever seen you. If Gott found an Englischer for you, I don’t have to choose from within the confines of the community, do I?”

  “Well, probably not, but then there’s Elijah.”

  “Claire, Lucy or Amy haven’t said anything about liking him, so they can’t find him appealing.” Jessie held her breath as soon as the words tumbled out of her mouth, wishing she could take them back. From Olive’s expression, the words had offended. Jessie lowered her head and spread the butter onto her hot toasted gingerbread.

  “Ach, I was just trying to be helpful. I know what a good man he is. He’s perfect for you. He’s quiet by nature and you’re outgoing, so you’d balance each other.” Olive sipped her coffee.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that—well you can’t push these things, they just happen.”

  “I know what you’re saying, but how often does a man, or anyone, join the community? You’re taking a big risk by liking the Englischer hoping he’ll convert.”

  “Funny you would say that—you of all people. I thought you’d be the one to understand.”

  Olive shook her head. “I didn’t chase Blake.”

  “Do you think I’m chasing Donovan?” Jessie scratched her neck.

  “That’s what it looked like. You were leaning over the car smiling at him.”

  Jessie was upset by Olive’s words. “I was just being nice.”

  “You know what I mean. You smiled and fluttered your eyelashes at him; flirting with him. I could tell you were.”

  “I wasn’t doing it on purpose. I’d never do that.” Jessie didn’t want to be angry with her best friend. She picked up her spoon and stirred the chocolate sprinkles of her cappuccino, mixing it in with the froth.

  “That’s what I saw.” Olive shrugged.

  Jessie nodded. “Is it so important that I like your bruder?”

  “You’re my dearest friend, Jessie. I want you to be as happy as I am. I thought I was happy until I met Blake, and now I feel like I need a new word that describes something far beyond happy.” Olive’s eyes sparkled as she spoke. “I don’t want to be a meddler. I’ll leave you alone to make your own decision. I hope it’s my bruder, but if it’s not, I hope it’s someone who makes you happy. For all your life.”

  * * *

  After the girls changed the subject, all ill feeling between them was forgotten. Olive drove Jessie back to her haus. “Stay for dinner, Olive?”

  “Jah, that would be nice. I’m not expected back at any particular time.”

  Once they tied up the horse and gave him some water, the girls hurried into the haus. Mark was trying out his crutches.

  “Hello, Olive.”

  “Hi, Mark.”

  Jessie’s mudder appeared in the living room. “You staying for dinner, Olive?”

  “Jah if that’s all right.”

  Jessie’s mudder ushered the two girls into the kitchen to help with the last of the dinner preparations and to set the table.

  During dinner, Mark, who was out of his bedroom the first time in weeks, asked Olive questions about Elijah. Jessie noticed that her mudder looked up from her food and sat straight in her chair at the mention of Elijah’s name.

  Jessie did her best to talk about other things to distract her mother hoping Mamm would not try to match the two of them together.

  Chapter 19

  That night, Jessie couldn’t sleep. Thoughts whirled through her head. Olive had been right about not many people joining the community. Then she worried that Donovan might’ve thought she was flirting with him, as it had appeared so to Olive. Perhaps she’d encouraged him too much and that was why he’d asked her out to dinner.

  * * *

  The next morning at work, lack of sleep made Jessie feel sick, and there was no sign of Donovan. She and Linda struggled to lift the carts upstairs before cleaning the rooms, and back down the stairs when they'd finished. Jessie wondered how Linda had put up with that for so many years.

  At lunchtime, Jessie took her chicken sandwiches outdoors to eat out on her favorite seat under the tree in the middle of the grounds. She wasn’t there long before Donovan approached.

  Happiness flooded through her at the sight of him. “Hello, I didn’t think you were coming today.”

  Smiling a secretive smile, he sat beside her. “Have you thought more about what I asked you, about coming out with me one night?”

  “I … I don’t think I can.”

  “I don’t think I can,” he repeated. “I hear hesitation. That means you want to, but you think you shouldn’t. Is that right?”

  Jessie put her sandwich down into her lap. “Something like that.”

  “I’m very persistent, you should
know. I won’t give up.”

  It pleased her to hear him say that; she wanted to go to dinner with him. It was hard to say no, but she had to listen to her bruder. Maybe she could wait for time to pass and get to know him a little better. There was no rush.

  “Penny for your thoughts.”

  She looked up at the sky, and pulled out the first thing that came into her mind. “Just thinking about my brother.”

  “What about him?”

  “Nothing really; he’s just got a broken leg. Some weeks ago, he fell off the roof and got a very bad break. He’s on crutches now. It was getting better, but he put too much weight on it too soon and broke it again.”

  “Ouch, sounds painful.”

  “He’s tough.” Jessie bit into her sandwich wondering why she hadn’t found something—anything—more interesting to talk about. “Do you have any brothers or sisters?”

  “No. Once mother had me, she decided she couldn’t improve on perfection.” He chuckled, but Jessie didn’t laugh. “I’m joking. It was a bad joke, I know.”

  “Oh.” Jessie laughed then, but it had sounded like something Mrs. Billings might've really said. “Your mother does like things just so.”

  “I pretty much keep out of her way as much as I can.”

  “She must be very proud of you having your own restaurant.”

  “She never says so. I don’t need her approval. I’ve always been interested in business. I’ve also got a coffee shop in town I’m considering franchising.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “The best way I can explain franchising is like this: It’s where you take one business and duplicate it elsewhere. I could have coffee shops all over the country. The difference is that other people would own them and manage them. I would sell them the business model and help them with knowledge of how to run it. Every aspect of the business would have a particular way it should be run to keep them the same. All the procedures would be written in the business manual. I’ll make money selling the businesses, and I’ll collect the ongoing franchise fees.”

  “That sounds like good idea. You’re a detail person, just like your mother.”