Grace's Forgiveness

by Molly Jebber

  Mark blushed. “Jah, kumme in, Sarah.”

  Sarah scurried over. “This is the most gorgeous hope chest I have ever laid eyes on.” She stroked the top. “It’s smooth and the perfect size. I love it.”

  Grace opened the lid. “Mark, you outdid yourself on this piece.” She bent over and inhaled the fragrant scent of the wood. “Cedar smells so fresh and clean.”

  Mark stuffed his hands in his pockets. “You’re kind. I must admit, cedar chests are my favorite to make.”

  “I’ll go back to the store. Grace, you stay for a while and visit.” Sarah strode through the open door.

  Mrs. Fisher and her dochder, Eve, entered. Both women ignored Grace but smiled at Mark. The woman paraded her dochder past Mark twice then paused. “I’m Mrs. Fisher.” She gestured to the attractive young woman beside her. “I’d like you to meet my dochder, Eve. She baked you a sugar cream pie to wilkom you to the community. Are you free for supper this evening? She’s not married and I understand you aren’t either. The two of you should get acquainted. She’s quite the cook. Wait until you taste her pie.”

  Grace stepped back and stiffened.

  Eve blushed and stared at the floor as she handed the dessert to Mark.

  Mark accepted the pie. “I’m sorry. I must decline your offer, but it’s a pleasure to meet you both. I appreciate your invitation and the pie. Danki.”

  Grace grimaced. Could the woman have been more obvious? How awkward this must be for Mark. Mrs. Fisher spoke with a sharp tongue and direct tone and seldom smiled. The woman would be a difficult mamm-in-law for any man. Grace studied Eve. Available and two years younger than she, Eve had flawless skin, a sweetheart-shaped face, a petite frame, blond hair, and the biggest deep blue eyes. She had said nothing. Would Mark consider her for a potential fraa? Maybe Eve’s mamm’s forward behavior wouldn’t bother him. She quaked at the troublesome thought.

  Mrs. Fisher pinched her lips. “No. We’ll be on our way. I must warn you, Eve won’t be available for long.” She winced at Grace’s birthmark and paused. “And there aren’t many marriageable attractive Amish women in our community at present.”

  Grace gasped and put a hand to her mouth. This woman had some nerve staring at her birthmark at the same time she emphasized the word attractive. She opened her mouth to speak but bit her tongue. No good would kumme from arguing with the abrasive woman.

  Mark set the pie on the counter. “I understand, Mrs. Fisher. Have a nice day.”

  “Mark, I should join Sarah.” Grace hurried to her shop before he had a chance to say a word.

  Sarah gave her a sideways glance and peered out the window. “Were Eve and her mamm in Mark’s store? They’re getting into their buggy out front. You raced in here. Did Mrs. Fisher have anything to do with your hasty exit from Mark’s store?”

  “Yes. Eve and her mamm brought him a pie. Eve didn’t speak a word. She might have if her mamm had given her a chance.”

  “Mrs. Fisher is overbearing and rude. A smile doesn’t cross that woman’s face unless she’s in the presence of the bishop.” She hung an apron on a maple wooden hook rack for display. “I was going to kumme and fetch you. I need help unhooking a pinwheel keepsake pocket quilt from the wall for Lydia Keim, Jonah’s mamm. I told her I’d ask you to help me take it down while she goes to the bakery for a few minutes.”

  Together, they unhooked the quilt Sarah pointed out.

  “Mrs. Fisher has her sights on Mark for Eve’s husband. I’m afraid he’ll want to rescue Eve from her mamm. She’s also the prettiest Amish woman in our community.”

  Sarah scoffed. “Mrs. Fisher has remained a widow for a reason. In my opinion, she’s the pushiest Amish woman in our community. She’s ruined her dochder’s chances of marrying any Amish man. They don’t want to put up with her mamm.”

  Frowning, Grace lowered her voice. “Mark is a compassionate man. She’s like a wounded bird who needs saving.”

  Sarah marched in front of Grace and placed her hands on her friend’s shoulders. “You mustn’t dwell on Eve and Mark. He’s smitten with you. His eyes sparkle when you walk into the room.” She tapped Grace’s nose. “The man hangs on your every word.” She waved a dismissive hand. “Eve’s mamm is too late. She’ll have to find another man for her dochder to wed.”

  Grace circled her arm around Sarah’s waist. “What would I do without you? You put my fears to rest when I doubt myself. Danki.”

  “You do the same for me. We’re blessed to have each other.”

  Jonah’s mamm entered. “Good morning, Grace and Sarah. You two look as fresh as daisies. Grace, I noticed you talking to Jonah’s new friend, Mark, after the service Sunday. You two are the perfect picture of a happy couple.” Lydia Keim fluttered her eyelashes. “Don’t let him get away. Word has gotten around town Mark is available and a very ambitious young man to manage hay, garden, animals, and store. My neighbor, Mrs. Fisher, has her sights set on Mark for Eve’s husband. She hasn’t stopped talking about what a splendid match he would be for her dochder. You and he are a better match, in my opinion. Mark would find Mrs. Fisher a nuisance. Your mamm is a delightful woman.”

  Sarah blew a stray hair from her face. “I agree with you, Lydia.” She removed the price note from the quilt and penciled the sale in the journal. “This star pattern is one of my favorite quilts. I hope you’ll be pleased with it.”

  Grace held her tongue. She fought to not agree with Lydia. Her excitement about Mark was a private matter. Not one she wanted to discuss with anyone but her family and Sarah. Lydia meant well, but she had a wagging tongue. “Danki for your encouragement.” She wanted to change to the subject. “How’s Jonah?”

  Lydia removed the reticule off her wrist, dug into it, and pulled out coins. She pressed the money in Sarah’s palm. “Danki, Sarah.” She beamed. “Jonah’s fine. He carries the miniature wooden horse Mark gave him in his pocket. Last night, he put it on his bedside table.” She picked up her quilt. “I must be on my way. It’s been nice talking to you both.”

  Sarah opened a tin of pins. “I agree with Lydia. You and Mark do make the perfect picture couple, not Eve and Mark.”

  “We can speculate all we want, but we don’t have any idea what Mark’s thoughts are on Eve and her mamm. He is a man, nonetheless.” The door opened. Hester Harris had kumme at the perfect time. Grace didn’t want to talk about Mark and Eve anymore today.

  “I’ve missed you. It’s so good to see you.”

  Hester entered carrying a package. “I was in town and thought I’d stop in and pay you a visit.” She pushed her long, dark braid over her shoulder and adjusted her spectacles. “My neighbor is friends with Mrs. Watson. She told me you delivered the woman’s newborn and said the birth went without a hitch.” Her eyes twinkled. “As your midwife teacher, I’m proud of you.” She kissed her on the cheek.

  Sarah pinned a price note to a quilt and put it on the shelf. “Mrs. Watson’s dochder arrived earlier than she expected. She’d kumme to shop and spend time with her friend. I’m amazed every time she tells me about helping a mamm birth her boppli.”

  “Grace studied the books I lent her and did everything I requested. She was an excellent student.” She beamed. “I visited Becca Carrington in Massillon last week. She loves working as a nurse for her husband, Dr. Carrington. We reminisced about the two of you learning midwifery together. She asked if I’d bring you this gift.” She passed the package wrapped in a white cotton fabric held together with pink ribbon tied in a bow.

  “I miss her.” Grace untied the pink ribbon and peeled back the delicate material. Her mouth opened as she unfolded and held up the blue and white friendship patterned quilt. “She sewed a little heart in the two circles intertwined.” She hugged the quilt to her chest. “She and I shared many happy memories together. I love it.”

  Hester fingered the material. “I like the feel of this cotton.” She patted the pocket in the corner. “Becca sends her love along with it.”

  Grace tilted it to exami
ne the pattern closer.

  Sarah frowned and scrambled to catch the note fluttering to the floor. She drew her mouth in a grim line and offered it to Grace.

  “Danki, Sarah. I’ll read it later.” Grace accepted the note and tucked it in her apron pocket. She loved Hester and Sarah, but Becca had been her true best friend. It hadn’t been long since Sarah had scolded about communicating with Becca. She suspected Sarah would admonish her again about accepting Becca’s gift and mentioning her friend’s name. She’d discuss this with Sarah later.

  Two patrons entered. Sarah went to help them. She furrowed her eyebrows. “Grace, you visit with Hester. I can help these women.”

  “Danki, Sarah.”

  Hester dragged a wooden chair over to the table and sat. “Becca delivered twins two days after I arrived. I wish you would’ve been there with us. As an outsider, I don’t understand why the Amish refuse to maintain a friendship with their loved ones who have left the Amish life. I’m thankful it’s acceptable for you and me to converse since we’re both midwives.”

  Grace covered Hester’s hand. Her friend had dark circles under her eyes and the lines had grown in number on her face. She loved her teacher and friend. She relished having an outsider to talk with about Becca. “Since you’ve never been Amish, I understand why you wouldn’t agree with it. The law to shun those who joined the Amish church then left the Amish life is meant to protect us from world views. I struggle with it where Becca is concerned.”

  “It’s easy for me to visit her since I’ve never been Amish, but I feel sorry for you. You’re fortunate your parents turned a blind eye to your writing to her for as long as you did. Sarah didn’t ask about Becca. Her stern face tells me she’s upset about the mention of Becca’s name. She obviously agrees with the law to shun Becca.”

  “She is angry about my contact with Becca. It’s not a subject I care to discuss with her. Although, she’s right. I would be horrified if the bishop found out.”

  “Please understand, I wouldn’t mention you contacting Becca to anyone else. I thought Sarah would be the exception, since you two are close.” Hester stared at her lap. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought this gift here or discussed Becca in front of her. I’ve put you in a terrible position.”

  Grace gripped her apron. “She doesn’t realize how hard this is for me.”

  “Should I apologize to Sarah for bringing up Becca?”

  Grace patted her friend’s hand. “No. Don’t worry about it. She’ll be fine.”

  Hester stood and hugged Grace. “Come visit me when you can. I must go. Thank your father for feeding my livestock while I’ve been away.” She opened the door and departed.

  Sarah handed change to the women who’d bought pink and white ruffled aprons and bid them farewell. Sarah joined Grace and pointed at the quilt. “You shouldn’t have accepted this gift from Becca or talked about her with Hester. We’ve discussed you having anything to do with her a number of times.” She scoffed. “I never understood your friendship with her. She complained about wearing pins on our clothes instead of buttons, and she talked openly about what it might be like to live in the world. It was wrong. I stayed away from her. You should have done the same.” She rested her hands on her hips.

  Grace wiped a tear. “My memories of spending time with Becca quilting, delivering bopplin, and sharing our hopes and dreams are precious. I care about her very much. She’s a lovely person with a big heart. She’s a midwife and a nurse who helps the sick and those in need. When she married Matt, she didn’t abandon her good moral values or her strong faith in God.” Grace covered Sarah’s hand. “Please don’t be angry with me. I thought we’d put this subject to bed.”

  Sarah’s voice softened. She dropped her chin to her chest but kept eye contact. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I apologize for my wagging tongue. You’re my best friend.” Her lips quivered. “Please forgive me. I must ask forgiveness for my harsh words against Becca in my prayers tonight.” She grasped Grace’s hand. “Please tell Hester to deliver any gifts from her to you in private.”

  “I told Hester I was wrong to keep in touch with Becca. She understands. Hester offered to apologize to you for bringing up Becca’s name and delivering the quilt to me here. I told her you wouldn’t expect her to apologize. Am I right?”

  Sarah fidgeted with her kapp ribbon. “Jah. Hester is innocent in this. She didn’t mean any harm. The bishop finding out about your offense scares me. If we were ordered by the bishop to shun you, it would break my heart. I don’t know if I could do it.”

  Grace blew out a sigh of relief. Thankful she and Sarah agreed on Hester’s innocence in this matter. Sarah’s warning sent shivers through her. She pictured neighbors and friends passing by them without a word, not socializing with them at church, picnics, or anywhere. It would be like they were invisible. “I’m not writing to her anymore.”

  Sarah stood. “I’m glad. Then I can stop worrying about you getting into trouble. It’s for your own well-being.”

  Grace pulled out the sales journal and pretended to read it. Memories flashed through her mind of times spent laughing, sewing, and baking with Becca through the years before she departed for Massillon. She would love Becca until the day she died. The connecting door squeaked open.

  Mark rubbed his forehead. “Is it time for dinner yet? I have sugar cream pie.”

  This had been a difficult day. First, her encounter with Mrs. Fisher and Mark’s introduction to Eve, and then her spat with Sarah, and now Mark had mentioned Eve’s dessert. She wanted to throw Eve’s pie out the back door. She didn’t want Mark to have anything to do with the young woman. Could this day get any worse? Oh yes, it could. He’d probably bite into the pie and find out Eve was a wonderful baker. “Kumme in. I’ll set the table.”

  Grace removed her picnic basket from behind the counter and brought out ham sandwiches and jars of water. She couldn’t get Eve’s face out of her mind. Guilt pricked her heart. The woman had done nothing wrong. Grace’s fear and jealousy were taking over again. She should rise above it, but the anger stewing wouldn’t go away.

  Mark slid their chairs in a circle, and Sarah joined them.

  “I’ll pray.” Mark bowed his head. “Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us for our sins. Danki for the food we are about to eat. We praise You for your love, mercy, and protection. Amen.” He brought the sandwich to his mouth then paused. “I found a flour sack in an old trunk in my barn. It doesn’t belong to me. The man must’ve left it.”

  Sarah traced the rim of her jar. “Levi’s convinced he’s gone, since there’s been no sign of him lately. He’s asked around town and not one person has had anything stolen lately.”

  “The intruder could’ve stashed his bag in my trunk weeks ago. It’s hard to tell when he put it there.”

  Grace gasped. “What did you do with the bag?”

  “I put it back. Maybe he’ll return for it and I’ll catch him. I’d like to talk to him about why he’s hiding and stealing things.”

  “I still believe he was in need of shelter and food.” Grace sipped her water. She swallowed around the lump in her throat. More important things were on her mind, namely, Eve. She wasn’t in a pleasant mood. She’d stay quiet. Maybe a long prayer of asking God’s forgiveness for her jealousy and anger and a good night’s sleep tonight would improve her demeanor tomorrow.

  Mark finished his sandwich in minutes. He tugged the pie close and cut three pieces. He served a piece to each of them. He spooned some in his mouth. “This is the best sugar cream pie I’ve ever put into my mouth. Wait until you taste it.”

  She’d been correct about Mark liking Eve’s pie. She wanted to scream and bit her tongue.

  Mark paused. “Grace, is anything wrong?”

  She wouldn’t admit she was jealous of another woman. She pressed her hand on her birthmark. Could she blame him if he found Eve or any other available Amish woman attractive? The threat of other women being interested in Mark hadn’t entered her mind until Eve
showed up. Grace had enjoyed their time together, and he treated her with respect, helped her when she needed it, listened to her worries, and delighted in her joyful times. But was it more than friendship to him? The way he gazed into her eyes, squeezed her hand the other day, and listened to her every word had convinced her she meant more to him than a friend. Had she misunderstood?

  She closed her eyes a moment to hide her despair. “No, I’m fine.”

  Sarah covered her hand. “Your eyes are bloodshot and you haven’t been your usual chipper self. Go home and get some rest. I can manage the store this afternoon.”

  “No, I want to stay.”

  A customer entered. Grace hurried to get away from Mark and greeted the woman. “May I help you?” She turned back to look at Mark.

  Mark shrugged. “Danki for dinner.”

  She nodded then waited for the patron’s response.

  The woman fingered a star-patterned quilt in pink and yellow fabrics. “I’d like to purchase this beauty.” Grace unhooked the quilt from the wall and carried it to the counter. She showed the woman the pocket and explained its intended use.

  “What a brilliant idea. I must have it.” The customer unpinned the price note. Digging in her reticule, the woman pulled out the money and paid Grace. She accepted the quilt. “This is a magnificent handcrafted quilt. I’m going to give it to my beloved aunt.”

  The patron departed, and Grace joined Sarah. “I’m fretting about losing Mark to another woman. I can’t stop my mind from going there.”

  “You must not dwell on Mark and other women. You’re wasting your time. He’s not interested in anyone but you. If you treat him like you did at dinner today, you might turn him away. Be kind to him. He doesn’t deserve your cold shoulder. Pouting isn’t going to get you anywhere with him.”

  Grace quaked. It hurt when he spoke words of admiration for Eve. Jealousy was an ugly emotion. Her heart thudded. The thought of Mark pursuing Eve or any other woman sickened her. This was a small town. If he did choose someone else, she was bound to run into them at church and community picnics.