An Unexpected Amish Courtship

by Rachel J. Good

  Isaac patted the spot beside him, and Snickers jumped up. When he’d first started as a puppy raiser for Snickers, Mamm had objected to dogs on furniture. But guide dogs might need to sit next to their owners to help them, so sitting close to him was part of their training. After some hesitation, Mamm had gotten used to Snickers sitting next to Isaac at meals and sleeping on his bed.

  In the other room, Daed greeted the bishop and sat in the chair beside Mamm’s.

  “I won’t keep you long,” Laban said. “We have a new member of the church who lives close to you, and she could use a ride to church. I told her I’d check with you.”

  “Happy to do it, Laban. Where does she live?”

  “On the dead-end lane right beyond Myron Groff’s barn.”

  Daed frowned. “Isn’t that where Pickle Lady, um, I mean Wilma Mast lives?”

  Laban raised his eyebrows. “Pickle Lady?”

  Daed gave an embarrassed chuckle. “Sorry. That’s what my kids call her. She sells pickles at the market.”

  “I wonder if that’s why she earned that nickname,” the bishop said drily.

  “Laban, that’s not nice.” Mary tapped him on the arm. “I knew her face looked familiar. I’ve seen her at the farmers market. I can my own pickles, so I’ve never bought from her, but I sometimes pass her stand.”

  “Wilma’s coming to our church?” Daed sounded surprised.

  Isaac would have been too, but he suspected someone other than Wilma would be attending church. At least he hoped he was right.

  Mamm’s brow wrinkled into a puzzled frown. “I thought she was Mennonite.”

  “Neh, she’s not,” Mary corrected. “But it’s not Wilma who’s joined the church.”

  I knew it! Isaac leaned forward eagerly.

  “She has a niece, Sovilla Mast, from Sugarcreek staying with her.” Laban confirmed Isaac’s suspicion. “I’m guessing she’s about the same age as your dochder Leanne.”

  And we’ll get to take her to church every Sunday? Isaac had to find a way to drive her or be in the buggy with her. He couldn’t believe he’d get to be with her on Sundays too.

  Daed stroked his beard. “So, Wilma’s Englisch and this Sovilla’s Amish?”

  “Jah, curious, isn’t it?” Mary answered. “Sovilla’s here to take care of Wilma, who’s having surgery.”

  Isaac hadn’t thought about it before, mainly because he’d been too enamored of Sovilla. But now he wondered if Wilma was an aenti by marriage or if she’d left the Amish church. He’d never heard about her being married. If she had been, Sovilla’s onkel must have left the church. Such a sad thing to happen in a family.

  The bishop rose. “We need to do some errands, and plenty of work awaits me at home. Danke for taking care of Sovilla.”

  “We’re happy to,” Mamm assured him. “We can see that she gets to youth group too. We have plenty of drivers.”

  Laban hesitated. “Wilma seems very concerned about Sovilla being around boys, especially when she’s in the hospital. Could she ride with you or your dochders?”

  “Of course.” Mamm smiled brightly while Isaac’s hopes crumbled. “Leanne usually drives the older girls. Sovilla might like to have some friends her age.”

  What about me? Isaac pictured taking Sovilla home after a singing. But many obstacles stood in the way. First of all, he couldn’t ask her. No matter how many times he practiced with pebbles or took deep breaths, he’d get so nervous, he’d stutter like crazy. Maybe she wouldn’t even be able to understand him.

  But he had two other roadblocks: an aenti who didn’t want Sovilla around boys, and Sovilla’s boyfriend back in Sugarcreek. He should forget her, but how did you rein in your heart?

  * * *

  After the bishop left, Wilma banged around in the kitchen, crashing pots, slamming kitchen equipment, and muttering to herself.

  Sovilla mirrored Wilma’s mumbling, only silently. The idea of changing the clothing she’d worn since childhood upset her. Wilma had taken Sovilla’s pay for working at Gideon’s, and she only had a little money left from Mamm. Not enough for fabric.

  She also wasn’t sure Wilma had a sewing machine. Several of the bedroom doors remained closed, and Sovilla had never dared to peek inside.

  And she certainly couldn’t ask Wilma for money. Sovilla pictured Wilma’s reaction to the request. Like an erupting volcano, hot, angry words would spew from her aenti’s mouth. She’d never give a penny of her hard-earned money for anything to do with God or the Amish.

  Sovilla sighed. Every day, she questioned why Mamm had sent her here. She struggled to accept this as God’s will for her life, but many days, it was difficult.

  Bowing her head, she pleaded, Dear Lord, forgive me for doubting You. Please remind me to be grateful that You’ve brought me here. And show me how to get a dress and kapp. And, Lord, please give me patience with Wilma so I can reach her with Your love.

  Her heart lighter, Sovilla lifted her head. She’d left three of her most pressing problems with the Lord.

  One more minor concern nagged at her. She hoped she’d like the family who’d drive her to church. What if they didn’t like her? Or what if they resented going out of their way to pick her up?

  Sovilla shook herself. She’d been spending too much time around Wilma. Some of her aenti’s negativity and suspicion had rubbed off. Most Amish families looked for opportunities to help one another.

  Trying to find other positives, Sovilla recalled the bishop mentioning the family had some youngsters. Little ones at church had always clustered around her. She’d probably get along fine with the younger children in this family.

  What about the boys who were her age, though? Sovilla would explain that she had a boyfriend. She’d have no trouble staying away from any boys. Wilma had nothing to worry about.

  Although as each day passed without any word from Henry, their relationship seemed more a fantasy than a reality. Still, unless she and Henry officially broke up, Sovilla intended to remain faithful.

  For some odd reason, Isaac’s face supplanted Henry’s. Sovilla shook her head. She only wanted to help Isaac. Her heart went out to him as he struggled to speak. That was all there was to their friendship. So why was she having so much trouble banishing him from her thoughts?

  * * *

  At the supper table that night, Daed looked at Leanne. “The bishop stopped by today. He wants someone to pick up a young girl who’s staying with Wilma Mast and take her to church and youth group.”

  “Sovilla?” Andrew asked with a sly grin at Isaac.

  Even hearing Sovilla’s name made Isaac’s heart flutter, but he’d rather it hadn’t been his brother who said her name.

  Dad turned to Andrew. “You know her?”

  Andrew chewed slowly, his eyes on Isaac, as if waiting for him to answer.

  “She works at the market. We”—he waved in Isaac’s direction—“met her when she was working at Hartzler’s Chicken Barbecue. Well, actually, she was filling in for Fern at the bakery counter.”

  “I see.” Daed returned his attention to Leanne. “I’d like you to get her on Sunday.”

  Andrew broke in. “Why are you asking Leanne when someone else at this table is dying to pick up Sovilla?” He threw a pointed glance at Isaac.

  Everyone turned to stare. Isaac struggled to maintain an I-don’t-know-what-he’s-talking-about expression, but blood rushed to his face, ruining his efforts to look disinterested.

  “Ooo, Isaac,” his older brother, Zeke, teased. “You sweet on this girl?”

  Isaac glared at Andrew, who shrugged and added another jab. “You haven’t noticed how many cinnamon rolls and sticky buns and pretzels he’s been eating lately?”

  “Come to think of it,” Zeke said, “he has been missing a lot lately when we have jobs to do.”

  Isaac sucked in a deep breath, hoping he could make Mrs. Vandenberg’s technique work. Before he could form words, Leanne interrupted.

  “Stop being mean. Leave Isaac alone.
”

  Danke, Leanne. His younger sister often came to his rescue. He smiled to let her know he appreciated her kindness.

  Daed tapped a fork on his plate to get their attention. “Sovilla’s aenti doesn’t want her around boys. So, we’ll be honoring Wilma’s wishes.”

  Andrew groaned. “Aww.”

  Leanne studied Andrew. “You’re interested in her too? Is that why you were teasing Isaac?”

  Zeke rolled his eyes. “What girl isn’t Andrew interested in? At singings, they all flock around him like hens around a rooster.”

  “Can I help it they all like me?” Andrew tried to act nonchalant, but a proud smile spoiled the effect.

  Daed cleared his throat. “Don’t be prideful, sohn. Perhaps you also need to consider how you’re acting to attract so much attention. That might be something you need to pray about.”

  Andrew squirmed under Daed’s stern look, and his show-offy expression wilted.

  “As I was saying,” Daed continued, “Sovilla will ride with you girls, Leanne.” He glanced from Andrew to Isaac and even included Zeke, pinning each of them with a piercing gaze. “And I expect you boys to honor Wilma’s request to stay away from her.”

  Isaac’s spirits sank. Not spend time with Sovilla?

  Did that mean he couldn’t talk to her at the market? If he met her in the library, did he turn and go the other way? Did he stop buying pretzels? Stop taking Snickers for a walk down her aisle?

  What had sounded like the ideal opportunity to spend more time with her at singings, maybe even get up the courage to ask her to ride home with him, had turned into a nightmare. Instead of getting to know her better, he’d need to avoid her.

  * * *

  The next morning, a girl came rushing up to the stand as Sovilla helped her aenti remove the tablecloths covering the pickle jars.

  “Are you Sovilla?”

  When Sovilla nodded, the girl rushed on. “I’m Leanne, and we’ll be taking you to church on Sunday. I hope you’ll want to go to the singing with us too.”

  Sovilla ignored Wilma’s frown. “I’d like that.”

  “I wouldn’t.”

  Her aenti’s flat declaration doused Sovilla’s enthusiasm with a deluge of ice-cold reality. Would Wilma refuse to let her attend?

  “I’d like to go to the singings.” Sovilla kept her tone respectful, but firm.

  “Much too dangerous. Lots of boys there. Too easy to get in trouble.”

  Leanne favored Wilma with a sunny smile. “Daed mentioned you were worried about that. He told my brothers to stay away. And I can let the other boys know you don’t want Sovilla dating.”

  “I already have a boyfriend back in Sugarcreek,” Sovilla said.

  Wilma snorted, but Leanne’s smile grew wider. “Perfect. I’ll make sure everyone knows she’s dating someone. That’ll keep the boys away.”

  “I doubt it. They’re not to be trusted.”

  “I think if you met the boys in our buddy bunch, you’d see they’re trustworthy.”

  “No male is trustworthy.”

  Leanne raised her eyebrows, but then pasted on a neutral expression. Keeping her tone polite, she said, “I’m sure you don’t mean that.”

  “I’m sure I do.” Wilma turned her back and stomped over to count the money.

  “Do you think she’ll let you go to the singings?” Leanne whispered.

  Sovilla shrugged. “I’m not sure.” Since she’d arrived, she’d never rebelled against anything Wilma had asked her to do or not do. This might be her first time.

  “I hope you can come. We have a really nice group. But I’ll plan to get you for church at seven thirty on Sunday morning.”

  “Danke. I’m looking forward to it.” This girl seemed sweet, and it would be nice to have a friend.

  Leanne took in Sovilla’s clothes. “Are you planning to change your kapp and dress?”

  “I’ll have to, won’t I?” Thinking about it again brought up a deep ache. “In my church, they gave people a few weeks.”

  “We do here too, but wouldn’t you be more comfortable if you dressed the same as everyone else?”

  Sovilla bit her lip. Comfortable? Neh. She’d never be comfortable in the Lancaster Plain clothes, not when she looked so different from her family. But she’d stand out if she wore her Sugarcreek kapp. “I guess I would. I’ll have to figure out something for next time.”

  “Sovilla!” Wilma’s voice cracked through the air. “Are you here to help, or do you plan to socialize all day?”

  “I’m sorry,” Leanne whispered. “I didn’t mean to get you in trouble.”

  “It’s not your fault.” If Leanne hadn’t been here, Wilma would have found some other reason to complain.

  “I’ll see you Sunday.” Leanne scooted off.

  Wilma had scared off Sovilla’s first chance at friendship. And she’d hurt Isaac’s feelings too. Would Sovilla be able to have any friends?

  Wilma had made it clear Sovilla wasn’t to have any male friends, but it seemed as if she might not be allowed have female friends either. Or perhaps Wilma only objected to Amish friends.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Hey, Isaac,” Leanne called as she raced across the parking lot from the market to the auction building.

  He stopped and waited for his sister to catch up.

  She huffed a little. “Whew! I’m out of breath. Not as young as I used to be, I guess.”

  Isaac laughed. Leanne was seventeen. He still thought of her as his baby sister.

  He’d been six when she was born, so he’d spent a lot of time taking care of her. He’d found comfort in being around a little girl who could only speak baby talk and mispronounced many of her words. He’d already reached the age when people no longer considered that cute. They frowned at his problems talking, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t make his words come out like Andrew’s or Zeke’s.

  “You r-run in b-baseball.”

  She ran faster than anyone in the family. And hit better too. That’s why everyone always wanted her on their team.

  Leanne waved a hand. “That’s sprinting, not speeding after someone. I’m glad I caught you before you went inside.”

  Isaac tilted his head. She wanted to talk to him privately. Was something wrong? Leanne often confided her problems in him, probably because Isaac couldn’t talk well enough to gossip.

  “I went over to Pickle Lady’s stand to meet Sovilla. I can see why you have a crush on her.”

  He wanted to protest that he didn’t, but would that be lying? Before he could decide, Leanne hurried on.

  “Sovilla seems really sweet and kind. Not at all like her aenti.”

  Isaac agreed with that. He nodded, hoping Leanne would say more.

  “I think Wilma wanted to toss me out. She’s not happy Sovilla’s going to church. I’m not sure if she’ll forbid her to go to singings. It sounds like she might.”

  Neh. Isaac had been counting on seeing her there even if he couldn’t talk to her.

  “Jah, I’m d-disappointed too.”

  Leanne read more than his face. She seemed to see into his heart too. Sovilla also had that gift. Conversations with both of them were much easier than with anyone else. When they’d been younger, Andrew had done this too. But laterly, his twin had gotten more self-absorbed and stopped listening or understanding.

  Turning down her lips, Leanne said, “It’s not fair for Wilma to keep Sovilla from having fun. Maybe Daed or Laban can convince Pickle Lady.”

  Isaac wiggled his brows at the nickname.

  “I know, I know. Mamm doesn’t want us to call her that, but she is sour.”

  Although he should have discouraged Leanne from criticizing Wilma, Isaac nodded.

  “Can you imagine living with Wilma all day long? I have trouble being nice to her for ten minutes.”

  Isaac’s heart went out to Sovilla. It had to be a trial to be cooped up in the house with an old woman who always griped.

  “Anyway, I thought
you’d like to know she’ll be coming. I’d better go. Mamm’ll be wondering where I am. I was only supposed to drop off the canned goods at Wolgemuth’s stand, but I couldn’t resist checking out Sovilla.”

  Mamm and the girls canned their extra garden produce—beans, tomatoes, corn, peas, and whatever else was in season and also made chow chow—for a stand at the market. Everyone did small jobs to bring in extra money. Even so, they’d barely scrape by if it weren’t for the money Isaac made by selling his puppies for guide dogs.

  He waved as Leanne headed for the buggy. Being with his sister always made Isaac’s heart lighter. Today, though, it soared. Sovilla would be coming to church! Even though he couldn’t talk to her or ride in the same buggy, he’d get to stare at her across the room during the service.

  * * *

  That night after dinner, Leanne beckoned to Isaac as he headed out to check the dogs before bed. He slipped out of the living room to join her in the hallway.

  Andrew came galloping after them. “What are you two up to?”

  Leanne waved him away. “Nothing that’d interest you.”

  Isaac followed her upstairs to her bedroom. Andrew stayed on their tail. After Leanne opened her door, she motioned for Isaac and Snickers to go in first, then she shut the door before Andrew could enter.

  He yelped. “You almost cut off my nose.”

  “Your nose wouldn’t be in danger if you didn’t keep sticking it into other people’s business.”

  “Hey!” Andrew pounded on the door.

  Daed yelled upstairs. “What’s going on up there? Stop that banging.”

  Andrew stopped knocking and started wheedling, “Aww, Leanne, let me in.” When she ignored him, he asked, “Don’t you need to help Mamm with the canning?”

  “Not until the younger ones are done with the dishes. If you’re so worried about Mamm, you could help.”

  Grumbling, Andrew clomped downstairs.

  “I didn’t want Andrew to see this because I know he’ll tease.” Leanne went over to the closet she shared with three of her sisters and opened the door. “I already checked this out with Mamm.”

  Leanne pulled out three dresses and laid them on the bed. “I thought Sovilla might feel more comfortable if she could dress like everyone else.”