“No, Earl.”
He leaned close to her head and took in some air. “Phew! Your hair reeks of cigarette smoke. I’d recognize that aroma anywhere.”
With rushed speech, Virginia made up a story about having gone shopping this morning. “And when I came out of the store, there was this guy smoking like a diesel. That man blew smoke curls everywhere. Guess the odor must have stayed with me.”
Earl rolled his neck from side-to-side then massaged his forehead. “You’d better be telling the truth. Need I remind you that when you quit smoking, you said it was for good?”
“I don’t need any reminders.” Virginia gathered up her empty mug and puzzle book. “I’m going to the house to get more coffee. Want me to get you some?”
“No thanks. I’m just gonna lie in the hammock. If I’m not up by suppertime, give me a holler.” His forehead wrinkled. “On second thought, don’t holler. Better give me a gentle shake instead.”
“Okay, Earl. Have a good nap.”
Virginia went inside and closed the back door. Whew, that was a close one. I wasn’t expecting Earl to come home early or I’d have taken my shower sooner. I’ll need to be more careful next time I decide to have a cigarette.
“Well, if that doesn’t beat all.” Virginia stood in front of the living room window, shaking her head. She turned to face her husband.
“What’s wrong?” Earl asked from where he sat putting on his work shoes.
“You should see all the horses and buggies, as well as some cars, pulling into the Kings’ driveway.”
“More greenhouse traffic, huh?”
She shook her head. “Today is Jared and Amy’s wedding, don’t ya know? And of course, we didn’t get an invite to it, which is why Stella didn’t come.”
“It’s not the end of the world, Virginia. We barely know those people, and we’re not Amish, so they might not want outsiders at the occasion.”
“I realize that, but if you’ll recall, Jared said we would be invited.” She tapped her foot, as anger flooded her soul. “I have half a notion to go on over there and crash that wedding. I wonder how that would go over.”
“Not very well, I imagine. So just get the idea right out of your head.” Earl stood. “And for crying out loud, get away from the window. It’s doing you no good to spy on those folks.”
“If we can’t go, then I may as well see what I can from here.” Virginia moved over to the coffee table and picked up the binoculars. I wonder if there’s a way to get a better look over there. If I could find a spot to see into their property well, maybe then I’d be satisfied.
Earl moved toward her. “Listen, I don’t think…”
She waved him away. “You’d better get going, or you’re gonna be late for work.”
“Yeah, okay. But promise me you’ll be good today and find something constructive to do.”
She gave him a salute. “Will do.”
Virginia waited until she heard Earl’s vehicle pull out before she went back to watching the goings-on across the road.
Amy paced the living room floor, every once in a while stopping to draw a quick breath. This was the most exciting, but nerve-racking day of her life. It felt like she’d been waiting for this special event to take place forever—certainly since she’d fallen in love with Jared.
I wonder if he’s feeling as nervous as I am right now. Oh, I hope the love of my life has no regrets.
“You need to stop pacing, or you’ll wear a hole in the floor.”
Amy stopped walking and turned to face her oldest brother. “I can’t help it, Ezekiel. I’m a nervous wreck.”
“Of course you are. All brides and grooms are naerfich on their wedding day. I sure was, and if you ask Michelle, she’ll admit to having been nervous too.”
“How did you get through it without falling apart?”
“I prayed for peaceful thoughts and did a lot of deep breathing.”
Amy gave him a hug. “Danki, big brother. I’ll try to do both throughout the wedding service.” She turned toward the hallway as the rest of their family entered the living room.
“You look pretty.” Michelle came over and gave Amy a hug. “I’m so glad we could be here to help celebrate your marriage.”
Amy smiled. “It wouldn’t be the same without all of my family.” Her smile faded and tears welled in her eyes. “Oh how I wish Dad, Abe, and Toby could be here. I never expected to be getting married without their presence.”
Mom got teary-eyed and so did Sylvia. The three of them gathered in a group hug.
“We need to get control of our emotions,” Mom said. “There are a lot of people waiting outside the barn, and they’ll soon be seated. Are you ready to head out now, Daughter?”
“Jah.” Amy gave a nod.
Mom took Allen and Rachel’s hands and led them out the door. They would sit with her during the service. Ezekiel, Michelle, and their two children went next, followed by Henry.
Sylvia came alongside Amy and clasped her hand. “I am honored to be a part of your special day.”
“And I’m happy you are one of my witnesses.” Amy paused and said a quick, silent prayer. It was hard to believe, but in the next few hours she would become Mrs. Jared Riehl.
Sylvia sat up straight in her chair as she listened to the message being preached on the topic of husbands and wives. She remembered her own wedding with Toby and how excited yet nervous she felt sitting across from her groom as they waited to say their vows. She also recalled how all of her family and friends had been there to offer their blessings and approval. The thought that she might lose her husband in a few years was the furthest thing from Sylvia’s mind. As a young bride, she’d been full of hope for the future and felt certain that she and Toby would be together for a long time.
A lump formed in Sylvia’s throat. She would never forget what she and Toby had together, but she couldn’t bring him back, and she had no regrets about her decision to move on with her life. Toby would not have wanted me to mourn for him indefinitely. He’d want me and the children to be happy and cared for.
Sylvia glanced at Dennis sitting in the men’s section of the barn. She felt more convinced than ever that he was the right man for her.
As Jared and Amy stood before the bishop to say their vows, Dennis watched Sylvia. He wouldn’t say anything today, of course, but he wondered if it was too soon to ask her to marry him. His business had grown throughout the summer months, and he had some money saved up. He would wait until he had the approval of Sylvia’s mother, however, before asking Sylvia to become his wife.
My mamm would be excited if Sylvia and I got married, although probably disappointed because we’ll stay here in Strasburg. No doubt she would like me to move back to Dauphin County, but she’ll have to accept the fact that I’ve established a new home here.
Dennis snapped back to attention when the bride and groom returned to their seats. He’d missed hearing the rest of their verbal commitment to each other. He glanced at Sylvia again, and saw her wiping tears on her cheeks. Are they tears of joy for her sister, or could Sylvia be thinking about her deceased husband and the years they spent together? Is she ready to commit to me, or am I fooling myself to believe she’s truly in love with me?
His fingers curled into his palms. I have to know, and it needs to be soon.
Belinda could hardly control her emotions as Amy and Jared said their vows. She was happy her daughter had found happiness with the man she loved, but she would miss Amy so much when she moved into Herschel’s rental with Jared.
I’m glad Jared doesn’t have a problem with Amy working at the greenhouse until she becomes pregnant with their first child. Belinda patted Rachel’s back as the little girl leaned against her chest and slept. I am concerned, little one, as to what will transpire if your mammi should marry Dennis. Will she move you and your brother back to her old place, or could Dennis decide to pack up and move back to Dauphin County where his family lives? It’s hard enough having Ezekiel living in
New York. It would really be difficult if Sylvia and the children moved away too.
Try not to think about it, she told herself. No one but God knows what the future holds.
Sitting beside her groom at the Eck, or the corner table, Amy felt like pinching herself. It was hard to believe she had finally become Jared’s wife. What a joyous occasion. Everything had gone just as planned. Now as she and Jared ate a delicious wedding meal with their guests, Amy tried to absorb it all. Since there would be no pictures taken, Amy wanted to instill everything about this wonderful day into her memory so she would never forget it.
“Are you enjoying the meal?” Jared leaned close to Amy, brushing his lips against her ear.
“Oh jah, very much.”
“Me too.” He looked out at all the people sitting at the long tables beneath the tent. “Too bad your neighbors couldn’t have made it today.”
“Which neighbors?”
“Earl and Virginia. Remember the night we met them at Diener’s, and I said they would probably get an invitation to the wedding or at least one of the meals afterward? Did you include them?”
Amy blinked. “I’m sure I put them on the invitation list for the second meal. Maybe they were unable to come.” Or maybe, they weren’t interested in attending the event.
Virginia walked out to get her mail, limping all the way. She’d brought the binoculars, but in her hurry, she had forgotten to bring her cane along and now regretted it. As she approached the box, she heard the sounds of laughter and people talking from the Kings’ yard. Before getting the mail, Virginia decided to walk up the driveway a bit, curious to see what was going on. Earlier, she’d heard singing and figured it must be part of the wedding service. Now with the laughter and chattering, she felt sure the wedding must be over.
Virginia moved slowly toward the event and pulled the binoculars up to her eyes. She still didn’t have a good spot to do any viewing. I’ll walk closer until I can see something. It’s unfair that I’m reduced to this, slinking about to get a glance at what I should have been able to attend. At the very least, I’d like to have something to tell Stella about.
Halfway up the driveway she spotted a couple of large white tents set up near the barn. This was an area of their yard she couldn’t see from her house. Open flaps on the canvas gave her a clear view of some of the guests, but she couldn’t see any sign of the bride and groom. Behind Virginia, she heard someone humming and the sound grew closer. Her first instinct was to hide, so she ducked behind some shrubs and peeked out. Not long after, she saw that odd, gray-haired woman wearing shabby clothes and ambling up the driveway. Virginia watched Maude walk toward the greenhouse. I wonder what she’s up to. Hmm… she definitely isn’t going to the wedding looking like that.
In a crouched position, Virginia continued to watch Maude. A few minutes went by, and she saw Mrs. King come out of the tent and hand the old woman a plate full of food. Virginia couldn’t believe her eyes as Maude took a seat on a wooden bench and gobbled up the fare.
“Now that certainly takes the cake. They’re eating a meal, and now Maude’s getting in on it too.” Virginia spoke quietly through clenched teeth. A meal that I should be sitting down eating right now—along with Stella and Earl.
Virginia smelled the food from where she hid, but her knees were beginning to go numb and might buckle if she didn’t stand up soon. I need to get out of here before someone sees me.
As Virginia tried to stand, she lost her balance and fell backward into some kind of bush with vines, and her arm got tangled up in it. Oh great. Now what should I do?
After a few failed attempts at trying to get up, she was finally on her feet. However, as her left foot came down, it landed in something strange. Oh boy. What did I just step in? Virginia looked down at her sandal, enveloped in a pile of fresh dung. Oh sugar…this can’t be happening to me. I shouldn’t have even bothered coming over here.
Virginia shook her foot, trying get rid of the stuff, and even tried wiping it in the grass. Worried that someone would see her, she limped toward home. I’ve got to either clean this well or throw the sandals away. I can’t let Earl know I’ve been out spying on the neighbors and on their property, no less.
She looked over her shoulder. No one seemed to have taken notice of her. She made her way to the mailbox and grabbed the contents. Now her hip hurt as well as her bum leg.
Once she was in her own backyard, Virginia placed the mail on the picnic table and grabbed the hose to wash off the mess on her sandal. Most of it came off, but now it looked stained. I’m gonna have to throw them both out. This really bums me out. Those shoes are my favorite because they’re so comfy. With a groan, Virginia walked over to the garbage can and tossed them in.
Once inside the house, she put the mail on the counter and suddenly realized the binoculars hadn’t made it back home with her. She figured she must have dropped them in the weeds when she fell. When can I go back over there and get them?
She stepped up to the front window and saw Maude moseying down the driveway like she didn’t have a care in the world. No doubt she was quite satisfied after that meal she’d eaten.
Guess I could try to go back over there and fetch them now, but I’d be taking a chance of that wedding gathering being over soon, and then people getting into their rigs would surely see me.
Virginia thought about Stella again. She still felt bad having to tell her best friend that they hadn’t received an invitation to Amy and Jared’s wedding, but she had asked Stella to come visit anyway. “We can sit on the front porch and listen to the festivities,” she’d told her friend. But Stella had declined, saying she’d made other plans for this week.
“Other plans my foot,” Virginia muttered. “I bet the only reason she backed out of coming is because we wouldn’t be going to an Amish wedding.”
She kicked at a stone beneath her feet and groaned as a searing pain shot up her leg. “A lot of good it did me to try and be friendly with those Plain people. Think I’m gonna have a cigarette to help me calm down.”
“I wish we didn’t have to go back home so soon,” Michelle complained to Ezekiel as they put the children to bed that evening. “The wedding was wonderful, and we got to visit with several people, but I didn’t get to spend enough time talking to Mary Ruth or Lenore, and I was sort of hoping we could stop by to see Sara, Brad, and the baby since they couldn’t make it to the wedding.”
“We can stay through tomorrow, but we’ll need to head back to Clymer Thursday morning as planned. If there’s time tomorrow evening, maybe we can see if our driver would be free to take us over to see the Fullers.” Ezekiel patted their son’s back before putting him in the portable crib they’d brought on this trip.
Michelle tucked Angela Mary in and bent to kiss the little girl’s forehead, and then she and Ezekiel tiptoed out of the room.
Standing in the hall outside the guest room, her voice lowered to a whisper. “Isn’t it hard for you to come here for special occasions and then have to leave, knowing it might be several months before we see any of your family again?”
“Jah, but I’m happy living in Clymer.” Ezekiel looked at her pointedly. “I thought you were too.”
“I am for the most part, but it’s always hard to say goodbye to our loved ones here.”
“Just think about how the pioneers must have felt when they left their families and homes to travel to lands unknown in the West. Some of them never saw any of their relatives back home again. At least we only live one state away and get to see our family several times a year.”
“You’ve made a good point, and I’ll try not to get so emotional when we say goodbye this time.” After their last visit, Michelle had shed tears most of the way home.
“Let’s go back to the living room and visit with the others for a while before it’s time for bed,” Ezekiel suggested.
“Okay.” Michelle breathed a heavy sigh and started down the hall toward the living room, where the rest of the family had gathered.
Amy and Jared had left to spend their first night as a married couple in their rental. They would be back in the morning to help with the clean-up and putting things away that had been set up for the wedding. In a few weeks or so, they planned to take a trip out West by train. Michelle had never been to the West Coast, but hoped someday after Angela Mary and Vernon were older she and Ezekiel could make such a trip. If it was off-season for the greenhouse, perhaps Ezekiel’s mother would be willing to watch the children.
“Virginia, what is this?” Earl marched into the living room, where she sat on the couch reading a magazine about birds in the state of Pennsylvania.
She put the magazine down, and when she looked up at him, her eyes widened. “Where’d you get that?”
“Found it in the hall closet, inside a box.” He held up a carton of cigarettes. “So you haven’t started smoking again, huh?”
“Well, umm…” Virginia squirmed on the couch.
“How long has this been going on, and how come you lied about it?”
Earl’s stern tone caused Virginia to cringe. She feared he might become violent and hit her. Although he’d never done anything like that in the past, this was something Virginia feared could happen if Earl became angry enough.
“I started smoking again because I’m a nervous wreck, and I didn’t admit it to you, because I knew you’d be disappointed in me.” Virginia’s lips quivered and tears sprang to her eyes as she lowered her head. “Guess I’m nothing but a big failure, and you probably regret having married me.”
“Not true, Virginia.” Earl came over and sat down beside her. “I am disappointed that you’re smoking again, but I don’t regret marrying you.”
Virginia sniffed and leaned her head on Earl’s shoulder. “I don’t know what I did to deserve a wonderful man like you.” She gestured to the carton of cigarettes. “I’ll try really hard to quit smoking, but I can’t promise. As long as we’re living among the Amish here in Strasburg, my nerves will be on edge.” She nodded her head toward the living room window. “Those people over there can’t be trusted.”
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