The Amish Bride

by Mindy Starns Clark

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m not so sure about this,” he said again.

  “It’ll be fine,” I answered quickly. “Everything will work out.” I tried my hardest to smile, but even my face hurt.

  He rolled the bike backward, a frown on his face.

  “It’s going to be fine, Ez,” I said again, my voice still low but as cheery as I could make it. “Trust me.” My voice fell flat, though, betraying my fear.

  He shook his head.

  I slung my backpack higher on my shoulder.

  “Ella?” the woman called out. “Is everything okay?”

  I nodded. “I’ll be right there.” I gave Ezra a little wave. “Text me,” I said. “Let me know you made it out to the dairy farm.”

  He grimaced, pulled around in the middle of the street, and then headed back the direction we’d come.

  As I made my way toward the house, walking stiffly, I pulled my phone from my pocket. I had three missed calls from Mom and two from Zed, and several texts. Mom had expected me home by two—which was more than five hours ago. At first she might have thought I’d lost track of time, but when I didn’t answer any of her texts or calls, I could see that she might have grown concerned.

  As I reached the porch, my cell vibrated in my hand. This call was from Lexie. It looked as if the whole world knew I’d gone missing.

  Penny led me straight up to my room, asking as we climbed the stairs if I’d found a job yet. I winced as I said, “No.” Taking another step, I was sure I’d be bowlegged for the rest of my life.

  “Are you okay?” She paused, looking back down at me.

  I was going to make up some flip answer, but the concern on her face was so earnest that it stripped away my defenses.

  “No, actually. I’m an idiot!” I laughed. “I have learned my lesson. Never, ever take an all-day motorcycle ride unless you’re physically prepared for it. The longest I’d ever been on that bike before was an hour at the most. Trust me, after this, I may never walk normally again.”

  Penny chuckled. “Well, I’ve never ridden a motorcycle, but I did take a day trip on a horse once, during my honeymoon, so I know what you mean. It kinda took the ‘honey’ out of the honeymoon, if you get what I’m sayin’!”

  It even hurt to laugh, but at least I finally reached the top of the stairs.

  My room was simple—a twin bed, a chest of drawers with the cardboard box I’d mailed ahead on top, a small desk, a wardrobe in the corner—but it was neat and more than adequate. I put the pillowcase with the carved box and Sarah’s book on the end of the bed and then slung my backpack beside it.

  “I’ll give you a few minutes,” Penny said. “But then come down and chat. I have a job idea.”

  Falling onto the bed, I listened to Lexie’s voice mail first.

  “Your mom is worried sick, Ella. Call me.”

  I listened to Mom’s messages and then Zed’s. Neither one of them sounded worried sick, but in one of them, Mom offered to give me a ride if I needed it, something she never did. She must have imagined me hidden away somewhere in Lancaster County—not two states away.

  As I deleted the last message, my phone vibrated again. Mom. I decided to get it over with and answered it.

  After a terse hello, she said a packet came for me today with the return address of a cooking school in South Bend.

  “Ella.” Her voice was as suspicious as I’d ever heard it. “Are you, by chance, with Ezra in Indiana?”

  “Yes and no. I’m not with Ezra, but I am in Indiana.”

  “Were you with Ezra?” she asked. It was so like her to be as specific as possible.

  “I was earlier today, but he went on to the Klines’ dairy farm.”

  “And where are you?”

  “At Penny’s.” I knew I was sounding smart—as if she should know who Penny was.

  “And where did you meet this Penny?”

  “Online.”

  There was a long pause and then she finally said, “I see.” That was all. She was absolutely quiet.

  I quickly filled the silence with chatter. “You wanted me to be independent, right? To make my own decisions? Well, that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’m renting a room.”

  “It sounds like what you’re doing is manipulating Ezra and putting yourself in a potentially harmful situation.”

  I sat up straight. “Oh, no. He wanted me to come. And Penny is a woman even older than you, I swear.”

  Mom sighed. “Was it Ezra’s idea for you to go with him?”

  I didn’t answer.

  “And how do you think this looks to his family and community in Lancaster County, not to mention his new supervisor in Indiana? And the new community he’s supposed to be a part of. Him running off with a girl?”

  “We’ve done nothing wrong.” I was adamant. “There’s nothing to accuse us of. We’ve been beyond reproach.” That was a term I’d heard used about other couples.

  “I’m not accusing you. Listen carefully. I’m saying that you’ve presented Ezra in a bad light as well as yourself. And you’ve been determined all along to get what you wanted, not thinking once what’s best for either of you.”

  I didn’t answer that, either.

  “Ella, if you get on a bus tonight and come home, there’s a chance Ezra may still be able to salvage what was planned for him, but—”

  “That’s just it. All of this was planned for him. He didn’t have a say—”

  “Did he tell you that?”

  I thought for a moment. Actually, he hadn’t.

  “Young lady.” Mom’s voice was low and firm. “The truth is, you’re the one who didn’t have a say in any of this. And that’s what’s been eating you up all along.”

  “No, Mom, that’s not true.” But even as I said the words, I knew it was. “I love Ezra…” I thought about saying more but then decided it wouldn’t do any good.

  I expected her to point out I hadn’t acted in a loving way, but she didn’t. Instead she said, “Get on the bus.”

  “I’ll think about it,” I said, standing as I spoke. “I’ll send you a text once I decide.”

  There was another long pause. “In the meantime, I need to talk with this Penny person,” she finally said.

  I slumped against the headboard for a moment and then rallied myself. I limped out into the hall and then went down the stairs.

  Penny was standing at the bottom. “I have more info about that job I mentioned.” It was clear she didn’t notice the cell phone I was holding to my ear.

  “Okay,” I answered. “But first my mother wants to talk with you.” I handed her the cell and sat on the bottom step, shaky with exhaustion, both physical and emotional. Penny listened intently, glancing my way a few times and then wandering off around the corner into the next room. I stayed put.

  After my mother was finished with her, my new landlady would probably drive me to the bus station herself.

  I could hear the murmur of Penny’s voice every once in a while, but it was clear Mom was doing most of the talking. It wasn’t like her to be so open with a stranger, and I couldn’t help but wonder what she was saying.

  After what seemed like an eternity, Penny returned and handed me the phone, a look of deep concern on her face. I thanked her and scampered as best I could up the stairs as I listened to Mom say, “Well, it’s hard to tell from a distance, but the woman seems stable enough. Of course, she was shocked you hadn’t discussed your plans with me.” There was definitely a twinge of hurt in Mom’s voice. “She said you won’t be able to get a bus out of town tonight, but she’ll give you a ride to the depot in the morning.”

  “If that’s what I decide to do.”

  Mom sighed. “Yes, Ella. In fact, I told her that because I anticipate you will be as stubborn as ever about this.”

  I didn’t answer.

  “Please call me tomorrow,” she said. “One way or the other.”

  Reluctantly, I told her I would.

  She told me she
loved me, something she didn’t say very often, before she said goodbye. As soon as I hung up, my cell began vibrating again. It was Lexie. I slipped the phone into my pocket and took the stairs slowly this time, running my hand along the polished cherrywood banister. I stepped into the living room, but Penny wasn’t there. The room, with its rag rug, blue velvet-covered sofa, and two overstuffed chairs, looked as if it was seldom used. It was decorated in Americana, with wall hangings and picture frames all with stars and flags and colonial buildings painted on them. I headed through the dining room, around an antique table and hutch, and into the kitchen. Penny stood at the counter, filling a teakettle. The kitchen had plenty of counter space, plus a gas range, a heavy-duty mixer, a humongous refrigerator, and a dishwasher. What stopped me in my tracks was the bookcase filled with cookbooks and magazines.

  “Do you like to cook?” Penny asked, noting my interest.

  “Yes,” I answered. “I especially like to bake.” She had a series of Gourmet magazine, one of Sunset, and one of Cooking Light, plus all the classic cookbooks—The Silver Palate, The Joy of Cooking, Julia Childs, James Beard. French and Italian cookbooks. Greek. I squinted. She even had an Amish cookbook. I nearly laughed to see it on the shelf with all the others.

  I turned toward Penny. “What a great collection.”

  “It’s one of my many hobbies,” she said, seeming a little relieved to be talking about it. “Buying cookbooks. Of course, I like to cook too, although now that it’s just me I don’t do it much anymore. Feel free to borrow any of these—anytime.”

  My gaze fell back on the books.

  “Speaking of cooking…” Penny leaned against the counter. “I’m acquainted with the couple who own the café downtown. I called them a few minutes ago, after you told me you needed a job and before I spoke with your mother. They still have an opening, but now it sounds as if you’ll be returning home.”

  “I’m not sure if I will or not,” I said. “So I would like to meet your friends.”

  “But your mother—”

  I wanted to say, “Can be a real pain,” but instead I smiled and said, “She said she told you I might choose not to go.”

  “She did, but it seems to me—”

  “Thanks,” I said, “but I really am interested in the job. I wonder if it was the same place that had advertised for a waitress online.”

  “I don’t know, but don’t you think you should—”

  “I’m definitely interested. In fact, I think I sent them a letter of inquiry. I’d love to talk with them.”

  Penny was quiet for a long moment. “Okay. I can give you a ride. Let’s plan to go around ten, after their breakfast rush.”

  “Or I can walk,” I said.

  “It’s no problem for me to give you a ride.” She smiled. “I just don’t want to get between you and your mom.”

  “We’re good. We just had a little misunderstanding over all of this, that’s all.” I thanked her and then said I was exhausted. “I’ll see you in the morning,” I added, not wanting her to ask any more questions about my mother.

  As I struggled back up the stairs, my legs growing heavier and heavier, my phone beeped. Thankfully it was Ezra and not Mom or Zed or Lexie again. I read the text slowly as I continued to climb. At the Klines’ place. Voice mail from Will. He’s furious with me. I’m super furious with you. Can’t believe you didn’t tell your mom. You tricked me! You lied to me!

  I tapped in an answer as I walked down the hall to my room. I know, I know. I’m sorry!!! I had no choice! You don’t know what Mom was like there at the end!

  Heart pounding, I sent off that text and then followed it up a moment later with another. We’ll get through this. You’ll see.

  It was too bad I didn’t feel as confident as I sounded. Ezra didn’t text me back—no big surprise there. After I took the carved box out of the pillowcase and put it in the top drawer of the dresser, I changed into my nightgown and collapsed into bed.

  TEN

  I didn’t hear a thing from Ezra the next morning, either. He’d probably been up and working for hours, learning how to milk and run the machines.

  I could see no reason to go home. With Penny’s help, I would probably have a job in no time. In a couple of weeks I would check back with Rosalee to see if she had an opening at the bakery so I could be closer to Ezra. Then I’d figure out school. Ezra might have to sell his motorcycle if the Klines were opposed to it, but we could both get bicycles.

  Things would work out. I really didn’t want to return to Lancaster County. Freddy was there. Ezra was here. My choice was as clear as day. I sent Mom a quick text, ccing Lexie. Job on the horizon. All is well. I’ll call soon.

  Then I limped downstairs to tell Penny I’d be thrilled if she could give me a ride to the café and introduce me to the owners.

  She seemed a little surprised at my dress and head covering.

  “You’re Mennonite?” She was wiping down the granite countertops as she spoke. Face coloring, she added, “I guess I shouldn’t have made that joke yesterday about my honeymoon. Sorry about that.”

  “Don’t be sorry. My mother’s a midwife, so it’s not like I don’t know the facts of life.”

  She chuckled. “So the jeans last night were just for the ride out?”

  I nodded, realizing I hadn’t mentioned being Mennonite in any of my emails.

  “Is that boyfriend of yours Mennonite too?”

  “No,” I answered.

  Penny began to smile.

  “He’s Amish.”

  “Amish?” Her eyes widened. “On a motorcycle?”

  “Well, he hasn’t joined the church yet.”

  “Guess not. Around here some of the Amish kids drive mopeds before they join, but that’s about it.”

  “And bicycles,” I added.

  “Of course,” Penny said. “All of them ride bicycles.”

  “Even the adults?”

  “Yes.”

  “None of the Amish do in Lancaster County. They ride scooters.”

  “Gas powered?” Penny looked quite surprised.

  “No, foot powered.”

  She laughed again. “How about some breakfast? I can make you eggs and toast.”

  “Toast would be great.” I didn’t have much of an appetite.

  She set right to work and soon placed in front of me two slices of whole wheat toast spread with butter and strawberry jam. I dug right in, hungrier than I’d thought I was.

  Penny seemed like a nice woman, and I was thankful she was taking me under her wing. Having someone to feed me once in a while was great, but helping me to find a job was even better. With only babysitting and housecleaning experience, I needed all the assistance I could get.

  “Let’s go,” she said when I was done.

  I quickly rinsed my plate and glass and then followed her out the back door to the driveway. She drove a Volvo SUV, the kind of car Ezra considered “pretentious,” given its price tag. But when I sat down on the leather seat, I knew I’d never been in such a fancy car in all my life. Pretentious or not, I was sold.

  It only took us a few minutes to reach the restaurant. I could have easily walked, but then I wouldn’t have had Penny to introduce me. She parked in front of an old brick building with a sign above a door that read Downtown Café. I followed her through to the inside, where the dining room was painted white and lots of light streamed in through the windows. Booths lined the walls, and several tables were arranged in the middle of the room. It was all very clean and simple.

  “Good morning,” Penny said to a waitress measuring out coffee. “Is Kendra around?”

  “I’ll go get her,” the woman said.

  Penny pointed to the last booth and I slid in to it.

  Instead of a woman, as expected, a man wearing a paper chef’s hat came out of the kitchen, wiping his hands on his apron. He was tall and lanky and greeted Penny with a wide grin.

  “Did you sleep in?” He winked as he spoke. “I’ve never seen you rol
l in here for breakfast this late before.”

  She smiled. “No, I decided to bring Ella in after the morning rush. I’ll be back on my regular schedule tomorrow.”

  The man turned his attention to me. “So you’re looking for a job.” He extended his hand, and I shook it. “I’m Wes. Got any experience?”

  I explained that I’d been cooking since I was six, and then added my very limited job experience, saying I’d sent in a letter a few weeks ago.

  “Yeah, well, we don’t look at those too closely. Penny recommending you is much better. Did you say you’re from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania?”

  I nodded.

  “You Amish?”

  “Mennonite.”

  His eyes sparkled. “Close enough. The tourists like that. The cap and dress and all. And anyone interested in the Amish is doubly interested in Lancaster County.” His eyes lit up even more, making me feel like a commodity. “Well, I can’t give you full time, but probably thirty hours a week. Can you start tomorrow? Six a.m. sharp?”

  I told him yes, even though I flinched a little at my clothes getting me the job. Still, I thanked Penny profusely as we left, and then, once we were back in her vehicle, I asked if she would mind taking me by the grocery store. She was happy to.

  On the way I asked how she knew Wes.

  “He went to high school with my son,” she said. “Kendra is his wife. She went to school with them too.”

  “Where’s your son now?”

  Penny sighed heavily. “Denver. He manages a hotel there. I miss him like crazy.”

  “How about your other kids?”

  She shook her head. “He’s my one and only. I keep hoping he’ll get married and give me some grandchildren.” She chuckled. “He’s nearly thirty. You’d think he’d be ready to settle down.”

  “What do you do? As far as a job?” I asked. She hadn’t mentioned going to work, and it sounded as if she ate at the café every day.

  “I’m not employed right now,” she said. “I’ve worked at different things through the years, though. Interior design was the latest, but when the economy tanked business dried up. My husband left me a few months ago. Now he’s in California, from what I hear.” She turned onto the main street. “It seemed as though it was out of the blue, but now I can see there were warning signs the last few years.”