A Plain Man

by Mary Ellis

  Deciding that Laura wouldn’t be easily put off, Josie sat down and took hold of her younger sibling’s hand. “I’m not sure if Cal will show up or not. But if he does, I want to look my prettiest.”

  Laura’s eyebrows shot to her hairline. “Rumors are true—you are sweet on him.”

  “I am.”

  “Mamm hoped he was just a passing fancy,” Laura whispered into her ear. “A phase that you were going through.”

  “She said that?” Josie was shocked that her mother would talk about such a personal matter.

  Laura nodded. “Jah, but she didn’t know I was listening.”

  “You shouldn’t eavesdrop. One day you might overhear something you wish you hadn’t.”

  “Aren’t you afraid Caleb will get bored and move back to the city? Then you will have wasted precious courting time on a dead end. You’re twenty-one, almost twenty-two.” She lowered her voice as though Josie’s age were a big secret.

  “I was at first, so I asked him. He assured me he wasn’t leaving and that he planned to join our church. I’m willing to take his word and give him a chance. For all I know Cal might chew with his mouth open or burp loudly in public. Then it won’t make any difference if he gets baptized.” Josie walked to their bedroom door and grabbed her purse off the hook.

  “Sounds like you haven’t heard the news.”

  Josie stopped in her tracks. “What news?”

  “David told me James told him that Cal quit his job.” Laura joined her in the hallway.

  “How could he quit? His boss is his father.”

  “I don’t know. Maybe it’s just a rumor that isn’t true. Let’s go before everyone leaves without us. I just heard the buggy stop by the steps. We don’t want Mamm to start yelling.”

  “Indeed, we don’t.” Josie followed her down the steps in a mood that was rapidly deteriorating. Caleb quit his job? As bad signs went—that one had to be the worst.

  The buggy ride to the hosting farm was long and hot. Her brother kept bumping her shoulder while her sisters wouldn’t quit chattering about nonsense.

  Finally her father spoke in an unarguable tone of voice. “Silence. Let’s prepare ourselves for worship by stilling our tongues and opening our hearts.” Josie had a few quiet moments to pray that she wasn’t skipping merrily down a dead-end street like Laura suggested.

  After Daed dropped them near the house, he parked the buggy in the recently mown hayfield. The Zook family held services outdoors in a spacious outbuilding. Since the benches had been delivered during the week, people clustered near the open door waiting to be summoned inside. Two lines—one male and one female—would soon form to fill the benches in an orderly fashion. Josie headed inside the house for her first of eight membership classes. She’d already chewed off her flavored lip balm, her dress was sticking to her back, and her face felt like she’d coated it with olive oil. But when she entered the kitchen, her heart skipped a beat. Scanning the rows of folding chairs that filled the room, she spotted Sarah and Caleb in the back row. Sarah lifted her hand in a wave, while Caleb pointed at the empty seat between them.

  Bishop Beachy cleared his throat. “If you would sit down, Miss Yoder, we’re ready to start.”

  Josie hadn’t noticed him standing with his Bible clutched to his mustfa vest. “Guder mariye, Bishop.” She hurried to the chair before another late arrival grabbed it.

  “What took you so long?” asked Sarah near her ear.

  “It’s about time,” said Caleb. “I was ready to let the swarm of single women fight over that chair.” The two siblings whispered simultaneously.

  Josie grinned at both of them until her face cramped. Any attempt to form words in her current state of mind would only result in an embarrassing squeak.

  “Welcum, young people,” the bishop greeted after clearing his throat. “You have come because you wish to learn the meaning of Gelassenheit. Our Deutsch word means many things, including resignation, composure, long-suffering, collectedness, calmness of mind, inner surrender, victory over selfishness, and detachment. My favorite definition is ‘quietly residing in Christ.’ If it is your wish to be baptized and join the church, then rise to your feet and repeat after me.”

  Every person in the Zook kitchen stood and repeated after the bishop. “I am a seeker desiring to be part of this church of God.”

  Eli gestured for them to sit. “We will begin each class with that statement of intention. If at any time you choose not to continue, you can come back next year. There is no shame in waiting. This is the most important decision of your life, and shouldn’t be entered into without considerable contemplation.” When no one got up to leave, the bishop began his first lesson.

  Josie had known Sarah’s father her entire life. But today he wasn’t pushing them on the tire swing or comforting Sarah after she scraped a knee or got stung by a bee. The bishop was all business. He didn’t crack a smile until they solemnly filed out to join their parents in church.

  “Try to be on time next week, Josie,” said Eli. “I would hate for you to miss a single minute of my instruction.”

  “I will, Bishop,” she said as she walked by.

  Sarah was waiting for her on the path, but Caleb had already entered the barn with the other men. “What did my daed say?”

  “Be on time in two weeks.” Josie shivered as they walked toward the open doors.

  “Don’t worry. He always liked you.”

  Josie had no chance to ask Sarah if Laura’s rumor about Caleb was true. With the service underway, they slipped in silently without dillydallying. When preaching concluded several hours later, they both had to help the women set out lunch. After she placed her cornbread with the other desserts, Josie stood behind the table as men moved through the buffet.

  Caleb appeared second in line, preceded by his pal, James Weaver.

  “Cal, James, how about a slice of cold roast beef?” Rebekah Beachy materialized out of nowhere with a long-handled fork.

  “Jah, please.” They both held out their plates.

  Rebekah slapped a slice on her bruder’s plate without hesitation, but searched for the most succulent piece in the roaster for James. “This one should cut with your fork,” she purred, adding a ladleful of brown gravy.

  “Say, Josie,” said Caleb. “I see potato, macaroni, and cucumber salads, but my heart was set on four-bean.” He brought the forward movement of hungry men to a dead stop.

  “Not today, Cal. Please select from the bounty the Lord has provided.” Josie flourished her hand over the assortment of side dishes. “I will make some for our next gathering.” Smirking, she spooned marinated beets next to his beef and focused on the next man.

  When it was the women’s turn to eat, she got in line as quickly as possible without knocking down elderly grossmammis with their canes. Paying little attention to her food selections, Josie searched the crowd with a keen eye for a certain tall man.

  Caleb leaned against a tree to eat, without the benefit of a flat surface.

  She crossed the lawn at an amazing speed. “Why didn’t you sit at a picnic table? That beef isn’t as fork-tender as your sister implied.” When he trained his dark eyes on her, her knees went weak.

  “I wanted to take no chances on missing you,” he said. “I don’t care if the meat is tougher than boot leather.”

  Josie glanced around before lowering herself to the grass. Crossing her legs Indian style, she pulled her dress down discreetly. “I wanted to talk to you about something too.”

  “That’s gut to hear. Why don’t you go first?” He plopped down on the lawn beside her.

  “My sister Laura heard a rumor that you quit your job. Is it true?”

  The corners of his mouth dropped. “It’s no rumor. I left on Friday. I would have stayed another week, but my father has already replaced me. A new carpenter from Killbuck is ready to start.” Caleb hacked at the beef with his pocketknife.

  Josie shooed away a gnat that refused to leave her coleslaw alone. “
May I ask why you quit? Jobs aren’t easy to come by in Wayne County.” She blanched, knowing she sounded exactly like her mother.

  “Several reasons, but mainly because my father usually works with Englisch contractors. At least for now, I prefer not to be reminded of my old life on a daily basis.” Caleb chewed his meat with deliberate slowness, not taking his eyes off her.

  “Is your daed mad about you leaving his company?”

  “Not in the least. He gave me an idea for work that I’ll look into on Monday.” He swallowed and frowned. “What’s this about, Josie? Are you afraid my quitting means I intend to leave town?” He set his plate in the grass.

  “I suppose I was a little worried.” She ate every one of her baby beets without breaking stride.

  “Ye of little faith.” He lifted her chin with a finger. “Lots of Amish men quit their jobs. I told you I’m here to stay. Even if you decide I’m the last man you wish to court, I’m not packing my bags. I’ll cry my eyes out right here in Fredericksburg, surrounded by my family.”

  “You would cry your eyes out over me?” Josie set her plate atop his.

  “Most likely for a few months. Then I would probably suffer in silence.” He took a celery stick from her plate to nibble.

  Relief washed over her. “Crying, at least for now, is premature and unnecessary.” She grinned as he popped a cherry tomato in his mouth. “I was really happy to see you in class. Danki for saving me a seat.”

  “I told you my intentions. Where I find a job or how I earn a living has nothing to do with joining the church.” He reached for the last tomato, but she grabbed his hand with a firm grip.

  “You should know that there are ants crawling all over those plates.”

  Caleb peered at their lunch with a scowl. “And you couldn’t have mentioned that first?”

  “I was saving the best for last.”

  Sarah peeked around the craggy willow tree again. Each time she spied on her brother and her best friend, her exhilaration ratcheted up a notch. Josie and Caleb. If they continued to gaze at each other like that, Mamm and Daed might as well plan a double wedding in December. Nothing could make her happier than having Josie for a sister-in-law. They would become family, as well as the closest pals in the world.

  She’d had her doubts Caleb would show up at class until he followed her into the Zook kitchen. Whenever he and their father argued about work, Caleb withdrew deeper inside his shell. Working with Daed wouldn’t be easy because they were too much alike. Two people exactly the same usually rubbed each other wrong. Maybe that’s why she and Rebekah seldom agreed on anything. They were both stubborn and opinionated. If there was a person in the world who could keep Caleb on the correct path, it was Josie Yoder. Who could resist those emerald green eyes? Caleb was a goner, and Sarah was pleased as punch.

  “Who are you spying on?”

  Sarah jumped a foot at the sound of a male voice, spilling her iced tea down her dress. “Adam, look what you’ve done! Now I’m all wet.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said. Joining her side, he peeped around the willow tree. “Caleb and Josie—that’s what has you fascinated? You already knew they were courting.”

  “True, but Caleb quit his job last Friday and I wanted to make sure that didn’t make a difference to Josie.” Sarah stole another glance around the massive trunk and then brushed bark from her palms. “Looks like it didn’t. Let’s get something to eat. There’s no more line at the buffet.” She took a step toward the tables.

  Adam tugged on her sleeve. “Why did Caleb quit his job? I thought he loved carpentry and construction. There aren’t that many Amish contractors in Wayne County and none can line up as much work as Eli.”

  “He left because of the temptation to slide back into old bad habits.” With her mind at ease regarding her future sister-in-law, Sarah was famished. She shook off his restraint.

  Her comment silenced Adam long enough for them to load their plates with sliced roast beef and cold salads. “Your family doesn’t own enough land to do any serious farming.” Adam balanced a glass of lemonade on his plate.

  Sarah decided to wait for more tea since she was wearing her first glass. “He’s going to visit Albert Sidley tomorrow to help him fix up their farm. That’s all I know.” She headed toward a table of other courting couples in the shade, many of whom had been in her membership class.

  Adam latched onto her sleeve a second time. “Let’s sit somewhere where we can talk privately.”

  After scanning the Zook backyard, they walked to a pair of webbed chairs near the garden. A bower of grapevines offered some cool, midday relief from the scorching sun. “You must admit the Sidleys certainly can use help. I was a tad frightened when I called on them last summer. Their driveway had so many potholes, I feared my mare would twist an ankle and end up lame.” She wrapped two slices of bread around her beef to eat as a sandwich. Slathered with mayonnaise, the beef wouldn’t taste so dry.

  “You had no business going alone,” said Adam. “If you hadn’t chosen to be secretive, I could have taken you after my shift or on Saturday.” When he bit into his tomato, seeds and juice sprayed his pressed white shirt.

  “Gut, now we’re both a mess.” Chuckling, she stretched out her long legs. “Do you think Albert Sidley will ever join the church? He might if Caleb renews their friendship. This could be the best thing for both of them.”

  Adam dabbed at his soiled shirt to no avail. The orange blotch darkened against the fabric. Tossing the paper napkin to the ground, he swiveled to face her. “I don’t know him well enough to form an opinion. But could we talk about a subject other than Caleb and Josie or Albert perhaps?”

  Sarah cocked her head on one side. “I suppose. What topic did you have in mind?”

  “Us—you and me.” A bright pink flush rose up Adam’s neck. “Do you know how relieved I was to see you in the membership class this morning?”

  Frowning, she lowered her sandwich and wiped her mouth. “You knew I would be there.”

  “Jah, but now that you’ve stated your intentions we can plan our future. As soon as you’re baptized we can announce our engagement. We could be married by Christmas.” When he attempted to cut his beef, the plastic knife snapped in half.

  “It occurred to me that Josie and Caleb might want a double wedding this fall. After all, many of our guests will be the same.” She pressed a hand to her mouth. “Oh, dear, I just brought up the forbidden subject.”

  Adam shook his head, fighting back a grin. “You’re impossible, but I’m hopelessly smitten with you, like a bug trapped in a spiderweb. Just don’t get too far ahead of yourself with Cal.”

  Sarah leaned over to pat his cheek. “You’re the cutest bug in our district. What else is there to discuss? It’s too soon for me to buy fabric and make my dress.” She finished off her sandwich in three bites.

  “It’s not too soon to talk about where you’d like to live. Since my bruders help Daed with the farm, the eldest will live in the big house when my parents move into the dawdi haus. Right now James lives with my grandparents to help with chores. The other two have already built homes on Troyer land. I thought we could buy a small parcel midway between my job at the factory and your parents so you wouldn’t be too far from your family. Maybe three or four acres, just enough to pasture our buggy horse, along with a nice garden plot.”

  “Buggy horses,” she corrected. “I need my own rig. How would I get to quilting or to Mamm’s? Don’t even think of locking me in the house, cut off from the world.” She angled a suspicious expression.

  “Of course not. I meant to say horses—plural.” He jammed the beef inside his biscuit and took a bite. After a full minute of chewing, Adam was able to swallow and speak. “Would you prefer a newer ranch house, a farmhouse to fix up, or open land on which to build? If it’s the latter, I need to look for available acres now so I can build in the fall. We can start with one bath and two bedrooms and then add more rooms as needs arise.” H
is face blushed to a shade that rivaled the ripest Beefsteak tomato.

  Sarah fluttered her eyelashes. “What do you mean, Mr. Troyer? Why on earth would we need more than our bedroom and one guest room?”

  A bead of sweat formed above his lip as he pushed to his feet. “No one can hold a serious discussion with you. I’m going to dump the trash and pick out our desserts. If you haven’t composed yourself by the time I return, I’ll wave over your father. Then you can repeat what you said to him.” Adam buzzed her brow with a kiss before marching across the yard.

  “I’ll concentrate on sad thoughts while you’re gone,” she hollered, “so hurry back.”

  How she loved to tease him. How she loved that man.

  11

  How His kindness yet pursues me

  Mortal tongue can never tell

  Caleb jumped out of bed at the regular hour even though as of today, he’d joined the ranks of the unemployed. In Cleveland he would have signed up for government compensation during periods of layoff. The weekly check, although not close to his normal salary, still kept a roof over his head and the lights on.

  Now the house where he lived didn’t have electric lights anyway.

  Although the Amish never collected unemployment, workers’ compensation, or Social Security, few worried about where their next meal would come from or where they would live. Caleb had never heard of homeless Plain folks. Families or district members stepped in and shared whatever they had. If he developed the same mind-set, his future would no longer seem so frightening.

  Downstairs, he found his father doing paperwork at the kitchen table. “Getting ready for the new man to start?” Caleb poured a cup of coffee.

  Eli peered over his reading glasses. “I am, always another form to fill out. I’ve been thinking...would you like me to send Bob along for a few days at the Sidleys’? You might need his help, at least in the beginning. And Bob wouldn’t mind getting away from the Ashland plumber strike.”