An Amish Cookie Club Courtship

by Sarah Price

  She didn’t give him a chance to respond. Instead, she spun on her heel and hurried out of the building. While it was true that she didn’t know him very well, she certainly had seen enough of him over the past two weeks to know that she didn’t care for him and his teasing manner. She much preferred Jeremiah, even if she wasn’t so certain he felt the same, especially now that he’d taken Ella Mae home for a second time.

  ELLA MAE

  CHAPTER 27

  Reluctantly, Ella Mae found herself seated in the buggy next to Jeremiah. Again.

  As the horse trotted down the road, the buggy jiggled, and she brushed against his side.

  “Sorry,” she mumbled, scooting to her left so that she could lean against the wall of the buggy.

  He gave a little laugh. “For what?”

  She realized how foolish it would be to respond. What could she say? That she was sorry she’d been sitting too close? That she’d accidentally bumped his arm? That she felt terrible his mother had brought the wrong Schwartz daughter to his attention? That she knew how much he’d rather be sitting beside Rachel on this gorgeous spring day as they headed toward town? No. Ella Mae knew that she could not say any of that to Jeremiah without exposing Rachel’s secret and forcing him to admit his own.

  “I’m truly not feeling poorly,” she heard herself admit. “So if you want to go right away to MayFest, I can run the containers of cookies to the table so you don’t have to tie up the horse.”

  He glanced at her and raised an eyebrow. “That’s thoughtful of you.”

  “Not sure why my maem insisted I was feeling poorly,” she confessed when she realized she’d unintentionally exposed her mother’s fib.

  He cleared his throat. “Well, you’re here now, and your good company is more than welcome.”

  A frown creased her forehead. She certainly didn’t think of herself as “good” company. And yet, Jeremiah did not seem like the sort of man to make things up just to compliment someone. “I fail to see how my company would be any more welcome than someone else’s.” She paused for dramatic effect. “Say, Rachel’s?”

  He took a deep breath and then, slowly, exhaled. “Mayhaps Rachel didn’t want to ride along.”

  Immediately, Ella Mae turned toward him, her eyes wide and bright, focused just on Jeremiah. “But she did! I’m certain of it.”

  “Oh?” One word that said so much while saying so little. “Well, I find your company rather refreshing, Ella Mae.” He glanced at her without turning his head. “You’re so easy to talk to.”

  Ella Mae bit her lower lip, uncertain how to respond. Hadn’t Rachel told her that she’d found it hard to talk with Jeremiah? That their conversation had been limited? Ella Mae didn’t understand that at all. She’d had no trouble finding things to talk about with him. And, based upon his comment, he felt the same way.

  A momentary silence filled the buggy, something that made Ella Mae feel uncomfortable, but it didn’t appear to bother Jeremiah. He focused on the road, his shoulders relaxed and the hint of a smile playing on his lips.

  Twice, Ella Mae caught herself watching him while he continued driving. While there was definitely a family resemblance between Jeremiah and Jonas, she noticed that Jeremiah was more refined. His cheekbones were more structured and his eyes deeper set. On the other hand, Jonas was stockier and appeared more muscular than his older brother. Jonas was better suited to his chosen profession of carpentry, that was for sure and certain.

  “Your maem thought you came home early because the auction was poorly attended,” she said abruptly, unable to stop herself from talking.

  Jeremiah nodded. “Ja, it was. And that’s okay.”

  She laughed at his comment. “Mayhaps for you, but surely the auction haus doesn’t feel it’s okay.”

  The corner of his mouth twitched as if he was trying to hide a smile. “Reckon I didn’t think of it that way.”

  Genuinely curious, she heard herself ask, “How did you think of it?”

  He glanced at her, as if to gauge whether or not she was mocking him. Apparently deciding she was sincere, he gave a simple nod. “Well, the auction haus makes good most weeks, Ella Mae. Way I see it, it’s okay for a few weeks out of the year that the rest of the town has a chance to do the same.”

  “That’s an interesting way to think of it, I suppose.”

  “Consider all the vendors at the MayFest event and the people at those auctions. Why, it’s a wonder the auction haus stays open during the MayFest week, don’t you think?” Another quick glance at her. “Seems fair for all those other folks to have their turn.”

  She’d never thought about it, not really caring about either the auction haus or the vendors at MayFest. The past few years, she’d avoided attending MayFest. It was so busy with tourists, many of whom gawked at the Amish. She never could understand how her mother could go each year and work at the Amish Aid stand. Half the time, Ella Mae suspected they sold all of their goods to tourists who merely wanted an excuse to talk with a real, authentic Amish person.

  As they approached the center of town, the traffic began to thicken. Ella Mae sighed and leaned her head against the side of the buggy. “Ugh. Tourists.”

  She felt Jeremiah’s eyes on her. “You don’t like tourists?”

  “You do?”

  He shrugged. “They don’t really bother me. They keep many of our families in business by buying their goods, especially in the summertime. Why, without tourists, my maem wouldn’t have her business.” He gave her a quick glance. “And you wouldn’t have a job right now, would you?”

  Ella Mae didn’t need a mirror to know that she was blushing. She’d spoken before thinking. Again. “You have a point,” she admitted softly. “Didn’t think of it that way.”

  The traffic ahead of them began to move, and Jeremiah urged his horse forward. “Seems we often look at things from our own perspective and not at how things link together. Life is like a chain of events. If one link is removed, the chain loses its strength. God’s plan is often mysterious to us until we look at the past and how it impacts the future. Without the past, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” He sighed before adding, “I think people forget that sometimes.”

  His words surprised her. She hadn’t guessed he was so profound and thoughtful. Of course, she hadn’t spent much time alone in his presence. Still, this new side of Jeremiah Esh intrigued her.

  Shifting her weight, Ella Mae turned toward him. “That’s very deep, Jeremiah. Did you make that up or hear it from someone else?”

  He took his time responding. She couldn’t help but wonder what, exactly, he was thinking. She hadn’t thought it was a difficult question to answer. Clearly there was more to Jeremiah than met the eye.

  “Reckon I made it up, but I won’t claim ownership to it.”

  “Why’s that?”

  He shrugged. “Just plain old common sense. Can’t own that, can you now?”

  She laughed at his simple explanation. “You have a point, Jeremiah. Can’t argue with your logic.”

  “You sure do laugh a lot,” he commented, a new lightness to his tone. “I like it.”

  “And you sure aren’t like your bruder Jonas, that’s for sure and certain.”

  At this, it was Jeremiah’s turn to laugh, his eyes crinkling into half-moons and his smile lighting up his face. “He sure does have a way of getting under people’s skin,” he said when he sobered. “But he doesn’t mean anything by it, you know. He’s actually rather sensitive underneath all that bravado.”

  Somehow Ella Mae couldn’t imagine such a possibility, but she didn’t want to challenge Jeremiah. As his brother, Jeremiah certainly knew Jonas better than she did. Who was she to counter his claim? “I’ll take your word for it.”

  Pulling the buggy up to the parking area designated for buggies, Jeremiah slid open his door and got out. She had thought that she’d run the cookies to the table, but it was clear that he intended to accompany her.

  “You really don’t have
to do that,” she said when she stood beside him. He’d clipped a lead rope to the halter that the horse wore over its bridle and was tying it to the hitching post. “It’ll be faster if I just run them over.”

  Jeremiah made a face. “No worries. I’d like to see what’s going on here, anyway.” He tugged at the knot to ensure it wouldn’t give and then, satisfied, turned to Ella Mae, taking the box of cookies from her and holding it against his hip. “Unless you mind, that is.”

  On the one hand, she did mind. What would Rachel think if she knew Jeremiah had walked with her through MayFest? But, on the other hand, there was nothing improper about him doing so. It wasn’t as if Ella Mae had asked him to bring her there or walk with her.

  The crowds were thick, and they had a hard time navigating the rows of vendors outside the main venue. Music blared from inside the tent, and Ella Mae couldn’t help but wonder what, exactly, the Englische liked about it. As they neared, she fought the urge to cover her ears with her hands.

  Jeremiah must have sensed her discomfort. He motioned for her to follow, and he led her farther away from the tent.

  “Miserable ruckus, that,” he observed. “Maem said that the Amish Aid table was originally closer to the tent, but the women complained and had it moved. Too much noise.”

  She certainly understood why.

  He led her through the crowds, once reaching out to take her arm so that they didn’t get separated.

  “My word.” Ella Mae scowled as they reached a clearing. “There’s more people here this year than last, I think.”

  The table reserved for Amish Aid was ahead. Ella Mae didn’t recognize any of the women seated there, but they certainly recognized Jeremiah.

  “Oh help!” one woman said, standing up. “Just in the knick of time! We’re almost out of cookies, Jeremiah.” She reached for the box and quickly handed it to another woman. “Your mother must’ve read my mind.”

  Jeremiah tucked his hands into his back pockets. “Ja, she has that way about her for certain, Barbara.”

  The women began unpacking the box while Barbara oversaw their efforts. “You be sure to thank her. I trust we’ll have more for tomorrow? Can hardly keep them on the table.” She glanced at Ella Mae and then back at Jeremiah. “You’re one of Wilma’s girls, aren’t you?” she said, directing the question to Ella Mae.

  “I’m helping Edna with her serving business,” she replied.

  “So I heard. Well, well. Nice to meet you. I know your muder well.”

  When Barbara turned away, Jeremiah leaned over and whispered, “The bishop’s wife.”

  That explained how she knew Ella Mae’s mother. The bishop’s wife tended to know everyone in not just her own but surrounding communities.

  Slowly, they made their way out of the crowd. They meandered back toward the place where the buggy was parked, but Ella Mae sensed that Jeremiah was in no hurry. It was a Friday night. Surely he intended to go out with his brother. She wondered why he lingered so long in her company—not that she minded.

  And then, once again, the image of her sister popped into her head. Somehow, she’d forgotten about Rachel and how Rachel had gone out with Jeremiah the previous week. As far as Ella Mae knew, Jeremiah hadn’t spoken to her sister at all during the week. Perhaps the evening had been as disastrous as Rachel had claimed.

  Still, Ella Mae knew better than to get too comfortable with Jeremiah. The last thing she’d want to do was let a young man get between her and her sister.

  “We’d best get going,” she heard herself say.

  “Oh?” He sounded disappointed. “If you say so. I just have to stop at Yoders’ for flour and sugar.”

  She couldn’t deny that she’d enjoyed her time with Jeremiah, but she didn’t want him getting the wrong idea. Quietly, she walked beside him to the buggy, wishing she could’ve spent more time with him but knowing it would have been the wrong thing to do.

  EDNA

  CHAPTER 28

  On Saturday, Rachel was unusually quiet.

  Edna watched as Rachel carried the platters of food from the kitchen to the gathering area where the twelve women sat around two tables. Careful not to spill any of the gravy, she placed the meatloaf down on one table before carrying the second platter to the other table.

  Jonas followed behind her, his arms laden with bowls of mashed potatoes and green beans.

  When Jonas teased Rachel that he carried twice as much food as she, Rachel did not snap back at him as she usually did. Of course, that only encouraged Jonas to try harder to gain her attention, but Rachel refused to react. She merely lifted her chin and continued working, a stoic expression on her face.

  Frowning, Edna walked over to him and touched his arm.

  “Leave her be, Jonas,” she whispered. She lowered her voice even more as she added, “You’re going to scare her clear into the next county.”

  “Aw, Maem! I don’t mean any harm.” Despite his protest, when she released his arm, he moved away from both of them.

  She’d have to watch him, Edna told herself. His habit of teasing people often rubbed them the wrong way. Why, more than once the bishop had come over to their house on a Saturday afternoon to talk to her and Elmer about something Jonas had said or done. Usually it was something benign, especially when he was younger. Normally, when he poked fun at Rachel, she responded by quarreling with him.

  Today, however, she wasn’t rising to the occasion.

  Edna prayed that Jonas hadn’t already chased her away. With Ella Mae home sick, Edna knew she needed Rachel’s help more than ever. Even with Jonas pitching in, Edna couldn’t do it without Rachel. Besides, Edna still had high hopes that Jonas and Rachel might be the perfect match for each other. Or, rather, she had, until Rachel began moping around the kitchen today.

  With all of the food served, Rachel began washing some of the dirty dishes, her back facing Edna. Quietly, Edna walked over beside her and picked up a kitchen towel. In silence, they began working side by side.

  What could possibly be wrong with her? The previous day, she’d sent Rachel to take lemonade to Jonas for a nice break while he worked. Now that May had come, the afternoons were definitely growing warmer—a welcome change from the cold winter months. Edna had kept her eye on the clock, waiting to see how quickly Rachel returned from her mission. Almost ten minutes had passed before Rachel walked back through the door.

  She’d thought the meeting must have been a success.

  Now, however, she wondered if something had gone wrong. Had Jonas said something to upset her the previous day?

  When he walked back into the room, Edna glanced over her shoulder at him and pointed to the baskets of rolls next to the stove. “Jonas, take those out and make certain everyone has filled water glasses.”

  With nary a complaint, he picked up the baskets, two in each hand, and carried them into the main part of the room. Edna heard him call out, “Bread, anyone? Fresh from the oven. I made it myself this morning before chores. Better than my maem’s, let me assure you.”

  The women laughed at his joke, and even Edna smiled. He’d always gotten along well with the tourists. He seemed to genuinely enjoy interacting with them, and they adored him. In fact, when booking the lunch, some of her repeat customers specifically inquired if Jonas would be there.

  And, to be truthful, he had turned out to be rather helpful that day, despite his constantly teasing Rachel.

  Returning her attention to Rachel, Edna couldn’t help but worry. She’d never seen Rachel so glum and quiet. What could possibly be bothering her? She hoped Rachel wasn’t coming down with whatever Ella Mae had. It wouldn’t do anyone any good if both young women were sick. Of course, Edna didn’t need them again until Wednesday. Still, she’d always felt bad when any of her own children were sick.

  She snuck a glance at Rachel. No, she didn’t appear to feel poorly. Her eyes were bright and she was diligently focused on the task at hand. Perhaps she was just off. Edna knew that everyone had days like that, but
she couldn’t help feel as if there was something she could do to help.

  Suddenly, Edna realized what the problem was. It had nothing to do with Jonas—although she suspected he wasn’t helping matters. Rachel was sulking because she wasn’t used to working alone, or, at least, without Ella Mae by her side.

  A wave of relief washed over her. Yes, that was exactly what must be bothering Rachel.

  She walked over to where Rachel stood at the sink, scrubbing the large pot that had been used to boil the potatoes. Edna picked up a dry dish towel that had been lying over the wooden bread box. In a slow, methodical way, she began drying the wet pots and pans.

  “Everything okay here?” she asked, trying to sound casual and carefree.

  Rachel looked up and forced a smile. “Ja, right as rain.”

  “Oh heavens! Don’t wish that on us today.” Edna gave a little laugh, but she glanced out the window as if to make certain the sun still shone.

  A few years ago, it had rained during MayFest. At that time, Edna and her friends hadn’t started baking cookies yet. Instead, they merely worked shifts at the table. Just before Edna was to be relieved by Verna and Mary, the sky darkened, and within minutes the skies opened up, dumping torrential rain on the entire event. By the time Edna had packed up the goods being sold, she’d been soaking wet. No one had been surprised when she’d come down with a cold and had to spend three days in bed afterward.

  “No rain,” she proclaimed. “Not when it’s MayFest.”

  The expression on Rachel’s face shifted, taking on a weary air of indifference as she said, “I’d almost forgotten.”

  Edna stared at her, taken aback by the young woman’s apathetic comment. In all the years that her sons had been growing up, attending MayFest had always been the highlight of spring. When they were young children, she’d insisted that Elmer take off work to accompany them to the festivities in Shipshewana’s town center. While the boys loved the games and cotton candy, Edna enjoyed going to the diner for supper. It was one day a year that she knew in advance she needn’t cook for her family.