The Crow’s Call: Amish Greenhouse Mystery Book 1
Page 9
Virginia sipped on her steaming beverage. Too bad I couldn’t get all the work done by simply snapping my fingers.
One idea she’d been kicking around in her head since they’d moved here was having a garden. With the amount of property they now owned, it was a no-brainer. Virginia had only grown a few tomato plants in a pot and some herbs in smaller containers when she and Earl had lived in the city. The idea of a full-blown plot of land growing an edible array of food seemed inviting. Maybe Earl could rent a tiller, and they could purchase some seeds or plants to get started.
It was so quiet here in the country. Virginia was used to city sights, noises, and odors. Birds chirping, cows mooing, and the smell of new-mown hay would take some getting used to.
Maybe it’s a good thing, she mused. I could use some relaxing days and quiet times in my life. Being married to Earl for the last three years had brought many changes for Virginia, and this move was yet another one. Her husband had given hints of discontent about living in the big city, sometimes mentioning the growing traffic and the huge number of people in Chicago.
Virginia could see Earl gravitating to the country life. He’d even mentioned wanting to take up fishing. She figured he’d put a lot of thought into what he wanted to get out of this move. He said the change of pace and country living might do them both some good and could even add a few more years to their lives.
Virginia wrinkled her nose. Now that I doubt.
At the sound of a steady clippity-clop, clippity-clop, she glanced up the road. Here came not one but two horses and buggies. They slowed down and turned up the driveway leading to the house across from them. Or maybe it was the building on the left side of their property where those people were headed.
She craned her neck a bit and continued to watch. Sure enough, the rigs headed to the parking lot where the greenhouse stood.
“I hope there’s not a steady traffic of buggies or cars all day,” Virginia muttered.
“Were you speaking to me?” Earl asked, joining her on the porch.
“No, I was talking to myself.” Virginia pointed across the road. “It’s only 9 a.m. and there’s buggy traffic.” She looked up at him and scowled. “You never told me we’d be living in Amish country.”
Earl lowered himself into the chair beside her. “Didn’t think I had to say anything. Figured you knew there were Amish communities in Lancaster County.”
She folded her arms and grunted. “Now how would I know that? I’m no expert on the Amish or where they live.”
“For crying out loud, Virginia, information about the Amish is everywhere these days—in the paper, on TV, and even bookshelves in places like Walmart and Sam’s Club.”
“Doesn’t mean I knew they’d be here where you bought this house without me even seeing it.”
“Let’s not go down that road again. You were sick with the flu when I came to Lancaster to interview for the job at the car dealership, and after I called and told you I’d gotten the position and wanted to look at some houses in the country, you said you would trust my judgment.”
“You’re right. Just didn’t realize you’d end up picking a home way out in the boonies or that there’d be a place of business so close to us.” Virginia pulled her fingers through the strands of her slightly damp hair. She’d been so tired when they went to bed last night that she hadn’t bothered taking a shower until this morning.
“Now don’t forget, I took plenty of pictures of this house.” He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out his cell phone.
“Yeah, but those were of the inside of the house, not what we would see from our yard.”
He shrugged. “Didn’t think it was that important.”
“It is to me.” She gestured to another Amish buggy approaching. “I don’t care for the road this house is on. With that greenhouse across from us, there’s bound to be steady traffic most of the day.”
“So what? You’re used to all that traffic we had in Chicago.”
“Yeah, but this is different. Instead of horns honking and exhaust fumes from cars, trucks, and buses, we now have to put up with smelly horses and the irritating sound of their feet clomping along the pavement.” She stood up and pointed to the road. “And just look at all those ruts out there—no doubt from the buggy wheels.”
“You’ll get used to it, just like you did when we first moved to Chicago.”
“I doubt it.” She lifted her gaze toward the sky. “If I’d come here and seen the place before you signed your name on the dotted line, I would have told you I’m not a country kind of gal.”
Earl said nothing. All Virginia heard was the slamming of the screen door.
She flopped back into her chair. Earl doesn’t understand my needs any more than my first husband did. She sat for a while, watching the goings-on at her Amish neighbors’ property.
Yesterday, after she and Earl had gone to buy a used pickup at the place where he’d be working, Virginia had planted herself at the living-room window and observed the quaint way those Amish people dressed—so old-fashioned. She hadn’t seen any men around though—just a lanky-looking teenage boy and two women. She’d noticed one of them watering some flowerbeds in the yard. Surely there’s a man about the place, especially with a business on that property to run and all the outbuildings to keep up.
She stood for another moment and then retreated inside to put her empty cup in the sink. I’m not sure about those Amish across the street. They seem so odd and unconventional.
“Would you like a second cup of kaffi, Son?” Jared’s mother moved toward him with the coffeepot in her hand.
He shook his head and grabbed his lunch pail from the counter. “I don’t have time for more coffee, Mom. I’m already running behind this morning and need to get out the door and head to my first job. By the time I get there, my newest employee, Sam, will probably be up on the roof of the grocery store that hired us, tearing off the old shingles.”
“Can’t you spare a few minutes to talk to your mamm? There’s something I want to discuss with you.”
“Can’t it wait till this evening?”
“It could, but if your daed’s around, which I’m sure he will be, he’ll probably accuse me of neimische.”
Then maybe you shouldn’t say it, because if Dad thinks you’re meddling, no doubt I will too. Jared didn’t voice his thoughts. Instead, he turned to face her and said, “What is it you want to say, Mom?”
“It’s about you and Amy.”
Jared clenched his lunchbox handle. “She broke up with me. I told you about it and explained her reason right after it happened.”
She gave a nod. “You’ve been upset about the breakup, jah?”
“Of course I’m upset. I love Amy and was hoping she’d be willing to marry me.”
Mom took a few steps closer to Jared. “I’ve been thinking things over since this all happened.”
“Oh?”
“It came to me last night that maybe her breaking things off was for the best.”
Jared poked his tongue into the side of his cheek and inhaled a long breath. “How can it be for the best?”
“Amy’s an independent, stubborn woman, so maybe she wouldn’t make you a good fraa.”
Jared tensed as heat coursed through his body. “Amy may be independent and perhaps even a bit stubborn, but I love her with all my heart. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a wife.”
“But if she doesn’t want you to court her anymore, maybe it’s time to move on.”
Jared had heard more than he wanted to, and if he didn’t leave now, he was likely to say some hurtful things to his mother. “I’ve gotta go, Mom. I’m even later now than before.” Before she could utter another word, he headed out the back door. This was not a good way to start the day. He wished his father hadn’t already left for his booth at the farmers’ market, because he would have been an ally. For sure, Dad would have put Mom in her place. My mamm has no idea how deep my feelings for Amy go. He shook his head.
I’m not ready to give up on our relationship yet. I just need to be patient.
“When I went up to the house to eat my lunch, I discovered that Sylvia had set out a container of vanishing oatmeal raisin cookies for us,” Amy announced when she returned to the greenhouse. “She was also in the process of preparing to make some double-fudge brownies.” Amy set the plastic container on the counter in front of her mother.
Mom smiled. “That’s wunderbaar. If your sister has been in the kitchen baking, it must mean she is coping a bit better now.”
“That’s what I thought too until Allen said the word Daadi and Sylvia burst into tears.”
Mom rested her elbows on the counter and folded her hands as though praying. “It’s understandable. I have to blink back tears every time I hear someone mention your daed’s name.”
“Me too, and the same goes for whenever anyone talks about Abe.” Amy swallowed hard. “I miss them both so much as well as Toby. He was a good brother-in-law—always so kind and helpful.”
“Jah, but they will all live in our minds and hearts.” Mom touched her forehead and then her chest.
“You’re so right. We will never forget any of them and the good times we used to have.”
Mom tapped the top of the cookie container. “I hope you didn’t bring all these kichlin out here for us to eat.”
Amy laughed. “Not hardly. Thought I’d take ’em across the road as a welcome gift to our new neighbors.”
“That’s a good idea. We need to introduce ourselves and let them know we’re glad they have chosen to live in this area.” Mom pointed to the closest aisle where a variety of potted plants had been displayed. “Why don’t you take them something nice from our greenhouse as well?”
“Okay.” Amy headed down the aisle and returned to the counter a short time later with a pot of miniature roses. She noticed that the lid on the cookie container was off. She assumed her mother had opened it and eaten a few, until she glanced to her left and saw the elderly homeless woman with a cookie in each hand. Mom was in the next aisle over, talking to an Amish couple from their church district.
Amy was on the verge of saying something to Maude about helping herself to the cookies but changed her mind. The poor woman was probably hungry. Maybe she even believed that the cookies had been placed on the counter for the customers to help themselves.
Amy set the roses down and closed the lid on the cookies before the rest of them vanished. As soon as Mom came back, she picked them both up. “If you think you can manage things on your own for a short time, I’ll go over to the neighbors’ right now. Otherwise, I could wait until we close the greenhouse for the day.”
Mom shook her head. “No, you go ahead. There are only three customers right now, so I’m sure I can manage. And if it gets busy while you’re gone, I’ll call for Henry to come help. Oh, and please let the neighbors know that I’ll come by to welcome them myself as soon as I can.”
“Okay.” Amy chose not to mention that the elderly woman had taken two cookies, although she felt sure Mom would have understood.
Amy left the greenhouse and started down the driveway. The place across the road still looked the same, except for the two vehicles parked in the driveway. The moving crew that had worked steadily was gone. It was sad that the older couple who’d lived there so many years had moved away. But Amy could see the house and yard were in need of new people who could handle the amount of care it required. I wonder what these folks will do with this place.
She crossed the road and walked up their driveway. While eager to meet the new neighbors, she felt a bit nervous as well. What if the man and woman she’d seen previously didn’t welcome strangers or weren’t friendly people? They might not answer the door or could even slam it in her face.
I’m worried for nothing, she reprimanded herself. Hopefully, once they see that I come bearing gifts, they’ll welcome me into their home.
Amy looked both ways before crossing the road. After the accident that had taken three of her precious family members, she’d been watchful and more cautious, whether on foot or with the horse and buggy.
Stepping onto the neighbors’ porch, Amy set the miniature roses on a small table positioned between two chairs and rapped on the door. After waiting for a couple of minutes, she knocked again. Since two vehicles were parked in the driveway, someone had to be home.
A few seconds later, the door swung open. “Whatever you’re selling, I’m not interested.” The woman with short red hair scowled at Amy.
“I’m not here to sell you anything. My name is Amy King. My family and I live across the street.” Amy paused and drew a quick breath. “I brought some oatmeal-raisin cookies and a plant from our greenhouse to welcome you into our neighborhood.” Her lips formed into what she hoped was a pleasant smile.
The woman stepped back, eyeing the offerings. “Oh, I see.”
“Who is it, Virginia?” A tall man wearing shorts and a cotton T-shirt came to the door.
“My name is Amy King and—”
“She lives over there.” The woman pointed across the road. “Said she came over to welcome us into the neighborhood with a plant and some cookies.”
“Well, that’s sure a nice gesture.” The man extended his hand. “I’m Earl Martin, and this is my wife, Virginia.”
Amy shook his hand and then Virginia’s. “It’s nice to meet you both.” She handed the cookies to his wife, and then picked up the plant and gave it to him. “My mother is busy in our greenhouse right now, or she would have come over to meet you too. One of these days soon, while I’m keeping an eye on things there, I’m sure she’ll be over to say hello and get acquainted.”
A sheen of perspiration erupted on Virginia’s forehead. “That place keeps you pretty busy, I’ll bet.”
“It can at certain times of the year. We close up a few weeks before Christmas, after many of our poinsettias and Christmas cactus plants have sold. Then we open up again in early spring.”
Virginia’s lips parted, like she was on the verge of saying something, but Earl spoke first. “I imagine running a greenhouse is a lot of work. Are both of your parents involved in the business?”
“My father died several weeks ago, so it’s just me and Mom in the greenhouse full-time. My younger brother, Henry, helps some there too.”
“Sorry for your loss,” Earl said. As he spoke, his wife gave a brief nod.
Amy didn’t feel led to explain the details of her father’s death or to mention that her brother and brother-in-law had also died the same day as Dad. She also said nothing about Sylvia. As they became more acquainted with the neighbors, more details about her family would likely come out. Perhaps Mom would tell them when she came over for a visit.
Fiddling with the ties on her covering, Amy said, “Well, I’d better let you two get back to whatever you were doing when I showed up on your doorstep. I’m sure you still have unpacking to do, and I really should get back to the greenhouse.”
“Thank you for coming over, Amy.” Earl’s smile stretched wide. “The cookies and plant you brought us are appreciated.” He bumped his wife’s arm with his elbow. “Isn’t that right, Virginia?”
With lips pressed together, she nodded slowly.
“All right then, I hope you both have a good day.”
When Amy turned and started down the stairs, Earl called, “After the cookies are gone, we’ll bring the empty container back to you.”
She lifted a hand in a backward wave. “No hurry.”
As Amy made her way back across the street, she thought about the reception she’d received. While Earl had appeared friendly enough, his wife seemed kind of aloof and distant.
Amy gave a quick shake of her head. They didn’t even invite me inside or engage in much conversation. I wonder if Virginia is just an unfriendly person, or is there something about me she didn’t like?
Pushing her troubling thoughts to the back of her mind, Amy went to the mailbox. When she’d checked earlier this morning, it
had been empty, but now when she pulled the flap open, several envelopes waited for her. Amy took them all out and walked on, stopping at the phone shed. I may as well check for messages while I’m out here.
She stepped inside, placed the mail on the wooden counter, and listened to the first message. There were several others, and while she was listening to them and writing things down, she heard the awful racket of a crow in the yard. I wonder if it’s the same one that’s been in our yard before.
A few seconds later, Amy saw and heard a horse and buggy come up the driveway. No doubt it was another customer coming to the greenhouse.
After Earl closed the door, he smiled at Virginia. “Wasn’t that a nice surprise, receiving the plant and cookies from our neighbors?” He gestured to the container Virginia still held in her hand.
She passed it to him. “Those people aren’t right. They live in the past.” Virginia gave her earlobe a tug. “What was that gal’s name again?”
“Amy King, and before you go ranting, would you like a cookie?” Earl opened the container.
“No thanks, and I’m not ranting.”
He popped a cookie into his mouth. “Mmm … this is sure good. You should try one, honey.”
“Enough about the cookies. Did you hear what Amy said about her mother planning to come over to meet us?”
“Yeah, but if it bothers you, then don’t answer the door. You don’t have to get to know her or become friends. It’s all up to you.”
“That’ll work out fine, unless you’re the one who answers the door.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’d probably end up flapping your lips, and soon the woman would know our whole life’s story.”
Earl shook his head, “Oh, come on. I’m not like that, and you know it.” He grabbed another cookie and bit into it. “I do admit though certain people can engage me in conversation.”