The Crow’s Call: Amish Greenhouse Mystery Book 1
Page 14
When Amy’s mother came in with a plate of chocolate chip cookies, which she placed on the counter, Maude ambled up and helped herself to six of the treats. She paused briefly and glanced at Amy then just as quickly looked away. It was almost as though the woman felt guilty about something. Without a word, she slipped out the door with her slender shoulders drawn up and her arms tucked against her sides.
Amy wondered if Maude had stolen some small gift item from the greenhouse and hidden it in the pocket of her baggy dress. Guess I won’t worry about it, she told herself. Even if she did take something, Mom would probably look at Maude in a kindly manner and say, “It’s wrong to take things without asking. Next time you want something from the greenhouse, please come to me and ask.”
Amy sighed. Sometimes her mother could be a little too nice.
Toward the end of the day, Herschel Fisher and his mother came into the greenhouse. They were all smiles as they made their way over to greet Belinda. It had been awhile since they’d dropped by, and she was pleased to see them. Vera seemed to be doing well, despite having to use a cane, and it was nice to see Herschel again. He always seemed so pleasant and sincere. The widower was quite attractive for a man his age. Belinda was surprised he’d never gotten married again. But then, she reasoned, Herschel probably still loves his wife, just as I will always love Vernon.
“Our sale is winding down,” she said, after shaking both of their hands, “but there are still several nice plants and other things to choose from.” She gestured to the items on sale. “You’re welcome to look around, and feel free to ask either me or Amy any questions you may have.”
“Danki, we will.” Vera hobbled over to the hanging baskets, but Herschel held back. “How are things going for you, Belinda?” he asked.
“With the exception of a few minor mishaps, things are well enough, I suppose.” She couldn’t help noticing the kindness in his eyes. Although Belinda didn’t know Vera’s son very well, she’d heard from Sara what a kind, gentle person he was. He’d certainly taken an active interest in his daughter since learning that he was her biological father.
“What kind of mishaps?” Herschel’s brows drew together.
Belinda mentioned the situation with the broken pipe in the garden shed, the bees that had found their way into the greenhouse, the vandalized mailbox, and the greenhouse sign that had been cut down and tossed in the weeds.
Deep wrinkles formed across his forehead. “Do you think all those things were done intentionally?”
Belinda shrugged. “The mailbox and our business sign for sure, and maybe even the ieme, but I believe the pipe that broke was ready to go because it was so old and rusty.”
“Have you notified the authorities about the vandalism out front by the road?”
She shook her head. “Didn’t see any reason to since we have no idea who did those things. I figure they could have been done by rowdy teenagers sowing their wild oats. You know how some of them can be when they’re going through rumschpringe.” She made no mention of Henry as a suspect since she had no proof it was her son who’d done those things. Even if he was the one responsible, it wasn’t something she wanted anyone outside the immediate family to know.
Herschel gave a nod. “I can’t speak on this firsthand, since I never knew I had a dochder until she was in her twenties. But from what other parents have told me, those growing-up days can be difficult to deal with, never knowing what your children might do during that time.”
“And always wondering if they will ever settle down and join the Amish church,” Belinda put in.
“Exactly.”
“My son Henry isn’t actually running around, but he’s been a problem for me ever since his father and brother were killed.” Belinda didn’t know why she felt led to share this with a man she barely knew, but it felt good to get it out.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Would it help if I had a talk with Henry?”
“I don’t think so. Others have tried, and it’s made no difference at all.” Belinda shifted her weight, leaning against the front side of the checkout counter. “Henry might resent hearing it from a near stranger even more.”
“I understand, so don’t worry. I won’t bring up the topic should I see him. However, if he brings it up, would it be okay if I said something?”
Belinda nodded. “I think it’s rather doubtful though. Henry keeps to himself as much as he can, and he’s been bottling up a lot of anger and resentment.”
“I know all about that.” Herschel’s eyes darkened. “I spent a good many years angry at God after my fraa died. Learning about Sara and being able to spend time with her has helped me so much. There’s a purpose to my life, and she’s given me a reason to live and love again.”
“I still have my children and grandchildren, which I’m thankful for.” Belinda’s eyes misted. “I love them all dearly, and they are my reason to keep on living and doing the best I can.”
Since the Fishers were the only customers in the greenhouse and it was almost closing time, Amy left them in Mom’s capable hands and went up to the house to see about helping Sylvia with preparations for supper. She assumed she’d find her sister already in the kitchen.
When Amy entered the room, it was quiet and there was no sign of Sylvia. She and Mom had discussed this morning what they would eat for supper. I suppose it won’t be any trouble for me to get the bacon frying for the turkey-bacon club sandwiches.
She washed her hands at the kitchen sink and got to work heating the pan after getting out the bacon to fry. Once the meat was done and she’d placed the pieces on paper towels to soak up the oil, Amy left the kitchen. She found Sylvia lying on the living-room couch with her eyes closed. Is she really that tired, or is sleeping the way my sister copes with her sorrow—trying to shut it out?
Amy glanced across the room, where Rachel sat in her playpen, holding a rattle in her chubby little hands. Allen knelt on the floor nearby, piling up wooden blocks and then knocking them over. It was a wonder the noise didn’t wake his mother.
Amy was tempted to wake Sylvia herself but decided to let her sleep. Maybe once she got the rest of their supper going, her sister would smell the food and wake up. Or Allen might become louder and that would do the trick.
Amy returned to the kitchen and took a loaf of bread out, along with some lettuce and tomatoes. Some evenings when she felt extra tired, like now, Amy wished they could all go out for an evening meal. But in addition to going through the trouble of getting everyone ready, there was the cost of a restaurant meal to consider. Another reason the family hadn’t gone out to eat was because of Sylvia. She still could hardly stand to be around people.
Amy took a knife from the drawer and grabbed the cutting board. The tomatoes and lettuce came from their garden, which she had picked yesterday. Mom possessed a green thumb for growing produce. Sylvia enjoyed it too, and she’d seemed to be following in their mother’s footsteps until the accident happened.
I wonder how long it will take my sister to overcome her depression and realize she can’t dwell on the past. For the sake of her children, she must eventually move forward with her life. Sylvia needs to find some joy in life and share it with them.
Amy gave a slow shake of her head. Who am I to judge my sister for a lack of joy? All I’ve done since our dear family members’ deaths is try to keep things running smoothly in the greenhouse and here at the house. I rarely feel any real joy these days, yet I force myself to smile so I appear cheerful—especially while at the greenhouse.
Sometimes Amy felt as though she had the weight of the world on her shoulders, even though it was only five family members who shared this home with her.
“It’s okay though,” she whispered. “I love them all dearly and would make any sacrifice on their behalf.”
“Who ya talkin’ to in here, Amy?”
She turned at the sound of Henry’s voice. “Myself,” she admitted.
His brows lifted. “If you’re that desperate to talk t
o someone, why don’t ya go outside and visit with Sara and Brad? They just showed up, and wouldn’t ya know it—Mom invited them to stay for supper.”
Amy was glad they had plenty of sandwich makings to share, and she would also put together a fruit salad and open a bag of chips.
Henry gave an exaggerated roll of his eyes. “I’ll bet that preacher husband of Sara’s will end up givin’ us all a sermon while we eat.”
“That wouldn’t be such a bad thing, would it?”
“Guess it all depends on what he decides to preach about.”
Amy bit back a chuckle. It would do her brother some good to listen to another sermon. For that matter, it might be just what the rest of the family needed too.
The following day, Amy hurried to the greenhouse, carrying a couple of hanging baskets her sister had made. Once inside, she found some empty hangers to put them on. At least her sister was willing to help, even though it was a nuisance to haul them from the house.
Amy picked up two more baskets from the porch then glanced over at their hitching rail where her buggy and horse waited. She would be going into town soon to grocery shop. That meant Mom and Henry would be working alone in the greenhouse until she returned. Amy hoped Henry would cooperate with their mother while she was gone for a few hours today.
Sylvia came out the door and stepped onto the porch. Allen was with her. “I hope those will sell.” She gestured to the hanging baskets. “The plants I used this time were smaller than the last bunch, so the pots aren’t quite as full.”
“Don’t worry. Lots of people have been buying lately, so I’m sure these won’t last long.”
Allen toddled over and tugged on the edge of Amy’s apron. She reached down and tousled the little guy’s hair. Her nephew was such a sweet child. Amy wished she could have a little boy like him someday. But she had to accept the fact that it might never happen. She could be an old maid all her life, helping to keep the greenhouse running.
“Guess I’d better get the rest of these baskets over to the greenhouse.” Amy bent to pick them up when Allen squealed and pointed at a squirrel running through the yard.
Sylvia frowned. “Those rascals are sure pesky. Just what we don’t need getting into the bird feeders.”
“I know, but most of our feeders have been squirrel-proofed, thanks to Dad.”
“Jah, he did a good job taking care of problems around here—big and small.”
Amy nodded. Gripping the flower basket handles, she headed toward the greenhouse. “I’ll see you both later,” she called over her shoulder.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t rather go grocery shopping and leave me here to run the greenhouse?” Amy asked her mother when she entered the greenhouse.
Mom shook her head. “Henry will be here with me, and I feel certain we can manage. If I go for groceries, I’ll no doubt see people I know and end up talking too long.” She smiled at Amy. “You, on the other hand, will hurry through the store, get what we need, and come right back home.”
Amy couldn’t argue with that. She was less likely to visit with people when she was on a mission to shop for food. “Okay, I’d better get going so I can get back here before noon. I just hope you don’t get a swarm of customers while I’m gone.”
Mom gave Amy’s shoulder a squeeze. “Don’t worry. We’ll be fine.”
Amy set the hanging baskets down, gave her mother a hug, and opened the door, nearly colliding with Henry.
He glared at her. “You oughta watch where you’re going.”
“I could say the same for you,” she countered. Before her brother could think of another comeback, Amy clasped his arm. “I’m going shopping for groceries, so please make sure you stay in the greenhouse with Mom and don’t go outside or wander off.”
Refusing to look at her, he muttered, “You ain’t my boss, so quit tellin’ me what to do.”
Amy opened her mouth to say something more, but thinking better of it, she hurried across the yard to where her horse and buggy waited. It seemed that no one could get through to her brother, regardless of how hard they tried, so what was the use? Last evening, when Sara and Brad joined them for supper, Brad had tried to engage Henry in conversation several times, but Henry gave little response. While it wasn’t a reflection on their mother, Amy could tell how uncomfortable Mom had felt when Henry acted so disinterested in everything Brad or the rest of them said to him.
“Well girl, it’s just you and me from here to the store and back again.” Amy patted her horse’s neck before untying the chestnut mare from the rail. “At least you’re more cooperative than that stubborn brother of mine. And you don’t talk back either.”
Amy had only been gone a short time, when something unexpected occurred in the greenhouse.
“Look—there’s a hummingbird in here!” One of their English customers pointed at it.
Ten other shoppers were in the building, and Belinda stood behind the counter, watching as people either ducked or began chasing after the poor bird.
“Be careful!” she hollered above all the noise. “Hummingbirds are delicate, and we don’t want to hurt it.”
“Here’s the reason it got in.” Frowning, Henry pointed to the screen door that someone had left open. “Maybe I need to stand guard and make sure it gets closed after every customer comes in.”
“That won’t work, Henry. Don’t forget the back entrance is open during business hours for ventilation. The hummer could have flown in through there also.”
Belinda rubbed her forehead. “It doesn’t matter how the little bird got into the building. We need to help him find his way out.” Looking upward, she observed the hummer trying to get through the top of the roof. It was hard to watch, because there were two exits, but the poor little thing was in such a frenzy, it couldn’t find its way out either of the now open doors. The hummingbird soon became the focal point of everyone in the greenhouse. Belinda could only imagine how distraught the poor creature was.
“Well, chasin’ after it sure isn’t the answer.” Henry cupped his hands around his mouth. “Everyone, please stop chasing the hummer and let me handle this situation.”
As soon as the commotion died down and all the people stopped running around, Henry looked at Belinda and said, “I’ll be right back.” He made a hasty exit and came back a few minutes later with a hummingbird feeder in his hand.
“This oughta do the trick.” Henry stood by the open front doorway, holding the feeder up high. “Come on, little guy. You’re all confused, aren’t ya? It’s okay. Don’t worry. Everything’s gonna be all right.”
Several minutes passed, and Belinda watched, along with the rest of the people, as the hummingbird made its way over to the feeder. Once it began eating, Henry backed slowly away until he and the tiny bird went out the door along with the feeder.
Everyone cheered as Belinda shut the screen door. It pleased her to see the softer side of her son, even if only for a few minutes. If Henry could show this much concern for one of God’s wee creatures, she couldn’t help but hope that the kind, gentle young man she and Vernon had raised would eventually resurface. It might take time and lots of love and encouragement, but she would never give up believing in any of her children.
Jared had come out of the bank, where he’d gone to make a deposit, when he saw Amy’s friend Lydia walking down the sidewalk in his direction. She smiled and waved, so he waited for her to catch up.
“It’s nice to see you.” Lydia smiled when she joined him in front of the bank. “How are things going, Jared?”
I’d like to say I’m miserable, but I won’t. “Everything’s okay as far as work goes, at least.”
“Have you been by to see Amy lately?”
He shook his head. “I want to, but I’m afraid she’ll reject me again, and then I’d feel worse than I already do.”
Lydia placed her hand on his arm. “I’m sorry, Jared. Amy’s making a huge mistake, but she’s so caught up in her work and trying to help her family get through th
eir grief, it seems to be all she can think about or deal with right now.”
“I get that, but she could deal with it better if she’d let me help.”
“I agree.” Lydia glanced at the restaurant across the street. “I came to town to buy some things for my mamm, and since it’s almost noon, I’m going to have some lunch. Would you care to join me?”
Jared hesitated at first, but he hadn’t eaten much for breakfast, and after finishing up a roofing job a short time ago, the thought of a good meal appealed. “Jah, okay, some pizza or a sub sandwich sounds real good.”
“The pizza is sure gut here.” Lydia smiled at Jared from across the table.
He nodded and swiped a napkin across his lips. “Messy but good.”
“How’s your summer going? Are you keeping busy with the quilts you and your mamm make?” Jared asked. It was an unexpected question; he hadn’t said much since they’d ordered their lunch.
“Jah,” she responded. “We keep plenty busy quilting and also working in the garden. Whenever I have some free time, I like to read.”
“Do you enjoy quilting?”
“I do, but someday I hope to get married and start a family, so my life would then be going in another direction.”
Jared picked up his glass of lemonade and took a drink. “If things would have worked out between me and Amy, we’d be planning our wedding right now.”
“It’s too bad I couldn’t get through to her.” Lydia studied Jared’s handsome face. In addition to being so good-looking, he was such a nice man. She couldn’t imagine Amy being foolish enough to let him go no matter what the circumstances.
After Amy left the grocery store, she stopped at Sara’s flower shop to say a quick hello only to discover that Sara wasn’t there.
“She had a doctor’s appointment,” Misty said. “I’m not sure what time she’ll be back, but you’re welcome to wait if you want.”