The Crow’s Call: Amish Greenhouse Mystery Book 1
Page 25
It was indeed awkward for Amy being here this evening. Not to mention having many of hers and Amy’s peers who had been invited. She could only imagine what some of them must be thinking about her. I’m sure they’d like to ask why I broke things off with Jared, but I hope no one does. Having to respond to a question like that would only make Amy feel worse.
For the rest of the evening, Amy tried to avoid Jared as much as possible and kept her responses short whenever he spoke to her. She visited with some of the other guests during the party, but her heart wasn’t in any of it. Fortunately, no one asked about her and Jared’s breakup.
Amy couldn’t help noticing the care Lydia’s mother gave to Jared. It seemed as if Darlene might be paving the way for him to give her daughter some extra attention. Seeing the way Lydia talked so much to Jared made Amy think that her good friend had feelings for him. It hurt, but at the same time, Amy couldn’t fault Lydia if she was attracted to Jared. He would make any woman a good husband. The question was, did he return those feelings?
“What a busy day we had. I’m ever so glad it’s over.” Belinda joined Sylvia in the kitchen to finish cooking their supper.
“I assumed that’s how it went since I heard cars and buggies coming and going most of the day when I wasn’t busy taking care of the kinner.”
Belinda rinsed a couple of tomatoes to slice. “It was nonstop at times. I’m a little surprised with that new place open on the other side of town that things haven’t slowed down here.”
“I think we get more tourists than the other greenhouse does. I saw a couple of vans loaded with people pull in at different times today.” Sylvia rolled her eyes. “Some began taking pictures of our flowerbeds as soon as their feet hit the ground.”
“Perhaps there’s an appreciation on how well we did when a perfect stranger has to take home a picture. Of course, I’ll not allow myself to get prideful regarding our gardening abilities.”
Sylvia moved over and patted Belinda’s arm. “You don’t have to worry about that, Mom. You’re not full of hochmut at all.”
Belinda grabbed the potholders and drained the hot water from the potatoes. As she worked, thoughts about the conversation she’d had with Amy a few days ago floated through her head. Amy had mentioned that the owner of the new greenhouse in the area had come by, wanting to check out the competition. Belinda couldn’t figure out why he would even care, because, from what she’d heard, his place of business was much bigger than hers. She wished she’d been there when he came by, so she could ask him a few questions, such as why did he feel the need to check out the competition.
Oh well, I suppose it really doesn’t matter. He will go about his business, and we’ll go about ours. We’ll probably never see or hear from Mr. Perdue again.
Belinda had finished mashing the potatoes to go with the pot roast Sylvia had put in the oven for supper, when a knock sounded on the front door. “Would you please see who that is?” she asked her daughter.
“Sure, Mom.”
A few minutes later, Sylvia returned to the kitchen with Monroe trailing behind her.
Belinda tried to conceal the shock she felt at that moment. Being tired from the hectic day she’d had, she wasn’t running at full speed this evening. But she’d be pleasant to their guest, nonetheless, and she put a smile on her face for him.
“Good evening, Belinda. I hope I’m not interrupting.” He glanced at the table, set for three people, and then his gaze landed on Allen’s highchair. “I had hoped to catch you before you’d prepared your meal for this evening. Sorry for disturbing you.”
“Today was quite busy in the greenhouse, and I thought that we’d get a later start fixing our meal. But this is our usual time for supper.”
“I see.” Monroe shifted from one foot to the other. “Well, I guess I’ll just state what I came for and be on my way.”
“What is the reason for your visit?” Sylvia asked before Belinda had a chance to say anything.
Monroe turned to face her. “I was heading to a restaurant in town for supper and thought I’d drop by and see if your mamm was free to join me.”
A warm flush swept across Belinda’s cheeks. “It’s kind of you to think of me, but as you can see—”
“Jah, I can see and smell the wonderful aroma from the meal you’ve prepared.” He tipped his head back and sniffed the air. “I’m betting you have a roast in the oven.”
“You have a good sniffer.” Belinda smiled despite her anxiety at him showing up this evening. Had Monroe really expected she would accept his invitation to go out with him for supper and with a last-minute invitation, no less? Even if I did want to go, which I don’t, I would have said no. If someone I know saw me out having a meal with Monroe, I can only imagine all the gossip that would run wild.
Since Monroe seemed in no hurry to leave and because their meal was ready to eat, Belinda did the only thing she felt was polite. “Monroe, would you care to join us for supper?”
“Of course. Danki for asking.”
Belinda looked at Sylvia and noticed her raised brows. Was she also questioning this man’s motives?
“We’ll all be seated as soon as my son comes inside.” Belinda gestured to the table. “After you’ve washed up at the sink, you may as well take a seat.”
Monroe nodded briefly. While he washed his hands, Belinda opened the back door to call Henry.
“What do you want, Mom?” he shouted in return.
“Supper’s ready and we have a guest. Please come inside now.”
“Okay, I’ll be there in a minute.”
Sylvia set another place at the table. “I’ll go see how the baby is doing and put Allen in his highchair.”
Even though Belinda couldn’t see where Henry was, she felt certain he was someplace in the yard trying to coax that noisy crow to eat from his hand. She’d caught him doing it this morning before breakfast.
She shook her head. Silly boy. I doubt he will ever succeed in training that crow or making it a pet. But I guess if it makes him happy to try, it shouldn’t be an issue.
Belinda returned to the kitchen. As she dished up the potatoes, Henry came in. He stopped short when he saw Monroe sitting at the head of the table. Looking at Belinda, Henry pursed his lips. She could almost hear what her son was thinking. Why is this man here? Of course, even though Monroe had explained his reason, Belinda wondered that herself. He has to realize I’m still in mourning. My black dress ought to be proof enough.
Belinda instructed Henry to wash up, and once he’d finished, everyone took a seat. Silent prayer was said, and then the food got passed around.
During supper, Monroe seemed to be pleased with the meal, as he polished off his first helping of mashed potatoes and a slice of meat. “This is a very tender roast.”
Belinda set her fork aside. “Thank you. Would you like some more?”
He smiled at her. “Jah, sure, I’d be delighted to have seconds.” Monroe held out his plate as he waited to be served. After a few bites, he mentioned his concern for Belinda and her family. “You know, it’s really not a good idea for you all to be alone without a man in the house.”
Belinda merely shrugged and said, “We’re getting along fine.” And they were—for the most part. At least they were still getting enough customers to keep sales going, and as far as she knew, no more vandalism had been done. With fall just a month away, many people, as they had in the past, would come into the greenhouse to buy fall flowers and plants. So for now, at least, Belinda wasn’t worried about their safety or financial situation. As she’d reminded herself many times since the three men in their family died, God will take care of us. To which she added, And we don’t need any help from Monroe Esh.
Jared felt slighted that Amy hadn’t said much to him all evening. Truth was, it seemed as if she tried to avoid him. When Lydia’s mother had called everyone to the tables, she’d indicated that Jared should sit beside her daughter. Once more, he’d been disappointed. If he could have been sea
ted beside or even across from Amy, it would have given him a better chance to speak to her.
Throughout the meal, Darlene kept talking to Jared, asking him countless questions and complimenting him on how well their new roof had turned out. No one else, even Lydia, who sat beside Jared could get a word in. Jared was beginning to wish he had declined the invitation.
At eight thirty, Amy said she needed to leave the party, using the excuse that she had several things to do before going to bed. “Besides, tomorrow is church day, so I need to get to bed a little earlier than usual.”
Jared jumped up and offered to get Amy’s horse, but she declined. “Thanks anyway, but I can manage.”
“No, I insist.” He waited until she’d said goodbye to everyone then walked with her to the corral. After he took Buster out and hitched him to the buggy, Jared helped Amy into the driver’s seat. “It was good seeing you. I only wish we’d had more time to talk.”
Amy swallowed hard and fought against the tears pushing the back of her eyes. “You’d best get back to the party. Lydia’s there waiting.” She gathered up the reins and backed up her horse. “Good night, Jared.”
“Good night, Amy.” She watched him walk back to the tables then guided Buster down the driveway and out onto the road.
“I should not have come to Lydia’s party tonight.” She spoke out loud, glad that no one was in the buggy with her and could see her tears. Amy was convinced that she’d lost Jared, which she’d known could happen when she broke things off with him. Nonetheless, it still hurt more than she would ever admit.
But taking care of Mom is my responsibility now, she reminded herself. I have no free time for courting, and becoming someone’s wife is out of the question because I wouldn’t have enough time to put into a marriage relationship anyway. So, I must come to grips with the choice I made concerning Jared. It’s for the best, all the way around.
Amy tightened her grips on the reins. How much longer do I have to keep reminding myself?
Clymer
Ezekiel woke up in a cold sweat. He felt relieved to be awake and out of the dream he’d been trapped in. Something terrible had happened at his mom’s house, but now he couldn’t remember what it was. Lying there in the dark room, he pulled the sheet to one side. That feels better. Now if there was just some fresh air blowing through the open window.
He rolled over and sat on the edge of the bed, hoping he wouldn’t disturb Michelle. What happened in the dream that was so stressful it woke me up? Could the nightmare have been a warning or some impending doom? Are Mom and my siblings in some kind of trouble?
Ezekiel pushed the button on top of his illuminated battery-operated alarm clock. It was 2:00 a.m.—too early for anyone at home to be up. He sat there a moment and reached for his glass of water, but it was empty.
Grabbing his flashlight in the other hand, Ezekiel headed to the kitchen for a refill. Once there, he checked the back door to be sure it was locked then got his water.
Heading to the living room, Ezekiel checked the front door too. Guess after that dream, I’m feeling a bit paranoid. Everything’s fine here. I need to get back to sleep because there’s plenty of work waiting for me in my shop.
After returning to the bedroom, Ezekiel set his glass on the nightstand and sat on the edge of the bed, not sure he if could get back to sleep. Maybe I should have stayed in the kitchen and done some reading to make myself sleepy.
There weren’t many options for him at this hour, and it would be pointless to go out to the phone shed now. When he got up to get ready for work, he’d go out and leave a message saying he was just checking on them and asking Mom to give him a call. Ezekiel would also let her know that he and his family would definitely be coming there the first Saturday of September. Both he and Michelle looked forward to the trip, and so did Angela Mary. Someday when Vernon was older, he’d also be eager to see his relatives in Strasburg.
“Is everything all right? Why are you sitting on the edge of the bed?” Michelle’s groggy-sounding voice caused Ezekiel to jump when she touched his arm.
He lay back down and pulled her close to his side. “It’s nothing to worry about. I had an unpleasant dream and couldn’t get back to sleep.”
“What was it about?”
“I’m not sure. It was enough to wake me though, but I can’t remember any of the details.” Ezekiel didn’t mention that he thought the dream was about his family in Strasburg or that he was concerned for their welfare. No point in giving his wife cause to worry. Besides, he was probably being paranoid. Mom and the rest of his family were no doubt sleeping comfortably in their beds.
Strasburg
That nasty wind is making a ruckus out there, and it’s not helping me relax. Belinda tossed and turned, fluffing up her pillow and pushing it down. She’d gone to bed shortly before midnight and had lain awake ever since. So many thoughts swirled in her head. Even though some things had improved in her life, she had many problems to deal with yet—at the greenhouse as well as in her home.
Several orders had come in for chrysanthemums and other fall foliage. It was easy to get the areas needed in the greenhouse ready for the new stock because the more they sold, the more they had available.
They still had some varieties of summer flowers that hadn’t yet sold. Belinda had already discounted many different types of plants, and they were fast disappearing. Whenever possible, she liked giving her customers a bargain.
Belinda would need her son’s help moving heavier things and had the weekend for another sale circled on the calendar that hung in the greenhouse. A lot of what needed to be done from season to season was written on that date-keeper Vernon always kept.
Belinda shifted for more comfort and lay there, continuing to think about things. I sure hope my youngest son will never again pull anything like what he did while I was away.
Henry’s punishment had ended, and since it had been the last Friday of August and summer would soon be over, she’d given him permission to go fishing with Seth at a nearby pond after they closed the greenhouse in the afternoon. Belinda liked fish and had hoped Henry would catch some they could have for supper.
I remember when my Vernon caught and brought home fish to fry. Belinda pictured her husband, all smiles, when he’d have a successful day at the pond. Sometimes he would go with Ezekiel, Abe, and Henry, and they’d have a nice time enjoying the peace and quiet near the water’s edge. If only I could go back and relive the good times, but unfortunately, that’s not possible.
When Henry had come back in time for supper, something about his demeanor hadn’t seemed right to her. She’d also noticed a faint smell of what she thought was cigarette smoke on his clothes. When Belinda had asked Henry about it, he’d shrugged and said, “I don’t smell anything.”
Then Belinda had asked if he’d caught any fish, and her son’s reply was, “A few, but they weren’t very big, so I tossed ’em back in the water.”
Maybe I’m overly suspicious, Belinda thought as she rolled onto her other side. But I have a hunch my son may have been fibbing to me and didn’t catch any fish at all. Why would he lie about that though?
Belinda sat up in bed as another thought came to mind. What if Henry didn’t go fishing at all? Could he and Seth have gone somewhere that he doesn’t want me to know about? How can I find out? Should I speak to Seth’s mother and ask if she knows for sure where her son was today? She shook her head. Maybe it’s best not to bring up the topic. Unless he does something out of the ordinary, I need to have a little faith in my boy.
Belinda turned on the battery-operated light on her nightstand and picked up Vernon’s Bible. Somehow it made her feel closer to him when she held it.
Opening the book to a place her husband had placed a marker, she saw that he’d underlined a few verses. One of them jumped right out at her. It was just the reminder she needed in this wee hour of the morning. “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatl
y rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him” Psalm 28:7.
Tears clouded Belinda’s vision. “Oh Vernon, how I still miss you. Thank you for being a godly man and a fine example to me, our family, and the entire community.”
When Jared left the phone shack early Saturday morning and returned to the house, his mind replayed the message he’d received from a man who’d said his name was Earl Martin. Earl wanted to put a new roof on his detached garage. Jared noticed right away that the address the man gave was almost the same as the Kings’ place—just a few numbers were different. He figured the Martins had to live across the road from Amy’s family.
Jared’s workload had lightened a bit, but with the weather changing, it would no doubt get busier. He’d returned Mr. Martin’s call and set up a time to meet.
Jared entered the kitchen, where Mom was clearing the breakfast dishes. “How’d it go in the phone shed?” she asked. “Were there any messages?”
“Nothing on yours and Dad’s line, but I had a few. One is a potential job near the Kings’ place.”
Her face seemed to tighten. “You’re always so busy. Do you have time to work for a new customer?”
“I believe I can squeeze it in.”
Mom offered him a brief smile. “I’m glad you had a good time at Lydia’s the other night. When I saw Darlene a few days before the party, she seemed excited about throwing her daughter a nice birthday celebration.”
“It turned out well, and there was plenty to eat.”
“Lydia’s a nice girl.”
Jared nodded and grabbed his lunchbox. “I’d best get moving.”
“All right, Son. I’ll see you sometime this evening.”
“Sure thing.” The only girl for me is Amy, Jared thought as he walked out the door. Why can’t she see how much I want to be with her? Doesn’t she realize a relationship with me is not impossible? If only there was something I could say or do to win her back. Jared had revisited those thoughts many times since Amy broke up with him. Try as he may, he couldn’t get Amy King out of his mind.