“You're a good friend to him, Jane. I only wish you wanted to be more.”
Jane smiled at Sadie. If only she knew … “Gut nacht.” Jane turned and headed back to the kitchen. The last thing she wanted was to break down in front of Sadie. The woman was no fool, and Jane hoped she’d talked about Isaac enough to keep Sadie away from the truth of how much she loved her son. As Jane dried off the remainder of the dishes, she willed herself not to cry. What use would it be to marry Matt if he didn’t love her the same in return? Then Jane felt sorry for the five women he was choosing between. Didn’t he even know his own mind?
Jane stopped where she was and put down the dish.
She prayed then and there for Gott to take her love for Matt away.
If they were only friends, she could cope with what was going on—enjoy the process even.
When she opened her eyes, she felt much better.
The churning in her tummy had stopped. Hopefully, in time, the feelings for Matt would disappear as well.
Chapter 5
Over a breakfast of oatmeal and toast the next morning, Sadie announced,
“I’ve been giving it some thought. I know who the other three women are.”
“You do?” Jane stared at Sadie, and noticed immediately the dark circles under her eyes. Had the poor woman been lying awake all night thinking and worrying?
“I think it’s the Simpson twins. They’re twenty-three, or thereabouts, and they’re always gathered around him like buzzing bees. You’d think there was three of them or even four.”
“Okay, with the twins that makes four ladies, and he said there were five so who could be the fifth?”
“I’ve been giving it a lot of thought. Lanie. Last year her husband just up and died leaving her a widow. Matt might feel sorry for her. They do spend a fair bit of time together.”
“That’s sad. I remember she married Desmond Lapp. I know he was always sick when we were growing up. What did he die from?”
“He had a heart condition—I'd heard he had rheumatic fever when he was little, and that it damaged his heart. They both knew he might not have long, but they were both in prayer about it.”
“Oh, that’s so sad for her. Was Matt close with them?”
“I don’t think so, not particularly, but he is friends with Lanie now and he is a protective man. I could see him wanting to look after her and her dochder. And, he’s already as good as said he’s going about this with his head and not his heart, so …”
“I see what you mean. I remember Lanie as a very quiet and shy girl. She’s about three years younger than I am.”
“That’s my guesses for the remaining three of them. Hasn't he told you who they are yet?”
“Nee, but he will soon. He’ll have to if he wants my help. I’m hoping he’ll point them out to me at the meeting today.”
“And he will be here soon to get us. Will you be ready?”
“Jah, I will.”
“On Sundays, I leave the dishes soaking in the sink. I will wash ‘em all tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
Since Sunday was the day of rest, the minimum of work was done, including household chores and cooking. Mostly leftovers were had, or simple meals that needed little preparation.
Just as Jane was placing the last dish into the sink, she heard the crunching sounds of the horse and buggy. “Sounds like Matt,” she said to Sadie.
“Jah, that’ll be him. It’ll be no one else at this hour.”
They both pulled on their black coats and black over-bonnets and headed out the door. Matt had already gotten out and was waiting to help them into the buggy.
Jane’s stomach had resumed the dreadful churning feeling that had started when Matt had told her why she was there.
As soon as they were all in the buggy, Jane asked, “Where is the meeting today?”
“It’s at the Shonebergers’ house,” Matt told her. “Before we get there, I have to arrange something with you, Mamm.”
“What is it?”
“I’d like you to invite Abigail and Marcy to have dinner with you one night soon, this week.”
“I’ll see.”
Jane noticed the response wasn’t very enthusiastic.
“Well, why don’t you see if they can make it tomorrow night? As much as I’d like to, I can’t keep Jane here forever. She has a life to get back to,” Matt said.
“I know and I’ll try to make everything happen as soon as possible.”
Matt glanced over at his mother, taking his eyes off the road for a moment. “So, you’ll do that today, Mamm?”
Sadie sighed. “Very well. I’ll do that for you.”
When they arrived at the house where the meeting was being hosted, Jane stepped down from the buggy and looked at the crowd gathered outside. It was heart-warming to be back in her old community seeing so many familiar faces. It brought to mind the fond memories of the days when her parents were still alive. Her brother and sister had both left the community and the Amish way of life, and she had been left alone. Now all her living Amish relatives were back in Ohio.
After Jane walked into the crowd and greeted everyone, and had been introduced to some new folk, she sat down with Sadie in the third row from the front. She had recognized Abigail and figured the woman with her was her cousin, Marcy. The two of them were seated behind her and Sadie, but who were these other three women Matt liked?
He still hadn’t said.
Taking a quick look behind her, she scanned the single women who sat in the back rows. After the meeting, she’d keep a close eye on Matt and see who approached him. That would be the easiest way, she figured.
All of a sudden, someone grabbed onto Jane’s shoulders. Jane turned to see her childhood friend, Jessica, who was now married to one of Matt’s brothers. Jane jumped to her feet and the two women stood there hugging with the bench seat between them. Jessica had put on a little weight, but apart from that she looked exactly the same.
“You didn’t tell me you were coming,” Jessica said, when they moved apart just slightly.
“I know. It was a last minute thing.”
“Where are you staying?” asked Jessica.
“With Matt’s mudder, Sadie. Your mudder-in-law.”
“You could’ve stayed with me. I’m always asking you.”
“I know. It’s so good to see you.”
“I can’t wait to catch up. Can you stop by my haus tomorrow?”
Jane looked down at Sadie. “I don’t have a horse and buggy to use. Sadie doesn’t have one at all. She relies on Matt.”
“We have two buggies, so I’ll come and collect you and perhaps we can spend the day together.”
“Part of the day. The morning maybe? I’ll have to help Sadie with the dinner. We might be having guests tomorrow night. I wouldn’t feel right if I wasn’t there to help.”
“I’ll be fine, Jane,” Sadie piped up.
“That’s okay,” Jessica answered Jane, totally ignoring Sadie. “I’ll collect you tomorrow and tell you all my news.” She turned slightly away from Sadie and patted her tummy and gave Jane a wink.
That meant Jessica was pregnant with her third child. Jane was pleased for her. “Where are Sally and Kate?”
“Over there. Sitting quietly for the first time in ages.” Jessica pointed two rows behind them where two girls sat.
“They’re adorable. I can’t believe how big they are.”
“Me neither. They’ve just turned six and four. Shall I collect you tomorrow at nine?”
“Jah, that would be perfect.” Jane glanced down at Sadie, who’d been sitting listening into their conversation. “Will that be all right with you, Sadie? I won’t stay long.”
“Stay as long as you want. I’m perfectly capable of cooking the evening meal on my own.”
“I know, but you won’t have to. I’ll be back in plenty of time.” Jane hugged her friend once more as the elders began moving to the front of the room, signaling that it was time for ev
eryone to stop talking and take their seats.
Chapter 6
Once the meeting was over, half of the long benches were moved back onto the specially built wagon, and in their place two long tables were moved inside for the meal. It wasn’t long before the ladies filled the tables with food.
The cool climate made Jane hungrier than normal. While she was filling her plate with bite-sized pieces of meat and cheese, Matt approached.
“Has Mamm asked the girls for dinner yet?”
Jane had a quick look around for Sadie and saw her talking to Abigail.
“I'm not sure. She’s talking to Abigail right now.”
He looked where Jane had looked, saw his mother and then said, “Come here a moment.” He started walking and she knew he wanted to have a private word with her.
She put a couple more things on her plate quickly, and after she grabbed a fork, followed him to the corner of the room.
“You asked me about the other girls?”
“Yes, I'll be interested to know who they are.”
“See the twins over there? They're Anne and Beatrice.” He nodded his head towards a group of six women. Jane looked for two women who looked alike, but they all looked very different.
“Are they identical twins?” She remembered Sadie talking about the twins.
“Nee, I'm sorry, I thought you knew the twins.”
“I don't know any twins here. There are three sets of twins in my community back in Ohio, and …”
“It's the two in the dark green dresses.”
She saw them. They look similar enough to guess they might be sisters when she had taken a better look. “Ah, so that's them?”
“It is.”
“And the other one? You said there were five? There’s one I don’t know about.”
“The other one is Lanie.”
“I know Lanie.” Sadie had guessed correctly, and thanks to Sadie, Jane already knew about what had happened to Desmond, Lanie's husband. “It was very sad that her husband died from the heart condition.”
“A woman like Lanie deserves happiness after all she’s been through.”
“I think every woman deserves happiness,” Jane blurted out before she could stop herself. It wasn't that she didn't feel any sympathy for Lanie. She had the utmost sympathy for any woman who had lost her husband but it was true, what she said. Regardless of anyone's circumstances every single woman deserved a good man and a good marriage, and happiness. “I didn't mean that the way it sounded. I do feel for her with all the pain she must've gone through.”
“I know. You don't have to look so worried, Jane. I probably know you better than I know myself.” He chuckled. “Truth is, sometimes I don't think I know myself at all, that's why I was so desperate for your help.”
It was comments like that Jane couldn’t understand. Would any of these five women know him as well as she did? “I’ll make my way over and talk to them as soon as I finish my food.”
“You don't have to do that today.”
“I might as well. After all, that's why I'm here.”
“Thanks so much, Jane, you're such a good friend. I don't know what I would do without you.”
“I'm happy to do it,” she lied through her teeth. Now, right at this moment, she just wanted to be alone with her sorrow. “I should sit down to eat this.”
He gave her a smile and she walked away, sat and concentrated on her food.
When Jane was nearly finished eating, Jessica and her two girls sat down with her. Jane was so engrossed in talking to her friend, and to Kate and Sally, that when they’d finished, most everyone had already gone home. The men stood waiting for them to move so they could collect the benches they sat on and take the table away.
She said goodbye to Jessica and the girls and hurried over to the buggy where Sadie and Matt were waiting.
“I’m sorry, Matt,” she said when they were in the buggy heading down the Shoneberger’s driveway. “I was so pleased to see Jessica, and her girls that I’d never met before, that we couldn’t stop talking and I had no chance to speak with the twins.”
“It’s okay. Mamm has them coming for the evening meal tomorrow night.”
“Oh good. Are you coming too, Matt?”
“Nee. I want you to get to know them without me around.”
Jane felt bad for thinking of herself. She was seeing Jessica tomorrow, so she could’ve excused herself today and introduced herself to the twins.
When they arrived at Sadie’s house, Matt said, “Jane, can I fetch you tomorrow, around mid-morning?”
“Sure. Oh no, wait. Jessica is stopping by and taking me back to her place.”
Sadie butted in, “Why don’t you move your plans for Jane to Tuesday? Then Jane can give you her report card on the twins, and tell you whether they failed or passed.”
Matt frowned at her. “It’s not like that, Mamm.”
Jane was grateful for Sadie’s suggestion. Even though she wanted to see Matt every day, she still had to process what he’d requested of her. “Tuesday’s probably the best day. I’ll be busy with Jessica in the morning and then I’ll be helping prepare the dinner, and seeing you’re not coming to the meal …”
“Yeah, I get it. I can see what’s going on here.” He smiled. “I’m not welcome back here until Tuesday.”
Sadie got out of the buggy. “Bye, Matt. You’ll be missing a good meal.”
“I know it. You’ll have to cook a special meal for me again Tuesday night.”
“I’ll see what I can do, Matt.”
Jane got out of the buggy too. “Bye, Matt. I’ll do my best to get to know the twins.”
“Good. One other thing you should know.”
Jane’s heart beat fast. She couldn’t cope with anything else. “And what’s that?”
“They don’t like being called 'the twins.’”
Relief washed over Jane. “Oh. Okay. I’ll try to remember that.” Jane backed away and then she joined Sadie on the porch.
Sadie pushed the door open, and then closed it behind them. “I won’t say more, but you know I don’t like the idea. I’ve never even heard of anyone doing what he’s doing.”
“I know. It’s a little odd, but I agreed to help him so I have to focus on doing a good job.” Jane fixed a smile on her face. There was no way she was going to let Sadie know her true feelings for Matt.
Chapter 7
On Monday morning, after a sleepless night, Matt was having more regrets about his plans. He was putting Jane through a lot of trouble for nothing. She was taking choosing a wife for him far too seriously. He’d never pictured the whole thing playing out like this. The whole thing seemed awkward now he was in the midst of it. He was starting to wish all the women hadn’t agreed to helping him.
In truth, he had hoped in the middle of telling Jane about his plan, she’d reveal her own feelings for him. That certainly hadn’t happened. Maybe Lanie would be right, and Jane’s feelings for him would surface during the process of finding him a bride. The only bride he wanted her to find for him was herself.
The problem was, now Jane was distant to him, cold even. She’d never been like that and she’d put up a wall the moment she learned why she was here. That was how it seemed.
He arrived at Lanie’s haus just as she was washing up the breakfast dishes. She made him a cup of coffee and he drank it at the kitchen table while she fussed around the kitchen.
“Lanie, I’m not sure I’m comfortable with all this deception with Jane.”
“You’re looking at it the wrong way. You want to marry Jane, right?” She pulled out the plug in the sink allowing the water to drain.
“Jah, it’s true, but only if she feels the same about me. I was hoping she might.”
“Then like I said at the start, if she’s in love with you she’ll forgive you when the truth comes out.” She wiped her hands on a small towel. “And, she’ll even see the funny side if she’s anything like you … and you’ve told me she has a sense of
humor.”
“She has.”
“Well, you’re safe then.” She sat down in front of him, and Mary-Lee came running out.
“More toast please, Mamm?”
“Nee. You’ve already had enough and I’ve washed the dishes. I’ll give you more in an hour or so. Now run along and play with your toys while I talk to Mr. Yoder.”
“I’m tired of my toys. I want the special ones. Please?”
Lanie got up and retrieved some brightly colored wooden blocks from the top shelf of the cupboard and passed them to Mary-Lee. “Now, make a haus and I’ll be out to look at it soon.”
“Denke.” Mary-Lee took the small box of blocks from her and scurried out of the room.
Matt chuckled at the cute girl with her chubby cheeks and bright smile.
“I’m sorry about that. What were you saying?”
“I was talking about Jane and how I’m not comfortable with all this.”
Lanie sat down again. “Don’t worry. Somewhere along the way in this whole process, she’ll realize she’s the best woman for you. If she says nothing, you’ll know she’s not in love with you and that way she’ll never know you were in love with her.” If there was one thing Lanie knew it was that he had to get Jane out of his system once and for all if Matt and she herself were ever to have a future together. If Jane was in love with him, she’d certainly be upset by his request. She didn’t want anyone hurt in all this, but as far as she saw it, it was either her being upset or Jane. She had a child to look out for—one that desperately needed a father—and Jane didn’t.
Matt felt like a coward. Too scared he'd be rejected. Was that being unmanly? Or was it saving both Jane and him from embarrassment if she had no love for him?
Lanie continued, “She’ll think she was helping out a good friend and she’ll go back home feeling she’s done a good deed.” When he didn’t say anything, she added, “It is the perfect plan. We thought it through and planned every detail of it.”
He ran a hand through his hair. “Remind me what happens when I marry no one at the end of all this.”
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