by Molly Jebber
A distinguished gentleman entered the bakery. He perused the dessert shelves.
“I should let you get back to work. I’ll be at your place a little before six.” Joel held her gaze a moment then left.
She would be with him again at six. She’d count the minutes until then. Smiling, she went behind the counter. “Did you have any particular dessert in mind today?”
The man tipped his black top hat. “The peach tarts, rhubarb pie, and nut cookies all appeal to me. Which one do you suggest? If I take them all home, I’ll add ten pounds to my already round middle. I must show some restraint.” He laughed, and his handlebar mustache waggled when he spoke.
A woman in a beautiful gray wool coat, trimmed in black velvet, entered. She had her hair swooped in a tight bun.
“I’ll be with you in a moment.”
The woman hooked her arm through the gentleman’s. “I’m with this handsome man. He’s my wonderful husband of forty years.” She lay her head on his shoulder for a second. “What are you going to choose for us, dear?”
“I’m glad you came in. I can’t decide.” He tapped his finger on his lip.
“You love nut cookies. Let’s buy them and the rhubarb pie.”
“Perfect.” He smiled and gave her a curt nod.
Ellie wrapped their purchases and accepted payment. She bid them farewell. What a lovely couple. Forty years was a long time to live together. Their adoration for each other was evident in their exchanged endearing looks. She hoped she’d marry one day and have forty glorious years with her husband. Would Joel be the one for her? She hoped so.
Five came, and Ellie waited for Liza to lock the door and take them home. She pulled her heavy wool shawl about her. The clouds blocked the heat of the sun and the afternoon breeze chilled her. She listened to Liza and Hannah chat about what cookies they’d made ahead for the next day and what they planned to bake in the morning, nodding her head at the right times.
She had grown more anxious about the outcome of the discussion she and Joel were headed to. “I’m uncomfortable about meeting with Abigail and her parents. Joel’s picking me up in about forty-five minutes.”
Hannah clasped Ellie’s hand. “Don’t worry. The bishop’s a wise man. I’m sure the meeting will be fine.”
She could count on Hannah to calm her nerves. “Danki. I’ll tell you the details tomorrow.”
Liza bid Hannah farewell, headed home, and darted a glance at Ellie. “Amish avoid confrontation, especially in our community, where we strive for peace, but sometimes we have to face unpleasant circumstances. This is one of those times. I’m proud of you and Joel for taking a stand in a humble way.”
Ellie tightened her grip on the side of the buggy. “I’m not sure how humble I’ll be, but I’ll do my best to behave.”
“You’ll regret it if you don’t.” Liza glowered at her.
Ellie shrunk in her seat. “I’ve worked hard to soften my words and keep the fire low on my temperament.”
“Jah, and I’m proud of you. I’ll pray for you while you’re gone.” She pulled in front of the barn. “You go in and fix yourself some eggs before Joel gets here.”
“Danki, Liza. I’ll send Daed out to help you.”
Liza nodded.
Ellie went inside and met Daed kumming out of the kitchen with his mouth full. She grinned and tilted her head. “What have you been up to?”
“I stuffed a cookie in my mouth. Liza doesn’t let me have dessert before supper, but I couldn’t pass up her maple sugar cookies.” He rubbed his stomach. “I’ve had five today.”
“You better chew and swallow it before you hit the door.” She gestured to the door. “Liza’s waiting on you to help her with the buggy. Joel is picking me up soon to go to our meeting.”
“Good, then you can put this problem behind you. I’ll help Liza. Peter is out back playing with Cinnamon and Snuggles. It tickles me how those two animals have become the best of friends.”
“Peter is a good teacher. He works at making them friends. I’m impressed with my bruder’s guidance skills.”
She poured herself a cup of leftover coffee and chose bread and apple butter for her snack, instead of the eggs Liza suggested. She went to the back porch and watched Peter cuddle and love on his animals.
“Ellie, watch Cinnamon sit when I tell him to.” He instructed the dog to sit, and the pet obeyed.
“What are you giving him for a reward?” Ellie took another chunk of her bread and put it in her mouth.
“I’m breaking off pieces of one of Mamm’s maple sugar cookies.”
“No more than one or the poor thing will never sleep. He’ll have too much spunk from the sugar.”
“All right.”
Joel met her halfway across the yard. “Looks like Peter is putting on quite a show with Snuggles and Cinnamon. Liza and Jacob told me you two were back here. We’re running late. Are you ready?” He waved to Peter. “Hi, buddy!”
Peter scampered to him. “Can you play with me?”
Joel shook his head. “We have to leave. I will some other time.”
Peter pouted his lips. “When?”
“Soon, I promise.”
He beamed. “Don’t forget.”
Joel waved good-bye. “I won’t.”
Ellie got in the buggy next to Joel and bid her family farewell, and they went to the bishop’s. She pointed to a large black bear. “Look at its size!” She hadn’t encountered bears up close, and she hoped she never would.
“I’ve seen a couple of large bears kumming out of the dense woods there.”
She edged closer to Joel. “Are you nervous about the outcome of our get-together this evening?”
“I asked God to give me the right attitude and words to say, because I’m frustrated with Abigail. She’s different than any other girl I’ve met. I’m hoping she and her parents will respond to the bishop in a positive way.”
Ellie nodded. “I gave Daed a rough time when Mamm passed. Stubborn and angry at the world, I took my frustration out on him. He forgave me over and over again.” She’d been forgiven by her friends and parents during her rebellious time, and she should do the same for Abigail. She dug her nails into her palms. Abigail had made it so difficult. She bowed her head and prayed silently. Dear Heavenly Father, dissolve my bitterness against Abigail and please give me the compassion I need to forgive her. Amen.
“Ellie, are you all right?”
“I prayed for God to give me the compassion I need to forgive her. She has a tendency to make my blood boil, and I struggle not to get angry with her.”
“Luke 6:36 kummes to mind for times like this. ‘Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.’” He halted the horse and stepped down. “Abigail and her parents are here. Let’s go in.”
Ellie waited until he had secured the mare, and they approached the porch together.
Joel rapped on the door.
The bishop, somber, held it wide. “Make yourselves at home. May I offer you anything?”
Ellie shook her head and nodded to the bishop and guests. “Good evening.” She chose a chair by the fireplace.
Joel chose the one next to her. “Not for me, danki.” He nodded to Abigail and her parents.
Abigail stared at her hands folded in her lap. Her parents had slumped shoulders and worried faces.
The bishop settled back in a chair where he could address the group. “Let’s bow our heads for a word of prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, open our hearts and help us to approach this discussion with your scriptures in mind. Let us conduct ourselves in a way that is pleasing to you. Amen.” He opened his Bible. “I’ve turned to Mark 12:31, ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself. ’ We should keep this verse in mind this evening.”
The bishop closed the Bible and set it on the side table next to his chair. “Ellie and Joel, I’ve asked the Fishers not to tell me anything about why we’re gathered here until you both arrived. Abigail, you go first.”
She slumped her shoulders
and tilted her head in meek stance. “Joel came to supper and left me with the impression he was interested in me, and then I noticed he was speaking a lot with Ellie. I overheard Ellie at the bakery say Joel was kumming to her haus for supper. He betrayed me, and I’m brokenhearted.”
* * *
Joel gripped the arms on the chair. He’d been accused unjustly, and it was her word against his and Ellie’s. His schweschder had tarnished their reputation by her actions and caused damage to their family. He couldn’t afford for their fresh start here to be ruined for no good reason. He’d have to think hard before he spoke. Waiting on the bishop, he kept his mouth closed. He glanced at Ellie, and she sat stiff. This was difficult for both of them.
The bishop nodded to Joel. “Please tell me how you view what Abigail has shared.”
Joel met the bishop’s gaze. “I had a pleasant evening with the Fishers. Then Abigail and I went to the pond near their home, where I told her I wasn’t interested in a relationship with her. She said she would wait on me, and I asked her not to. I don’t understand why she has persisted in pursuing me.”
Mr. Fisher, holding his hat in his lap, scooted to the edge of his seat. He held out his palms. “Abigail, why do you do this?” He frowned and shook his head. “Since moving here, two other men have kumme to me about your relentless pursuit of them, and I have told you this is unacceptable behavior and to stop. Have you done the same to Joel?”
Mrs. Fisher dropped her chin to her chest and concentrated on the floor.
“Nah! He’s a liar!” Abigail jumped up with fire in her eyes.
The bishop rose. “Young lady, please control yourself.”
“Sit down, dochder, right now.” Mr. Fisher stood and crossed his arms.
Abigail frowned and plopped in the chair. “You must believe me.”
Ellie cleared her throat. “Abigail, you’ve threatened me and done everything you could to destroy my friendship with Joel, knowing he has made it clear he’s not the one for you. Please, don’t make us give these details to your parents and the bishop.”
“Go ahead. No one’s going to believe you after what you’ve done.”
Ellie winced and caught her breath. “Hurting me isn’t going to make you feel better.”
Mr. Fisher quirked his brow. “What details?”
Joel said, “Abigail came to the Grabers’ and insisted the abandoned dog they took into their home was hers. She also called the dog ‘she’ and the animal is a male.”
Mrs. Fisher dropped her small wrinkled hands from her worried face. “What dog?”
“Jah, Abigail, what dog?” Mr. Fisher narrowed his eyes.
Abigail’s eyes pooled with tears. “I’m sorry, Daed. I found out Ellie invited Joel to supper. She mentioned a stray dog, and I told her I would claim it was mine if she didn’t stay away from Joel. I shouldn’t have been so foolish. I’m so ashamed.” She covered her face with her hands.
Joel couldn’t tell if Abigail was sorry or pretending.
Her daed shook his head.
The bishop peered over his spectacles. “Abigail, from what’s been discussed, am I to understand you’ve been rude and lying to Joel and Ellie on different occasions to get your way?”
She pleaded, “Jah, and I don’t want to cause any more trouble for them or my parents. Please don’t order a shunning as punishment for my family because of what I’ve done. I’m truly sorry, Joel and Ellie, bishop, and Mamm and Daed. I hope you’ll forgive me.”
Joel uncrossed his arms. Abigail cared what the bishop thought of her. It was evident in her plea. This meeting had been a good idea. He was ready for this meeting to end. He and Ellie had made their point. He could only hope Abigail was being truthful. “I forgive you.”
Ellie said, “I do too. I just want to put this behind us.”
The bishop gave Abigail a stern look. “Young lady, you’ve joined the church. If I hear you have hounded Joel, Ellie, or anyone in our community, I will impose a shunning for a period of time. Do you understand?”
She bobbed her head. “I do.” Her face pinked, and she swiped a tear from her cheek. “It won’t happen again.”
Mr. Fisher stood and shook the bishop’s hand then Joel’s. “I’m sorry for my dochder’s behavior.”
“No hard feelings, Mr. Fisher. I wish you the very best.”
The slender man held his hat with calloused hands. “You’re a good man, Joel. And Ellie, danki for your forgiving heart.”
Ellie blushed. “I harbor no grudge against Abigail, and I pray you and your family will have peace after this.”
Abigail gave Ellie and Joel a weak wave and left.
Mrs. Fisher took Ellie’s hands in hers. “Danki for showing Abigail mercy. Should I visit your mamm and explain? We’ve passed by them at church, but we haven’t actually gotten acquainted.”
“Nah, she and Daed will be happy we’ve resolved the problem, and it’s not necessary. I can assure you they will be fine.”
Mr. Fisher plopped his hat on his head. “I should tell you, we’ll be moving soon. We’ve accepted my bruder’s offer to help him farm his land and move into the haus in Sugarcreek he has available since his in-laws have passed.”
The bishop patted the man’s back. “I’m sad you’re leaving. If you need help loading your belongings, I’ll be glad to help. Have you found someone to take your home?”
“Our neighbor, Emmanuel Wittmer, is buying it. He’ll move his in-laws into his haus and occupy mine. With six kinner, he needs more room.”
“I’m glad you and he worked out an agreement.”
The Fishers said farewell and left.
Joel and Ellie thanked the bishop and headed to the buggy.
Joel tensed as guilt gripped him. He was glad the family was moving. He’d pray Abigail truly had a change of heart. Her parents were kind, and it was evident they didn’t want any trouble. Abigail wasn’t anything like them. They must find her bad choices disappointing. He helped Ellie into the buggy. “I’m glad we were able to resolve this problem.” He got in and headed to Ellie’s.
“I don’t understand Abigail.” She clicked her tongue. “She can change her mood in an instant. I did appreciate how the bishop conducted the meeting. He follows the scriptures, and he is a good leader for our community.”
“I am also pleased how the bishop handled everything. Listen, we have done our part by forgiving her. We can put this behind us and move on with our lives. I’m glad they’re moving. I would’ve been cordial and kind had the family planned to stay in Charm, but I would’ve suggested we keep our distance until we were sure she was true to her word to not cause us any more trouble.” He gave her a shy grin. “Here we are already solving problems together. We’re off to a good start in our relationship, Ellie Graber.”
“Abigail and your mamm have become friends. Did you tell her what Abigail has been doing or about going to the bishop’s?”
He hadn’t wanted to upset Mamm. Not sure of the outcome, he had decided to wait to mention anything to Mamm until he had all the information. He didn’t want to cause her any pain, and she would miss Abigail. The girl had been good to her, even if she’d done it under false pretenses. “Nah, I’ll tell her when I get home.”
She inhaled a deep breath. “Hopefully she’ll not be too hurt to learn about Abigail’s intentions to win you over.” She fidgeted with her kapp ribbon. “I’d like to get better acquainted with your mamm.”
“Let’s give her time to adjust to losing Abigail, and then we’ll warm up to having you befriend her.” Mamm had believed whatever lies Abigail had told her about Ellie. He would invite Ellie to their haus to show Mamm that Ellie was a delightful girl.
Ellie nodded. “I hope this is the last problem we have to solve for quite a while.”
“I hope so too.” He pulled the buggy down a side path behind tall trees, where they’d be hidden. He pulled her to him and kissed her soft petal lips. “Ellie, we’ve known each other for such a short time, but I’m very fond of y
ou. We’ve got much to learn about each other, but I’m awestruck by you already.” He smiled, reluctant to end the moment. “We’d better get going. Getting caught kissing is all we need.” He flicked the reins and headed for the main road.
She giggled and then grew serious. “My heart feels the same, Joel. Tonight, as hard as it’s been, I was happy to have you by my side.” She hesitated, lowered her eyes, and then looked at him. “I am upset your mamm is against you having anything to do with me. We have to work together to change her mind.”
“Don’t worry. She’ll kumme around when she gets better acquainted with you.” They arrived at her haus. “Do you want me to kumme in with you and tell your folks what happened?”
She shook her head. “I’m sure you’re anxious to tell your mamm the story. My parents will be glad the whole mess is over. I’ll say a prayer all goes well for you when you tell your parents.” She jumped out and waved.
“Danki, sweetheart. Get a peaceful night’s sleep.” He headed toward home and shivered. Night was descending, and the air was getting cooler. He halted, grabbed the lantern, and turned it up, glad he had a short distance to go. He’d been proud of Ellie showing kindness to Abigail. They’d weathered this storm, and he was certain they could handle many more if need be. Jah, she was the one for him. He’d pray his mamm would soften her hardened heart toward Ellie.
He arrived home, unharnessed his mare and put her in the barn, fed her, and offered her water then went inside. His parents sat by the fire, chatting.
Mamm whipped her head in his direction and narrowed her eyes. “Where have you been?”
Joel plopped on the settee and struggled to relax. “Ellie, the Fishers, and I all met with the bishop.”
Daed edged to the end of his seat and set his hot tea mug on the side table. “Why?”
“Jah, why?” Mamm stopped darning a hole in a wool blanket.
