by Molly Jebber
Joel tensed. “Abigail approached Ellie more than once and told her to stay away from me.”
Mamm slammed her needles on her lap. “Ellie must be lying!”
Mamm jumped to the wrong conclusions about Ellie at every turn.
“She’s not lying.” Joel recounted what Abigail had been up to and about the meeting. He had hoped Mamm would understand Ellie had handled this situation with grace.
“I find it hard to believe Abigail would threaten to do something so heartless.” Mamm stared at him.
“Abigail is a complicated girl. She’s been pushy and obsessive over other men in the past, according to her daed.”
“She had me fooled. I enjoyed her company. I hope our friendship was genuine. I’d like to think so.” Mamm frowned.
Daed sat back in his chair. “She’s troubled. We should pray for her and her parents.”
Joel got up and knelt by her chair. “I agree, Daed.” He covered his mamm’s hand with his. “I dreaded disappointing you by telling you about what has been happening. You’ve been good for Abigail, and you obviously brought out the best in her. I believe she genuinely cared about you.”
“I hope you’re right. She filled a void for me with your schweschder gone. We laughed and shared precious memories. I’m fortunate to know a different side of her. I’ll miss her.” Mamm wiped her moist eyes. “I wish her family much happiness in Sugarcreek. Maybe the fresh start is what they need.”
Joel rose, stretched, and nodded to his parents. He didn’t want to discuss Abigail anymore. He could use some quiet time. “I’m going to get ready for bed and read awhile.”
“Get some rest. You’ve had a long day.” Daed smiled.
“I’m making grits with your eggs tomorrow for breakfast.” Mamm picked up her needles.
“One of my favorites. Danki, Mamm.” He padded to his room and shut the door. He sat in the hardwood spindled chair next to his bedside table and lantern. The meeting with the bishop earlier and the reaction of his parents to it had turned out much better than he’d anticipated.
Mamm hadn’t revisited the topic of Ellie. Maybe she would give Ellie a chance, with Abigail out of their lives. He would need them to get along if he was going to consider her for a fraa. It was necessary for them to follow God’s will for their lives, their kinner, and his and Ellie’s overall happiness. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled. Mamm’s approval would be a challenge. He didn’t want anyone or anything to destroy his new relationship with Ellie. He hadn’t made plans with her again, but he’d schedule something with her tomorrow.
Chapter Six
Ellie told her parents about the meeting with the Fishers and the bishop. “The family is moving to Sugarcreek.” She couldn’t help but be relieved. She didn’t want any more interference by Abigail in her relationship with Joel. They had enough opposition from Mrs. Wenger.
Liza held a cup of tea. “I wish them the best, and I’m relieved the girl won’t be interfering any longer with you and Joel. He’s a gentleman and Jacob and I enjoyed his company. I’m impressed with his maturity, goals, and manner.”
Daed chuckled. “I can’t stand the thought of you leaving this haus one day to get married. I guess it’s inevitable, and if so, I do approve of Joel, too.”
Ellie hugged Daed’s neck and then settled in the old oak rocker her late mamm had used often during her childhood. “He has a big heart, and he’s strong and firm at the same time. His wisdom showed in his words and actions this evening.”
“Now you can move on with him without looking over your shoulder wondering if Abigail will interfere. Do you have plans with him anytime soon?” Liza set her cup of tea on the side table and lifted Cinnamon off her lap to the floor.
The pet scampered to Peter’s room.
Daed got up and went after him. “I’ll open Peter’s door. I don’t want the mutt to wake him up scratching at the door to get in. I’ll leave you girls to talk, and I’ll head on to bed.”
The women nodded.
Ellie held up her palms in question. “Nah. I’m hoping he’ll show up at the bakery sometime this week.”
“I’m anxious to spend some time with Mrs. Wenger. I’m not happy about her dismissing you over gossip. Let’s you and I visit her one day soon and shower her with kindness. We’ll take an assortment of our cookies to her for a gift.”
“I’m nervous about speaking with her. If you go with me, maybe she’ll at least be civil.” Ellie twisted her hands together. She didn’t want to address any concerns Joel’s mamm might have gleaned through gossip. She had moved on with her life, and there was no need to look back. She would have a serious discussion with Joel at some point, but not until the time was right.
“You should have the conversation with Joel about your adventures before we chat with Mrs. Wenger. The ultimate decision is up to you. Be careful you don’t make things worse by avoiding what you must do.”
“I’m going to wait. We’ll visit Mrs. Wenger and have a light conversation and avoid any difficult questions. Joel and I are having such a good time together. I don’t want to spoil it.” She kissed Liza on the forehead. “Get a good night’s sleep.”
In her room, Ellie dressed in her nightclothes and got in bed. She pulled the covers to her chin and stared at the ceiling, wide-awake. She rehearsed the conversation she’d have with Joel. Her hands gripped the sheet. Men, Amish or otherwise, wanted a potential fraa with a good reputation in the community. Not one with a tarnished past full of rebellion and wrongdoings. The repercussions of her bad behavior could destroy any chance with not only Joel, but of any future as an Amish man’s fraa.
She didn’t want anyone but Joel. She had justified her actions in her head at the time, but confessing the story to Joel sounded terrible to her, as if she were talking about someone else. She had been naïve to assume he or any Amish man would overlook the way she spent her time in the outside world. Joel might sever ties with her. Her heart plummeted. A crack of bright lightning lit up the room, and thunder boomed, rattling the lantern. She shivered and pulled the covers closer.
* * *
Ellie accepted a plate of assorted pies from Hannah Wednesday morning at the bakery counter. “The cinnamon and sugar juices are oozing out of the apple pie, and it smells so delicious. You must’ve just taken this one out of the oven.”
“I did.” She pointed to the other pie. “And I added extra cinnamon to this one.”
Two tall men ducked under the doorframe and approached the counter. They sported thick mustaches and mirrored each other.
One of the men snarled and waved his hand. “George, stop annoying me. I love the Yanks, so don’t go putting ’em down. They made a big win at Hilltop Stadium. I’m proud of ’em.”
George rolled his eyes. “Sports is a waste of time, Nub. You should be farmin’ instead of wastin’ your time readin’ and keepin’ up with ’em in the newspaper.”
“You have your nose in the paper most days.”
George stepped back and huffed. “I read the important news and then get to work.”
Ellie swallowed the chuckle threatening to escape. These men, she guessed around sixty, bantered worse than Dr. Harrison and the sheriff. Their long faces with large noses, narrow eyes, and small, thin lips looked similar. “May I help you?”
“I’m Nub, and this here is my brother, George. We’re passin’ through and thought we’d stop in and get us some treats.” He waved George over. “What do ya want, George?”
George bent and scanned the shelves. “How ’bout a loaf of oat bread and some cherry tarts, and I’ll take some of those butter cookies.”
Nub read the sign for prices and set coins on the counter. “We’ll take what he said and add an apple pastry. Thank you, darlin’.”
George smacked his lips. “Now don’t go callin’ her darlin’. It’s rude.”
“I’m bein’ neighborly, not fresh. Stop tryin’ to embarrass me, you ol’ goat.”
Nub gave a sheepish shrug. “I d
idn’t mean no disrespect.”
“Ever since our wives died and we moved in together ten years ago, I’ve had to get on him about his manners.” George waved a dismissive hand at his bruder. “Don’t pay him no mind. He means well.”
“None taken. Danki for kumming in.” She handed him his packaged purchases.
The men bid her farewell and left.
She laughed and held her stomach. The men had added to her already cheerful day. How wonderful the two men were close and had each other after their wives had passed. If Peter hadn’t kumme along, she wouldn’t have had a sibling to share life with, like these two men. Meeting them had reminded her how fortunate she was to have a little bruder.
Joel rushed in. “The clouds are dark. Rain is kumming. I should’ve waited until a better time, but I couldn’t wait to speak to you. Will you kumme to supper tonight?”
Her stomach churned. She would be nervous around Mrs. Wenger. She’d engage her in conversation and attempt to nurture a friendship with her. “Danki for the invitation. You don’t have to pick me up. I’ll drive my buggy over.”
“Nah, I’d rather we travel together. It will be dark earlier, and I don’t want you going home by yourself.”
“I appreciate it.” She passed him a ginger cookie. “How did your mamm take the news about Abigail?”
Joel’s smile faded. “She was hurt and shocked. Abigail had shown her a more compassionate side. She’ll miss her. Abigail and Mamm might have had a special bond. Although Abigail never seemed to do anything without motive.”
“Abigail is hard to figure out.”
He took off his hat and rubbed the back of his neck. “I’ll warn you. She’s been tainted by Abigail, so it won’t be easy. I’ve been as positive as I can about you, and it’s important to me that you and she get along.”
“It’s important to me as well.” Her cheeks heated and her heart thudded in her chest. She was tired of having to defend herself. “Your mamm is being unfair to judge me so harshly based on gossip and Abigail’s tales.” She dug her nails into her hands. She stopped short. Her last sentence could bring up the very conversation she wanted to avoid. She tightened her lips.
Joel held his hat to his side and lifted her chin with his forefinger. “I’m praying about Mamm and you. I’m confident God has a plan, and he’ll work this out.”
She gave him a weak grin. “I’ll pray about this too.”
“I’d better get ahead of this rain. I’ll be at your haus at five thirty.” He hurried out the door.
Hannah and Liza burst into the room and faced her.
“We confess.” Hannah held up her hands. “We listened to your conversation with Joel. You were a little defensive with him about his mamm. Why? He can’t control her behavior.”
Ellie put her elbows on the counter and fists under her chin. “The woman has been told the worst about me from the tattletales and Abigail. She pinches her lips and squints each time we meet, but I’m determined to befriend her and show her I am a good fit for Joel and their family.” She shook her head. “No doubt I’ll need God to perform a miracle in Mrs. Wenger’s heart.”
“You could’ve asked me to watch the counter, taken Joel outside, and addressed what the gossips are saying about you.” Hands on Ellie’s shoulders, Liza looked directly into her eyes. “Again, you put it off. The gossips don’t have the details. You do. He should be told, Ellie.”
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Ellie darted her eyes to the window. “I’ll put my best smile on and work hard to befriend his parents. Then I’ll tell him.”
Hannah wiped a dab of flour off Ellie’s hand. “You’ll do fine.”
“I’m rooting for you and Joel. I just know how important it is to both of you to have both sets of parents blessing your relationship. If you marry, you’re tied to his family too. God doesn’t want dissention.” Liza moved to the kitchen’s open doorway.
Hannah gave her friend’s arm a squeeze. “Remember, with God all things are possible.” She followed Liza to the kitchen.
Ellie loved Hannah. Leah and Eva were her friends, but Hannah was her true best friend. She could trust her to keep her secrets, and Hannah understood her. The door opened, and Ellie went back behind the counter, ready to serve the customers. An older woman dressed in a smart red hat matching her thick wool coat and a girl about Ellie’s age in a green, heavy, wool shawl studied the shelves. They both stood frowning.
“Did you have something in mind today?”
The older woman’s dark eyes glared at the young woman next to her. “I’m Mrs. Jackson, and this is my daughter-in-law, Julia. The girl hardly opens her mouth. It’s no wonder. She doesn’t like to make decisions, cook, or sew.”
Ellie, red-faced, bristled at Mrs. Jackson’s outburst about Julia. She wanted to wrap protective arms around the thin girl. Her heart broke for the girl with worried green eyes and quivering lips. “I’m not good at sewing either. My stepmamm and my best friend are doing their best to teach me, and I’m getting better. Maybe Julia just needs more time.”
Mrs. Jackson glared at Ellie. “Listen here, young lady. I am out of patience with her. She ran off from one husband and talked my son into marrying her.”
Tears trickled down Julia’s face. “You’re embarrassing me.”
Mrs. Jackson scoffed. “I’m sure your poor decisions in life are the talk of the town and this isn’t news to anyone.” She pressed a hand to her temple. “I brought you here to get you out of the haus and to buy my son some wonderful surprise desserts. Now pick out what he’d want.”
“Oatmeal cookies are his favorite.”
Ellie removed Julia’s selection. “Will there be anything else for you?”
Mrs. Jackson frowned. “Trade the oatmeal cookies for the butter ones. I’m sure he’d like those better.”
Ellie struggled to remain cordial. “Take both. The oatmeal cookies are our gift.” She winked at Julia as Mrs. Jackson dug in her reticule for coins.
Julia mouthed, “Thank you.”
Mrs. Jackson paid for their purchases. “You have a lovely bakery. I love the aroma of fresh cookies, tarts, pastries, and breads. I’ll be back. Now come along, Julia.”
Ellie bid them farewell. Mrs. Jackson was horribly rude to Julia. How did Julia stand listening to the woman berate her? There would be no escaping the miserable woman since she was married to Mrs. Jackson’s son. A shiver ran through her. She’d be upset if she had to give up Joel for this reason. Her conversation tonight with his parents would be a telling indicator of their future.
Hannah came to Ellie holding a cookie. “Try this.”
Ellie grinned and eyed Liza and Hannah as she took a bite. The cookie melted in her mouth. Sugar, cinnamon, and strawberry juice rolled over her tongue. “I love the addition of the strawberry flavor with the cinnamon, but I wouldn’t have thought to put them together.”
Liza waved her hands. “I worked hard to get just the right amount of each ingredient to create a good strawberry cookie. We’ve got plenty of strawberry jam.”
“The fluffiness of the cookie is appealing, and the flavor is light and refreshing.”
“I agree.” Hannah accepted the rest of Ellie’s cookie and plopped it in her mouth. “Maybe you should take some of these to Joel’s parents. The gift might give your evening a pleasant start.” She winked.
Liza clapped the flour dust from her hands. “I’ll put a plate of them together for you.”
“Danki!” Ellie would do all she could to change Mrs. Wenger’s opinion of her. Strawberry cookies couldn’t hurt. She couldn’t wait to talk to Joel again. They never ran out of topics to discuss, and she could gaze into his big blue eyes forever. The thought of letting him go for any reason made her heart heavy.
* * *
Joel went to Daed in the pigpen. “I’ve invited Ellie to supper. I’m interested in her as a potential fraa. Of course, it depends on how things progress between all of us. I’d appreciate your effort to befriend her.”
Daed stopped filling the pigs’ feed trough. “Have you told Mamm?”
Joel shook his head. “I wanted to tell you first.”
“She may not approve of the idea.”
“I really care about Ellie, Daed. Will you help me out with Mamm? Ellie’s important to me.”
Daed kept his head down and tiptoed around his mamm to avoid any arguments. Joel needed his daed to stand firm with him on inviting Ellie to their home and treating her with kindness and respect.
“All right, Son. Let’s go find your mamm.” He set the bucket down and draped his arm around Joel’s shoulders.
They went inside the haus and found Mamm sweeping out the mudroom.
“Is everything all right? You both look serious.” The broom upright, she rested her hand on the top of the handle.
“I asked Ellie for supper this evening.”
“You’re not giving me much notice, young man.”
“Please don’t make this difficult for me. Ellie doesn’t care what we serve.” He sighed. “I realize you don’t care for her, but you’ve not given her a fair chance.”
Daed stood next to him. “We should extend a warm wilkom to any of Joel’s friends he brings home. Let’s get better acquainted with Ellie and put what the gossips have told you aside.”
Joel wrinkled his brow. “Has Mamm told you what the gossips have said about Ellie?”
“Nah. She understands I don’t have any interest in rumors.”
Mamm sneered. “There’s always an ounce of truth in what they say. Trouble is the word they use when they mention her name. The gossips say not to trust her.”
“Enough talk about Ellie.” Daed tilted his head and crossed his arms.
Mamm narrowed her eyes. “Joel, has she told you about her past?”
“Not yet. If there’s something notable to tell, I’m sure she will discuss it with me at some point. We’re looking forward to the future, and I don’t necessarily care about her past.”
“I’m not promising you I’ll accept her with open arms.” Mamm gripped the broom and swept the dirt from the mud floor, stirring up dust.
Daed motioned him outside, and they walked to the barn. “Son, let’s leave your mamm alone until Ellie arrives. She’s informed Ellie is kumming this evening, and let’s not give her an opportunity to ask you to get out of it.”
