by Molly Jebber
The sheriff harrumphed. “You must have a lot of time on your hands if you care so much about cookies.” He threw up a thick hand. “Doesn’t take much to occupy him. He’ll have his nose in any article making a comparison. He yearns for a good argument.”
“I beg your pardon. You’re the one always wanting to argue. Not me.” Dr. Harrison leaned back and stared at his friend.
Ellie turned to hide the grin on her face. She was grateful for their distraction. She’d been brokenhearted over her parting from Joel and hadn’t been able to shake their dilemma from her thoughts. Leave it to these two to lift her spirits with their bantering. “Both sound good to me.”
“I like all the cookies you make and sell. Cookies made in a factory, in my humble opinion, won’t ever compare to yours. Especially Liza’s molasses cookies.” The sheriff rubbed his round stomach.
“I agree, and those molasses cookies are one of my favorites. I have a hard time turning down any of your goods.” The doctor picked up his cookie and took a bite.
The men finished their food and drink and departed, debating if Jeb Stone would purchase a Model T Ford motorcar or if he was all talk.
Ellie chuckled. The two men kept her entertained.
Liza and Hannah carried in trays of tarts and pies to her.
“These look wonderful.” Ellie sniffed the apple and cherry pies on the shelves. “Love the aroma, and they’re still warm.”
Hannah stood next to her and displayed the raspberry tarts. “On our ride in, you mentioned you and Joel couldn’t be together because of his mamm. I understand if you don’t want to talk about it, but are you sure? She’s not a nice woman. You shouldn’t allow her to control your life.”
Liza held the empty trays. “I agree, Hannah. But Ellie has a point. Naomi would always be a part of their lives. The tension could cause a lot of turmoil. Ellie and Joel can’t ignore the potential problem.”
“It’s so unfair.” Hannah crossed her arms.
“Sometimes we want to justify our actions and thinking to have our desires when they aren’t God’s will for us, and we cause ourselves trouble for being selfish. The result of forging ahead with Joel and not considering his mamm’s opinions could be detrimental to our future marriage and their relationship. We’re forced to move on.”
“Whatever happens, you and Joel will eventually find happiness with each other or someone else.” Liza stepped to the kitchen’s open doorway. “We like Joel. We would be thrilled to have him as a part our family. I’m sorry it’s not working out.”
“I’m rooting for Joel. Ellie. You’re being unreasonable. God is all powerful. You’ll find out.” Hannah squeezed Ellie’s shoulder and then followed Liza to the kitchen.
Ellie cherished Hannah so much. The girl had a steadfast faith when she was convinced she was right. She prayed Hannah was right.
* * *
Ellie rearranged the custard and milk pies again on the top shelf Monday afternoon. A steady stream of customers was what she needed. Too much time to think was driving her mad. She had been extra busy at home. She yawned and stretched. No wonder she was tired. The last three weeks, she’d helped bring in the harvest. She’d dug potatoes from the garden until she had blisters on her hands and fingers, canned more vegetables and fruits than she cared to count, and made applesauce, apple butter, and jams with Liza. Daed had taken care of the corn and bedding the garden down for winter.
She’d cleaned the bakery’s every nook and cranny from top to bottom, and she’d gone into the kitchen with Liza and Hannah to start recipes and finished them between waiting on customers. All of this activity to take her mind off Joel. He had darted out after Sunday services like his pants were on fire. He didn’t like to miss a meal. He must be desperate to stay away from her.
She had hoped they’d run into each other by now. She stared at the ceiling. What was he doing? Thinking about her? Did he miss her? He must be terribly disappointed with her to stay away so long. She slapped her head. What did she expect? She’d told him to stay away, and she’d given him no hope she’d change her mind. She’d been reading the scriptures and praying for God’s guidance.
Maybe she’d reacted too fast after having such a disappointing meeting with Mrs. Wenger. Nah, she couldn’t sugarcoat this. She’d stand by her decision. Couldn’t they be friends and speak? They lived in the same town and had some of the same friends, and they couldn’t avoid each other forever. She’d go to the woods where he told her he found peace and tranquility to pray and ponder what to do sometimes. She hoped he’d be there. They’d have privacy to talk.
* * *
Joel scanned the calendar Monday morning. The three weeks he’d avoided Ellie seemed like three years. He’d sat in the back at church services and left right after the message and hymns were over. He’d wanted to give her plenty of time to miss him and change her mind. He didn’t want to plead or badger her to plan a future with him. Staying for the after-service meals would have made it difficult to avoid her.
He couldn’t let another day go by without having a conversation with her. He went to town. The post office was on the way to the bakery. He’d stop and get the mail first. He went inside, stood in line, and greeted friends.
The postmaster handed him the mail. “Here you go.”
“Danki.” He strolled out, leaned against a post, and sorted through the envelopes.
He froze. A forwarded letter from Lancaster to Charm from Maryann. It was as if he were in a tunnel, alone. The squeak of buggy wheels, clip-clop of horses’ hooves on the hard dirt road, and chatter of the townsfolk grew dim. He clutched the envelope and didn’t move. The return address said Massillon, Ohio. Not far away. She’d not told them where she and the Englischer were going. Daed had searched for her, but he couldn’t find them in the neighboring towns. He had a farm to run, and she’d left of her own free will. They had done all they could to find her. Why had she written now? He’d left their forwarding address with the postmaster in Lancaster, never thinking they’d actually hear from Maryann again.
He tightened his grip on the envelope. Part of him didn’t want to know where she was or what she wanted. The other part of him was afraid of what she had to say. Was she hurt? Ill? In trouble? Why had she addressed it to him? He ripped the seal open and unfolded the page, and then he refolded it and stuffed it back in the envelope. He had to read this in private.
He’d talk to Ellie later. Whatever Maryann had written could make his situation worse with Ellie. He couldn’t let Maryann or his mamm rob him of Ellie. He got in his wagon and went to his favorite quiet place in the woods not far from his haus. He scanned the acreage. Nah sign of anyone. Quiet, except for the woodpecker working hard on the tree near his spot. He shook the wool blanket he’d brought with him and spread it on the ground. He stretched out on his side and reopened the page.
Dear Joel,
I should’ve written to tell you where I’m living and how I am. I’m sorry for the worry I must’ve caused you and our parents over the years.
I didn’t address this letter to Mamm or Daed because you’re the strong one, and I’m counting on our closeness to appeal to you to help me. I’m living in Massillon, Ohio, in Clara Bee’s Boarding House on Main Street, down the street from the blacksmith’s’s shop. It’s painted blue with a red sign. My room is number four.
My husband, Gerald Harding, passed a little over a month ago. He got into trouble, and he wasn’t a good man. I’m cooking meals at Clara Bee’s to earn a living. I’ll tell you more if you decide to kumme. Please write and let me know either way if you will help me. If not, I’ll need to move soon. Please, Joel, kumme. I need you.
Love, Maryann.
He read the letter three times. His mouth got dry and his heart heavy. Maryann put herself down when she compared her form to other girls growing up. She’d been short for her age and plump, and her pointed nose didn’t help. She had blue eyes and striking straight white teeth. A wonderful cook, she did everything to perfection. H
e loved his schweschder so much. He was twenty-two. She’d be twenty. They’d lost precious years together.
He’d played games with her, and they’d worked alongside each other in the garden. She’d been at his side when she wasn’t with Mamm. She was timid and painfully shy growing up. She’d offered to get supplies or food, and he’d been grateful to have more time to complete his chores by himself. He had no idea she’d been meeting a man. He’d trusted her.
Or had he been too busy to notice? He’d found her annoying at times when she’d wanted to tag along with him and his friends. Guilt settled in his chest. He should’ve paid more attention. What had this man done to her? She’d stayed with him for three years. Why hadn’t she asked for help before now? Had he threatened her if she left him? She mentioned he’d passed. He had a bucket of questions. How could he keep Maryann’s letter from his parents if he went to help her? He’d have to tell them something, and he didn’t want to lie.
He stood. Who was near? He swiveled his head to the open pathway. Someone took heavy steps, their shoes crunching leaves in his direction. Foe or friend?
He gasped. “Ellie, what are you doing here?”
She tripped on a large branch, struggled to regain her balance, and fell into him. She blushed and didn’t move from his grasp. “I remembered you told me about your favorite spot. I hoped you’d be here. I wanted to talk to you. It’s been a long three weeks.”
“What did you want to talk to me about?” His heart pounded as he gazed into her eyes and held her hands. Maybe she’d kumme to say yes to his proposal.
“I said we shouldn’t marry. I didn’t mean we shouldn’t speak to each other at services or if we should run into each other. You’ve been avoiding me. You don’t stay for the meal after the sermons. We live in the same town, and we should at least be civil and speak.”
“Ellie, you told me to stay away, and I’ve honored your request. If I gave you time, I thought you’d miss me and change your mind.” He pulled her to him. “Please, Ellie, tell me you love me and you’ve missed me as much as I’ve missed you.”
She stepped back. “I’m sorry I’ve been confusing. And I do love you. And, of course, I miss you.” She swiped her damp eyes with the corner of her apron. “As much as it pains me, though, I have to remain strong in my decision, for both our sakes.” She turned to go.
He reached for her hand. “Ellie, please stay. I need direction. I received a letter from Maryann. I’m not sure I should do what she’s asking.”
Her eyes grew wide. “Maryann sent you a letter!”
“I picked it up at the post office earlier. I had planned to kumme into the bakery to speak to you, then I got distracted after receiving Maryann’s note.” He handed it to her. “Read it and give me your thoughts.”
She scanned Maryann’s message. “Joel, this is good news. She’s reaching out for your help, and she’s ready to kumme home.”
“Ellie, it’s not a simple task. What if I bring her to Charm and she leaves again? My family has suffered enough. No telling what Mamm’s state of mind would be if Maryann abandoned us again.”
“This is a blessing from God. Your parents have longed to have her back here again. I’d like to go with you. I understand how hard it is to return to the Amish life once you’ve been away. I want to remind her the majority of our Amish community will wilkom her with open arms and assure her we’ll be here for her.”
“I can’t ask you to go with me. It wouldn’t be safe or proper. And she says her husband had gotten into trouble. Who knows what we’d get ourselves into once we found my schweschder.”
“All the more reason we should go. She may be in serious trouble and not have anyone else to turn to.”
He quirked a brow. “We?” He shook his head. “Nah. I’m not going to jeopardize your reputation by taking you. If I go, I may or may not have to stay overnight.”
She hadn’t hesitated to put their differences aside to help him. She’d risk the reputation she’d worked so hard to rebuild. She had never met Maryann, and yet she wanted to kumme to her aid. He tensed with guilt for not reacting the same way himself. Another reason he loved her. He’d noticed Ellie’s compassion in the way she treated her family, friends, and customers.
She beamed. “We wouldn’t go alone. I had in mind to ask Daed to accompany us. He’ll go if I ask him. After what I put him through, he’ll be happy to bring Maryann back to your parents. I cringe at how painful it must’ve been for him, wondering where I was, what I was doing, and if I was safe. He and I had a precious reunion. I’d like your parents to experience the same with your schweschder.”
Should he ask his daed? Nah. He should find Maryann and gauge the situation before telling his parents anything. “Caution is the word kumming to mind. I’m not sure what we’ll run into once we arrive and talk to her.”
“It doesn’t matter. We’ll enlist the assistance of the sheriff if we need to. We must make sure she’s safe. I couldn’t rest if we don’t go to her. I want to help you and your family, Joel.” She passed the paper to him. “Let’s go to my haus. We’ll show the note to Daed, and you and he can put together a plan to meet her.”
“My parents will be furious I’ve involved you.” He wouldn’t be in their good graces for keeping this secret. And when they found out he’d told and enlisted Ellie and Jacob for help, they’d really be upset.
“I believe your parents will be ecstatic to have their dochder with them again. Then it won’t matter they weren’t told right away or who went with you.”
“You’re a sweetheart, Ellie Graber.”
Her cheeks pinked. “I’m glad you think so, Joel Wenger. Now, let’s get going. Where’s your wagon?”
“I hid it on the other side, behind those trees.” He pointed to the area. “If Daed or Mamm passed by, I didn’t want them to wonder why I was here. I needed time to gather my thoughts. Where’s yours?”
“Not far from yours.” They walked in the direction of their wagons and headed to Ellie’s place.
He followed her. Ellie was willing to drop everything and take his dilemma on to help Maryann. His thought process had taken the wrong direction until she convinced him to go to his schweschder. He’d considered ignoring Maryann’s plea, to avoid any trouble she might bring with her. Could he have carried this out? He doubted it. He loved Maryann so much, and she’d chosen to reach out to him. She’d always depended on him until she married the Englischer.
He turned down Ellie’s lane behind her and pulled his horse next to hers. Ellie offering to go with him was a relief. Her daed was the perfect person to accompany them with his level head and compassion for others. Ellie’s leaving had prepared him better than Joel for tackling this situation. He slid off the bench, and his boots hit the ground. He tied up his mare and joined Ellie.
Jacob came out of the barn and clapped dust off his hands. “What are you two up to?” He grinned and shook Joel’s hand.
“Daed, we have something important to discuss with you.” She gestured to Joel.
“My schweschder, Maryann, left and married an Englischer three years ago. My mamm hasn’t been the same. She’s changed from a softhearted woman to a negative and bitter one. She’s never given up hope Maryann would return to her someday. To my surprise, Maryann sent me a letter, and she’s asking for my help to return.” He passed him the note.
Jacob’s eyes moved across the lines of the page. “How can I help?”
Ellie beamed at her daed then turned to Joel. “We both care about you, Joel. We’ll do whatever we can for you and your family. Won’t we, Daed?”
“I’m glad you brought this to me. You shouldn’t go by yourself. Together, we can talk with Maryann and assess what we need to do.” He handed the note back to Joel. “I could go with you both tomorrow, if it fits into your plans. Since you haven’t mentioned your parents, I take it you’re not telling them.”
Joel lifted his hat and set it on his head. “I chose not to tell them until we speak with Maryann and g
et more information. I’m not sure what we’re facing or what she means by her husband getting into trouble.”
“I understand.” Jacob motioned to the haus. “Let’s go inside.”
Ellie said, “I’ll go and tell Liza about this, and she can share it with Hannah. They’ll be happy we’re going.” She ran toward the haus.
“I should head home. My parents will be wondering what kept me away for so long. Danki, Jacob. I’m grateful for your help. I realize I’m taking you away from work and your family.”
Jacob put a hand on Joel’s shoulder. “It’s what we Amish do. And we care about you, Joel. Ellie’s eyes are full of joy when she speaks your name. It makes my soul happy when she smiles. I’m honored you’d ask me to go with you.”
Joel nodded. “Ellie may have given you a rough road, raising her during her troubled years, but rest assured, she loves, admires, and respects you with all her heart. You were the first person she thought of to work this out.”
“Danki, Joel. I’m relieved she’s home with us. I’m hoping your family will say the same if we bring your schweschder home.” He shook Joel’s hand. “Be here at five a.m., and we’ll head over to Massillon. I’ll ask Ellie to pack food and water to take with us.”
Joel got in his wagon and went home. He waved to his daed in the field. He padded inside the haus and found Mamm sweeping the mudroom floor. “I’m going to Massillon for some special saw blades at a bigger hardware store there. Is there anything I can get you while I’m there?”
His mamm held the broom handle to her chest. “You could buy about six yards each of dark blue and white fabric for me.”
“Will do.” He raised his brows and went outside. She’d taken the news of his impending trip better than he’d expected. He met Daed halfway across the yard. “I’m going to Massillon tomorrow and may stay for a day or so. Depends on how much time I spend shopping in town. I’m getting special saw blades I need for the workshop. Mamm wants fabric. Anything for you?”
“I could use a heavier round spade shovel.”
