Maryann's Hope

by Molly Jebber

  Andrew swallowed hard. Maryann’s grossmudder passing with the same symptoms worried him. He wouldn’t add the possibility of moving away to the shock Maryann had already endured tonight. Maybe he’d wait until the end of the week to mention it. How serious was his uncle’s condition? Did he have time to wait another day before setting things in motion? He had no choice. Maryann needed time to digest this shock about her mamm. “I’m sorry she’s suffering with this. I’ll pray for her.”

  “Danki, Andrew. It’s all we can do for now, and make her as comfortable as possible when they do occur. She’s had headaches now and then since we’ve been married, but not like this. They were bearable. They didn’t stop her from her daily activities. These are more severe. Now I wonder if they had anything to do with her mood changes while you were away.”

  “I didn’t consider her headaches serious when she first had them. We’ve all had them a time or two. These are different. Scary painful. I’m sure my running away from Charm and marrying Gerald added to her agitation and worry and spurred on these severe headaches and mood changes.” Maryann heaved a big sigh.

  “Your being home has removed her worry. She’s ecstatic you and Betsy are living with us. But the headaches are increasing in intensity each time.”

  Maryann slipped a handkerchief from under her cuff and dabbed her eyes. “Maybe I should quit the bakery and stay home with her.”

  Shem shook his head. “Dear dochder, please don’t fret. You heard your mamm earlier. She’d be devastated if you left the bakery. She loves her time with Betsy, and she likes helping you by doing it. It’s the highlight of her days. Betsy isn’t in danger. Your mamm has put her in the playpen and fetched me when she’s needed help. She would never put Betsy in jeopardy. She fights through the pain when she needs to.”

  “Should I stay home Monday?” Maryann crumpled the handkerchief and held it tight.

  “No. Naomi will be better after she’s had a good night’s rest.”

  Maryann let tears drip onto her cheeks. “I couldn’t stand to lose her.”

  Andrew struggled not to take her in his arms and soothe her. He ached watching her being worried and afraid. He’d respect this was Shem’s place to comfort her.

  “Maryann, let’s not assume anything. We’ll take this one day at a time.” Shem reached over and held her hand.

  “All right. But promise me you’ll tell me if you need me to stay home.”

  “I promise. The best thing you can do is go to work and treat your mamm like normal.” Shem gave her a reassuring smile. “Enough about this unpleasant topic. Let’s talk about your wedding. Is there anything I can do?”

  Maryann shook her head. “Not until a couple of days prior. Then we’ll need to borrow benches and tables used for the Sunday services. Mamm wants the wedding in Charm. I like the idea, as long as it’s not too much work for her.”

  Shem grinned. “You and she will have more ladies to pitch in than you’ll want, offering their services.”

  Maryann chuckled. “You’re right. But we’ll be glad to take them up on all their offers.”

  Andrew stood. “The wedding date is too far away. I’m ready to marry you tomorrow. But I’ll be patient. I should say good night. Please tell Naomi I wish her well.”

  Shem crossed the room and opened the door. “I will.”

  “I’ll put my cape on and walk you out.” Maryann grabbed her gray wool cape.

  “It’s freezing out. You stay inside. We don’t have Sunday service. You spend it with your mamm.”

  “That’s sweet of you.” Maryann gazed into his eyes.

  “Sleep well.” Andrew left and drove home. His lantern lighted the way. He wouldn’t rest until he’d told Maryann he must leave for Millersburg. They wouldn’t have to make any rash decisions until he found out what was going on with his uncle.

  Chapter Four

  Maryann fretted as she waited on customers Friday morning. Where had Andrew been this past week? He must be busy finishing up projects. He might have stayed away to give her more time with Mamm in the evenings, but why not kumme to the bakery? Mamm hadn’t had any more headaches this past week, even though she seemed more tired and weaker than usual. Her family and friends had been praying for her and increased their visits with her.

  Rachael slid a butterscotch pie onto the shelf. “What’s heavy on your mind? You’ve been quiet all morning. Is it your mamm? Did she have another bad headache? I’ve been praying for her.”

  Magdelena arranged loaves of bread on the shelves. “Yes, how is your mamm?”

  “Danki. She’s been fine this week. But the severe ones give no warning. She’s gone a week without one before, and then she has another one.” She held the rag to her chest. “It’s Andrew. Something’s wrong. He’s not been to the bakery all week. He usually stops in every other day.”

  “Toby said Andrew’s not been his cheerful self this past week. He’s sure something isn’t right.” Rachael limped to her. “I told Toby to ask him if anything is wrong. He said he did and Andrew said no. Maybe if you go to him and ask him, he’ll tell you. Did you have an argument?”

  Maryann shook her head. “No, we don’t have disagreements. We communicate and discuss anything on our minds. It’s why I’m drawn to him. There are no secrets. This is the first time I’ve suspected he’s holding back something from me. I can’t imagine why he would, but I’m concerned he’s having second thoughts about marrying me.” She loved him with all her heart. It would break her heart if he chose not to marry her. She had to get to the bottom of why Andrew seemed different, or it would drive her mad.

  Rachael went to the kitchen doorway and stopped. “The man loves you. I’m sure he’ll stop in the bakery or at your haus soon. I doubt it’s anything to do with your wedding.”

  Magdelena moved next to Maryann. She patted her back. “I agree with Rachael. I’m sure Andrew will stop in and talk to you soon.”

  Rachael covered her open mouth and pointed to the window. “Two men are in a serious argument! One’s clutching a bag. The sheriff’s kumming to the door.”

  Sheriff Williams shoved the bakery door open. “You girls stay inside. Lock the door!”

  Maryann locked the door, and they crowded to the open window where the men were fighting several feet away.

  “Give me my half of the money, Butch!” A burly man with a rugged face punched a man about his same size who they assumed was Butch.

  “No, Lionel!” Butch threw a punch at Lionel, and Lionel ducked.

  “Sheriff, arrest them! They robbed me!” Across the street, Mr. Sanders shook his fist. He held a rifle.

  “Get inside your store and lock the door, Mr. Sanders! Take the rifle with you.”

  The two men scuffled on the ground.

  The sheriff and his deputy approached them not far from in front of the bakery. The sheriff raised his Browning pistol, aimed it at the sky, and pulled the trigger. “Stop fighting!”

  The men separated, wavered, and stood.

  “Hands up in the air.” The sheriff demanded.

  His deputy grabbed one man, and the sheriff snatched the other.

  The sheriff shoved his pistol back in the holster under his coat. He had ahold of one thief, and he handcuffed him. He headed for the door.

  “Those men are scary.” Maryann unlocked the door.

  “We’re fortunate they didn’t rob us.” Rachael gripped her apron.

  Magdelena hugged herself. “We might have been next.”

  Maryann lifted her shoulders and pressed her arms to her sides. “I hope not!”

  Rachael dragged Magdelena to the kitchen. “Let’s bake and take our minds off those bad men!”

  Maryann greeted the two women kumming into the bakery. She served customers and kept the coffeepot filled for the next hour.

  The sheriff came inside and stomped the snow off his boots. “Maryann, I’d like some hot tea, if you have it, instead of coffee this morning.”

  “I have it ready.” She served hi
m a cup. “Danki for alerting us to the trouble this morning. You take good care of us. We appreciate it.”

  The sheriff batted the air. “It’s my job, and I have to take care of you girls. This is my favorite place for breakfast.”

  Dr. Harrison rushed in a couple minutes later and sat next to the sheriff. “What happened this morning? Fred Sanders said his general store got robbed, but you caught the culprits.”

  “They were the dumbest robbers. Fred said their hands shook as they pointed guns at him, and they argued while they ordered him to hand over the money. They are brothers from Canton, Ohio. They begged me to let them go. They aren’t right in the head. I’ll let the judge decide what to do with them.”

  Dr. Harrison slapped his friend on the back. “Good job, buddy. I take for granted the danger associated with your job. Thanks for keeping us safe.”

  The sheriff blushed. “It’s my job. We have a peaceful town. I’ve not had to deal with their kind often. Thank goodness.”

  “I’m chilled to the bone. Should have figured we’d have a colder winter when I noticed the wooly worm had a full fur coat in the fall. Got some hot coffee, Maryann?”

  Sheriff Williams set his paper on the counter and swiveled on his stool to face his friend. He frowned. “I need advice. I’m in big trouble with Gladys.”

  Dr. Harrison turned his gaze from the paper to the sheriff. “What did you do this time?”

  “Told Gladys her dresses looked a little tighter and my shirts were snug. Suggested we should lay off the desserts for a while. Hands on hips, her mouth pinched, and cheeks red, she stomped out of the room. She won’t talk to me. I don’t care if she’s thin or round. I worry about her health and not what she looks like. What should I do? She’s furious with me.”

  “You are one to talk. You love sweets. You wouldn’t last a day without them.” The doctor gave the sheriff a stern eye. “Friend, I’ve told you this before, when you’ve gotten in trouble with Gladys over hinting about her having too many sweets. You never mention a woman’s weight. Ever. She may never make you another dessert. You better buy her something she would love and write her a romantic note to go along with it. Assure her you think she’s beautiful.”

  Maryann put a hand to her mouth. She had to hide her smile or the sheriff might take offense. He had done it this time. She wouldn’t like it if Andrew had said anything about her weight.

  “Maryann, any suggestions?”

  “The Inn has all kinds of pretty things. They have a variety of beautiful reticules, jewelry, and dishware. The gift shop has a shelf dedicated to Amish-made dolls, tea towels, and aprons some of my friends take to sell there. I suggest you consider buying her a bracelet. I noticed she wears them often, and she said she can’t have enough of them.”

  He slapped his leg and smiled. “You’re a lifesaver, Maryann. She would love a bracelet.”

  “Don’t forget the note.” Dr. Harrison turned the page of his paper.

  “Got it.” Sheriff Williams popped the last of his bread in his mouth.

  * * *

  Andrew had avoided Bishop Fisher and Maryann this week. He couldn’t believe it was December twelfth and so close to Christmas. Had he done the right thing, taking this week to make decisions? He wanted to give Maryann time to adjust to her mamm’s illness. He should tell her what was on his mind today.

  He’d taught Toby to build potato boxes, and then they’d finished assembling the table. He drew sketches for Toby to refer to when building a table and chairs. He’d shown him different ways to cut and sand the wood for different projects. Toby had jotted notes.

  “Toby, you’re a fast learner. I’m amazed at how well you’ve done with each piece. You should approach Mr. Kline about selling your potato boxes in his store.”

  “Do you think so?”

  “Yes. I wouldn’t have said it if I didn’t mean it. You’re a skilled craftsman.”

  Toby grinned. “I’d like to surprise Mamm and Rachael by making sewing boxes with drawers for Christmas.”

  “You design what you envision, and I’ll show you how to build them.” He had to tell Maryann this evening. It also wasn’t fair to Toby to keep his leaving from him. They’d become good friends, and he didn’t want to lose Toby’s trust. He was sure Maryann would appreciate him waiting to share his news after learning about her mamm’s headaches.

  He and Toby worked on the desk he’d designed to sell in his uncle’s store. Four o’clock struck on the clock, and Andrew nodded to Toby as his friend left to go home. He locked the woodshop door, went inside the haus, and changed clothes. He threw on his wool black coat and went to Maryann’s.

  Maryann answered the door. “Andrew! I’ve missed you this week. What has kept you so busy?”

  “I’ve been teaching Toby how to handcraft furniture. I wanted to give you time with your mamm.” He grimaced. “How is Naomi?”

  “She’s not had another headache since you were here, but she’s weaker and more tired than usual. I’m concerned she’ll have more.” She hung his coat on the knotty-pine coat tree.

  Shem motioned for him to sit. “Take the chill off and have a seat close to the fire. Stay for supper?”

  “I will. Danki.” Andrew liked Maryann sitting next to him. He’d missed their conversations this week. His stomach was in a knot. He didn’t want anything to change between them. He was sure she’d be upset if he asked her to leave Charm.

  Naomi poked her head around the open doorway from the kitchen. “Andrew, what a nice surprise. I insist you have chicken and dumplings with us. I’ll try not to stick you with the dishes.”

  “I’m happy to do the dishes if it means I can stay for supper. I love your cooking, Naomi.”

  “You know how to win my heart. Kumme. The food is on the table.” Naomi motioned for them to join her.

  Shem asked them to bow their heads, and he prayed and thanked God for the food.

  Naomi smiled. “Betsy is happy in her high chair, rolling some leftover peas we had for supper last night. She’d rather play with them than eat them. I’ve been letting a small dish of mashed chicken and dumplings cool. Maybe she’ll like what we’re having for supper better.”

  Andrew tousled Betsy’s hair, and she bounced in her chair and grinned. She handed him a pea, then snatched it back.

  Shem passed the buttered rolls. “Naomi, why are you pressing fingers to your temple?”

  Naomi cleared her throat and clasped her water glass. “I have a slight ache. Nothing to worry about.” She dropped two small amounts of food on her plate.

  “Mamm, you’re not spooning enough supper on your plate. You need more to keep up your strength.” Maryann patted her mamm’s arm.

  “I don’t have much of an appetite. This will be plenty.” Naomi passed a small bowl of peach jam to her dochder.

  Andrew had lost his appetite. He had to have the conversation with Maryann about his news, no matter what happened tonight. He’d waited too long. The hairs on the back of his neck prickled. What would be her reaction?

  Betsy dug her fist into her bowl and tried to stuff soft dumplings into her little mouth. Food dripped from her bib onto her lap. She giggled and clapped and splattered the food on her hands.

  Maryann jumped up and wiped Betsy’s mouth and hands. She removed the bib. “Enough for you, little girl. You are a mess.”

  “She did better than I expected. Half her bowl is empty. She drank her half cup of milk.” Naomi squinted and rubbed her head. “Let me take her. You finish your supper.”

  “I’m full, Mamm. Rest and keep these men in line.” Maryann chuckled. “It won’t take me long. She’s ready to go to bed.” Maryann left the room with Betsy holding on to her neck.

  Andrew discussed the cold weather and the types of wood he had in mind for his next two projects. Shem kept darting his gaze from him to Naomi. He read the concern in Shem’s eyes.

  “Naomi, why don’t you lie down? I insist on doing the dishes. I wash and dry them at my haus. Please. You’re a
lways feeding me. It’s the least I can do.”

  “Danki, Andrew. The pain is worse than last time. I’m sorry to have this happen again with you here.”

  “You can’t help it, and I’m happy to help.” Andrew carried the dishes to the counter. He poured warm water from the large pot heating on the stove for washing the dishes.

  Shem rose and clasped Naomi’s hand. “Andrew, I’ll be back.”

  “Take your time and then relax. I’ll have these dishes washed, dried, and back in the cupboards in no time.”

  “You fit right in with our family. I appreciate your understanding. I’m looking forward to having you for a son-in-law.” Shem and Naomi left the kitchen.

  Andrew swallowed the dread in his throat as he gathered the dishes, scraped the remains in a bowl for Pepper, and washed and dried them. Maryann’s mamm’s illness could prevent her from leaving Charm. He frowned as he stacked plates and glasses in the cabinets. Moving would be difficult for her, but he didn’t want to lose her. He had no idea how she’d take uprooting her and Betsy from Charm and settling in Millersburg.

  Maryann joined him as he placed the large serving bowl in the cupboard. She plopped in one of the kitchen chairs, and he sat next to her. “I peeked in on Mamm. Her pain has grown more intense with this attack since she went to bed. Regular headaches are painful enough. I can’t imagine what she’s going through. The aspirin powder might help a little, but it seems as if it has to run its course. She’s always weak the next day. The more she has them, I can’t help wonder if there will be permanent damage to her brain. Dr. Harrison told us there’s not enough known about this type of illness.”

  “I’m sorry for you and your family. We’re praying for her. We don’t always understand why these things happen. We have to trust God and leave her in His hands.”

  “You’re right. She wouldn’t like it if she heard me fretting about her. Let’s sit and talk. Tell me more about your week.”

  He reached across the table and took her hand in his. “Maryann, my uncle wrote me. He’s ill, and his friend, who he thought would take over his furniture store, has died. He needs me to kumme right away. He’d like me to take over for him.”