Maryann's Hope

by Molly Jebber

  Hannah and the girls huddled close to her. Hannah put her hands on Maryann’s shoulders. “Are you sure you want to let Andrew go? This is a crucial sacrifice you’re making for your family. It’s selfish and unfair. Don’t make a hasty decision without thinking of Betsy and you. Joel and Ellie shouldn’t put the burden of your mamm on your shoulders. It’s wrong of them to think only of themselves. Joel and Ellie tend to speak without thinking when they’re frustrated. Your family will adjust without you, like they did the first time you left.”

  Magdelena rubbed her chin and glanced at the ceiling in deep thought. “If Liza is in agreement, I’ll manage the store and take the burden off you. You’ve taught me how, and who to order supplies from, and your accounting method, and I can manage the front when needed.”

  Maryann managed a weak grin. “I have no doubt you’d be an excellent manager, but I must put Mamm first and stay in Charm.”

  Rachael leaned against the counter. “I can kumme in earlier and stay later to bake if necessary. We always have desserts and loaves of bread left over each day. We can manage with the two of us.”

  Hannah beamed. “I’ll hire or fill in when you need a baker until we find a permanent replacement.”

  “We’ll manage, Hannah. And I promise we’ll ask you for help if we need it.” Magdelena smiled.

  “Wonderful!” Hannah clapped her hands and grinned. “Maryann, we’ve solved the problem of you leaving the bakery. Your family will take care of your mamm. Now wipe those worrisome thoughts out of your mind and look forward to marrying Andrew. We’ll miss you each day, but we’ll visit you. And you can visit us.”

  “I appreciate your support and encouragement, but I can’t ignore my family’s valid concerns about Mamm. Her condition could worsen. I’d never forgive myself if I was the reason she suffered more frequent episodes. I’ve made my choice.” Maryann’s lips quivered.

  Hannah waved a finger. “I don’t appreciate the position Ellie and Joel have put you in. When they stopped over last night after leaving your haus, I reminded them what it was like when Joel’s mamm disapproved of Ellie, and how distraught they were thinking they might never win her approval. Ellie said it tore her heart in two to think she and Joel may not get married. Both of them expressed regret they’d been selfish and thoughtless about your love for Andrew. Do I expect them to apologize? No, they’re still afraid of what your mamm will do without you. But listen, they’ll adjust to you being gone.”

  Maryann reached for Hannah’s hand and squeezed it. “I love you, Hannah, and danki for your discussion with Ellie and Joel. But this time, they’re right. For whatever reason, Mamm is attached to me more than anyone else. It isn’t fair, or a healthy mamm-and-dochder relationship. It’s something I have to acknowledge and accept. I have to put Mamm first in this situation.”

  “I’m heartbroken for you.” Hannah pressed a hand to her heart.

  Rachael limped to the cupboard and chose a big metal bowl. “Toby hasn’t said a word. Andrew must’ve hinted to him about your mamm’s and his uncle’s bad health being a problem for the both of you. I wonder why he’s been quiet about it.”

  “Toby is in a precarious position. He cares about all of us. Maybe he wanted me to have a chance to tell you when I was ready. Our obligation to our families is complicated. Andrew and me didn’t want to face we may have to make the ultimate sacrifice of giving up each other.”

  “When did you make the decision?” Rachael picked up the salt shaker.

  “I made the decision yesterday.” Maryann put a hand on Rachael’s shoulder.

  “You’re right. Toby would want to give you the opportunity to tell me first. He’s considerate and puts others’ needs before his. I suspect he’s upset and trying not to show it. He and Andrew formed a bond, and he looks forward to going to work at Andrew’s each day.” Rachael sighed.

  Hannah hugged the girls. “I’m sorry you have to go through this, Maryann. I can’t imagine how painful it must be for you. I respect your decision. The sacrifice you’re making kummes with a hefty price. If you need to talk more, please kumme to me.” Hannah gave her an endearing smile. “I love you, dear friend.”

  “Danki, Hannah.” Maryann gazed at Hannah and watched her leave. She was thankful her friends were compassionate and sometimes more understanding than her family.

  Maryann baked molasses cookies, custard pies, and sugar milk pies with Magdelena and Rachael until time to open the bakery. She turned her sign and made a mental note to lock the front door when she came in early tomorrow. She hadn’t been thinking straight. Her mind swirled with thoughts of Andrew. What was he doing? Was he excited about his uncle’s store? How was his uncle’s health? She hoped to receive a letter from him soon. She dreaded the day he would get her letter.

  Toby opened the door and walked in. “Good morning, Maryann. Is Rachael in the kitchen?”

  “Yes. Did your daed’s condition worsen?”

  “No, he’s the same. It’s hard to find time to talk to Rachael without my parents present. I’d like to discuss a family matter with her if you can spare her for a couple of minutes.”

  “I’ll get her for you.” She stepped to the open doorway. “Rachael, Toby would like to talk to you.” Maryann pointed to the coffeepot. “Would you like a cup?”

  He shook his head. “No. Danki. I won’t be long.”

  Rachael held a rag to her chest. “Has something bad happened?”

  “No. Can you sit with me? Maryann said I can steal you for a couple of minutes.” Toby moved to the back table in the corner.

  “What is it?” Rachael sat across from him.

  Toby whispered, “Has Maryann said anything about Andrew leaving town?”

  “She told us about his ill uncle offering him the furniture store in Millersburg. She said she can’t leave her mamm. I feel terrible for them. She’s writing him today to tell him they must cancel the wedding. Their high moral standards to care for their loved ones leave them no choice but to give up their life together.” She sat back in the chair and crossed her arms. “How long have you known Andrew had to leave for Millersburg? Why didn’t you tell me before now?”

  Toby motioned to keep her voice low. “I wanted to give Maryann time to tell you. I’m not surprised Maryann is choosing to stay in Charm. I couldn’t leave our family with Daed being sick.” He folded his hands on the table. “Andrew asked me to manage his property while he’s away. I suppose he’ll ask me to advertise his place for sale soon.”

  “What will you do for an income?” Rachael twisted the rag in her hands.

  Maryann rearranged loaves of bread and desserts on the shelves. She overheard their conversation. Her heart sank. She didn’t want Andrew’s decision to bring hardship on Rachael’s family.

  “I’ll find odd jobs like I did before Andrew hired me. God will provide.” Toby managed a weak grin. “Don’t worry. I’m thankful for the time I’ve had doing this job, and for the friendship I’ve made with Andrew.”

  Rachael stood. “You’re the best bruder. I can always count on you.” She grinned. “And you can count on me. I also like my job at the bakery. It’s more like a hobby than a job.”

  “I can relate. I like to build things to sell, and I enjoy it. I don’t consider it work.” He straightened his shoulders. “No matter what happens, I’ll always take care of our family.” He stood. “I should head back to Andrew’s. I thought it best to discuss this away from Mamm and Daed. I don’t want them or you to worry when my job ends with Andrew.” He crossed the room.

  Maryann read disappointment in Toby’s eyes. He had a positive attitude, but Andrew’s change of plans had definitely put a strain on him. She handed him a bag. “Cookies to nibble on.” She admired the relationship Rachael had with Toby. She had a similar closeness with Joel during their childhood. Her leaving to marry Gerald had damaged their relationship. He loved her, but they weren’t as close since she’d returned to Charm. She prayed in time they would be again. Rachael’s bruder had such a
burden to carry. She’d placed that same burden on Joel with Mamm when she’d left the first time.

  She doubted Toby got much sleep, and she didn’t know how he accomplished all he did in a day. Joel had gone through the same before she returned. She was sorry she’d put Joel through so much turmoil. She wanted to cheer Toby before he left. Pepper would be a pleasant subject. She grinned. “How’s Pepper?”

  Toby’s frown turned to a grin. “I love the dog. He’s good company, and he’s obedient. Pepper loves food. He’ll finish a bowl as if he’s starving and then beg for another.”

  Maryann smiled. “I’m glad you’re taking care of Pepper. I would’ve taken him, but I worry about Mamm with her headaches.”

  “Toby, bring Pepper home from Andrew’s tonight.” Rachael smiled and nudged her bruder’s arm. “He might be a wilkom addition to our family.”

  “I will, and I pray Daed will enjoy Pepper. I’ll do anything to make Daed happy.” He held up the bag. “Danki.” He opened the door and stepped outside.

  Rachael closed the door behind him. “I’m relieved Toby told me about Andrew’s relocation to Millersburg. We’re close, and I want him to share with me whatever is on his heart. He’s taken this new development in stride. When Andrew sells his place, I’m sure Mamm would agree to take Pepper into our haus. She’d do anything to make Toby happy after all he does for us.”

  Maryann sighed. “He sets a good example for me. He’s taking care of his family, and I need to take care of mine.” She pressed a hand to her throat. The loss of Andrew in her life hurt more than she cared to admit.

  Rachael circled her arm around Maryann’s shoulders. “I understand this will be a trying time for you, and I wish you didn’t have to carry this burden. If you need time off, Magdelena and I can manage. Or if you need a shoulder to cry on, I’m here for you.”

  Maryann hugged her. “Danki. Having friends like you, Hannah, and Magdelena will make it bearable.” She kissed Rachael’s cheek.

  “I better help Magdelena bake or she’ll be asking for a new baker!” Rachael bustled to the kitchen.

  Maryann watched Rachael scamper to the back room. The girls knew how to cheer her up.

  Dr. Harrison and Sheriff Williams caught her attention, taking their seats at the counter.

  “Good morning, gentlemen.” She poured them coffee. “Warm cinnamon rolls with maple butter frosting, or apple fry pies?”

  The sheriff sniffed the air and grinned. “Cinnamon rolls. Thank you.”

  “Me too, Maryann.”

  She served them the rolls. They had their noses in their papers as usual. She smiled. They were so predictable.

  “Wonder what is going on with President Wilson today. Were you aware his father, Joseph, was a Presbyterian minister and his mother, Janet, was a minister’s daughter and originally from England?” Dr. Harrison opened his half of the paper he shared with the sheriff.

  “I did not. Interesting.” The sheriff cut the roll into four sections, licked his fingers, and picked up his paper.

  Maryann glanced at the men. She learned tidbits about what was going on in the world from them each time they talked about their articles. Bishop Fisher wouldn’t have been too happy about her interest in world events. She’d be careful who she told any of the information she found out from Dr. Harrison and the sheriff ’s conversations.

  Dr. Harrison was quiet and had his nose in the paper. He huffed. “Listen to this. The actor and comedian Charlie Chaplin will start his film career today and make one hundred and fifty dollars a week. Do you believe it?”

  The sheriff choked on his coffee. “What! I’m in the wrong profession. I should’ve been a comedian.”

  Dr. Harrison set his paper on the counter. “You’d have a hard time being a comedian. Although you do make me laugh when you don’t mean to. But you’re not one-hundred-and-fifty-dollars funny.” He resumed reading his paper.

  “You’re as humorous as a doorknob. Good thing you’re a doctor.” The sheriff lifted his chin and grinned.

  “I’ve made you laugh a time or two,” Dr. Harrison huffed.

  Maryann couldn’t believe a man would be paid one hundred and fifty dollars a week to make people laugh. The bakery brought in good money, and Liza was generous to pay them a good wage. She rubbed her stiff neck. The sheriff and Dr. Harrison had taken her mind off her troubles for a couple of minutes. But the ache in her heart returned, and she wondered if it would ever leave.

  * * *

  Andrew sat at the table. “Where’s Uncle Luke?”

  “He’s in the bedroom. He’s moving slow this morning. I expect he’ll join us in a couple of minutes.”

  Andrew had slept in a little and then woke and sniffed the aroma of bacon. He hoped Maryann was having a good start to her Monday. “I remember your breakfasts are the best. Can’t wait to have cheesy eggs and bacon.”

  His aunt stood over an iron skillet. She flipped the bacon strips. “I’ve got grits and biscuits and sausage gravy the way you like it, too.” She filled his plate and set it on the table and then placed a basket of biscuits in front of him.

  “You’re spoiling me. I’ll have to have bigger clothes if I finish meals like this each day.” Andrew slathered the warm biscuit with butter and raspberry jam. He moved to the coffeepot and poured himself a cup and sat down.

  She grinned. “I’ll make you bigger clothes. You have all the food you want.” She swatted him with her dish towel. “I would’ve poured you a cup if you’d waited a moment.”

  He gave her a loving smile. “My arm’s not broken. I intend to help you and Luke while I’m here.”

  The cozy kitchen had the same maple hutch with white porcelain platters, bowls, and larger dishes in it. The hardwood table and chairs had been re-varnished. He recognized the embroidered tea towel hanging from a hook by the sink as one his mamm had given Aunt Dora years ago. It was faded and thin. He wondered if she’d left it out on purpose to remind him of his loving parents. It would be like her to do so.

  She patted his back. “We’re pleased you’re with us. I hope you’re happy about his offer of the store.”

  “I am grateful.” He met her gaze. “How is Uncle Luke?”

  She dragged a chair back and sat across from him. “He’s not good. The doctor can’t understand why he’s losing weight and tired most of the time. But he can take care of himself for now. Having you to manage the store will relieve his mind.”

  Luke used his cane as he shuffled to his seat. “Are you bragging about me again?” He winked at Andrew and kissed her on the cheek. “I hope you find a good fraa like my Dora.”

  “I have found a sweet and lovely woman like Dora. I met her in Charm a while back. Her name is Maryann Harding. Our wedding will be May fourteenth in Charm. I’d love for you to kumme to the wedding. Maybe Uncle Luke will be better by then. You’ll like her.” Andrew snatched another biscuit. He hoped they’d have a chance to meet her. He pushed that thought out of his head.

  Dora slapped her hand on the table. “Congratulations! What exciting news! Why didn’t you tell us about her yesterday?” She moved to the stove and filled a plate for Luke and set it in front of him.

  Luke grinned. “I’m happy for you.”

  Andrew cast his eyes on his coffee. “I’m not sure we’ll end up together.”

  Aunt Dora swiveled to him. “Why?”

  “It’s a hard decision for her to move. Maryann’s mamm isn’t well. She may need to remain in Charm to take care of her. I’m hoping she won’t call off the wedding, although I’d understand, given the circumstances.” Andrew gripped his napkin. He’d be heartbroken if she stayed in Charm, but the Amish took care of their families. Her mamm’s illness was unusual, and she was dependent on Maryann.

  Dora spooned sugar in her coffee. “I wouldn’t have left my family if I’d been in her shoes. I pray her mamm gets better.”

  “Yes. I do, too.”

  Luke’s hand shook as he lifted his mug. “I’m not strong enough to make the
trip. But we’ll think of you on your special day, and we wish you the best. When will you return to Charm? I expect you’ll have marital counsel from the bishop before your marriage.”

  “You’re correct. I plan to leave sometime the first week of April.”

  “You must be excited. I can’t wait to meet her. I’m sure we’ll love her.” Dora folded her hands against her chest.

  Andrew stood. “Danki. I hope you get the opportunity.” He patted his middle. “That was a delicious breakfast.” He wasn’t sure there would be a wedding, and he didn’t want to say any more about it right now. “I should go to the shop. I can bring back groceries or anything you need from town.” Going to the shop to assess the sales, inventory, and management of the furniture store would be a good way to take his mind off worrying about his predicament with Maryann.

  Dora rose. “Danki for the offer, but nothing for us. You enjoy your trip to town. I’m sure you’ll be delighted to visit the store again. It’s been a long time since you’ve been there.”

  “I’ll be anxious for your report at the end of the day. Danki for taking over for me, Andrew. I can rest easier now.”

  “Happy to oblige, and I’m thankful for your generosity. I’ve always loved your store.” He tipped his hat, shrugged into his coat, and exited the haus. His boots crunched the snow on his way to the barn. “Levi, danki for harnessing my horse to the buggy. I’m off to the store. Do you need anything from town?”

  Levi grinned and handed him the reins. “Wouldn’t mind some lemon drops from the general store.”

  “I’ll buy lemon drops for both of us.” Andrew smiled as he drove to the shop just five minutes away. Amish and Englischers came in and out of the shops carrying packages and crates full of groceries. Buggies and wagons filled the parking spots along the road. Millersburg was a thriving community. A good place to own a business and start a family. He prayed it would be Maryann’s choice to relocate. He left his horse at the livery and dodged the buggies, crossing the street. The town was larger and busier than Charm. He watched a Model T automobile park in front of the hardware store. They were sparse in these parts. He entered Wittmer’s Amish Furniture Store.