by Molly Jebber
Betsy cried and held her arms out to Maryann.
Maryann kissed her forehead and wiped her dochder’s cheeks as Ellie held Betsy. “It’s all right, little one.”
Ellie put Betsy on her other hip. “I’ll take Betsy to our haus. It’s best if I watch her for you.”
“Danki.” Maryann studied Mamm.
She had a vacant stare, groaned, and buried her face in her hands and wept.
“You all go about your day. I’ll stay until she falls asleep.”
Joel glanced at her. “We’ll pack a bag for Betsy and return her tomorrow.”
“Danki.” Maryann rose and kissed Betsy’s cheek.
She waved to Ellie, who was carrying Betsy, as they left the room with Daed. She stayed next to Mamm until she was certain Mamm had fallen asleep. She tiptoed out of the room and sank into a chair in the living room. Daed had apparently gone to the barn. The haus was quiet, and she leaned her head back. Right or wrong, fair or unfair, she was making the right decision to remain in Charm. She let tears drip onto her blouse. She’d never love any man like she loved Andrew. He was honest and trustworthy and he loved God and her and Betsy. She couldn’t ask for a better provider or upstanding man. It would take a long time for her heart to get over him.
Daed joined her. “Is she asleep?”
She nodded. “This episode frightens me. She’s in excruciating pain.”
“Joel and Ellie stopped by later this morning, greeted me, and then went in the haus to check on Mamm. Joel came to the barn and told me Mamm was in pain and crying out for you. Then he collected you from the bakery. Ellie said she found Betsy in her playpen. I checked on Naomi, and she was in agony. She said she wished God would take her home.”
Maryann covered her open mouth. “What can we do?”
“There’s nothing more we can do. It’s hard to watch her suffer.” Daed’s shoulders slumped.
Maryann’s hands trembled. “I can’t imagine what she’s going through.” She stared at her hands. “I could never leave her. I wouldn’t be at peace knowing she needs me.” Maryann opened a drawer in the side table and pulled out a handkerchief. She recognized it as the one Mamm had given her for her tenth birthday. She’d always kept it in this drawer, and when she’d left home, she’d wished she’d taken it with her. She wrung it in her hands. “Daed, I ache for Mamm, and I ache knowing Andrew and I won’t be together. I want Mamm to get better and for Andrew to move back to Charm. It’s unlikely either of these things will happen.”
“We must leave everything in God’s hands.” Daed covered her hand with his. “I’m sorry you’re in this position.”
“Andrew reminds me of you. Maybe that’s why I fell in love with him. You have been patient and loved Mamm through her breakdowns. I admire and love you, Daed.”
Daed hugged her. “I love you, dochder.” He rose. “I was reinforcing the latch on one of the stalls before it becomes a problem. I should finish the job.” He glanced over his shoulder. “I wish things for you and Andrew had turned out differently. You’re making a big sacrifice for us. I’m grateful to you for it.” He gave her a weak smile.
“I love you, Daed.” She nudged his arm. “Are you hungry? Would you like me to fix you fried or scrambled eggs?”
He shook his head. “Danki, but I fixed a big breakfast before your mamm got sick. I’m still full. I’ll be outside if you need me.”
Maryann nodded and watched him leave. She sighed. She’d put off writing Andrew long enough. She pulled paper and a pencil out of the small desk drawer and wrote a letter to Andrew.
Dear Andrew,
I miss you, and I love you. I pray your uncle is better and the store is everything you imagined. Mamm has taken a turn for the worse. It’s with a heavy heart that I write this letter to say I mustn’t marry you. You have your obligation to your uncle, and I have mine to Mamm and my family. She’s better with Betsy and me in Charm. It isn’t fair, but nothing makes sense when you’re dealing with someone who isn’t right in the head.
I understand your uncle and his fraa need you. I’m glad you have the store you’ve always wanted. We must take care of our sick loved ones. It’s the right thing to do. I pray you’ll be healthy and happy and succeed in Millersburg. I don’t understand why this is happening, but I trust God is in control.
I’ll love you always, Maryann.
She folded the letter and slid it in the envelope. She wrote the address on the front and sealed the flap. She stared at Andrew’s name. Young when she married Gerald, she’d been immature and reckless. Wiser today, she had no doubt she had chosen a respectable and caring man to marry. She’d never regret their courtship. She wasn’t sure if her heart would open to another man.
Mamm shrieked from the bedroom. “Maryann! Maryann!”
She ran to her. “I’m right next to you. Please rest.” Maryann held up her letter. “I’ll mail this to Andrew tomorrow. I’ve told him the wedding is canceled. I’m staying in Charm.”
Mamm sat up and pulled Maryann to her. She held Maryann’s face close to hers.
Maryann coaxed Mamm to lie down and rest, and then she padded to the kitchen. Mamm had had mood changes since she was old enough to remember. She’d never understood it, and she still found them a mystery. She’d sometimes thought Mamm had pretended to have extreme episodes, but the change in her behavior and body language told her otherwise. You couldn’t fake the severe headaches and mood changes. She shouldn’t have left Betsy with her. She’d ask Hannah—or Esther, Hannah’s mamm—to watch her.
Maryann poured herself a cup of coffee and sat on a chair. It was past her noon dinnertime, and she should have a sandwich or something, but she wasn’t hungry. But she couldn’t afford to get sick, so she dragged her feet to the stove, fried an egg in the iron skillet, cut open a biscuit, and placed the egg between the layers.
She prayed and thanked God for the food and then choked it down with some coffee. She’d prepare leftover stew for supper later. She stared at the chair across from her where Andrew had last sat when he’d kumme to supper. She missed his handsome face and their conversations. What would he do when he received her letter? As Daed said, it was in God’s hands.
* * *
Andrew met Matt at the shop Wednesday morning around seven, and he showed him how to record payments in the store’s journal, and the list of consignors and percentages paid to each of them for their furniture when it sold. A couple came in shopping for a new bed and he had Matt show them the inventory. Within an hour, Matt had made the sale. They waited on a steady stream of customers. He reached under the counter, grabbed a clean flour sack, and opened it. “I’ve got meat spread sandwiches and a container of Aunt Dora’s butter cookies for us.”
Matt shook his head. He opened a basket. “I’ve got two jars of water, sliced ham, potato salad, and ginger cookies. Let’s put it together and have ourselves a feast.” He pulled two stools to the counter and cleared a space for them to have dinner.
They bowed their heads, and Andrew prayed and thanked God for the food.
Matt said, “I do have one condition to my employment.”
“What?” Andrew held his sandwich. His heart raced. The request could end what he had assumed would be the beginning of a long working relationship and friendship.
“I don’t want to end up running this place myself if you change your mind and make the decision to return to Charm.” Matt gave him a serious stare.
“I’m staying.” His heart clenched at the thought, but he ignored it. “My uncle is frail and my aunt needs support. He grows weaker each day. It won’t be long before I’ll be needed to move him from the chair or to bed.” Andrew’s heart ached over his uncle’s health decline. He was grateful for this time with him while he was alert.
“Why aren’t you married?” Matt unscrewed the lid off his mason jar.
“I will be May fourteenth. I’d invite you, but you’ll have to run the store while I’m gone. We are in dire need of a salesman. We’d make enough money to pay him if we
had more time to build pieces and collect one hundred percent of the profit on the sales. At present, our inventory is from consignors.” Andrew spooned potato salad onto his plate. “Anybody kumme to mind?”
Matt chewed his cookie and stared at the ceiling. “Nope. Let’s advertise the position in the general store.”
“Zeke didn’t have anyone apply from his posting there.” Andrew lifted a ginger cookie out of Matt’s container.
Matt rolled his eyes. “Have you read Zeke’s note? It’s laughable. ‘Furniture store needs a clerk for long hours. Apply in store.’”
Andrew chuckled. “You’re right. I’ll write another one and take his down.”
They finished their dinner, and Andrew dropped his empty containers in his bag.
Matt filled his basket with what he had left.
A tall and thin Amish man strolled in. Andrew guessed he’d be in his early forties. “Good afternoon. How may I help you today?”
“Afternoon. I’m James Glick. I’m new in town. Bought a small farm on First Street. I’m a widower, and I’ve got five boys who can take care of it. My oldest son is seventeen, and he’s dependable and hardworking. The other four range in age from eight to fifteen. I could use extra money to make ends meet, and I’d like to find work. I noticed your posting in the general store. I’m not a handcrafter, but I can order supplies, wait on customers, and take care of whatever else is needed.”
Andrew and Matt exchanged a satisfied glance and shrugged.
Andrew held out his hand. “I’m Andrew Wittmer, I was given the store days ago by my uncle Luke Wittmer.” He gestured to Matt. “This is Matt Yoder. He accepted a job working in the store yesterday.”
“Pleasure to meet you.” Matt nodded.
“Are you willing to learn how to build furniture?” Andrew studied the tall and lanky man. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have this man wait on customers and order supplies while he and Matt built tables, chairs, desks, and other pieces.
James shook his head. “I don’t have the talent.” He squinted. “Is it a requirement?”
Andrew studied James. The man seemed sincere, and he had been honest about what he could do best. Why not give him a try? “No, you don’t have to build furniture to work here.” He discussed his wages and schedule and then showed him what he’d gone over with Matt earlier. “Are you comfortable with your responsibilities?”
James beamed. “Yes. Danki for this opportunity. I won’t let you or Matt down.” He shook Andrew’s hand, and then Matt’s. “I’ll be here at six in the morning.”
“For the next couple of days, six would be good until we work into a routine and you’re more familiar with the store, and then you can kumme in at seven thirty.”
“I’m happy to adjust my schedule to suit yours anytime. Danki again for giving me a chance.” He nodded and had a lilt in his step as he walked to the door and left.
Matt chuckled. “You sure made his day.”
“He made mine. You and I need uninterrupted time in the shop to increase the store’s inventory and raise the profits.” Andrew smiled. This day had brought unexpected blessings, and he was grateful for Matt and for meeting James. The last couple of hours, he’d been preoccupied with Matt, James, and the store. It had taken his mind off Maryann, and now his stomach clenched. She’d be disappointed when he wrote and told her his uncle’s condition wasn’t good and that he was needed in Millersburg to watch over his aunt and uncle and to save the business.
Matt glanced at the clock on the desk. “Do you want to stay tonight and start on a project? I can stay a couple of hours.”
Andrew yawned. “I’m exhausted. This has been a busy day. I’d do better with a good night’s sleep and kumming in early tomorrow. Danki for the offer.” He and Matt walked out of the store, and he locked the door. Andrew waved to Matt as their paths parted. He was happy to reconnect with his aunt and uncle and to have free rein to run such a large store. It had special meaning coming from his uncle. He wanted to show his uncle he could make it a success again. To have Maryann with him would make all this perfect. But none of it would matter if he couldn’t marry her. He’d face that dilemma when Maryann made her decision.
Andrew drove to his uncle and aunt’s home and went inside the haus.
His uncle was coughing, and Dora was holding warm tea to his lips. He rushed over and knelt beside them.
Dora gave him a weak smile. “Luke’s had a rough day. His cough has gotten worse, and he’s a bit weaker than usual. He did have a little breakfast, and soup for supper. Maybe tomorrow will be better.”
Uncle Luke sipped the tea, shook his head, and stopped coughing. “Danki, sweetheart.” He spoke just above a whisper. “Andrew, tell me about the store.”
Andrew dragged a chair closer to his uncle. He’d have to listen close to understand him. He shared his meeting and hiring Matt and James, the schedules and wages he’d agreed upon with them, and what pieces he’d like to build to sell. He watched his uncle’s eyes dance and his thin lips spread into a grin. It made his day. “With Matt’s help, I’m sure we can make potato boxes, sewing boxes, and other small pieces to put on the floor to sell in no time. Then we’ll concentrate on handcrafting larger pieces.”
“Andrew, I don’t expect to get better. I’m not interested in going to the hospital. I’m comfortable at home, and I’m ready to go whenever the Lord is ready to take me. You living with us gives Dora and me the support we need. You’re like a son to us. We have friends who drop off food and check on us, but it’s not the same as having you with us. And the store would fail without you. A small percentage is all we need to live on, and the crops and cows we breed and sell will provide the rest.”
“I’ll do whatever you need, and the store’s profits will soar soon.” He had taken several special orders for small pieces he and Matt could make in a day. The customers hadn’t flinched at the modest price increase, and they were content to return to pick up their purchases on the days he’d scheduled. The store would keep a hundred percent of the profit on any items they made themselves.
“You mentioned hiring Matt last night, and I was too tired to have much of a discussion. Did Matt say anything to you about jilting Annalynn at the altar?” His uncle pulled the quilt on his lap up to his chest.
Andrew cleared his throat. “Yes, but he didn’t give details. He did say he had a good reason, but I didn’t want to pry. Maybe he’ll tell me more when we are better acquainted. Do you have any idea why he jilted her?”
“No, but there are gossips who keep the story alive. Friends of the Burkholders are upset. She’s being courted by another Amish man, Elias Ropp.”
“I hope not.” Matt may have had a legitimate reason not to wed Annalynn. He was sure time would make this less of a problem.
“I’m glad you’re giving him a chance to show you his character. Aside from his not marrying Annalynn, he had a good reputation.”
Andrew breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment, he was afraid his uncle was having second thoughts about him hiring Matt. He had a good impression of Matt, and he’d been glad to find him. “He loves to build furniture, and I’m hoping we make a good team.”
“I trust your judgment. You’re in charge.” With his trembling hand, his uncle lifted a handkerchief to his mouth and coughed. He rested his head against the chair and closed his eyes. “Do you mind if I rest a while?”
Andrew patted his uncle’s knee. “You call if you need me. I’m headed to the kitchen for supper.”
Aunt Dora stood over the stove. “Sit. I’ve got liver and onions for supper and a vanilla cake for dessert.” Gray wisps of hair had escaped her kapp, and she was rounder than he remembered. She had a sparkle in her eyes and deep dimples in her cheeks when she smiled, which was most of the time. “Is Luke resting?” She set a plate of food in front of him and sat.
He sat next to her at the table. “Yes, we had a pleasant conversation. His mind is sharp and he has wise advice.” He bowed his head and whispered a prayer
of thanks for the food. He raised his head and put his napkin on his lap.
She covered his hand. “We love you like our own son, and I’m grateful you’re willing to help us in our time of need. I don’t know what more I’ll face with my precious Luke. I may need your assistance to lift him from place to place. Right now, he’s shuffling his feet and using a cane to get where he wants to go.”
“I’m happy to help.” He gestured to a basket on the chair in the corner of the kitchen. “What are you making?” He grinned.
Dora had made him shirts as gifts in the past, and she’d done an excellent job on them. He could understand why she’d had a good home business doing alterations for the Englischers for many years.
“I’ve stopped sewing for Englischers, since Luke became sick. I’m stitching a pinwheel quilt in light and dark blues for his Christmas present. He loves those colors.” She rose and returned with a pitcher of water and filled his half-empty glass. “How will you exchange presents with Maryann? Can she kumme here? We’d be glad to have her and her family or whoever she chooses for a traveling companion.”
“You’re sweet, Dora. With it being December, the weather is unpredictable for traveling. I’d like to have her visit, but I’d rather she be safe and enjoy Christmas with her family in Charm. I’m sure it’s important for her to stay with her mamm.” He pushed his empty plate aside and accepted the plate from Dora with his slice of cake on it. “Maryann’s a widow, and she has a beautiful little girl, Betsy. She’s about fourteen months old.”
Dora’s eyes opened wide. “What a joy it will be to have Maryann and Betsy living with us. Or do you suppose she may not kumme due to her mamm’s sickness? Does she have family who can take care of her mamm?”
Andrew tensed. He wanted Naomi to get better, and he wanted to marry Maryann. “She has a bruder, Joel, and schweschder-in-law, Ellie, and Shem, her daed. They’ve wilkomed me and made me a part of their family, and Naomi has too. Naomi has a strong attachment to Maryann, and her emotional ups and downs and severe headaches might get worse if Maryann moves here. Her relocation would make it hard for her family.”
