The Teacher (Amish Country Brides)

by J. E. B. Spredemann

  He really didn’t mind so much, but in the last decade he’d gotten bored with life. It seemed like the same thing year in and year out. But more exciting things had been happening lately. First, his brother Josiah had turned back to the Amish fold, settled down, and finally married in Indiana. Then, his niece Bailey had gotten hitched just prior to last Christmas. And that was where he’d reconnected with his childhood friend Martha Miller.

  He mused on her now. She was still like he remembered—pretty, full of spunk, and not afraid to speak her mind on things. Unlike himself. Nee, he’d always leaned toward the shy quieter side. Not that he was afraid to speak his mind, he just usually didn’t. He always figured that if someone wanted his opinion, they’d ask for it.

  He’d once heard it said that every introvert needed an extroverted friend and vice versa. They also said that opposites attract. And he and Martha were opposite in a lot of ways. Yet, they had enough in common so that they got along well.

  He recalled the first time she’d caught his eye. All the scholars had been sledding down the hill behind the school after the bell let them out for the day. He’d forgotten his sled and Martha had offered to let him use the one she’d brought to school. Her older bruder Paul hadn’t known about the arrangement and had snatched the sled just as she was about to hand it off to Jaden. Her brother sped down the hill before Martha had a chance to stop him. Oh, but when Paul returned to the top, she was sure to give him a piece of her mind.

  Jaden laughed, thinking of the moment now. He’d always admired her from that point on.

  Then the world as he knew it had come crashing down.

  He shook his head, not willing his mind to go in that direction. Nee, he’d been down that path too many times to relive it again.

  He sighed, then refocused on his goal.

  He pressed the answering machine’s Play button, posed to jot notes on the notepad they kept on the shanty’s small table. The first message had been about a dental appointment for one of his parents. And then the second one played. “Hey, Jaden, this is Josiah. I have a proposition for you. Will you call me back when you get the message, please? Thanks. Oh, and I’ll swing by the shanty around eight tonight.”

  A proposition? What on earth did his bruder mean by that?

  He wasn’t sure what time it was, but he was certain it wasn’t eight yet. He’d have to come back in a couple of hours. He picked up the phone and called back. “Hey, Josiah, it’s Jaden. Just in case you get this beforehand, I’ll try to call you at eight.”

  TWO

  Martha scampered up the stairs to her room, then promptly shut the door behind her. She deposited her school materials on her desk. Correcting papers would have to wait. Jaden’s letter took precedence.

  After fluffing up her pillow against her headboard, she sank onto her bed. She stared down at the letter in her hands. Gott, if it’s Your will for me and Jaden to get together as more than friends, please pave the way for us. Honestly, Paul was right. I am lonely. I’m trying to be content, really I am. But seeing Jaden again seemed to spark that longing inside me—the longing for a family of my own. Of course, You know what’s best. But if there’s any way… Martha let her silent prayer trail off into nothing.

  She heaved a sigh, then slipped her letter opener underneath the envelope’s sealed flap. The thought of Jaden moistening the glue sparked a smile. She always sealed her envelopes with a secret kiss that no one but she and Der Herr knew about.

  She grasped the precious contents from within and the letter fell open in front of her.

  Greetings, Martha!

  I hope this letter finds you well in body and spirit. I can’t really say the same for myself, unfortunately. You see, I was attacked by wasps while trying to clean out their nest from the phone shanty. And yes, it was every bit as terrible as you can imagine.

  Martha stopped reading. “Ach, poor Jaden!”

  I have recovered somewhat, but the monsters definitely left their marks. It is something I never wish to encounter again. It’s good that I’m not allergic to them, otherwise I would have had to take a trip to the hospital. Thank God, it did not come to that! Mom had some drawing ointment and it seemed to help within the hour. I should probably apply more, now that I’m thinking about it.

  Other than that episode, I’ve had a pretty decent week. Dad and I checked the fields today and the corn is coming up nicely. We should have a good harvest this year. Last year the corn was wonderful sweet. I wish you could have tasted it. I’m sure your sister Emily would like to sell some at her roadside vegetable stand that you mentioned in one of your earlier letters. It would be a good seller too, I assure you.

  How are your scholars doing with their studies? I suppose the school year will be coming to a close soon. Do you have any plans for summer? How is your quilt coming along? Hopefully, you’ll get some extra time to finish it once you’re out of school. I wish I could see what your quilt looks like. I’m sure it’s real nice.

  Well, I guess I should close for now. Looking forward to hearing your goings-on!

  With Care,

  Jaden Beachy

  Martha reread the letter, then folded it up and stuck it into her letter box. She still felt bad about the wasps. How terrible! Hopefully, now that it had been a couple of days, his stings had healed.

  “Martha! Are you going to help with supper or not?” Emily’s voice rang up the stairs.

  Ach, had her sister already called her? “I’m coming,” Martha grumbled.

  Jaden’s reply would have to wait for a more suitable time, when annoying little sisters weren’t demanding her attention.

  ~

  Jaden dialed the number to Josiah’s phone shanty. He’d been sure to leave the house ten minutes earlier than necessary, so he wouldn’t be late. Playing phone tag was the worst.

  “Hello? Josiah speaking.”

  “Hey, bruder.”

  “Jaden!” He could hear Josiah’s smile over the phone. “Just the man I wanted to talk to.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “We’re doing good here. How’s everything there?”

  Ach, he didn’t have in mind to chit chat. He’d been bouncing on his toes since hearing his brother’s message, wondering what his “proposition” entailed. But he wouldn’t be rude, that wasn’t in his nature. “Gut. Everything is gut here. You said you want to ask me something?”

  “I certainly do. Here’s the deal. How do you feel about teaching?”

  His eyes widened. “Teaching? You mean, like scholars?”

  “That’s exactly what I mean. I know you’ve only substituted before, but I also know that you enjoy books and learning, and you’re pretty smart.”

  “I just filled in for a little while when the regular teacher was in the hospital.” He frowned. “I guess I’ve never really considered it as a permanent thing. Why?”

  “Our teacher is leaving. She’s getting married this wedding season and we’ll be in need of a new teacher. For whatever reason, they were wanting a man to take her place. Probably because they wouldn’t leave to raise kinner is why, now that I think about it. Someone more permanent. You automatically popped into my head.”

  Ach, he’d be so close to Martha. And they’d have even more in common.

  “How do you feel about moving to Indiana? You could stay with my family until you find a place of your own. Property is a lot more affordable here than in Pennsylvania.”

  He swallowed, pondering the idea.

  “You there?” His bruder’s voice echoed. “What do you think?”

  “Ach, it’s a lot to consider. Will it pay as much as my job at the lumberyard?”

  “I’m not sure, but I can get more details for you. Since it would be permanent and you’d be the main bread winner for your family, when you have one, I think there’s a pretty good chance they’re going to pay you a fair wage. They might just ask you how much you need to be paid.”

  “I’d have to talk to Dat, of course.”

 
“Yes, of course. But you’re interested? I kind of spoke up first at the meeting, so you may have the first shot at the job.”

  “When do they need to know by?”

  “Well, as soon as possible, I reckon. Probably before meeting this week will be gut.”

  “I see. Let me talk to Dat and I’ll call you back tomorrow sometime.”

  “How about we just do eight tomorrow evening? It’ll give you time to think about it. Of course, you wouldn’t begin teaching until the next school year starts, which won’t be till September. But I’m sure you’ll need to go through training and such. I’ll try to find out when the regional meeting is too.”

  “Jah, okay. But just wait. I’m not one hundred percent certain yet.”

  “Just be sure to pray on it too.”

  “I will, for sure and certain.” Not that Der Herr would answer back.

  “Do you have any questions?”

  He pressed his lips together. “Not at the moment. But I’m sure to have hundreds later.”

  “Well, if they come to your mind, just jot them down and you can ask me next time we talk.”

  “Sounds gut.”

  “Hey, Jaden?”

  “Jah?”

  “Between you and me, I don’t think there’s anyone more perfect for this job. You’d be great at it. You’re kind. You’re patient. You’re smart.”

  “Ach, you are going to make me hochmut!”

  “I’m just stating the truth, bruder.”

  “Denki for your words. But whatever gut I have comes from Der Herr.” He deflected. If there was one thing he didn’t care for, it was praise.

  “I forgot humble.” Josiah chuckled. “Anyhow, I’ll be waiting for your call tomorrow.”

  “Sure.” Jaden finally set the receiver down when he was sure and certain Josiah had hung up. Neither of them were much for long goodbyes.

  Jaden blew out a breath, still stunned at Josiah’s news. A teacher? Ach, it was an occupation he’d never considered before. Not that he thought it wouldn’t suit him. He enjoyed the time he had briefly substituted. He liked kinner and learning. It would certainly be an interesting change of pace for him.

  What did he really have to lose by accepting? He’d be moving out from Mamm and Dat’s place. How would they feel about it? Would they be pleased or would they discourage him? Or would they be indifferent? Whatever the case, the news would likely be as much a shock to Mamm and Dat as it had been to him.

  It would certainly be an adventure moving somewhere he’d never lived before. He’d been in the same Amish district since birth, so adapting to a new Ordnung would take some getting used to, no doubt. He’d enjoyed staying at his bruder’s haus when he visited for his niece’s wedding and for Christmas. Ach, he’d had such a wunderbaar time!

  The best part about accepting this proposal, though, would certainly be living close to Martha Miller.

  THREE

  Martha finally pushed her school papers aside and pulled Jaden’s letter out of her special box. Now that supper was finished, the dishes were done, and her grading was complete, she could focus her attention on more exciting things.

  She quietly reread the letter, then began her reply.

  Hello, Jaden!

  Ach, I was so upset to hear about your trouble with wasps! I do not envy you. I have only been stung by a bee and that was enough. I’m certain wasps stings are much worse. Anyhow, I hope you’re feeling better now.

  My brother Paul was here earlier, teasing as usual. I kind of miss having the older brothers at home sometimes, but I realize they have their families now. I wonder how long it will be before the others are off? I suppose only God knows.

  My younger sister and brother, Susan and Nathaniel, are going on a mission trip this summer to Central America. They are really excited about it. A few others from our district will be going, as well as some other Amish up north. There will be a whole busload of them!

  I’ve never gone on a trip such as this, but I hope to one day, if the Lord wills. Right now, I’m too busy with everything that I have to get ready for the scholars. I hope to tidy up and redecorate the schoolhouse. It is in need of paint and can use a fresh sprucing up. That will likely keep me busy, although I think there could be a frolic planned to help with the bigger projects.

  What about you? Have you been on one of the mission trips? Or does your Ordnung not allow it? I think Silas mentioned something about it one time when we were talking about your brother Josiah’s district. I don’t think they allow it either.

  My, your corn sounds delicious! I’d love to get my hands on some. As for my quilt, it is sadly at a standstill. I do hope to finish it this summer, but with Susan and Nathaniel leaving, that will mean extra work for the rest of us at home. We’ll see how it goes.

  Looking forward to your next letter!

  Always a friend,

  Martha

  She folded the stationary and slipped the letter into the envelope. She’d send it off tomorrow.

  ~

  Jaden hadn’t meant to let the screen door slam behind him, but it seemed inevitable in his haste to share his news with his folks. Ach, he’d practically jogged back from the phone shanty.

  “What has you all fired up tonight?” His father peeked over the top of The Budget.

  “Mamm, Dat, I have something I’d like to speak with you about.” He took a seat next to his father in the living room.

  Mamm set her crochet project to the side. “Does this have to do with your bruder’s phone call?”

  “Jah, for sure it does.” He rubbed his hands together.

  Dat folded his newspaper and set it on his lap. “Well, out with it then.”

  He blew out a breath. “Josiah wants me to move to Indiana.”

  Both of his parents looked at each other and frowned. “Is this what you want?” his father asked.

  “I should have explained first. Their district will be in need of a new teacher next school year and Josiah recommended me.” He smiled.

  “But you’ve never been a real teacher.” His mother’s hands folded in her lap. He knew her words weren’t meant to be condescending, so he chose not to accept them as such.

  “Well, I did substitute for a while. Remember? Josiah said he thought I’d make a gut teacher, and they’re looking for a man to take the job instead of another maedel.”

  “And you want to do this—become a teacher for gut?”

  “I don’t know, Dat. I’m thinking on it.”

  “Where would you live?” Dat asked.

  “With Josiah and his family, for now. He said property is much cheaper out there. I do have some money saved up from my job at the lumberyard.” He stared at both of them. “So, what do you think?”

  “It’s quite sudden,” his mother said. “But if it’s something you’re interested in doing…”

  “You are your own man now. It is a decision you’ll need to make.” His father shrugged. “How do you feel about teaching?”

  “That’s just the thing. Before today, I had never considered it permanently.”

  “You’ve always been a bookworm,” his mother chimed.

  “I’m thinking it just might suit me.” He scratched the stubble on his chin.

  “Would you still raise a crop, then?”

  “I’m not sure. I could just have a large garden when I get a place of my own. I wouldn’t need much. Josiah thinks they will pay decent since it would be my full-time job as head of the household.”

  “We would definitely miss you here.”

  “I know. And I’d miss you too. But you’d have one more reason to visit Indiana more often.” He raised his eyebrows twice in quick succession.

  Dat nodded. “Wasn’t there a maedel out in Indiana that you’d taken a liking to?”

  “That’s Martha, the one I’ve been writing to. She’s Silas Miller’s sister. She’s actually a teacher too.”

  “Oh?” His mamm’s eyes widened, then he caught a sparkle. “You two attended school toge
ther when you were kinner, ain’t not?”

  “We did. She’s five years older than I am. We were friends back then too.”

  “And now?”

  “I don’t know, Mamm. I do like her. A lot. She’s really nice.” And pretty. He’d keep that part to himself. “But we’re just friends.”

  “That doesn’t mean you have to stay just friends. Five years isn’t a big deal. They say women outlive men, so marrying an older woman isn’t such a bad idea.” His father smiled. “And if you’re going to be living close to each other…”

  Marrying? He ignored that part. “It’s not that close, really.” Jaden shrugged. “About an hour by horse and buggy.” Jah, he was clearly making excuses.

  “That’s what drivers are for.” Mamm picked up her crochet project, but a smile played on her lips.

  “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you two are trying to marry me off.” He looked back and forth at both of them.

  “It’s about time, ain’t not?” Dat’s eyebrow quirked up. “You know your mudder and I were chust twenty when we got hitched. You’ve already passed twenty-five. I don’t know what you’re waiting for, sohn.”

  “I’m…” He pressed his lips together. It would be best just not to say anything, as he’d always done.

  “You’re what?”

  “I guess I’m just not ready. I’m not looking to get married.”

  “Will you wait till you’re an old man and can no longer have kinner?”

  “I don’t…I just…I’d rather not talk about this.” He stood. It was time to remove himself from this conversation. He hadn’t been expecting it to take a turn for the worse. “So, you’re okay with me moving to Josiah’s, then?”

  “If that’s what you wish to do.” His father eyed him curiously. “But if you are not interested in this maedel, it is probably best not to lead her on and give her false hope. She’s not a spring chicken anymore.”

  Chicken? Ach. He didn’t know how Martha would feel being compared to a fowl, but he caught his father’s meaning. “Jah.” He nodded. “I’ll be speaking with Josiah tomorrow, then.”