by Molly Jebber
She caught her breath and pressed a hand to her racing heartbeat. I love you, too, Jacob. “Danki.” She would’ve shouted the words if it didn’t hurt so much. He might never be her husband and she shouldn’t encourage him or fool herself. Ellie had given no indication she would change her mind. She unwrapped the package and lifted out a white handkerchief with a tiny white flower embroidered in the corner.
She recognized it from the gift shop in the corner of Maybelle’s Inn, where she sold several items. She held the soft material and her heart soared. She’d cherish the treasure forever.
*
Five in the afternoon came, and Liza and the girls went to the Chupps’ haus.
Peter ran to greet them. “You’re here!”
Liza jumped out and tied the reins to the crooked oak hitching post. “Who do you have in your arms?”
“This is Snuggles, my rabbit. Would you like to hold him? Be careful. He might wet on you.” He held out the pet and dipped his chin to the wet spot on his shirt.
“Your friend is beautiful!” She cradled the animal in her arms. “Snuggles is so white and fluffy.”
Hannah accepted the furry pet from Liza. “I love the bunny’s tiny pink nose.”
Ellie stroked the bunny’s head. “Is your mamm inside?”
Handing the animal back to Peter, Hannah smiled. “I can understand why you love Snuggles. He’s cuddly.”
He waved them to the porch. “She’s setting the table.” He walked over to Snuggles’s cage and put him inside.
Liza and the girls stepped inside the haus with him.
Peter pulled out a puzzle and sat down. “Will you play with me?”
Ellie sat and Hannah plopped down next to her. “I suppose we can work the puzzle for a few minutes until supper. We don’t want to pull out any more toys and make a mess. We’re going fishing later, so we don’t want to waste time putting them away.”
Liza went to the kitchen. “May I do something for you, Mae?”
“Wilkom! You’re thoughtful to offer, but I have everything ready. May I get you something to drink?”
“Water is fine. I’m sure Hannah and Ellie will take the same.”
Mae put a fist to her mouth and coughed until it was hard for her to breathe. She clutched the pitcher in her other hand. She breathed easier, then straightened. “I apologize. My coughing fits are something I can’t control.” She poured water into glasses for all of them. Then she set a large porcelain bowl filled with chicken and dumplings on the table. “Do you mind telling the kinner supper is ready?”
Liza bit back her urge to persuade Mae to alert Dr. Harrison about her discomfort, but Mae had changed the subject and was staring at her feet. She didn’t want to talk about it. Liza wouldn’t mention it. She proceeded to the girls and Peter in the sitting room. “Time to eat.”
He popped up, knocking over a stack of blocks and rubbing his middle. “I’m hungry! Let’s go.”
The girls laughed. “We’re right behind you.”
Peter patted the chairs on either side of him. “Hannah, you and Ellie sit by me.”
They exchanged grins and chuckled and sat.
Peter waited while Mae ladled two helpings onto his plate. “I have my fishin’ pole out and everything ready.”
“Ours are in the buggy. We brought our poles and tackle with us to work this morning so we could leave from the bakery.”
Mae sat. “Let’s bow our heads for prayer.” She finished the prayer. “Hand me your plates and I’ll serve you.”
Liza and the girls passed their plates.
“Mae, I appreciate you cooking for us. Danki for the invitation.” Liza grinned.
The girls nodded.
Mae bent and coughed, grabbed her cotton napkin, and covered her mouth. She pushed her chair back and bent to catch her breath. “This may happen often this evening. I hope it doesn’t spoil your supper.”
Liza had to risk Mae getting upset for her asking her to pursue treatment. She cared about the woman, and the deep cough needed attention. “Have you gone to Dr. Harrison and asked him about it?” Liza held her spoon.
She shook her head. “I haven’t had time. I’ll get around to it.” She diverted her gaze from Liza’s. “You’ve got good weather for fishing. The sky is clear today.”
It was evident Mae didn’t want to talk about her health. Liza didn’t want to badger her. “I haven’t fished for quite a while. It will be a treat.”
“I have worms for you.”
“Danki.” Hannah reached for her glass.
Peter entertained them with stories about Snuggles. Liza couldn’t remember when she’d laughed so long and hard. She had grown attached to Peter. He was full of compassion and wonder. She would love to have a son like him. When she hadn’t been successful in having a child with Paul, she’d pushed the desire out of her mind. Peter renewed her longing to have a boppli.
Liza and the girls helped Mae clean up the kitchen and then headed outside.
Mae handed Ellie jars of water and one filled with butter cookies. “Water and a snack for later. Catch some fish.”
Liza noticed Mae’s pale face and slow movements. She felt guilty the woman had slaved over a stove to fix them such a wonderful meal. Maybe Mae would get some rest while they entertained Peter. “We’ll try! If we don’t catch something, we’ll bask in the sun on this beautiful afternoon. We’ll go no farther than halfway around the pond. We’ll not be gone too long.”
Liza, the girls, and Peter bid her farewell and walked to the pond.
Ellie pointed. “Let’s go where the pond is wider and deeper. The spot I’d like to dip our poles is close to the three oak trees. Fish may be hiding in the patch of weeds near them, inches away from the water’s edge.”
They reached Ellie’s choice location and Hannah spread out a large blanket for them. “We can sit and enjoy our snacks later.”
They readied their poles with bobbers and bait.
Ellie slung her pole over her shoulder and cast her line in the water. “I hope we catch some fish.”
Peter threw back his pole and made an impressive cast for such a small child.
“Strong throw, Peter.” Liza patted his back.
Liza and Hannah moved away and threw their lines in.
“My bobber went under. I caught something!” Liza jerked up her bent pole. The fish wiggled to free itself. “I caught a catfish.”
“He’s really big!” Peter ran over, pole in hand. “Someone bring the bucket. I want to keep it.”
Hannah grabbed the bucket, plunged it in the pond, and brought the swishing water to Liza.
“Danki, Hannah. If we catch a couple more, Mae and Peter can have a scrumptious lunch tomorrow.” Liza carefully unhooked her prize to avoid the vicious stingers and threw it in the bucket.
Peter took one more peek at the fish, then wandered to red berries surrounded by a trio of green leaves. He plucked a leaf.
“Isn’t this pretty?”
Ellie ran to him and slapped it out of his hand. “Sweetheart, don’t touch the poison oak.”
Peter jerked his hand back. “Ouch, Ellie!”
“It will give you an itchy rash.” Ellie grabbed his arm. “Let’s dunk your hands in the pond. I’m sorry if I scared you.”
“I’m glad you did. I don’t need a nasty ol’ rash.” He swished his hands in the water and dried them on his pant legs.
Peter grabbed his pole, drew it back, and plunked the line into the pond. He stared at the water. Eyes wide, he pulled at his line. “I’ve got a big one!”
Hannah rushed to him and clutched his pole to help. They tugged hard, and a man’s battered black boot filled with mud and water popped up.
They nearly collapsed with laughter at the sight.
Liza chuckled. “Strange to find a boot in the water. I hope the man who lost it didn’t have to walk home without his boots. His other one might be in here somewhere.”
Ellie cocked her brow. “He must’ve waded in the shal
low end to fish and then got them stuck in the mud.”
Peter shrugged. “He might’ve taken them off to wade in the water and his friend threw them in for a joke.”
Hannah grinned. “You have an active imagination. Would you pull a joke on a friend by throwing his shoes in the pond?”
He laughed. “I might!”
Bang! Liza whipped her head toward the threatening sound. “Everyone, lay down flat on the ground. A bullet whizzed by me too close for comfort.”
Ellie marched to the direction of the shot and cupped her hands to her mouth. “Hey, you need to stop firing in our direction. We’re fishing and you could’ve injured one of us!”
Liza, on her belly, raised her head. “Ellie, get down!”
Hannah tightened her arm around Peter as they stretched out on their stomachs. “Jah, Ellie, listen to Liza.”
Ellie marched in the direction of the gunfire. “We’ve got to let these people know we’re close. They must go somewhere else to hunt.”
Liza stood. “Hannah, take Peter to the haus. I’ll follow Ellie.”
“Peter, stand and hold my hand.” Hannah winced. “Liza, be careful!” She picked up her pace and left with Peter.
Liza ran in the direction Ellie had gone and halted. Her heart pounded in her chest. Three tall, menacing men who had dirt-stained clothes, gruff faces, and angry eyes faced Ellie with shotguns slung over their shoulders. The wind sent their odiferous smell to her nose.
Liza fought to control her trembling hands. She joined Ellie. “If you would be so kind as to hunt somewhere else, we would appreciate it.”
The three men formed a loose circle, boxing them in.
The shortest scallywag stepped closer and glared at them. He scrutinized Ellie. “You’ve got a mouth on ya. Maybe I should teach you a lesson.”
Liza stepped in front of Ellie and faced the bully. “We don’t want any trouble.” She grasped Ellie’s hand and swiveled to leave.
The burly brute grabbed her arm. “You’re not goin’ nowhere, missy.” His evil laugh sent chills up her spine. He traced a finger down her cheek.
The third man clutched Ellie’s arm. “We got us some pretty lookin’ women.”
Liza yanked her body, trying to wrench free of the thug’s hold on her.
The huge and odorous man tightened his grip. “You best stay put or I’ll throw you over my shoulder.”
Terror ripped through Liza. “Please let us go. At least let her go.”
Ellie kicked the man clutching her. She jerked to free herself. “Take your filthy hands off me!”
“I like a woman with fire in her.” The ruffian laughed.
Bile rose in Liza’s throat and her stomach rolled with fright. The ground shook beneath her feet. Liza shifted her eyes past the men.
The sheriff came around the bend. He fired a shot to the sky. “Release the women immediately!”
The three men dropped their hands.
Liza and Ellie ran next to the sheriff’s stallion. Liza circled her arm around Ellie’s waist.
The sheriff pointed his rifle at the bullies. “I don’t recognize any of you. I’ve received complaints this last week from the Browns, the Mullins, and the Harshmans. They said they spotted three men trespassing on their land and found chickens missing. You’re lucky those men didn’t catch you. They don’t take kindly to robbers. If I could prove you’d stolen from them, I’d throw you in jail.”
Liza recognized the names of the Englischers. They were regular customers at the bakery.
The brute snarled and glowered at the sheriff.
“Where are you from?” Sheriff Williams glared at them.
“Massillon. We’re passin’ through. Going home today. Nothin’ to do in this boring town anyway.” The middle ruffian crossed his arms and spat on the ground.
“You best get on down the road. If I run into you again, I’ll throw you in jail for harassing these women. You understand?”
The men grunted and stomped to their horses, not far away.
“Liza, take Ellie back to the Chupps’ house. I want to make sure these men leave. I’m going to follow them for a bit. I’ll come back and check on you.”
“Danki, Sheriff.” Liza shivered, wondering if her wobbly legs would make it to the haus.
Ellie fumed. “Those men were awful.” She squeezed Liza’s fingers. “You stuck right beside me, Liza. I’m sorry for putting us in danger. I should’ve listened to you.” She held out her arm. “My arm stings where that thug’s nails dug into my skin. Are you all right?”
“A bit shaken.” Liza lifted Ellie’s sleeve. “I’m relieved he didn’t draw blood. The marks should disappear in a few days.”
They reached their blanket at the pond, gathered up their things, headed to the haus, and went inside.
Hannah rose. “I was worried sick. I’ve never been so happy to run into Sheriff Williams. Peter and I saw him as we headed to the haus. He asked where Liza and Ellie were and I told him about the gunfire and where we had fished and asked him to check on you.”
Mae said, “The sheriff was making his usual widow rounds. I told him Liza, Hannah, and Ellie had taken Peter fishing somewhere by the pond and no farther than halfway around. He said he’d find you and say hello before he moved on to the next haus. I’m so glad he did, and I’m relieved he passed Hannah and found out you might be in danger.”
“Liza and I were never so relieved to see him. He saved us from the mean men.” Ellie pressed her elbows to her sides. “They angered me at first, then I got scared when one of them clutched my arm. I didn’t listen to Liza. She warned me to lay flat. We could’ve moved away and avoided them.”
Mae gestured for them to sit. “Ellie, you’re too brave for your own good. You could’ve gotten shot, or those with you.”
“I’m sorry. I assumed men were hunting and didn’t realize we were there. I didn’t suspect they’d be a bunch of thugs.” She grimaced. “I regret my actions. Please forgive me, everyone.”
Peter took her hand in his. “It’s all right, Ellie. We love you.”
Liza met Ellie’s regretful eyes. “Peter’s correct. You’re forgiven.”
Mae and Hannah nodded their agreement.
Mae stretched her neck to the window. “Sheriff Williams is back.” She opened the door.
He stepped inside. “You can all relax. The scoundrels left town.” He took off his hat.
“Good. Danki, Sheriff. Do you want something to drink?” Mae coughed and recovered.
“No, I should go on to the next widow’s house.”
Liza smiled. “Danki for your help.”
“Jah, danki.” Ellie stood next to Liza.
“Anytime.” He put his hat on and left.
Ellie sat and patted her knee. “Peter, sit with me.”
The sweet boy scooted onto her lap sideways and fixed his gaze on her. “Tell me what happened with those men.”
Ellie rubbed his back. “I found three mean men with guns. I told them to hunt somewhere else, and they said some nasty things to Liza and me. The sheriff came and asked them to leave.” She frowned and hugged him. “I’m sorry they cut our fishing short.”
Liza listened to the young woman relate the story to Peter. She didn’t shrug him off or avoid telling him what had happened. She answered his question wisely. Her loving and compassionate side had shone through since her return. Her commitment to God and to obeying Amish law had been evident this evening.
Mae tousled the boy’s hair. “He had a wonderful time, despite the unfortunate interruption.”
Liza shook her head. “I’m shocked we encountered these men in our community. It’s a rare occasion.” She sighed. “We can all put this unpleasant incident behind us, and I’m sure we can find time to go fishing again this season.”
Mae held a hand to her lips and coughed. She pulled out a small white handkerchief tucked in her apron waistband, wiped a trickle of blood from her hand, and clutched the spotted cloth in her hand as if to hide it.
Liza’s heart pounded against her chest. Mae’s cough had generated blood again. Whatever was causing this woman to cough must be serious. She had to say something again. “Mae, I’m begging you, please see Dr. Harrison.”
“I’ll stop by his office eventually.” She gave a little shrug.
Peter tugged on Ellie’s dress. “Did I tell ya Mr. Fisher went to Pennsylvania to visit his bruder?”
Ellie smiled. “I hope he has a pleasant trip.”
“What if he really likes being with his bruder? If I had a bruder, I wouldn’t want to leave him.” He hung his head. “I’m worried he won’t kumme back.”
“I’m sure he’ll be knocking on your door before you know it.” Ellie gently tapped his nose.
“We should let these kind people be on their way. We’ve kept them long enough.” Mae didn’t comment on Peter’s remarks about Mr. Fisher and walked them out, with Peter alongside her.
Liza waved farewell and waited for Hannah and Ellie to get settled in the buggy. She waved to the Chupps and drove to Ellie’s. A flash of sadness had crossed Mae’s face. Did Mae have reason to suspect Mr. Fisher wouldn’t be back? The woman was in a hurry to have them leave. She apparently didn’t want to discuss Mr. Fisher. “Despite those scallywags, I enjoyed the time we spent with Peter.”
Ellie wrinkled her nose. “Have you noticed how often Mrs. Chupp coughs? And she avoided saying anything about Mr. Fisher. I sensed she may agree with Peter. They were excited about Mr. Fisher being in their lives. I suspect something has happened between the couple.”
Hannah nodded. “Jah, I agree. She seemed bothered about Peter bringing up Mr. Fisher.” She grimaced. “She also tried to hide the blood going onto her hand. She hurried to wipe it off with the handkerchief. She’s really sick. She hasn’t been to Dr. Harrison.”
“We can’t do anything until she’s ready to deal with the problem. Let’s not jump to conclusions about Mae and Mr. Fisher.” Liza sensed Mae’s reluctance to discuss her illness. She couldn’t force the woman to go to Dr. Harrison. She hoped Mae would relent and the doctor to examine her. She wouldn’t ask Mae about Mr. Fisher. She didn’t want to pry.
Liza dropped Ellie and Hannah at their homes, then went to her haus. Her heart was heavy with unease for Mae, and longing for a relationship with Jacob she could never have weighed on her shoulders. She finished her chores, warmed that morning’s already made coffee, then plopped into her favorite chair.
