The Shepherd's Bride

by Patricia Davids

  After spending much of yesterday in her company, he had retreated to his hut, thinking that the distance would help him stop thinking about her. It hadn’t worked.

  The mixture of foolish longing and painful reality swirling through his brain left him feeling hopelessly muddled.

  Lizzie had a way of turning him inside out with just a smile. How was he going to get through another day, let alone the years ahead, if she stayed in Hope Springs?

  * * *

  Lizzie could barely control her excitement as she walked back from the mailbox. Everything was falling into place. The letter she mailed to Mary contained a second letter to her sisters explaining everything: Lizzie’s job, Clara’s job and her fervent hope that they would all be together soon.

  In with the letter, Lizzie had put all of her money. It was enough for a one-way ticket for Clara. She prayed that Clara would come. Together, they would soon earn enough to pay for Betsy and Greta to join them and keep the younger women from being forced into marriage instead. It wasn’t a foolproof plan, but it was all Lizzie had to offer.

  What they needed now was a place to stay. The Lord had provided jobs. Lizzie was sure He would provide them with a home, too. She just had to have faith.

  Bubbling with happiness and optimism, she went to the barn to watch the men at work. A small group of sheep had been gathered in a pen inside the barn. The air was filled with sounds of their bleating as they milled around. A narrow passageway had been built from the large pens outside to a smaller one where Carl was preparing to start the work.

  A large piece of plywood had been put on the ground outside the gate of the smallest pen. Carl was down on one knee on the board tying on wool moccasins. When he finished, he reached for the clippers and affixed them to his right hand.

  Moving closer, Lizzie said, “Why the special shoes?”

  “They keep my feet dry and keep me from slipping on the oils from the fleece.”

  “Are you going to shear the rams first?” She eyed the four big fellows separated in a pen by themselves.

  “That’s right.” Carl didn’t look at her but kept his eyes downcast.

  “Why?”

  “They’re bigger and harder to work with. It’s best to get them out of the way so the rest of the work goes more easily. We only have four rams. It doesn’t normally take long.”

  “And you said two hundred ewes.” It sounded like a tremendous amount of work for one man and her elderly grandfather.

  “That’s right.”

  “I vaguely remember watching the shearing when I was little. A man used electric clippers. He brought his own generator with him. I thought it was very worldly at the time. Doesn’t it take longer to clip the fleece by hand?”

  Unlike the clippers she remembered, Carl had what looked like a giant pair of scissors strapped to his hand. The blades hooked together at the handle ends instead of in the center.

  “It takes me about six minutes per sheep instead of four minutes if I were to use electric clippers. Joe likes them shorn the old way.”

  “In keeping with our faith. That’s understandable.”

  “He likes it because the fleece isn’t cut so close to the skin. Hand-sheared sheep are left with a short coat instead of looking naked. It gives them better protection against foul weather. It’s also less stressful for our pregnant mothers without the buzzing sound of the clippers and the smell of gasoline fumes from a generator.”

  “Are the two of you gonna keep yacking or can we get some work done?” Joe shouted from just outside the pen where the sheep were milling.

  Carl waved. “I’m ready.”

  “What do you need me to do?” she asked.

  “There needs to be a clear flow of sheep entering and leaving the shearing area. This barn is divided into two parts. Where the sheep come in and where they go out. The catch pen, the small one here, is connected to the outside corrals by movable panels.”

  “I see that.” The narrow alleyway was just wide enough for one single ram to walk down to the actual shearing pen.

  “After I’m done shearing the sheep, I’ll turn him into this second alley. I need you to close the gate behind him so he can’t run back into this area.”

  “Got it.”

  “Once I’m done with all of them, you’ll need to close that big gate by the barn door and open the smaller gate beside it so the ewes go out to a separate corral.”

  “So you just want me to chase them outside for you?”

  “Basically. Don’t get in with the rams. They can be mean.”

  “I will remember that.”

  “Joe may need help giving the animals their worm medicine while I have them still. He’ll take care of the fleece that’s cut off, too. You can make notes in our logbook for us. Each sheep has an ear tag with a number on it. Joe will tell you what to write.”

  “Sounds easy enough.”

  “It is if the sheep cooperate. The only thing they do without protest is grow wool. Ready to start?”

  “Sure.”

  Lizzie quickly learned that sheep were not the cute, cuddly animals of her memory. They were much stronger than they looked, horribly stubborn, smelly and incredibly loud. The bleating grew to a deafening din inside the barn.

  Duncan nipped at the heels of the rams as the reluctant animals filed into the catch pen.

  Carl opened a small gate and pulled out the first struggling ram. Grasping the heavy wool, he tipped the sheep backward until it was sitting. The second the sheep’s feet were all off the ground, it stopped struggling. The animal looked as if it were being held still by the force of Carl’s will.

  With the ram braced between his legs, Carl quickly set to work clipping first the belly fleece and then around the entire animal until the wool came off in one large piece.

  Joe pulled the fleece aside, folded it and placed it on a nearby table. He made a few quick notes in a ledger, gave the animal a dose of medicine and then went to move the next ram into the catch pen with Duncan’s help.

  Lizzie watched how it was all being done as Carl sheared his second ram. She noticed the first ram had come back inside to be with the others. While Joe was busy rolling up the fleece, she went to shoo the fellow outside.

  The ram balked and wouldn’t leave. She opened the gate to go in and move him along. In the next second, she realized her mistake. The ram, seeing a new way out, bolted past her, knocking the gate wide open.

  Lizzie cried out a warning, but it was too late. The ram didn’t slow down. He plowed into Joe and sent him flying before charging through the open barn door beyond. She stared in horror at her grandfather’s crumpled figure as Carl raced to his side.

  Chapter Seven

  Lizzie drove the buggy as fast as she dared. Carl sat in the back cradling Joe, but with every bounce and jolt, her grandfather moaned in pain. The sound made her cringe with remorse. It was all her fault. In her foolish need to prove she could be useful, she’d simply proven she was careless.

  After what seemed like an eternity, the outskirts of Hope Springs came into view. Thankfully, there was very little traffic on the streets. She was able to follow Carl’s directions and they arrived within a few minutes at the front doors of the Hope Springs Medical Clinic.

  Carl lifted Joe out of the buggy and carried him inside. The tiny, elderly receptionist behind the desk jumped to her feet. “Oh, my. What has happened?”

  “Joe’s been hurt bad,” Carl said.

  “Bring him this way. I’ll get the doctor.”

  Carl and Lizzie followed her down a short hallway and into an examination room. Carl gently laid Joe on the bed. “It’s okay, Joe. You’re going to be fine.”

  A young man in a white lab coat hurried into the room. “I’m Dr. Zook. What seems to be the matter?”

  �
�Where is Dr. White?” Carl asked.

  “He’s not in today. I’m his partner. Is that a problem?”

  Carl shook his head.

  “Are you related to Bishop Zook?” Lizzie asked.

  “Very distantly, if at all. Zook is simply a common name in these parts.”

  Outside the door, the receptionist asked, “Should I call for an ambulance, Doctor?”

  “Give me a few minutes to see how serious this is, Wilma. Have Amber finish with Mrs. Lapp and then ask her to join me. Can someone tell me what happened?”

  “It’s my fault.” Lizzie clasped her hands together. “I left one of the gates open and a ram got out. He ran into Grandfather and knocked him down. Grandfather hit his head on one of the steel fence posts. It was bleeding terribly.”

  The doctor began to unwind Lizzie’s apron from around Joe’s head. “Head wounds are notorious for bleeding a lot. Has he been unconscious long?”

  Carl took a step back from the bed to give the doctor more room. “He’s been in and out for the past half hour or so. He complains that his right leg hurts. I think it’s broken.”

  The doctor looked kindly at Lizzie. “You might want to step out and let us get him undressed. I’ll let you know the extent of his injuries as soon as I’ve finished examining him.”

  Lizzie nodded and left the room. She found her way back to the waiting area. Taking a seat on one of the upholstered chairs that lined the wall, she put her head in her hands and prayed.

  A short time later, she heard a door open and she looked up. It wasn’t the doctor. It was a blonde Englisch woman in a pale blue smock. She walked beside Faith Lapp.

  “Everything looks good with your pregnancy, Faith. I’ll see you back in two weeks. Sooner if you have any problems. You know I’m available day or night. I’d love to stay and chat a little longer, but I’m needed for another patient.”

  “Danki, Amber. I will see you in two weeks,” Faith said. She turned to leave and caught sight of Lizzie. Her eyes widened with surprise. “Lizzie, what are you doing here?”

  “Grandfather has been hurt.”

  “I’m so sorry to hear that. Is it serious?” She sat down beside Lizzie and took her hand.

  Her comforting gesture was all that was needed to push Lizzie’s shattered emotions over the edge. She burst into tears.

  Faith wrapped an arm around Lizzie’s shoulder. “There, there, don’t cry. He is in God’s hands, and God is good.”

  Lizzie nodded but couldn’t speak. She was too choked with tears and worry.

  Faith stayed with her until the doctor finally came out to talk to her. She could tell by the look on his face that it wasn’t good news. She rose to her feet. “How is he?”

  “He’s resting comfortably at the moment. I’ve given him something for pain. The head wound was not serious. It required a few stitches, but he did sustain a minor concussion. The problem is that Joe has a broken hip. We can’t treat that here. He needs to go to the hospital. He’ll need surgery to pin the broken pieces together.”

  “Surgery? Is that dangerous at his age?” Faith asked.

  “All surgery comes with risks, but I’m afraid there’s very little choice. The fracture won’t heal unless it can be immobilized.”

  “Do what you think is best, Doctor. Can I see him now?”

  “Of course. I’ll make arrangements for an ambulance to transport him to the hospital in Millersburg.”

  Faith laid a hand on Lizzie’s arm. “I’ll let Bishop Zook know what has happened. Don’t worry. Everything will be taken care of.”

  Lizzie nodded and walked down the hall, but hesitated before going into the room. What could she say except that she was sorry? She wiped the tears from her cheeks and opened the door.

  Joe lay on the same bed with his eyes closed. A sheet was pulled up to his chin. A white bandage stood out starkly on his forehead. He looked pale and helpless.

  Carl sat in a chair beside him. He glanced up as Lizzie peered in. “It’s okay. He’s awake.”

  “Of course I’m awake,” Joe growled. “Who could sleep with all this commotion?”

  “Oh, Daadi, I’m so sorry. I was only trying to help. Please forgive me.”

  “Things happen. That old ram has had it in for me since I bought him. Carl, it will be up to you to get the shearing done. It’ll be hard to do it all yourself.”

  “I can handle it, Joe. You just rest and get better.”

  “You won’t be able to manage the lambing alone.”

  Lizzie stepped closer to the bed. “I’ll help. I know I made a mess of things today, but I want to make it up to you.”

  “What about your new job?” Carl asked.

  “I’m sure when the Sutters hear what’s happened, they will understand if I can’t start work for a few more days.”

  “It will be a few weeks.”

  “Oh.”

  Joe shifted uncomfortably on the bed. “The girl won’t be any use to you, Carl.”

  “She’ll be better than no one.”

  It wasn’t much of a recommendation, but Lizzie was thankful that he spoke up for her. “Faith Lapp is out in the waiting room. She said she’ll let Bishop Zook know what has happened.”

  Joe pushed up on one elbow, his eyes blazing. “I don’t want that busybody Esther Zook in my house, do you hear me?”

  Lizzie was stunned by his outburst. Carl rose and eased Joe back on the bed. “I thought you liked the bishop. You told me he was a good man.”

  “He’s a good man married to a shrew of a woman. She’ll turn her nose up at everything I own and tell folks what a pity it is that I’ve let the place go to ruin. I don’t want her to set foot inside my door.”

  Lizzie moved to stand beside him on the other side of the bed. “I won’t let her in. I promise.”

  The outside door opened and the nurse entered. “The ambulance is here. I’m going to have you both step into the waiting room while they get Mr. Shetler ready for transport. Which one of you is going to ride with him?”

  “I will,” Lizzie said quickly.

  “Nee, you go home. I want Carl to come.”

  Lizzie had to concede. Of course he wanted his friend, not the careless granddaughter he barely knew who put him here in the first place.

  The nurse gestured to Lizzie to come with her. When they were outside in the hallway, she said, “We haven’t met. I’m Amber White. I’ll make arrangements for a driver to take you to the hospital.”

  Embarrassed, Lizzie shook her head. “I have no money to pay a driver.”

  “Don’t worry about that. We have a fund set up for just such an emergency. All the local Amish churches donate to it. The driver will make sure you get to the hospital and that you get home when you are ready. Just let the receptionist have your name and address.”

  “I don’t know how to thank you.”

  “Of course you do. Someday, you will see a person in need, and you will help them. That is all the thanks I require.” Amber went back to the room and Lizzie went to speak to the woman behind the desk.

  * * *

  Carl rode in the back of the ambulance strapped into a small seat out of the way of the crew, but situated where he could see Joe. His friend’s color was so pale that Carl began to worry something else was wrong. At the hospital, Carl stood aside and tried to keep out of the way as they admitted Joe and readied him for surgery.

  When a lull in the activity finally occurred, the two men were alone for a few minutes.

  Joe looked over at him. “With that long face, you make a man think you’re on your way to a funeral.”

  “It will be a long time before anyone plants you in the ground, Woolly Joe.”

  “I hope so, but a man never knows what the good Lord has in store for him. Could be that I�
��m on my way to see Him now and just don’t know it.”

  “Lizzie feels bad enough. If you decide to die, she’s gonna feel awful.”

  “She should go stay with the Sutters instead of staying on the farm.”

  “If you are worried about her safety or anything else, don’t be.”

  “No, it isn’t that. I know you’ll watch over her. I have no worries on that score. It’s just that a sheep farm isn’t any place for a woman.”

  “You don’t give Lizzie enough credit. She can handle the work and then some.”

  “I bought the place a year before I married Lizzie’s grandmother. My wife, Evelyn, hated it. She hated the sheep. She hated the smell of them. She hated the long hours and the hard work during the lambing season. I thought she would grow to love it as I did, but that never happened. After a few years, I realized it wasn’t the farm. She was never happy with me.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that.”

  “The Lord didn’t bless us with a child until we were close to thirty. I thought having a baby on the place would make a difference to Evelyn, but it didn’t. She died when Abigail was only two. I didn’t want the girl to grow up hating the place the way her mother did. I sent her to live with my wife’s sister until she was fourteen. I visited her every week, but I’m not sure it was enough. Maybe if I had kept her with me from the start, she would’ve felt differently about leaving the way she did. Maybe she thought I didn’t care about her, but I did. I loved my little girl.”

  Carl laid a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Joe, if you give Lizzie half a chance, she will grow to love you as I do.”

  Joe shook his head. “It’s better to be alone. You take care of my sheep while I’m laid up, you hear me?”

  “I hear you. The sheep will be fine.”

  “I know they will be with you looking out for them. You and I, we get along okay. We don’t need anyone else.”

  Carl had spent the past five years believing that was true, but now he wasn’t so sure. He was learning that a life spent alone could be painfully lonely.