by June Belfie
“Our Brownie-girl is special. She has one ear that sticks up and the other one flops. Has been that way since birth.”
“Then I must see her. Perhaps she’ll start a new breed.”
Beth enjoyed her time with Josiah. It was the first man since Randy who interested her even slightly. They went back and joined the others. She smiled at Anna and her sister knew immediately that it went well. Sisters know those things.
Chapter Nine
“He’s even studying Greek,” Beth told her sister the next afternoon when she went over to help Anna can tomatoes.
“That sounds right up your alley, Schwester. A schmaert man to challenge.”
“He’s not so gut to look at, though.”
“Does that really matter?”
“I guess not. It might help, but that’s not the most important thing. Did you think Jeremiah was nice looking?”
“Oh jah. Didn’t you?”
“Ach. I didn’t look at him with eyes like that. He was always your beau.”
“If he hadn’t been, would you have found him attractive?”
“Probably not.”
“Huh! We have very different opinions then.”
“Don’t be upset, Anna. I’m just speaking the truth.”
“Don’t you always!”
“That’s not a bad thing.”
“Nee, I know. I’m being silly, I guess. So now you’re considering an Amish man and I can stop my worrying about you yanking over to the English?”
“Well, I’m not married yet, Anna. I make no promises.” She smiled and reached for another batch of canning jars. “How many quarts have you prepared?”
“Not counting today, about fifty. I have do up my pickles soon, too. Can you come by to help when it’s time?”
“Sure, though Mamm’s going to need me to help, too.” After a moment of silence, she added, “I’m thinking about teaching. I heard they’re looking for someone to take over next month now that Gertie is married.”
“I thought you hated teaching.”
“I was an aide. I got bored just correcting papers. I think actually teaching a class would be different. Anyway, it would give me something to do.”
“I suppose. You know I’ll miss you.” Anna checked the boiling kettle with the jars. She looked over at her sister. “By the way, the boys know the switch story was made up. Daed told them.”
“Oh, no. It was working for you, too. Why did he tell?”
“They asked him.”
“So, they haven’t been too bad today.”
“Yet.”
“How about last night? Did they give you a hard time at bedtime?”
“Oh jah. Just like before. I gave up and let them stay up till ten. It wasn’t worth the aggravation. I get so worn out, Beth.”
“Maybe you should be the one looking at Josiah. He’d probably be a gut daed—strict and all.”
“I’m not the least bit interested in another husband.”
“Usually we Amish don’t wait for love after the death of a spouse. Second time it’s for other reasons.”
“I know. Like security. It may be how some feel about it, but I’d hate to marry someone just for convenience.”
“Maybe you’d have to think of it anyway, for the sake of your kinner.”
“Well, I’m definitely not interested in Herr Yoder or anyone else.”
“Just mentioning it, Anna. Of course, it would take a really gut man to take on your litter.”
“Denki, Schwester. You know how to make a woman feel gut.”
Rachel came running in the kitchen door. “Mark kicked the milk bucket and all the milk spilled! Luke’s chasing him with a broom!”
“Dear heaven. I can’t take much more,” Anna said as she followed her daughter outside. Beth turned down the flame under the tomatoes and stood at the window.
Teaching was looking better all the time.
Word got out that the school teacher was indeed in a family way and was looking for someone to take her place. Beth went and spoke to the committee which handled hiring, and she was immediately accepted since she had done so well aiding previously. As it got closer to September, she spent time going over the curriculum and made notes in preparation for her classes.
Josiah was pleasant when they met at church, but he had not been by to see her or the family. She heard through the grapevine that he was turning the small farmhouse on the property into his shop and leasing out most of the acreage to a neighbor. One day she found herself riding past his place on the way home from the school. He was outside with two other Amish men and they were painting the front of the building. She pulled in and he asked if she wanted to see his new shop.
“It’s almost ready to open,” he said as he led her into the showroom in what was once a sitting room and dining room combined. Cabinet doors were hanging on the walls in various woods and colors, as well as different designs. A counter had been built, which sat towards the back of the room and he had taken advantage of the sunny side by converting several small windows into two large picture windows.
“It’s wonderful,” Beth remarked as she went over to a maple cabinet and caressed the wood with her hand. “Lovely. You do fine work.”
“Denki.” His smile broadened as she made her way around the display area, taking time to touch the satiny finishes. “My mamm would love new cabinets. Maybe someday.”
“I heard you’re to be the new teacher in town.”
“Jah. I hope I don’t go insane.”
He laughed. “I’m sure you’ll do just fine. You probably know all the young scholars already.”
“Jah, and a lot of them are related. That’s what I’m afraid of,” she said, grinning.
“You’ll have help?”
“If I need it. Parents often show up to lend a hand. I’m not worried. Kids are usually afraid of me anyway. I can look mean when I want to.”
“Hard to believe,” he said. “Want to see the rest of the house?”
“Sure. So you’re going to live upstairs?”
“And down. The kitchen is in the back. Come, I’ll show you.” She followed him into a small room about half the size of her family’s kitchen. There was a coal stove at the far end and a sink on legs with a pump handle. One small cabinet sat next to the sink, piled high with cooking pots and utensils.
“Guess it’s not very impressive,” he said, softly.
“It’s adequate—especially for a single man.”
“I’ve been blessed to be asked out for dinner by many of my neighbors. Seems they all have single dochters or nieces or youngies they want to introduce me to.”
Beth laughed. “Nothing like a new bachelor to liven up the community.”
He pointed to a staircase and she went up first to the second floor. There were three rooms, intended to be bedrooms, but no bathroom. Beth looked outside and spotted an outhouse in the back yard. If she had had any ideas of marriage to this man, they pushed themselves back in her mind. Way back—Greek or not. Her family certainly couldn’t be considered well-to-do, but at least they had a decent, functional kitchen and an indoor bathroom—even with a shower.
After he pointed out a door to a closet—the only one in the house—they went downstairs.
“I’d better get home, Josiah. Mamm is having some of the family over tonight and I need to help with supper.”
“Denki for stopping by. I’ll try to get over to visit with your family next week.”
“Come for supper. Maybe Tuesday. I know nothing’s been planned.”
“You’re sure? I don’t want to impose.”
“It wouldn’t be. It’s gut for Anna’s boys to have men around. They behave better when they hear deep voices,” she said, smiling.
“What time should I show up?”
“Around five?”
“Denki. Five it is. Should I bring something?”
“Just an appetite.”
“Don’t worry, I always have that.”
She waved
as she turned her horse toward the road and made her way back to the house. Her interest had waned considerably. As nice and smart as he was, there were too many obstacles for a future with him. Right now, she felt quite content to be at home with a nice job in her future. She could help her sister tame her kinner and play aenti to them. It was kind of nice to be free of heavy responsibility.
Rose went over to help her daughter with the children one morning. While she prepared dough for bread, she looked over at Anna who was washing up the dishes from breakfast. The children were outside, supposedly doing their chores, but from the rumpus they made, it was doubtful they were concentrating on feeding the animals.
Rose noticed Anna was losing weight. Her work dresses were loose on her and she had mentioned having to pull her apron tighter around her waist before pinning it. Rose was concerned, and often brought over extra desserts. Today she had carried a toot of sticky buns, which were a favorite of Anna’s. Most were snatched up by the children as they headed out the door, but Rose held back three large ones for her daughter.
“Your schwester asked Josiah Yoder to come for dinner Tuesday night. I hope you can come and bring the family. It’s more fun with everyone together. Your bruder and his family plan to join us.”
“I’ll come, Mamm, but we probably won’t stay as late as usual. I’m determined to get the kinner down earlier for bed, since school starts next week.”
“It’s hard when it’s still light out.”
“Jah, everything’s hard.”
Rose stopped kneading the dough and wiped her hands. “Why don’t we stop and have tea and the sticky buns I brought. You’re working too hard.”
Anna nodded and set the kettle over the burner. Then she reached for her favorite pot and added two teabags of English Breakfast, her mother’s favorite.
After placing a clean dish cloth over the blob of dough and setting it near the stove to rise, Rose reached for two mugs and sat down to wait for the water to boil. Anna sat across from her and leaned over the table, resting her head in her hands. “I’m exhausted and it’s not even noon. I can’t wait for school to start so I can have some peace.”
“Are you surprised Beth took on the teaching position?”
“I was, actually. She’ll be gut, I think. She won’t take nonsense from the kids.”
“You’re right. I wish she’d settle down and marry, though. I was hoping she’d find Josiah interesting. He seems like her type. Real schmaert and all.”
“I thought the same. You say she did ask him to come for supper Tuesday? Maybe she’s more interested than she claims to be.”
“They talk a lot when they’re together. He smiles real big sometimes when he looks at her.”
Anna hesitated before confiding in her mother. “You know, Beth has spent time with an English man she met at market. She might be smitten with him.”
Rose set her mug down on the table and looked over with raised brows. “Don’t be silly. She told me she wasn’t ever going to get involved with a man who wasn’t Amish.”
“I hope it’s true. It would pain me something fierce if she left the Amish.”
“Don’t even say it, Anna. My heart would absolutely break. I’m simply not going to worry about it.”
“Just to be safe, we have to do something to encourage her and Josiah. I think he’d be perfect for her.”
“Jah, you’re right. Maybe I’ll get Daed to go over to help him with his new business. We can invite him over more frequently, too. Men love gut home cooking.”
“She mustn’t suspect we’re pushing anything, though,” Anna said.
Rose grinned. “I love playing cupid. Mum’s the word.” They sat and enjoyed their tea and Anna ate one and a half of the calorie-filled buns.
Chapter Ten
Tuesday, at quarter to five, Beth heard two buggies approach the house. The first one contained Anna’s family and right behind her, Josiah was driving an open buggy. She heard Josiah speak with Anna while he unharnessed the horses. He led them to the pasture as Anna herded the children towards the house.
Rose came into the kitchen from the yard. “They’re here, Beth. Now don’t be rude to our visitor and go off by yourself.”
“Would I ever do that?” she asked, scowling.
“Oh, jah. Many times, you’ve done it.”
“It depends. If I’m too bored, I’ll think of an excuse. Don’t forget, school starts in a week. I have plenty to prepare for.”
“You told me you were done with your preparations.”
“Hush, they’re coming in.”
After everyone greeted each other, Anna sent the children out to play. “We’ll eat in a few minutes, so don’t get dirty,” she called after them. Little Rachel lifted her clean dress several inches to prevent dragging it and nodded as the boys ran to the barn to grab a ball.
“She’s a cutie,” Josiah said as they watched her try to catch up with her brothers.
“I wish her bruders thought so. They’re always trying to leave her out of things. Poor little maed.”
He turned to Beth. “So, did you know I’m opening my shop next week?”
“Nee, I hadn’t heard. Gut for you. I saw your new sign yesterday when I passed by.”
“You like it?”
“Jah, but I think it should have larger letters with your hours.”
“Huh. I guess it’s too late for that.”
Rose looked over at Josiah. “Sorry to say, Zach stopped by earlier and he won’t be coming tonight. Two of the kinner have bad colds. Beth, show Josiah the new fence your daed put up last week.”
“Why?”
Rose cleared her throat and licked her lips. “He’d be interested, wouldn’t you, Josiah? Don’t forget he likes wood things,” she added, turning to Beth.
“Oh, jah, very interested,” Josiah said quickly.
“Very well. There’s nothing very original about it, though. Come with me,” she added as she headed toward the kitchen door. “Wanna join us, Anna?” she asked as she reached the door.
“Uh, I need to help Mamm. Go without me.”
Beth puckered her mouth. Did she suspect a conspiracy? Once they arrived at the pasture, she pointed out the new fence. “Daed isn’t going to paint it. He bought special wood.”
“Very nice.” He nodded and smiled.
“So how are you doing with the Greek?”
“Slow going. I’ve been too busy lately to even work on it much. By nightfall, I’m usually exhausted. Once I get my business going, I’ll have time to get back to it more seriously.”
“Mmm. Are you excited about your business?” She asked as they walked around the perimeter of the pasture, where his horse was grazing with their own.
“I am. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
“Don’t you miss your family?” she asked without turning around.
He stopped and she realized he was no longer following her. Embarrassed, she turned and took several steps back. “Shouldn’t I ask you things like that?”
“You can ask anything you’d like, Beth. Jah, I miss my family, but if I’m ever going to be able to marry and have a life of my own, I need to be independent. I have too many bruders who want to farm. I’m the only one who wanted to pursue another avenue. Besides, I love Pennsylvania. The people have made me feel very wilkum here.”
“I’m glad. And I know you didn’t want to take business away from the man who taught you your trade.”
“That was the main reason, but first I looked into a property in Ohio, which was about seventy miles from my family. It wasn’t a gut spot though, and the house on the land was too small.”
“Goodness, smaller than the one here?” Her brows rose at her wonderment.
“Believe it or not, jah. Much smaller.” He laughed awkwardly and she immediately regretted her question. She’d never learn.
“Tell me about your teaching. When do you start?”
“Next week. Right after Labor Day.”
“
Excited?”
“Nee. Scared.”
“Of?”
She laughed. “Oh, not the work— the kinner!”
He joined her laughter. “Do you want to marry someday and have your own?”
“Perhaps.”
“If you meet the right man?”
“I guess.”
“What would it take for you to find the right one? Tell me what he’d have to be like.”
“I don’t know.” She wrapped her arms around her waist. “I guess he’d have to be smarter than me. Ambitious. Kind.”
“Handsome?” His mouth drew down as he waited for her answer.
“Not necessarily. I’d have to find him attractive, but looks have never meant that much to me.”
He seemed relieved at her answer. “And well-to-do?”
“That’s a funny thing to ask an Amish woman.”
“I’m sorry. It was foolish.”
She wanted to tell him that indoor plumbing was important to her and having a decent kitchen, but for once she knew enough to keep those thoughts to herself. Funny, he seemed to fit her requirements, otherwise. She even felt her heart beat a little faster once, when their arms bumped each other. Mmm.
“We’d better go back. I’m sure Mamm’s about ready to ring the bell.”
They turned and headed back toward the house. Beth called out to her nephews to get cleaned up for supper. Rachel ran over to her and took her hand. “I’m glad you’re going to be my teacher, Aenti Beth.”
Beth grinned. “Really? You’re not afraid of me scolding you?”
“Nee. I’ll be a gut scholar. I want to be schmaert like you and Mamm someday.”
Josiah patted her head. “I think you’re already a schmaert little maed.”
“You do?”
“Jah.”
“I don’t want to be proud, though.”
“Nee, that would be a mistake,” he added quickly.
“My mamm said you might be proud, because you’re young and already have a business.”
“Well, it hasn’t even begun yet, Rachel, so I don’t know why she’d think that. If I succeed, it will be through hard work and the talent Gott has given me.”
