Anna's Trials (Living Plain Book 1)

by June Belfie

  “And another a year later,” Naomi said, joining in their laughter.

  “Bring your little ones here tomorrow and I’ll watch them while you two go visiting,” Sharon suggested.

  “Denki. It would help. I hope Allie won’t get upset without me here.”

  “She’ll have the other kinner to play with. She’ll be fine.”

  “I hope so,” Naomi said, her lips drawn.

  “We shouldn’t be too long,” Virginia said. “I figure it’s about half an hour’s ride.”

  The women returned to their sewing project and then had lunch before departing. Naomi wondered if she should tell Abe what she was up to, and decided against it. No sense building up his hopes. The woman may be totally disinterested.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Josiah Yoder was always prompt. Beth approved of that trait. He also was a gentleman. Another plus. His looks were definitely average. He wouldn’t stand out in a crowd, but she wasn’t a woman known to care about a man’s appearance—as long as he was clean. It was a man’s character that counted and so far, he had passed with high scores. He was intelligent, polite, talented, hard-working… So why wasn’t she more interested in him as a potential suitor?

  She wondered at her own question as she smoothed back her twisted hair and organized it under her kapp. His joke about having her hair in order brought a smile to her face as she flattened it with her fingers, shoving a few loose ends underneath.

  An unwanted thought came into her head. She wondered what Randy Gordon was doing at that very moment. She remembered the freedom she had enjoyed the day she had gone “English” and worn her hair loose. There were some of the Amish rules which frustrated her, though on the whole, she accepted her restrictions without thought. Perhaps his face came into her mind because he worked in Lititz and that’s where Josiah was taking her for lunch. Goodness, what if they met? So what? What’s the difference? Neither of the men meant much to her. They were just guys she knew. It’s not like she was in love with them. Either of them.

  She twisted her mouth into a pucker and turned in front of the small mirror to make sure her apron was pinned on properly. She’d chosen the lighter green frack, since she thought it was more becoming. Perhaps it did matter what Josiah thought, after all.

  “Beth, I hear a buggy coming down the drive,” her mother called up. It’s probably your date.”

  “I’ll be right down.” Her heartbeat quickened slightly. All right, admit it, it’s not every day a man takes me out to a restaurant. I’ll keep an open mind. After all, he is Amish and that counts for a lot.

  Josiah knocked on the front door at exactly twelve o’clock. Beth came down and opened the door for him. “You’re right on time.”

  He grinned. “And so are you. Gut trait.”

  “Jah, I agree.”

  After Josiah greeted her mother, they left for the restaurant. The trip was enjoyable and Beth was pleased that he had chosen an open buggy since the weather was warmer than normal for October. Indian summer, they called it.

  “You look very nice,” he stated as he glanced over.

  “Denki,” she said, staring straight ahead. His eyes returned to the road and she leaned back in her seat, enjoying the clopping of the horse’s hooves on the berm. There were times when vehicles passed that she was concerned. Josiah, though careful, was rather impatient and kept the horse moving at a quick pace—even faster than she thought prudent.

  They tethered the horse a distance from the center of town and walked the rest of the way. A few tourists stared, but most of the residents were used to seeing Amish and accepted them as part of the landscape.

  After being seated, they decided on their sandwiches and Beth ordered hot tea.

  “I guess you didn’t come up with any potential employees for me, did you?” he asked as he placed his napkin on his lap.

  “I confess, I didn’t give it another thought.”

  “Honesty.”

  “Jah, that’s me. I will try to remember to give it some thought though.”

  “It wouldn’t be for a while yet anyway. It’s not like I can afford the help now.”

  “But you’re pleased with the fact that you have three jobs already?”

  “Actually, four now. Someone called back this morning to place an order.”

  “I forgot you have a phone.”

  “Special permission,” he said with a smile.

  “You’re lucky we have a modern thinking bishop.”

  “I guess so. I’m purchasing a computer for my business, too. Already got his permission for that.”

  “Internet?”

  “Nee. Not allowed. It’s just for the bookkeeping and inventory. I don’t care about having the Internet. Too much temptation.”

  “I’ve never even tried one. I’d be scared, I guess.”

  “Why, Beth, I wouldn’t think anything would scare you,” he said with a wink.

  “Not much does, but I guess it’s because of the unknown. Anyway I have no interest. I get my information from books.”

  “I just finished a book about trees of North America. I need to learn more about some of the qualities of the different woods I’ll be using. I’ve never worked with pecan wood and it’s popular with some people.”

  “Never thought about them being different to work with.”

  He then went into a full discussion on the difference of soft woods versus hard, dark stains and light, the use of mineral spirits and turpentine. She got quite an education, whether she wanted to or not. She had the courtesy to stifle a yawn once and he didn’t seem to notice her hand raised over her mouth.

  The sandwiches were placed before them and they both lowered their heads in prayer. Then they proceeded to eat. Beth was surprised that she was self-conscious as she chewed. She took smaller bites and washed down the food with water.

  “Beth, hey, how are you?”

  Good grief, it was him. Randy. She and Josiah looked up at the handsome young man standing before their table.

  “Hi, Randy. Gut. Meet my friend—Josiah Yoder. This is Randy Gordon.”

  Randy extended his hand at the same time Josiah stood and extended his. They shook rapidly, each gripping the other’s hand with unnecessary strength. Josiah sat back down.

  “Did you come in a buggy?” Randy asked.

  “Jah,” Josiah answered. “Of course. What else would we use?”

  “Oh, I thought maybe you had a driver.”

  “Nee,” Beth said quickly. “We like to take the buggy in gut weather. How’s the banking business?”

  “Same as ever. People seem to need a place to put their money. As long as they do, I’ll have a job.”

  “Jah, the English like others to hold their money for them.” Josiah sat a little straighter. “In my business, I like to be in charge. I keep it at my home.”

  Beth nearly broke out into a laugh. Like his business had even brought in one dollar at this point was questionable.

  After a couple more comments, Randy left their side and went to order take-out.

  “So how do you know a banker?” Josiah asked.

  “We met at market. He helped a friend at one of the stands.”

  “Mmm. Ever go out with him?”

  “That’s a funny thing to ask. Why would you even think that?”

  “I guess the way he looked at you. Like a man looking at a woman he cares about.”

  “Goodness, aren’t you dramatic.” She laughed self-consciously into her napkin. “We didn’t really date. Just spent a little time together a couple times.”

  “Be careful,” Josiah said softly, “English guys are different from us. They’ll take advantage of girls.”

  “I’m a big girl, Josiah. I can take care of myself.”

  He wagged his head. “I had a friend who thought she could handle any situation, but it didn’t work that way.”

  She didn’t know whether to be annoyed or touched by his concern. She certainly didn’t want to hear any ugly details about
his friend, so she changed the subject.

  “I’m starting a new quilt. I finished the one I was working on last week.”

  “That’s nice.”

  “Bored?”

  He laughed. “Did I sound bored?”

  “Jah.” She grinned at him and took a chip from her plate, crunching it between her teeth. “It even bored me a tiny bit.”

  “Sorry. I’m sure quilting is lots of fun when you know how to do it.”

  “Not particularly fun, but I do like to see the results. I love mixing colors. I wish sometimes I could paint in watercolor.”

  “I bet you’d be gut.”

  Beth noticed Randy was leaving. He turned and waved, but she merely smiled over. No sense in getting another lecture from Josiah. My goodness, now she had three parents!

  That evening while cleaning up the kitchen together, her mother asked about the luncheon date.

  “It was nice. Food was gut.”

  “And?”

  “And what?”

  “You know…do you like him? Did he ask you out again?”

  “Nee. We parted on happy terms, but nothing was said about another date. That’s the way I like it.”

  “Ach. You’re not getting any younger, Beth.”

  “Really? My, I didn’t realize that.”

  “Don’t get flip with me, young lady.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound fresh. I know I’m getting old for an Amish woman who hasn’t married, but I’m hardly over the hill. When I’m ready, I’ll let you know.”

  “Maybe we should try to encourage him to visit your schwester. Anna is about his age”

  “Sure, why not? Though she’s never shown any sign of interest. She’s still grieving, you know. We have to let her decide when she’s ready, if ever, for another man in her life.”

  “You’re right. I’d best be quiet. Last pot, Beth. Here.”

  She handed her daughter the saucepan from the broccoli, still dripping wet.

  After they were done, Beth went for a long walk. She was sorry she’d run into Randy. It only served to open a wounded heart, which she thought had healed over permanently. Well, some women settle for less than love. Sometimes love grows as time passes in a marriage. In the end, it could be more solid that way. A relationship founded on respect and common interests. Those she could honestly say were developing between her and Josiah. If he wanted to see her again, she’d accept. If he didn’t? So be it. It would be Gott’s will either way. Of that, she was certain.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Naomi left a crying Allie behind as she and Virginia climbed in the buggy to head for the widow’s home. Sharon looked out from her doorway, holding the little child, as she tried to distract her with a stuffed teddy.

  “Poor sweetheart, she’s so insecure. I hope I’m doing the right thing by leaving her,” Naomi said as she waved over.

  “We’ll be back before you know it. She knows Sharon and her kinner. I bet she’ll settle down—probably as soon as we’re out of sight.”

  After chatting a few minutes, Virginia asked if Abe was aware of their mission.

  “Nee, I didn’t see any point in telling him. What if she has three eyes or smells bad?”

  Virginia laughed and shook her head. “I guess there’s plenty of time to tell him. She may not want anything to do with the idea. Who knows?”

  “I hope she won’t be insulted.”

  “Nee, she shouldn’t be. After all, it’s your bruder we’re talking about. She should see it as an honor that you would even consider them marrying.”

  “I guess. How much further?”

  “A couple miles yet.”

  They rode in silence for several minutes. Naomi could feel dampness under her arms and on the palms of her hands. She was beginning to have second thoughts about this whole idea, when Virginia announced she saw the house. It was very small and sat close to the road. The barn behind it looked in disrepair. It struck Naomi odd that it was in such poor shape. Usually Amish families got together to help each other keep up with the maintenance of their properties.

  When they stopped, they looped the reins around a post and made their way to the front door where Naomi knocked rapidly. A few moments later, a young boy with disheveled hair opened the door and stood staring at them. He had what appeared to be jam smeared on his mouth and chin.

  “Hallo. Is your mamm home?”

  He nodded and yelled back toward the interior of the house for his mother. A large untidy woman with a spotted apron appeared behind him. Her soiled kapp sat haphazardly on a brown bun. “Jah? What do you want?”

  “Uh, are you Lilly Lapp?”

  “Jah. That’s me.” She turned toward her son who was wide-eyed and silent. “Go stay with your bruder till I call you. Go! Now!”

  Naomi could see inside. Everything was topsy-turvy, and it smelled like old garbage even from where they stood. She had very negative feelings about the whole business.

  “What do you want?” the woman asked gruffly, not opening the door any further.

  “We…we think we’re lost,” Naomi practically whispered. She could see Virginia’s body stiffen out of the side of her eye. She prayed silently that her friend wouldn’t say anything about their real mission.

  “Where do you want to be?” asked the gruff voice.

  Anywhere, but here. “Uh, the school house.”

  “Which one?”

  “The closest one,” Virginia said quickly, reading her friend’s mind.

  Two dirty faces appeared from behind their mother plus a mangy looking dog about the size of a small truck. His low growl sounded menacing.

  “Just turn right and go about a mile.” The door closed abruptly and noisily. Virginia and Naomi stared at each other and then turned toward the buggy.

  After they pulled onto the road and were headed back home, Virginia let out a low whistle. “That was scary.”

  “I’m glad we realized in time. What if we’d been invited right in and we hadn’t noticed the smell?” Naomi asked.

  “You couldn’t not notice. It smelled like a cesspool. Good grief! Her husband lucked out,” she added.

  “Virginia, that’s a terrible thing to say,” Naomi said with a grin.

  “Do you want to run an errand or anything as long as we’re out anyway?”

  “Actually, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to see how Allie is doing.”

  “Naomi, I know it isn’t any of my business, but as your friend, I need to talk to you about something. I think you’re growing too close to your niece. In the end, it might make matters harder.”

  “I don’t see how! Abe needs me now and so do his children. This is what families are for.”

  “I know that. I don’t mean you shouldn’t be there to help, but Abe has to take his dochder home with him. She’ll get used to it soon enough. It’s just making matters worse this way.”

  “He’s tried. Allie’s so little. Why do you think I want him to find a wife? I know it’s not an ideal solution, but there aren’t any rule books on dealing with grief-stricken toddlers that I know about. Each case is different. I pray all the time for them.”

  “Oh, I know you do, Naomi. I shouldn’t have spoken my mind. I have no idea how I’d handle it if I were in the same situation. And just because Lilly didn’t turn out to be the one doesn’t mean there isn’t someone else right now who would be perfect for your bruder and his kinner. I’ve been praying, too, and I won’t stop until things are better. Forgive me?”

  “For what? Caring about us? It’s okay, really. I know people have different ideas and I don’t know what the best way to go really is, but my heart moves me in the direction I’m going. I love Abe and his family, and until Gott tells me otherwise, I’ll just be there for them in any way possible.”

  A few minutes later they pulled up to Sharon’s home. As they came through the back door, they heard the children playing together. There were no screams and no tears, but when Allie caught sight of her aunt, sh
e squealed and ran over for a hug. Naomi looked over at Virginia who smiled back and nodded.

  Sharon giggled when she got the report from her friends.

  “I hope Gott will forgive me for lying,” Naomi said with a frown.

  “Jah, me too. Gott has a sense of humor, I’m thinking. Maybe he needed a gut laugh today too.”

  Virginia shook her head and poured herself another cup of coffee. “Quite a day,” she said as Allie ran over and climbed on Naomi’s lap. Their house cat climbed up on Virginia’s lap and the young women enjoyed the rest of their day together.

  Lancaster County

  Anna added a few small logs to the kitchen fireplace and sat back to watch as the flames hugged the dry wood and danced animatedly, lighting and warming her cheeks. It was Friday, and the children were still at school, though they’d be home soon enough. The boys seemed more unruly this past week. Her brother, Zach and his wife, Lottie, had suggested sending the boys over to their place for the week-end to give her a needed break. Though she felt it was almost a sign of defeat, she took them up on it and had a bag with clothing packed for them already. At first Rachel wanted to go too, but then she decided her mother needed her to be there so she wouldn’t be too lonely. Anna actually was pleased. It would have been too quiet, that was for sure and for certain. Rachel was such a sweet companion. Anna loved her sons ever so much, but there were times she had no idea how to handle them, whereas Rachel strove to please at every turn.

  There was still time to finish cleaning the kitchen before they returned home, so she filled a bucket with water and wiped down the front of the sink cabinet. Then she turned to the small refrigerator and began removing fingerprints when she noticed the clipping of the poor soul who had lost his wife and three children in that horrible buggy accident.

  When she first placed the notice on her refrigerator, she had been faithful about praying for them every morning and evening, but as of late, she had been forgetful. She took it down and re-read it, taking her time to pray for the three remaining children as well as the father.