by Molly Jebber
She hadn’t told Sarah she’d attended Becca’s and Ruth’s weddings. Mrs. Carrington hadn’t attended Ruth’s wedding, but she might mention Becca’s. It would be best if she admitted to it before Mrs. Carrington did. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Carrington. I should’ve remembered you from the wedding. Yes, Becca and I are close friends.”
“Becca has taken to high society life quite well, after having been raised in your simple and sheltered lifestyle. Of course, I have taught her how to dress, speak, and conduct herself among our friends.” She cocked her head and patted the quilt. “Are you certain you will not reconsider selling me this quilt? It is my friend’s favorite color.”
Grace darted her eyes to Mark. He stood and studied a black and white patchwork quilt. He could hear every word of this conversation. How should she handle this woman? She was certain Sarah wouldn’t approve of her attending Becca’s wedding. Neither would Mark. She had put herself and her parents at great risk. She and her parents would be shamed if the bishop found out. Mrs. Carrington’s blatant rude behavior about the quilt added to her headache. “No, I’m sorry. Are you positive there isn’t another quilt in the shop you’d like? As I said earlier, we could have a quilt like the one you want ready for you in about a week.”
“My husband and I are passing through town on our way to visit friends. I must purchase a birthday gift for my friend. I need it today, and I want this one. Please do not be stubborn.”
This woman was merciless. Grace had never met anyone quite like her. “Mrs. Carrington, I won’t change my mind. Please choose another quilt, and we’ll lower the price for your inconvenience.”
Mrs. Carrington glared at Grace and slid on her gloves. She opened her mouth but shut it, swung open the door, and slammed it shut behind her.
Mark winked. “You treated her with kindness. I couldn’t keep a straight face. The woman was determined to badger you until you agreed to her demand. You stood your ground and didn’t compromise your principles, which is very commendable. Good for you.”
His words echoed and warmed her heart. Grace pressed a hand to her neck. “Poor Becca. She’s told me stories about how ruthless Mrs. Carrington’s actions were to separate her from Dr. Matt Carrington before they married. Becca claims she treats her like a dochder now, but she said Mrs. Carrington’s rudeness to folk not in her high society circle of friends embarrasses her when they’re out together. She obviously doesn’t hold us in high regard. Nonetheless, I didn’t like having to disappoint her.”
Sarah waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t give her another thought.”
Grace rolled her shoulders back. “You’re both correct. Danki for your support.”
“Go visit Mark’s shop, and then we need to talk later.” Sarah gave her a stern look.
“I won’t be long.” She stepped inside his store.
Dreading her conversation about Becca with Sarah, she wondered if Mark would also want to speak to her about Becca. Maybe she should approach the subject first after perusing his store. She didn’t want any awkwardness to linger between them.
Mark viewed the wall clock. “It’s time to open my store.” He slipped to the front door, turned the key, and flipped a neatly lettered wooden sign to OPEN and rejoined her.
The finely crafted oak headboards and bed frames stacked along the wall caught her attention. The light-colored desk and spindle chair in the corner gleamed in the sunlight in front of the window. She studied the rocking horses, bread and potato boxes, cedar chests, and kitchen furniture. “Your work is exquisite. You’re quite talented.”
The maple potato and bread boxes and pine carved trains, dogs, cats, rabbits, and X’s and O’s for tic-tac-toe were all arranged neatly in the store. She reached for a rabbit he’d carved and sat it upright in the palm of her hand. “I’m amazed at the detail you were able to create in the bunny’s big eyes, ears, little nose, and mouth. The Englischers’ kinner will love them. Everything you have is stunning.”
“You’re too kind, Grace.” He reached for a carved doll the size of her hand, without a face, and pressed it in her palm. “This doll is for you.”
Her breath caught. His slender fingers and the calloused skin on his hands warmed hers. “Danki, I love it.” No man, other than her daed, had ever given her a present. She would treasure the doll. The toy would remind her of him every time she beheld it.
He slid his hand off hers. “I’m pleased you like the gift.”
A tingle rose from her head to her toes. She liked him a lot.
The door opened. Mark stepped back and greeted a customer. “May I help you?”
The Englischer stroked the ornate oak headboard. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to browse on my own.”
“Please take your time.” The woman moved to the far end of the store.
Grace studied the second shelf. “Your ideas for wooden trains with moving side doors are smart. Little boys will like them. I believe your store will be empty in no time. Customers will want to buy everything.”
“I would be happy if they did, but I doubt they’ll be half as excited about my things as you. Danki for your support. Your opinion means a lot to me.”
She didn’t want to put off discussing Becca with him any longer. Mark’s customer was out of earshot.
She lowered her voice. “You must have overheard me say I attended Becca Carrington’s wedding in Massillon. She’s my Amish friend who joined the church but left our community to marry a doctor. Her parents invited me to go with them to visit her. We went to Massillon to buy supplies, but I also spent time with Becca. I attended her schweschder Ruth’s wedding too.”
“I could tell by Sarah’s frown and tone, she disapproves of your actions. Has she lost anyone to the world?”
“No, and she and Becca weren’t close.”
“I’m not going to pass judgment on you. My bruder, Abel, joined the church then departed to live among the Englisch. I understand I’m to act as if he’s dead, but I find this Amish law the most difficult. It pains me to not know if he’s all right. I love my bruder. We were close. I miss him.” He shook his head. “It’s hard to separate ourselves from friends and family who leave this life.”
“I agree. Where is he?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t have the slightest idea.”
A tall Englischer with a thick black mustache and tailored suit entered. Mark greeted the patron. “May I help you?”
Grace swallowed around the lump in her throat. She had struggled with obeying Amish law where Becca was concerned, but it must be harder for Mark to shun his flesh-and-blood bruder. She was glad he trusted her enough to share such an intimate detail about his life. His face read relief when a customer interrupted their conversation. She wouldn’t question him about his sibling. This was his first day to open his new shop. She didn’t want to ruin his excitement or run the risk of someone overhearing them talking about anyone who had left Amish life. They’d be punished.
The man studied a chestnut hope chest. “I’d like to buy this. Would you help me load it?”
“Of course. I’ll be with you in a moment.”
Grace whispered to him. “I’ll leave and kumme back later. You’re busy.”
“Please wait. This won’t take long.”
Mark accepted the patron’s money and helped him carry and load the chest in his cart.
She viewed him through the window. What strong arms he had. He’d delivered the heavy chest into the man’s cart as if it was as light as a feather.
He returned. “What a nice way to start the day. I’ve spent time with you and collected money already.” He held up his fistful of silver dollars.
“And the day’s not over yet.”
They both laughed.
Her face warmed. This Amish man had it all. Handsome features, a kind heart, and was talented.
“I should let you get to work. Kumme to our shop for dinner. I brought sandwiches again today.”
“I will. Do you have butter cookies?”
/>
“Yes, are those your favorite?”
“Jah, and oatmeal cookies.”
Grace chuckled. “I’ll bring oatmeal cookies another day.”
The door between their shops opened. Sarah waved her over. “A wagon train is traveling through town. A crowd of women entered our shop, and I need help.”
Grace bid Mark farewell and scurried behind Sarah. The women huddled around her and asked questions about the quilt patterns. Beads of sweat formed on her lip, and her body heated. Sarah stood behind the counter. A line of women clutched quilts to their chests, had coins in their hands, and were ready to pay for their purchases. Other patrons were perusing their selection of textiles. Grace answered customers’ questions and, upon request, unfolded coverlets for them to view.
The last woman in the store departed. Grace fanned a hand inches from her face, plopped in a chair, and gestured for Sarah to join her. “I’m thankful we sold a lot of quilts, but I’m exhausted.” She remembered the small miniature wooden doll in her pocket. “Mark gave me this toy today. Isn’t it pretty?”
Sarah traced the outline of the doll. “It is pretty. He must like you a lot to give you a gift. I’m hoping he’s the one for you. He’s kind and a hard worker.” She passed the toy back to Grace and dipped her chin. “I’m sorry to dampen your mood, but we must discuss you attending Becca’s wedding. I’m upset with you for what you’ve done, Grace. You said you went with her parents several times to buy supplies in Massillon last year. You know better than to put yourself and your family at risk.”
Grace chewed her lip. “I’m sorry. I did buy supplies, but I also went to Becca’s and Ruth’s weddings. I couldn’t tell you and compromise you, too. Since Becca’s parents have passed, I won’t be visiting her again.”
Sarah sighed. “I accept your apology, and I forgive you. Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone what you’ve done. You’re my friend, and I love you.”
Grace wiped tears from her face. “It’s hard for me to let her go. She means a lot to me. We’ve been close most of our lives.”
“I sympathize, but Becca understood she’d be shunned by her family and the Amish community when she left the Amish life. You need to accept she can’t be a part of your life anymore.” She smoothed her apron. “Did you say anything to Mark about attending Becca’s wedding? You might ruin his positive impression of you if he learns you’re not abiding by Amish law and shunning her.”
“I told him about her. He has a bruder who joined the Amish church then left to live among the Englisch. He understands my struggle to sever ties with Becca based on his own situation with his bruder.”
Sarah covered her open mouth. “He shouldn’t have mentioned him to you.”
“He’s not in communication with him.”
She should’ve known better than to share this information with her friend. Sarah didn’t have any compassion for anyone who left the Amish life. “A patron interrupted us. We didn’t discuss his bruder any further.”
“For your sake, I’m relieved he understood your situation with Becca, even though he should’ve scolded you for communicating with her. He’s abiding by Amish law and staying away from his bruder, and so should you stay away from Becca. I don’t want anything to change his mind about you. I have said enough on the matter.” She sat in silence for a few moments then opened her mouth. “Something else is bothering me.”
Grace sucked in her bottom lip. What else had she done to upset Sarah? Nothing came to mind. “What is it?”
“I wish I could have a boppli. What’s wrong with me? It’s been a year. I’m scared. What if I’m unable to have kinner?”
Breathing a sigh of relief, Grace slid her chair close to her friend. “God has a plan for your life. Be patient. You’re young and have plenty of time for kinner. I believe you will have a boppli when you least expect it.” She prayed Sarah would find herself with child soon.
Her friend longed for a child more than anything else in her life.
“I hope you’re right.” She rubbed her tummy. “Are you hungry?”
It’s dinnertime. Her stomach grumbled. “I’ll check with Mark and ask if he’s hungry.” The door swung inward before she could put her hand on the knob. She jumped back, waved her arms, and regained her balance.
Mark reached for her. “I should be more careful when opening this door. Are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” She hugged herself. No, I’m more than fine. Thanks to the joy dancing in my heart from your touch. “Kumme in. Are you ready for dinner?”
Grace lifted the lid on the worn wicker picnic basket and pulled out beef sandwiches and butter cookies. “It’s time to take a break.”
Mark dragged three chairs and a small table together in a circle in the middle of the floor. “A flood of people filled my store all at once. I had a line outside waiting to get in. I collected a pretty good sum of money this morning. I’ll have to carve more toys this week. My top shelf is almost bare.”
Grace readied three plates of food. “You’re off to a good start.” She handed Mark a plate.
Sarah clasped the handle of the white china pitcher and filled three glasses. She set them on the table and sat.
Mark bit into his sandwich. “Grace, this beef sandwich is tasty.”
“Mamm packed dinner for us today. I’ll pass along your danki to her.”
“Wait until you try her mamm’s famous butter cookies. She wrote out the recipe for me, but she must’ve left out an ingredient. Mine aren’t as sweet as hers.”
“She does make the best butter cookies.” Grace wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Mark, is there anything I can do to help you?”
“Not at the moment. It’s nice to know you’ll be next door if I need anything.” He met her gaze.
Her skin tingled and her body warmed. No, it wasn’t her imagination. He liked her, too. His eyes were like mirrors to his soul. She held a hand to her heart. Would Mark shun his bruder if he encountered him? Had Mark ever contemplated leaving the Amish life like his bruder? She swallowed hard and hoped not.
Mark added more toys to his shelves and contemplated meeting Grace’s parents. She’d be at church with her parents tomorrow. Maybe she or Levi would introduce him to her parents. If they didn’t, he would introduce himself. Would Mr. and Mrs. Blauch approve of him? Would they ask questions about his family? He told Grace about his bruder. Would she ask more questions about Abel? At least she understood since she was experiencing the same dilemma with her friend Becca.
The Ordnung came to mind. It clearly stated anyone who left the Amish order shouldn’t be mentioned and should be considered dead. He hung his head and scratched his chin. This law was the hardest for him to follow.
Mark reached for his razor and sharpened it on his leather strap Sunday morning. After he splashed his face with water, he lathered it with soap. Putting the razor to his neck, he shaved a small patch of yesterday’s growth. Wanting to look his best for Grace, he’d be careful not to nick himself.
Mark dressed in a crisp white shirt, pants, and suspenders. Grabbing a clean cloth, he wiped the dirt off his plain black leather boots. That should do it. Ready to attend church, he put on his black hat and headed to the barn to fetch his buggy.
He steered his horse to the church. Heart pounding, he prayed. “Dear Heavenly Father, please give me words to say to Grace’s parents. This I pray and ask in your name. Amen.”
The big two-story white barn stood surrounded by buggies and wagons in the middle of a green grassy field. A stable stood next to it for the horses. He handed the reins to the young Amish stable hand, no doubt selected by the bishop to handle the horses, and thanked him. He spotted Levi outside the front door. “Can you show me where to sit?”
“Jah. Kumme and I’ll introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Blauch.”
Mark’s heart thudded against his ribs.
The hay stacked in the loft and on the sides provided his favorite fresh scent. Men dressed like him in all shapes and sizes filled t
he structure. Husbands sat with their fraas and kinner, and unmarried men sat apart from the unwed women.
Levi gestured to Mr. and Mrs. Blauch. “I’d like you to meet Mark King. He is the man who bought the Stoltzfuses’ haus next to my place. You should visit his furniture store in town. He will have to tell you about it.”
Mr. Blauch stood and accepted his hand. “Wilkom to Berlin.”
Mrs. Blauch rose. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Grace told me what stunning shelves you built for her and Sarah’s shop. It was generous of you to take the time to help them out.” She pointed to Grace and Sarah. “They will be back in a minute. They are speaking with Jonah Keim, our neighbor’s little boy.”
Mark traced the brim of his hat with his fingers. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” He sat across from them with the other unwed men and studied Mr. Blauch, who had taken a seat next to Grace’s mamm. The man was average height and build. His hands had raised thick blue veins on top. Very little hair remained on his head.
Mrs. Blauch had dimpled cheeks and spectacles sat halfway down her nose. A wisp of brown hair, like Grace’s, had escaped her kapp. She was a round, short woman with bright brown eyes like her dochder’s. He found them warm and welcoming.
He recognized Grace’s voice. She and a little boy, he guessed about six years old, were laughing. The child had an angelic face, brown eyes, brown hair, and a small frame. He was jabbering away.
Grace and Sarah joined him, with the boy between them. “Good morning, Mark. I’d like you to meet my friend, Jonah Keim. Jonah, this is Mark King.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, and you can call me Mark.”
Sarah kissed Jonah’s head. “He’s a sweetheart. I want a son like him.”
Jonah pointed to his open mouth. “My tooth popped out when I jumped off the porch last night. I had a hard time bitin’ into my apple this mornin’.”
