Episode? How harsh to think of their courtship as an episode. She was glad Caleb couldn’t read her mind. He wouldn’t be pleased with her choice of words.
“Well, um, I was looking for Mellie,” he said. He gripped his hat tightly, crunching the brim in his large hands.
“She’ll be here in a second. She went to fetch some bread.” Beth smiled at him, not knowing what else to chat about. The two of them seemed beyond idle talk.
He nodded and leaned against the doorframe. He had yet to really step foot into the shop.
Through the window, Beth spotted Mellie approach. She came to the door, pausing behind Caleb.
“Hello, Caleb,” Mellie said. She glanced at Beth, and her eyes were shadowed.
“Hello, Mellie.” Caleb put his hat back on his head. “Well, I’ll be going.” He looked from Beth and then back to Mellie. With a quick movement, he was out the door and gone.
Mellie didn’t move. Her face looked stricken. “Was he here to see you?” she asked, her voice hoarse.
Beth came around the counter. “Of course not, Mellie. He came to see you.”
“But why? And why’d he leave so quick like?”
“Because I’m here, and he doesn’t want to see me,” Beth said matter-of-factly.
“Are you sure, Beth?” Mellie stepped inside the shop. She looked ready to buckle.
“Mellie,” Beth cried, going to her. “Of course, I’m sure. He has no interest in me, and I have no interest at all in him. None whatsoever. Except as a beau to you. My interests lie elsewhere.”
As soon as the words escaped her lips, Beth’s hand flew to her mouth. Her eyes grew huge, and she stared at her sister in shock. What on earth had possessed her to say that? One didn’t, simply didn’t, say such things out loud. Beth had lost her mind. There was no other excuse for it. She’d completely lost her mind.
Mellie gaped at her, and then a slow smile spread across her face. “Timothy Plank,” she whispered.
Beth tried to swallow, but her throat was so full of emotion, she couldn’t do it. This time, it was Beth who was ready to buckle. Mellie stepped forward and grabbed her sister by her arms. She led her to the chair in the corner behind the counter and sat her down.
“Breathe, Beth,” she said. “Breathe.”
But Beth couldn’t breathe. She didn’t want to be in love with Timothy Plank. She didn’t want to be in love with anyone. Her life was ruined. Ruined. And besides, she’d burned her bridges, hadn’t she, when she’d so rudely cut Timothy off after the recent preaching service.
“Beth, for heaven’s sake, it’s not the end of the world, you know. Surely, he’ll grow to love you, too. You don’t have to worry.”
Beth shook her head and felt a trembling start deep within her stomach. “Nee, that’s not it. Nee.”
“Then what is it?”
“He does love me,” she choked out. And the minute the words were said, she knew they were true. Timothy Plank loved her.
And she loved him back.
“Tell me,” Mellie said, her voice concerned.
“If I love him, I can’t teach.” Her shoulders slumped forward and confusion swirled through her.
“Why can’t you?”
“Because I’ll get pregnant, that’s why!”
“Fine. So you get pregnant. And wouldn’t that be just awful.” Mellie was being sarcastic, of course. She looked at Beth with both love and pity. “You might not get pregnant for a whole year or more, you know.”
Beth’s eyes welled with tears.
“And Beth, if you do, you’ll have a class of four right there in your very own home.”
Beth looked up at Mellie as the tears spilled onto her cheeks.
“You love his children already. I know you do. It’s been completely obvious from your letters.”
It was true. Beth loved Timothy’s children as her own. Mellie knelt down beside her. “I have a question for you.”
Beth waited.
“If Timothy Plank married someone else, someone willing to marry him, how would you feel?”
It was as if Mellie had pierced Beth’s heart with a hot knife. How would she feel? As if her world had stopped, that was how.
“Is teaching always going to be enough for you, Beth? Would you really be happy to have another woman share Timothy’s life, raise his children?”
Beth began to cry. “Nee, nee. I wouldn’t like it. I wouldn’t.”
Mellie put her arms around her. “Beth,” she said quietly. “You love him.”
Beth rested her head on Mellie’s thin shoulder. But would another year or two of teaching be enough to fulfill her need? And was it true that she never wanted to marry? Never? She shuddered. She was asking the wrong question, and she knew it. It wasn’t about getting married anymore.
It was about Timothy. Did she want to marry Timothy? Did she want to share his life? Did she want to raise a family with him?
But she’d rejected him. When he’d asked to take her on a buggy ride, they’d both known what he was really asking. And she’d said no. She shuddered again.
“Do you think it’s too late?”
Mellie pursed her lips. “You told me it wasn’t too late for me and Caleb. So, I guess you can answer your own question.”
Beth sat up straighter and wiped her cheeks. No, the Lord God willing, it wasn’t too late. She stood and smoothed down her apron. “And Caleb?” she asked. “How is it going with him?”
Mellie sighed and shrugged. “So so. But it’s never too late, right?”
“Never too late,” Beth answered.
The wedding was long and beautiful. Beth sat next to her mother and sister. She was grateful that her mother felt good enough to attend; although, she was deeply aware of her mother’s labored breathing. More than once her mother had twitched as if a shard of pain had gone through her, and Beth was sure it had. Mellie said that their mother was much the same, but Beth saw signs of her rheumatoid arthritis worsening, and it broke her heart.
Jenny looked lovely in her pale purple wedding dress. Her face radiated with love for Eli, but all Beth could think about was Timothy. If they were to marry, would she look as ethereal as Jenny? And how would Timothy gaze at her? With the same look of joyous love she saw on Eli’s face?
When the extremely long sermon was over, and Jenny and Eli had answered the minister’s questions, Beth gave a sigh of relief. The minister blessed the couple. Testimony was given, and it was done. Beth had a new sister-in-law.
And then the real flurry began as the men arranged the tables for the wedding feast, and the women got the food served. It was a blur of activity. Beth worked diligently, smiling at the appropriate times, and laughing when called for. But her mind was not there. Nor was her heart. Both were back in Meadow Lark.
With Timothy.
Chapter Eight
It was Wednesday afternoon, and Beth was nearly back in Meadow Lark.
“I rightly remember taking you at the beginning of the school term,” Isaac Grover said from the driver’s seat. “Glad it all has worked out for you.”
Beth nodded. Her hands gripped the edge of the seat in front of her. She was in the back on the right side, her eyes glued to the passing scenery. At the dizzying speed they were going, she’d be back in Meadow Lark in mere minutes. When would she see Timothy? Would she have to wait more than a week until the next preaching Sunday? Or would he pick up the girls after school that very next day?
Isaac pulled into the Miller’s drive and parked next to the wrap-around porch. “Here you be, Beth.”
“Thank you, Isaac.” She pulled out her purse to pay him.
“No. Your brother Dan paid my fee,” he told her.
Beth nodded. “Thank you.” She slipped out of the van, feeling the unmoving earth beneath her feet. She always felt a bit giddy after riding in a fancy car.
Isaac had already grabbed her bag for her.
“Thank you, again,” she said.
He gave her a two-fingered sal
ute and was off.
Becky burst through the screen. “You’re back!” she cried.
Penny and Susan both tumbled out the door behind Becky.
“Hello, all of you,” Beth said warmly. “I missed you something terrible.”
“We missed you, too,” Penny said.
“But we liked having two days off,” Susan said, giggling.
“Mamm says to come in for some hot tea,” Becky told her.
“All right. After you,” Beth said, pulling the screen door wide.
Beth was happy to be back at school and happy to see the children. She was particularly glad when Missy and Frances came in the door. Both girls ran up and placed themselves firmly on each side of her, as if that’s where they belonged. Beth’s heart swelled at their obvious affection.
She was preoccupied when she taught that day. She hoped the children wouldn’t notice, but her gaze continually swerved to the door, as if hoping Timothy Plank would walk in.
Which was ridiculous. Not once since school started had he interrupted the teaching day with his presence. But it didn’t stop her from checking. And checking. And checking again. It was as if she was powerless to do otherwise.
During recess, they all trundled outside. The air was cold, and it looked like snow, but the children seemed antsy for some activity, so out they went. Beth herself was ready to go crazy with sitting inside.
The older children played baseball on the frozen ground, and the younger children either played tag or foursquare. As for Beth, she stood under the tree and watched. Mostly the road, hoping to get a glimpse of Timothy passing.
By the time the last song of the day was sung, and the floors were swept and the garbage emptied, Beth was exhausted. Something had to be done, because she didn’t think she could survive another such day. As usual, Frances and Missy stayed back to wash the chalkboards.
But Timothy didn’t come for them.
Finally, Beth asked, “Is your dat coming to fetch you today?”
Missy crinkled her nose. “Nee. I don’t think so.”
“So you’re walking alone? Or is your grandmother coming?”
“Dat told us we’re big enough to walk by ourselves.” Frances stuck out her chest proudly.
“Maybe I spoke too soon,” came a low rich voice from the doorway.
Beth swirled around to see Timothy standing in the door. His tall frame loomed, and his presence filled the room.
“Timothy…” Beth breathed.
“Dat!” Frances cried. She ran across the room and leaped into her father’s arms. “Where’s Benny?”
“At home with your grandmother,” he said to Frances, but his eyes were on Beth.
“I’m not quite done,” Missy said, wiping down the lower corner of the board.
“I’ll wait,” Timothy said. Still, his eyes were on Beth.
She stood unmoving, unsure what to do now that he was actually there in front of her. All day long, she had yearned for him, and now, she felt completely unprepared, completely unsettled.
Timothy put Frances down. “Missy, you’re finished now. You two girls go on ahead. I’ll follow. That way you can show me you’re ready to walk alone like big girls.”
Frances and Missy wriggled into their coats and dashed out the door.
“Not too fast, now!” Timothy called after them. He turned to face Beth. The silence between them was massive. Beth felt sudden tears flood her eyes and she blinked, willing them away.
But it was obvious that he’d seen them. His face softened, and he stepped closer. He stopped directly before her, so close that she could smell the earth and the hay and the outdoors on him. She took a great gulping breath. He raised his hand and traced his thumb down her cheek.
“You’re crying,” he whispered.
She looked down, ashamed.
He touched her chin with his open palm and raised her face to his. “Why?”
“Because … because…” How could she tell him? How could she tell him that she’d made a horrid mistake? That she loved him. That she did want to ride in his buggy with him. She couldn’t possibly say such things to him. It would be unseemly. Forward. Brazen.
But she needn’t have worried. She didn’t need to say a word. He knew. She saw it in the way his eyes glistened. She saw it in the look of joy on his face.
“Beth,” he said, his voice so low and husky, she barely heard it. “Beth,” he repeated in a whisper.
She smiled then, her face breaking forth in such a wide smile that it was like the sun had burst forth on a frozen gray day.
“Timothy.” She said his name now, and it felt like magic on her tongue.
“You’re back from the wedding.” He touched her again, his hand gliding along her arm.
She nodded, and her eyes were fixed on his. “I’m back.” Her voice was quiet. “And I love teaching.” The words burst forth without thought.
“I know that.” He smiled at her, a deep smile coming from his very soul. His expression was filled with such sweet longing, she was nearly unable to go on.
She swallowed and cleared her throat. “When I’m older … later … maybe much later, I may want to teach again. I don’t know if I’d be approved—”
“Beth.” He leaned down and brushed his lips over her cheek. Her breath caught at the feel of his soft kiss, his tenderness, his love.
“Your age won’t matter. You would be approved. You are a teacher, plain and simple.”
And then, without another word, he went to the wall, took her cape from the peg and draped it around her, his hands lingering on her shoulders. Together, they went outside and followed the girls down the road.
The End
The Fire
by Brenda Maxfield
Chapter One
And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.
Zechariah 13:9 KJV
“Mellie?” Obadiah’s soft brown eyes met hers.
Mellie cleared her throat, her eyes darting to where Caleb Glick sat, talking and laughing with a group of young single men. What would Caleb think if she said yes to Obadiah? Would he even care? She willed his eyes to look at her, but to no avail. Caleb was oblivious to her presence.
She ran her hands down her crisp white apron and nodded. “That’d be right nice,” she said to Obadiah, her voice quiet. She tried to put some enthusiasm into her tone, but even to her own ears, her words fell flat.
But Obadiah smiled, his own enthusiasm seeming to make up for her lack. “I’ll see you then. We can meet at the end of the drive.” He inclined his head, gave her a conspiratorial nod, and turned to leave. Mellie glanced around, wondering if anyone saw their interchange. She didn’t have to wonder for long. Her sister Beth hustled right over.
“You were talking to Obadiah,” she said under her breath. “What did he want?”
Mellie shrugged. “Nothing.”
Beth took her arm and pulled her to the side of the room. “Did he ask to escort you home from the singing?”
Mellie sighed. “Jah, he did.”
“You didn’t agree, did you?” Beth’s eyes bore into hers. “Tell me you said no.”
Mellie grimaced. “I didn’t say no,” she countered. “Why should I? He asked, didn’t he?”
“Mellie…” Beth’s voice went quiet.
Regret surged through Mellie’s stomach. Beth was right. Why had she agreed?
“Ach. What have I done?” Mellie asked.
Beth hauled her outside to the front porch. The November air nipped at them both. Mellie shuddered and put her arms around herself, trying to stay warm.
“It isn’t too late. Just tell him you can’t.”
“How can I do that? What excuse can I possibly give?”
Beth shook her head. “Tell him you’re in love with Caleb Glick.”
Mellie’
s mouth dropped open. “I could never, never do that! You know perfectly well that I could never in a million years say such a thing.”
Beth let out her breath in a groan. “Nee. Of course, you can’t. But wouldn’t it be easier if we could just tell the truth? All this secrecy around courting is a burden.”
“It’s our way,” Mellie said simply.
Beth was shivering now, too. “It’s downright glacial out here.”
“Let’s go back inside. Ruthie will wonder where we’ve gotten to.”
Beth moaned. “Let her wonder. Whatever our brother saw in her is beyond me.”
“Beth!” Mellie scolded, although she felt the exact same way.
“And as of today, we have another sister-in-law,” Beth declared.
“Jenny is the complete opposite of Ruthie. Besides, I won’t have to live with Eli and Jenny. The new couple is moving around back to the daadi haus here on her folks’ place.”
“Jah, but living with Jenny would be child’s play compared to living with Ruthie.”
Mellie laughed. “You’re right at that.”
The screen door burst open. “There you are!” Ruthie cried, stepping outside. “What are you thinking? Get back in here. We’ve got work to do. Most everyone is done with eating, and the dishes are up to the ceiling.”
“Jah, Ruthie, we’ll be right in,” Mellie said. She wasn’t one to shirk her duties at her brother’s wedding feast, nor was she eager to continue this conversation with Beth. The less said about both Obadiah and Caleb the better.
Ruthie let the screen door slam as she swirled back inside.
“Mellie, what are you going to do if Caleb asks you, too? What then?” Beth’s face was close to hers.
“What then, indeed. Despite your prediction that he’d come running to me after you broke it off with him, he hasn’t made a move.”
Amish Romance Box Set: Finding Home Page 13
