An Unexpected Amish Courtship

by Rachel J. Good

  After she left, Leanne stared at Sovilla. “I thought you were joining the church here.”

  “I said I want to go back.” Wanting was not the same as going.

  “I noticed that.” Isaac’s mamm hugged Sovilla again. “That was kind. You sensed Ruthie was getting upset and went out of your way to calm her concerns.”

  “What do you mean?” Leanne demanded. “Are you going back or not?”

  Sovilla traced small circles on the tabletop with her finger. “I don’t know. I want to, but I can’t go to Sugarcreek unless . . .” She didn’t want to confess she hadn’t heard from her boyfriend in weeks. “We don’t have a house there anymore. Mamm and my sisters moved to my onkel’s house in Middlefield.”

  “I’m sorry.” Isaac’s mother looked troubled. “I didn’t realize . . .”

  “I think Mamm intends for me to stay here”—she forced out words around the lump in her throat—“permanently.”

  “We’re glad to have you.” Leanne gathered her plate and Sovilla’s, then reached for her mamm’s. “I hope you’ll stay. I’ll take these into the kitchen and be right back.”

  When Leanne had moved far enough away, Isaac’s mamm lowered her voice so no one at the table could hear. “I expect it’s hard having your family so far away. Maybe I’m wrong, but I expect Wilma isn’t very soft or motherly. So if you ever need someone to listen, to pray with you, or even give you a hug, I’d be happy to act as a substitute mother.”

  Sovilla choked up. A perfect stranger offering to take her mamm’s place? No one could ever replace Mamm. But having someone to confide in and depend on—something Sovilla didn’t have with Wilma—meant a lot to her.

  “Danke.” If only she could tell Isaac’s mamm how much that offer meant to her. But she might burst into tears.

  “We’re not that far away if you cross the fields behind the houses. You’re up on the hill, and we’re in the valley below. It’s much farther on the roads.”

  Maybe next Sunday, Sovilla could walk to their house and save them the trouble of turning down the narrow dead-end lane. Right now, she couldn’t speak, but she’d suggest it later.

  Leanne came back with Rose, who was eating bread with peanut butter spread. She held out her arms to Sovilla. Despite the stickiness around the little girl’s mouth, Sovilla took Rose and cuddled her close. Messy hands smeared peanut butter and soggy bread on Sovilla’s pink dress.

  “We should get going,” Leanne said. “Can you go to the singing here tonight, Sovilla?”

  She’d love to, but Wilma had objected. “I’m not sure. I’ll have to check with my aenti.”

  “We’re meeting for a volleyball game at four thirty. I’ll stop by to pick you up.”

  “Your mamm said I could walk down the hill to your house. If I can go, I’ll get to your place by four.” That would prevent Wilma from seeing the boys’ buggy behind Leanne’s—something else she hoped she could avoid when she reached home this afternoon. Wilma hadn’t looked out the window this morning, but this time, they might not be as lucky.

  “All right. That sounds like a good plan.” Leanne called to her mamm, who was chatting with one of the women at another table. “Should we take Rose? She seems to be clinging to Sovilla.”

  “That would be nice.” Isaac’s mamm smiled at Sovilla.

  As they walked to the buggy, Sovilla lowered her voice. “My aenti doesn’t want me around boys. Do you think your brothers would mind going home at a different time?”

  “They’ll be disappointed.” Leanne hurried over and had a quick conversation with Isaac.

  Although Sovilla was positive it wouldn’t matter to the boys, she wished she could see Isaac’s face. He had his back to her, so she had no way to judge his reaction, but his shoulders did seem to slump.

  Andrew glanced over his shoulder, and Sovilla pretended she’d been watching a small boy running through the grass. She didn’t want Andrew to know she’d been staring at Isaac. Andrew might call attention to it.

  Why did she care so much what Isaac thought?

  Chapter Thirteen

  Hearing that Sovilla didn’t want them to follow her home crushed Isaac. He fought to keep his face neutral, but inside questions bubbled up one after the other. Had he made her uncomfortable by gazing at her in church? Had she realized his feelings for her?

  Andrew elbowed him in the ribs. “Aww, look. Isaac’s sad.”

  Isaac frowned at his brother. “C-cut i-itt out.”

  His twin had always been his ally and best friend, but lately Andrew went out of his way to tease. And not just to tease, but to hurt.

  “We could leave now and go home a different way,” Zeke suggested.

  If they did that, they might pass Sovilla at the intersection.

  Isaac walked briskly to the barn to hitch up the team.

  Andrew’s mocking laughter followed him as he hurried toward the barn. “Wonder why you’re in such a hurry?”

  Isaac’s ears burned. Had Sovilla heard? He’d purposely turned his back to her so he wouldn’t be tempted to stare at her, but she’d been close enough to hear.

  Andrew’s remarks reminded Isaac he needed to talk to his brother. Andrew had changed, and Isaac wanted to find out why. As his hands automatically hitched up the horse, he rummaged through all his recent memories. Had he done something to bother or hurt his brother? Isaac couldn’t think of anything, but maybe Andrew had taken something the wrong way.

  Once Isaac had the buggy in the driveway, he positioned it well for a good view of Leanne’s. As his brothers headed over, Isaac stole glances at Sovilla as she accompanied his sister.

  “Hmm.” Andrew threw a pointed glance at Leanne’s buggy. “Wonder why you parked here.”

  “Th-this s-spot was open.” Although Isaac spoke the truth, not admitting his main motivation turned his statement into a fib.

  “Jah, I’m sure that happened to be the only reason.” Isaac’s jaw clenched as he waited for Leanne’s buggy to pull out. Why couldn’t Andrew stop with his jabs?

  “What are you waiting for?” His brother laughed. “Too busy watching a certain buggy?”

  Blowing out a slow breath and praying for patience, Isaac waited until Leanne started up the driveway. Then he motioned for another buggy to go ahead of him. He didn’t want it to be obvious he wanted to follow Sovilla.

  When they reached the road, Leanne turned left, but the other buggy turned right. Isaac had expected that buggy to stay between him and Leanne. He hoped Sovilla didn’t notice him trailing her. He slowed to allow a large gap between them.

  Andrew sighed loudly. “How long is it going to take to get home? We’ll be going the long way as it is.”

  At the crossroads, Leanne went straight ahead, but Isaac turned to take the winding street to the right. He calculated how long it might take Leanne to get to the major intersection. If he timed it right, she’d pass by while he waited at the stop sign.

  He clucked to the horse to speed up. He had farther to go than Leanne.

  “First you crawl along,” Andrew grumbled. “Now you’re driving like you’re in a race.”

  Isaac clenched his teeth. You complained I was driving too slow. “Y-you s-said g-go fast.”

  “Well, I didn’t mean I want to hit my head on the roof every time we go over a bump.”

  “M-make up your m-mind,” Isaac snapped.

  Then he regretted losing his temper. His desire to see Sovilla shouldn’t take precedence over his brother’s comfort. He slowed the horse.

  “Now what?” Andrew muttered. “I do have some things I’d like to do before we have to leave for the singing.”

  Zeke turned around. “What’s with you today, Andrew? It’s not like you to be so mürrisch.”

  Timing no longer mattered. Leanne would reach the intersection before them.

  When they reached the crossroads, Isaac looked both ways before pulling out. In the distance, Leanne headed toward them. If he waited for a while, she’d drive by and he could w
ave. And get to see Sovilla.

  “You have plenty of room to get across before that buggy gets here.” Andrew pointed in the opposite direction than the one Isaac had focused on.

  “Andrew,” Zeke said in a big-brother-to-little-brother tone, “it’s not your turn to drive. We don’t nag at you when you’re in the driver’s seat.”

  “Maybe that’s because I don’t drive like a maniac.”

  Zeke shook his head.

  The three oldest brothers alternated driving, each taking a day, and the unspoken rule had always been “no criticism.” Andrew drove more recklessly and much faster than Zeke and Isaac, yet they’d never bugged him to slow down and be careful.

  His brothers’ sparring had kept Isaac from moving, and now the buggy coming from the opposite direction had gotten too close. He had to wait for it to pass. By then, Leanne would be headed through the intersection. The timing had worked out perfectly.

  As soon as she spotted them, Leanne slowed and waved. Isaac waved back, but he focused his attention on Sovilla. A look of surprise crossed her face, but then she smiled broadly.

  Was she looking directly at him? Isaac wanted to think so, but he couldn’t be sure.

  A car zoomed up behind Leanne. Instead of speeding up, she pulled onto the shoulder to let it pass, giving Isaac more time to admire Sovilla.

  Danke. Isaac flashed his sister a quick grin.

  She pinched her lips together, but didn’t succeed in holding back her smile. She seemed quite pleased with herself. Maybe she’d driven slower than usual so they’d arrive at the same time.

  Leanne glanced behind her to check if she could pull out, and Isaac waited until she’d driven past before he crossed the intersection. He couldn’t stop his lips from curving upward. The joy of seeing Sovilla filled him with happiness the rest of the afternoon.

  * * *

  Sovilla was still glowing from the chance encounter with Isaac. His eyes had lit up when he saw her, giving her a little thrill. She told herself her excitement stemmed from having a friend. But deep inside, Sovilla’s conscience warned her those feelings signaled something more.

  As Leanne pulled in front of Wilma’s house, Sovilla wiped away her smile. If she looked like she’d had too much fun, her aenti might suspect Sovilla had done something other than attend church.

  She thanked Leanne and slid open the door.

  As she stepped from the buggy, Leanne asked, “Should we expect you tonight?”

  That question sobered Sovilla. “Probably not. If I’m not there by four, go ahead without me. Wilma doesn’t want me to socialize with boys.” Truth be told, Sovilla had a suspicion her aenti would rather Sovilla have no pleasure at all.

  Leanne sighed. “I wish you could come. We always have lots of fun.”

  “I’ll try to convince Wilma.” But Sovilla held out little hope she’d succeed. At least she had Sunday services to look forward to every other week.

  Dreading the cloud of gloom awaiting her in the house made it easy for Sovilla to don a somber expression. Her steps dragged as she approached the porch.

  If only she could go home with Leanne and be a part of her large, lively family. Isaac’s mamm made her feel so warm and welcomed. And Isaac . . .

  Sovilla jerked her thoughts away from him. Wilma would sense what Sovilla was thinking if her mouth curved into a secret smile. Then there’d be no chance of getting permission to go to the singing. Not that being serious gave her more hope.

  Wilma was still banging around the kitchen. She must be canning even more pickles. Maybe her canning frenzy served to distract her from the fear of the upcoming surgery.

  Sovilla debated easing the door shut and sneaking up to her bedroom without speaking to Wilma. But that would be impolite. And the longer she took to greet her aenti, the more likely Wilma would assume Sovilla had spent her time doing something wrong.

  With a small sigh, she shut the door and headed for the kitchen. All the joy she’d stored up from the service and meal leaked out.

  “Hi, Wilma, I’m back.”

  “It’s about time. What were you doing all that time? If you even went to church.”

  “I went to church. You can check with the bishop if you don’t believe me. And he and his wife were getting ready to leave the Fishers’ when Leanne pulled out. They can tell you we came straight home.”

  “Like I could trust the bishop. No Amish man can be trusted. Or woman, for that matter.”

  Does that include me? Sovilla almost asked the question aloud, but she already knew the answer. She didn’t want to hear Wilma confirm it.

  “Do you need anything before I go up to change?”

  “It would be nice to have some help with the pickles.”

  Sovilla stared at her. Wilma had refused to teach Sovilla how to make them. How did she expect her to help?

  “My hips are killing me.” Wilma ran her hands down her sides and winced. “I shouldn’t be on my feet like this.”

  “But I don’t know how—”

  “Figures you’d refuse to help. You couldn’t care less how much pain I’m in.”

  “I do care. Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.” Sovilla expected Wilma to give her an impatient look and criticize her for trying to find out the recipe.

  Wilma groaned. “I can’t do this.” Her eyes filled with moisture. She dashed the back of her hand over her eyes and pressed her lips together. Then, in an almost-pleading voice, she asked, “You do know how to can pickles, don’t you?”

  “Of course. We always can our pickles. Do you want me to use Mamm’s recipe?”

  “Don’t be ridiculous. I doubt her recipe is as good as mine.”

  “Neh, it’s not,” Sovilla admitted. She wished she knew what her aunt added that made her pickles taste so good.

  A triumphant smile lit Wilma’s features, but then she winced. “My brine’s on the stove. Fill the jars and seal them. I’m going up to take a pain pill and a nap.”

  As Wilma hobbled out of the kitchen, Sovilla mused about her aenti’s constant irritation. Could her aenti’s short temper be connected with her pain? Until today, Wilma had concealed her pain. Only her limp gave the slightest clue. Maybe once she’d recovered from her operation, she’d be less nasty. Somehow, though, Sovilla doubted it.

  Sovilla waited until Wilma’s door had slammed shut before tiptoeing upstairs to exchange her white church apron for her black work apron. Her conscience gave her a sharp twinge. She shouldn’t be working on Sunday. But she needed to pour Wilma’s brine while it was still hot. And shouldn’t she help anyone who asked?

  As she slipped down the stairs, though, she wondered about Wilma’s timing. Her aenti had never asked her to help with pickles before. Had she done it on a Sunday on purpose?

  Sovilla shook her head. Neh, Wilma had been in pain.

  It took more than an hour to finish all the jars. Sovilla had promised to be at Leanne’s by four if she planned to go to youth group, and the clock hands had almost reached three thirty.

  Wilma still hadn’t come out of her room, so Sovilla couldn’t ask. She went upstairs and stood outside her aenti’s door. Loud snoring showed Wilma was asleep. Would it be right to slip out now?

  Part of Sovilla wanted to take advantage of her aenti’s nap, but her conscience chided her. Wilma would be furious if she woke and Sovilla had left. Images of Isaac overshadowed the voice of reason.

  Sovilla hurried downstairs. She carted all the hot pickle jars down the basement steps. They could cool in the cellar as well as on the kitchen tables and counters. That way, Wilma couldn’t complain that Sovilla had left her the hard work.

  Then she rushed upstairs, checked one last time to be sure her aenti was still sleeping, and got ready to leave. She jotted a note and left it in the kitchen. Wilma would go there first to check that Sovilla had done what she’d asked. Then she inched open the back door and slipped outside.

  Sovilla stood in the backyard unsure of where to go. She should have asked for better dir
ections. Isaac’s mamm had said to head down the hill. She could do that, but beyond the small patch of woods below, several farms lay scattered in the valley. Maybe once she got down there, she’d be able to tell.

  Now that she’d decided to defy Wilma and go to the singing, she gathered her courage and plunged down the hill. Several times she stumbled and almost turned around. First working, then disobeying, on a Sunday, no less.

  Only the thought of seeing Isaac—and Leanne, of course—kept her going. At the foot of the hill, she walked through a thick grove of trees. Disoriented, she emerged on the left side of the wooded area. Had she gotten off track and wandered around instead of heading straight out?

  She tried to look up the hill, but down here the trees blocked her view. She had no idea which direction to head, and even worse, she didn’t know her way back home.

  Please, Lord, help me.

  As soon as she prayed, guilt over ignoring Wilma’s wishes rose. This might be her punishment. She’d go to the closest house and ask for directions back to her aenti’s house. She trudged that way.

  Someone came out of the house and ran toward her. “Sovilla! You came! I hoped you would!”

  Leanne! Sovilla forgot her plan to find her way home. Had God directed her here? Maybe she was supposed to go to the singing after all.

  * * *

  Isaac’s heart lifted as Leanne called Sovilla’s name. The bright pink dress had caught his attention fifteen minutes ago. He stood in the shadow of the kennel’s eaves to watch Sovilla’s descent. When she didn’t emerge from the woods, he almost dashed into the trees to find her. But then she emerged, far from where she’d gone in but much closer to their house.

  He could breathe again, but his rapid heartbeat never slowed. The closer she came, the more his heart picked up its pace. And knowing he’d sit across from her all evening made it pound even more.

  “We’ll be leaving soon,” Leanne said, and Sovilla followed her to the barn.

  Maybe Isaac should hitch up his team too. Then he’d be near the girls.

  Andrew cocked an eyebrow. “You have to go to the barn right now?”