More than anything Sovilla wanted to go. “I’d like that, but I’ll be staying here until eight.”
“I don’t want you here.” Wilma spoke loudly enough for Mrs. Vandenberg to hear. “I already told you to go home.”
“You know,” Mrs. Vandenberg said, “sometimes giving people what they ask for makes them realize they didn’t mean it. Why don’t you come for dinner? I suspect Wilma will regret getting her way tonight.”
“I don’t think—”
“I’ll send the driver. He’ll be there at five thirty. Please be downstairs waiting.”
The phone cut off before Sovilla could protest.
“I suppose you’re leaving me.” Wilma looked peeved. “It figures.”
Sovilla sighed. No matter what she did, she upset her aenti. “I’ll be back tomorrow morning.”
“Don’t bother.”
Even though Wilma stubbornly refused to cooperate for the rest of the session, Sovilla finished the usual therapy tussle with a lighter heart. She waved goodbye to her aenti and headed toward the door, feeling as if a great weight had lifted.
“Don’t look so happy about leaving,” Wilma called after her.
With difficulty, Sovilla held back her smile until she’d left the room. But it blossomed as soon as she reached the hallway. And even her aenti’s carping couldn’t deflate her buoyant spirits.
The driver was waiting near the entrance as she exited, and Sovilla hurried to the car. Although she shouldn’t feel so relieved to get away from the hospital, she perked up. And when she slid into the Bentley, all her stored-up tension dissolved.
As they pulled through the wrought iron gates and drove down the tree-lined driveway, Sovilla sucked in her breath. A marble fountain stood in the center of the plush green lawn. Reflecting the sunlight in rainbow sparkles, water cascaded over several levels of shell-shaped stone bowls, forming the perfect introduction to the stone mansion.
“It’s gorgeous.” And massive. Four or five houses the size of Wilma’s could fit inside. All this space for one person?
They wound their way around back. A smaller stone cottage nestled in the trees beside a four-car garage. The driver stopped beside a covered porch.
Mrs. Vandenberg emerged from the back door. She greeted Sovilla and led her past an enormous kitchen. A woman bustled around the huge room, and delicious smells wafted from the stove. Sovilla inhaled, and her mouth watered.
“Would you like to freshen up?” Mrs. Vandenberg asked. “The powder room is off to the left.”
“Danke.” If Sovilla looked as frazzled as she felt, no wonder Mrs. Vandenberg had suggested fixing herself up.
Despite wearing the Lancaster kapp for more than a week, Sovilla still startled herself each time she looked in the mirror. A quick glance revealed strands of hair escaping in several places. She didn’t have time to redo her bob, so she removed her kapp, wet her hands, smoothed down the strands, and tucked them in. Then she pinned her kapp back in place.
After washing her face and hands, she straightened her dress. Feeling a little tidier, she exited to find Mrs. Vandenberg waiting for her.
“It’s such a lovely evening, I thought we could eat out by the pool. The dining room is too formal for a relaxed, friendly conversation.” She led Sovilla out French doors onto a stone terrace.
A waterfall flowed over stones at one end of a freeform stone-lined pool. The soothing sound of rippling water soothed Sovilla as she settled into one of the cushioned chairs. “It’s so beautiful.”
“I sit out here when I need peace amid my hectic life.” Mrs. Vandenberg lowered herself unsteadily into a chair across from Sovilla. “I enjoy having my morning devotions out here.”
“I can see why.” Sovilla leaned back and let some of the tensions from the past few days drain away. All around her, birds chirped, and a breeze stirred the trees that surrounded them on all sides. The scent of pine drifted toward her. “Thank you for having me and for the canvas tote and your kindness and . . .”
Mrs. Vandenberg held up a hand. “Don’t thank me. Thank God.” She smiled at Sovilla. “And I’m grateful God sent you into my life. You’re a blessing.”
Sovilla couldn’t see why. She’d done nothing to help Mrs. Vandenberg.
“Do you know how lonely I’d be without a purpose in life and the chance to make a difference, however small, in other people’s lives?”
Melodic chimes rang through the air.
Mrs. Vandenberg struggled to her feet using her cane to aid her. “That must be our other guest. I’ll be right back.”
Another guest? Sovilla’s spirits plummeted. She’d been expecting to have time alone with Mrs. Vandenberg. Now instead of a relaxed conversation, she’d be on edge around a stranger.
Mrs. Vandenberg started for the house, but turned as a woman came through the doors carrying a large tray. “Thank you, Amelia.” She turned to Sovilla. “Help yourself to some hors d’oeuvres.”
All the tiny tidbits looked too pretty to touch, so Sovilla sat, hands clenched in her lap, trying to enjoy the beauty around her. But her body tensed at the thought of conversing with one of Mrs. Vandenberg’s Englisch friends.
As the footsteps drew closer, Sovilla turned toward the French doors. Isaac stepped out and held the door open for Mrs. Vandenberg to totter onto the patio.
Isaac? What’s he doing here?
* * *
Isaac had imagined this moment for days, but nothing could have prepared him for this vision by the pool. With water rippling in the background and trees forming a secluded area on the terrace, Sovilla sat illuminated by sunlight filtering through the leaves behind her.
If only he could imprint this scene in his memory forever.
Mrs. Vandenberg cleared her throat behind him, making him realize he’d been staring. Sovilla seemed stunned. Hadn’t she known he was coming?
“Why don’t you sit there?” Mrs. Vandenberg motioned to the chair beside Sovilla. “That way you’ll both be facing the waterfall. It’s especially lovely at sunset.”
Isaac would rather admire Sovilla than a sunset, but sitting beside her would be thrilling. A soft gasp escaped Sovilla’s lips as he sank into the chair Mrs. Vandenberg had indicated.
His chest ached, and he realized he hadn’t taken a deep breath since he’d walked out through the door and onto the patio. In fact, his chest had been constricted since he’d driven up to the house—if you could even call it that. Mansion or castle, maybe? He’d never seen such an elegant home.
After a man had directed him to the garages behind the house and assured Isaac they’d care for his horse, he’d rounded the massive stone building and mounted the curved stone steps to the imposing front door with its lion head knocker. He stood for several minutes vacillating between ringing the bell or heading home to eat supper with his family.
Gathering his courage, he reached over to the gold plate embossed with flowers and leaves, took a deep breath, and pressed the button. Loud gongs like church bells echoed inside the house. Isaac shuffled his feet and waited.
He was about to turn to go when a shadow appeared behind the stained glass sidelight next to the front door. The ornate brass doorknob rattled, and Mrs. Vandenberg opened the door and greeted him. For a moment, Isaac’s nervousness disappeared.
But as she’d led him through the house, he could barely breathe. And now, being here with Sovilla tied his insides into tight knots. What if he made a fool of himself?
Mrs. Vandenberg settled shakily into the chair across from them. “It’s such a lovely evening. I’m so glad both of you could come. I know you pray silently. I usually do the same.” She bowed her head.
When they lifted their heads, she waved toward the platters of food in the center of the table. “Help yourselves.”
Isaac hesitated. Some of the foods arranged on the tray he’d never seen before. He’d wait for Sovilla and Mrs. Vandenberg to start. When Mrs. Vandenberg spread her white linen napkin in her lap, Isaac did the same. Sovil
la followed their lead.
They both exhaled slight sighs when Mrs. Vandenberg selected a few items and set them on the small plate in front of her. Isaac chose the same things she had.
As he drew his hand back with his final choice, he brushed Sovilla’s arm. Shocks coursed through his body, and he almost dropped the stuffed mushroom onto the pristine white tablecloth. He hoped Sovilla hadn’t noticed his reaction, but Mrs. Vandenberg’s face crinkled in a knowing smile.
Isaac’s face flamed. If she’d seen it, Sovilla must have too. He cut his eyes to the side, where Sovilla was struggling to pick up a tiny squash adorned with a swirl of cheese and a tiny slice of red pepper using silver tongs. Maybe she’d been too busy to pay attention to him.
Mrs. Vandenberg picked up one of the hors d’oeuvres, bit into it, and closed her eyes. “Mmm. Have you tried these figs yet? Amelia uses the best creamy cheese in them. Or, if you like garlic cheese, you’ll enjoy that pattypan squash, Sovilla.”
Figs. Those were the ones with the walnuts on top. The cheese had been squirted into them so they looked like fancy bakery cupcakes. Isaac tried that first. The sweet, salty, and savory flavors blended on his tongue. Unexpected, but delicious.
Beside him, Sovilla murmured with delight. His heart rate increased at her soft sighs.
They ate in silence until Amelia cleared the table and returned with dinner plates.
“I wasn’t sure what you prefer to eat, so I asked Amelia to make chicken cordon bleu, risotto, and braised asparagus. I hope you’ll like it.”
“It smells wonderful,” Sovilla said.
Isaac cut into the chicken breast smothered in sauce, and cheese squirted out. The first bite combined a tangy mustard sauce, smoky ham, and Swiss cheese. He savored the combination. His mamm would love this, but she’d never have time to prepare it for twelve children.
Mrs. Vandenberg turned to Sovilla. “How is everything going?”
At Sovilla’s long exhale, Isaac sent her a sympathetic glance. It sounded as if she’d been through a rough time. “The operation w-went w-well?”
She nodded. “Very well, but Wilma’s fighting the therapy.”
Knowing Wilma, Isaac could imagine the tussles.
“I have some ideas that might help. We can talk about it later. It must be hard dealing with all this. You didn’t need all this extra stress so soon after your breakup.”
Beside him, Sovilla froze.
Breakup? Had she broken up with her boyfriend? Was it permanent or a soon-to-be-repaired disagreement?
* * *
Sovilla sat there stunned. Why had Mrs. Vandenberg brought that up? Was she trying to humiliate her? And how did she answer?
If Isaac weren’t sitting beside her, she could spill out her shock and heartache to Mrs. Vandenberg. Maybe Sovilla could pretend Isaac wasn’t there and answer honestly. Except for the fact that she’d been aware of his every movement, his every breath since the moment he sat next to her. It would be impossible to forget he was listening.
She had to say something. Both of them were staring at her. She hung her head and gazed at the linen napkin on her lap. “It isn’t easy,” she admitted.
“Being jilted never is.”
If Mrs. Vandenberg understood that, why did she have to broadcast that fact to Isaac? It hurt enough to have your boyfriend move on to someone else in only a few weeks. Sovilla would rather not give her new community fodder for gossip.
Not that Isaac would spread rumors, but still . . . He might mention it to his sister, and she might tell a few girlfriends, and then if Ruthie heard, she’d be sure to announce it to everyone.
“I’ve always found that when God closes a window,” Mrs. Vandenberg said, “He opens a door. I’m positive He has someone much better in mind.”
Sovilla glanced up in time to catch Mrs. Vandenberg glance at Isaac and flick her head in Sovilla’s direction. Was Mrs. Vandenberg trying to encourage him to say something sympathetic? That’s the last thing she needed or wanted right now.
“Actually,” Sovilla said, “I haven’t had much time to think about it. I spend most of my day at the hospital, and yesterday, I spent the whole evening baking dog biscuits.”
“Dog b-biscuits?” Isaac’s forehead furrowed.
“Jah. I wanted recipes that wouldn’t compete with what Fern’s selling. I found some recipes for organic pet food. I’ll be making that along with other baked goods.”
“S-Snickers would l-like them.”
“I hope so. I’d rather make my own creations than copy someone else’s recipes, so I’ve been experimenting. Would Snickers be willing to test them?”
“You could c-come to the k-kennel.”
Mrs. Vandenberg gazed at Isaac fondly. “Did you know Isaac raises Labrador retrievers to work as service dogs?”
A few dogs had been barking in the building behind his house when Sovilla had gone down the hill for the singing. “I didn’t know you had dogs. I mean, I knew you had Snickers.” Warmth crept up her neck. She lowered her head and pretended to concentrate on cutting her chicken. “I meant when I heard the dogs in the kennel, I didn’t realize they were yours.”
“I think it’s wonderful he does that.” Mrs. Vandenberg sounded like a proud parent. “And he also works as a puppy raiser. It takes a special person to do that. Not everyone can bond with a puppy, take it everywhere with them, take it to obedience classes, and then give it up.”
Isaac blushed deeper than Sovilla had. Mrs. Vandenberg seemed intent on embarrassing both of them.
“You have to give them up?”
“J-jah.”
If Sovilla could sink into the seat cushion, she would. She’d made a fool of herself again. If he raised service dogs, they’d go to the people who needed them. “Is it hard?”
He nodded. “I g-get attached.”
Mrs. Vandenberg was right. Isaac was special. And until now, she hadn’t noticed how handsome he was. Probably because she’d been so focused on Henry. She swallowed the lump in her throat. She had to forget about him.
“Are you all right?” Mrs. Vandenberg’s question penetrated the fog of sadness closing over Sovilla.
She couldn’t answer. She didn’t want to lie. Yet she couldn’t admit the truth.
Chapter Twenty
The sorrow on Sovilla’s face made Isaac long to comfort her. What could he do or say to help? If only he had the right to hold her hand. By shifting his chair a bit, he’d be close enough that her fingers would be only inches from his.
He tightened his grip on his fork. Neh. For the first time that night, he yearned to have Snickers sitting between them. He had no business even thinking things like that.
She didn’t have a boyfriend, though. Now he didn’t need to feel so guilty. Still, if she’d just broken up—jilted, Mrs. Vandenberg had said—Sovilla had to be hurting. She wouldn’t be ready for another relationship. Maybe not for a long time. Even if she did get over her heartbreak, he doubted she’d want to date him.
He’d been so lost in his thoughts, he’d missed what she and Mrs. Vandenberg were discussing. The word Tuesday caught his attention. Mrs. Vandenberg had asked something about the market.
“Neh, I can’t go in to work on Tuesday,” Sovilla said. “Wilma won’t be out of the hospital by then. With her refusing to do her therapy, she’s progressing more slowly than she should.”
Isaac’s heart dropped. He’d been counting on driving her. More than counting on it, he’d been longing to, yearning to . . .
“I’ll take your place at the hospital for the day so you can go to work as usual.” Mrs. Vandenberg didn’t sound as if she’d take no for an answer. “I think I can get Wilma to do those exercises.”
As swiftly as his heart had plummeted, it soared.
“I don’t think anyone can get her to cooperate.” Sovilla lifted a forkful of risotto to her mouth.
“I have my ways.” Mrs. Vandenberg swirled an asparagus tip through the sauce on her plate.
Isaac silent
ly cheered her on. Please, convince Sovilla to go to the market.
Sovilla chewed slowly, and he waited for her response.
“If you really think you can convince her, I’d appreciate your help.”
“Good, then it’s settled.” Mrs. Vandenberg dabbed at the corner of her mouth with her napkin. “You’ll go to the market on Tuesday. I’m sure Isaac will be happy to take you, right?” She looked at Isaac.
He’d thought of little else ever since she’d first asked him. He nodded enthusiastically.
Sovilla shook her head. “Wilma will expect me to be there.”
Neh, Isaac wanted to say. From what he’d seen of her aenti, he suspected she’d prefer Sovilla to keep an eye on the stand.
“I doubt that. Wilma would much rather have you selling pickles.” Mrs. Vandenberg had echoed Isaac’s thoughts.
“She probably would,” Sovilla agreed, “but I wouldn’t feel right leaving her alone.”
Would he lose his chance altogether?
“I heard Wilma telling you”—Mrs. Vandenberg winced—“she didn’t want you around. I’m positive she doesn’t mean that. I believe, though, if you skip spending some time with her, you’ll find she’ll miss you. And maybe she’ll even look forward to your visit on Wednesday.”
“You might be right,” Sovilla conceded as Amelia cleared their dinner plates. “I’ll do the market on Tuesday only if you promise to tell me the truth about your visit. If Wilma is upset, I won’t do any more market days until she’s better.”
Isaac hoped Mrs. Vandenberg was right. She usually was. Dear Lord, please help Sovilla’s aenti to heal well and quickly.
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Mrs. Vandenberg’s conspiratorial smile at Isaac made it appear as if he’d been the one behind the insistence. He hoped she’d clear up the misunderstanding.
Instead she said, “You’ve made Isaac very happy. Just look at his smile.”
Isaac tried to drag the corners of his lips into a straight line, but they curved up—totally out of his control.
* * *
Sovilla had been keenly aware of Isaac beside her, so she didn’t follow Mrs. Vandenberg’s direction. She focused instead on the hills and trees in the distance, where the setting sun splashed a rainbow of colors across the sky. Blue faded into streaks of salmon, lavender, and apricot. “It’s so pretty.”
An Unexpected Amish Courtship Page 18
