Miriam's Secret

by Jerry S. Eicher

  “I’m sorry.” He stood up. “I’m forgetting my manners. Would you like something to drink?”

  “I’d love that.” She gave him her sweetest look. What I’d like even more is time spent talking with you, she almost said.

  He seemed to understand. His face softened. “That’s right. You’ve never watched a movie before. It must be a little disconcerting. Come, let’s step outside on the balcony. But first a soft drink, perhaps?”

  Shirley didn’t answer as she followed him downstairs. His mamm and daett had disappeared. Everything was strange in the kitchen. Ice rattled out of the refrigerator door, and they had soft drinks instead of homemade lemonade. She chose a Diet Coke and waited while he poured it for her. At home she would have served him, but here she was lost in the newness. Maybe in his world the men served more than the men of the community did. If so, Shirley liked the idea.

  Soon they made their way back up the stairs with their drinks in hand. Jason pushed open a set of double doors that opened onto a balcony. Shirley drew in a sharp breath at the vista before them. Well-kept Holmes County farms rolled off into the distance, with the immaculately mown lawn in front of them as a starting point.

  “Like it?” Jonas stood close to her.

  “It’s so beautiful,” Shirley kept her voice low. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  He laughed. “I guess I’m used to it.”

  “I’d never get used to this.” The words slipped out. Shirley didn’t move for a moment.

  Jonas remained relaxed beside her. She slipped her hand in his. The smile didn’t leave his face, and his fingers tightened in hers. “I’m glad you came over, Shirley.”

  The words she wanted to say caught in her throat, but he didn’t seem to mind. She decided she was obviously starstruck. She could stay here for the rest of her life and be content. Shirley leaned her head against his shoulder. Her long hair flowed over his arm as she drank the view in. Weren’t wonders like this supposed to lie at the ends of the earth? Yet the Yoder family farm in Possum Valley lay only a few minutes away, which didn’t seem to distract from the pleasure at all. No matter what else happened in her life, she would always remember this evening at the Beachy home.

  “Ready to go inside?” Jonas’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

  “I’ll never be ready to go inside,” Shirley whispered as Jonas smiled down at her.

  Chapter Thirteen

  In the workshop behind Raymond Beachy’s vast display room filled with exotic log-home furnishings, Ivan concentrated on the handcrafted chair in front of him. His mind wouldn’t stay on the job, though. With a sigh he straightened his back for a moment. His real ache this morning wasn’t his muscles. A stab of regret was running through him. How could he have known things would turn out this way? He couldn’t have, Ivan reminded himself. There was no way he could have known Miriam Yoder would inherit a farm free and clear from the old man she’d cared for. Miriam had given the place to her parents for now, but everyone knew what that meant. Miriam’s daett had made it clear at the last Sunday services that Miriam would have the place back once she married. It seemed a matter of conscience to Eli Yoder, who had always had a hang-up about money. It was a hang-up he, Ivan Mast, didn’t share in the least. A farm without debt in Holmes County wasn’t a small matter. What a fool he’d been not to wait a few weeks longer before taking Laura Swartz home from the hymn singing.

  The mistake had been a natural one to make, Ivan told himself. He could still undo the damage if he acted fast enough. Laura was a fine woman, but Miriam always had the deeper character. He’d known that but had given in to Laura’s charms when the family moved back from Oklahoma. There really was no need for recriminations. Ivan would tell Miriam that he’d cared for her all along—which was true. And he’d tell her things hadn’t worked out with Laura as he’d expected. Which wasn’t a lie, either. He’d lost his head a little. Surely Miriam would understand.

  His actions might appear a bit suspicious, now that the news of the inherited farm was known in the community. Miriam wasn’t stupid, and she’d always been a woman of strong moral convictions. She might be stubborn. Stubbornness was a trait Miriam got from her daett. But Ivan would have to try. He’d never live with himself if he didn’t. His work here at the Beachy’s furniture business in the past year had strengthened his resolve to make it gut money-wise himself. How he’d do that he hadn’t been certain. Work by the hour didn’t seem to be getting him anywhere fast. But Miriam’s inheritance of such a prosperous farm could be his way forward…if Miriam could be won over. Then he could stand tall among the best in Holmes County and say goodbye to log-home furnishings for gut. He’d have to leave Laura’s beauty in marrying Miriam, and that wouldn’t be easy. Laura’s charm and grace had attracted him, and he’d been fortunate no other man had beaten him to the punch. He was a blessed man to have won Laura’s affections so easily. But Laura had no money. What a cruel choice he was faced with. Well, maybe Miriam would grow in beauty as she aged, and Laura would go the other way. It was a small comfort, but at least something to hope for.

  Raymond’s son, Jonas, had breezed through the shop this morning to check on things. He’d taken a moment to chat. “Do you know this Miriam who inherited the Bland farm?” Jonas had asked with a grin.

  Ivan figured Jonas knew he knew Miriam and wanted to rub things in.

  Ivan had shot back, “Everyone knows her.”

  Jonas’s grin had broadened. “I suppose they do now. I happen to know the family myself. Not too close, of course.”

  What Jonas meant by that wisecrack, Ivan had no idea at first. And what interest Jonas might have in the Yoder family was beyond him. Eli Yoder was poverty-stricken—and planned to stay so.

  When he’d added nothing else, Jonas had continued. “Dad said old Mr. Bland’s farm is among the best in Holmes County. There’s rich black soil along the river bottom and tourist attractions along the main road—if an Amish man owned the place. Too bad, isn’t it?” Then Jonas had moved on, but what he meant was plain enough. The tease burned deep. Jonas and his daett should know what they talked about. They were both brilliant businessmen. If they thought he’d messed up by trading Miriam for Laura, then he must have.

  So what was he to do now? If he stopped his relationship with Laura and Miriam rejected him, he would have lost both beauty and the prosperous farm. Jonas would think him a total fool after that. Nee, Ivan would have to come up with a better plan. There was no question there. How like his luck to have something like this happen. Here he’d the perfect chance to date Miriam and had passed the opportunity up for Laura. Miriam must have been heartbroken when he took up with Laura. He knew her well enough to know that, even though the look on her face the following youth gathering didn’t betray her feelings. Would she take him back now?

  If he could only be sure. At least there was no question on his part. He would choose Miriam over Laura. One could put up with a lot in a wife—even her lack of outstanding beauty—if there was significant money involved. His work with the Beachys had taught him that much. Money bought a lot of things: prestige, lavish lifestyle, nice homes—all of which he could have even if he stayed with his faith, which he planned to. He certainly didn’t have to leave the faith to enjoy the blessings of money.

  He’d have to speak with Miriam before he stopped his relationship with Laura. There was a good chance Miriam would overlook his brief time with Laura Swartz and welcome him with open arms. But if Miriam rebuffed him, he would still have Laura to fall back on.

  Ivan shook the chair in front of him, letting out his frustration. The truth was, he’d enjoyed his dates with Laura. He realized that more clearly now since he might not have too many more. And there would be tears from Laura. Unlike Miriam, Laura wouldn’t take his rejection with classy style. She wouldn’t bear her pain inside. It would be out in the open for everyone to see. But what could people say? Dating couples changed their minds all the time. That’s what he had to focus on. And
he’d warn Laura that if she made a big fuss he’d drop hints in the community about the shallowness of her character. That should limit her crying sessions. If there were tears in public, Laura would know to keep them unaccompanied by nasty accusations.

  Now, how would he convince Miriam to forget his time with Laura? That would be the difficult part. And the longer he waited, the harder it would be. For one thing, some other man might make a move on Miriam now that she was well set with a farm when she married. He would have to take the risk that Miriam would accuse him of wanting to marry her because of the inheritance. He’d admit to Miriam that it did add to his attraction, but that in his heart he’d always admired and loved her. He’d tell her that Laura had been a mistake. What other choice did he have?

  And he would love Miriam, Ivan told himself. He’d loved her once, so that was proof enough that his feelings were genuine. And he really wouldn’t have been happy with Laura Swartz. Not once things came down to everyday life. He could imagine now that the years spent with such a shallow girl like her simply wouldn’t be worth it. Beauty faded, the Scriptures said, once the babies came and middle age crept on.

  Ivan moved the hickory chair in front of him and finished the staining. It was a wonder he hadn’t ruined the job with the way his mind wandered this morning. That was something the Beachy family wouldn’t tolerate. They demanded the highest quality of work. He’d managed so far to retain both the job and his ability to advance up the ladder until he’d been appointed foreman of the department. All well and good. But if could just marry Miriam Yoder and take over her farm, there was no limit to what he could become or accomplish.

  He’d get over Laura soon enough. He’d miss her laugh. That much was true. He’d discovered how much he enjoyed it these last few weeks. But then mightn’t she eventually lose her laugh once the troubles of life began? Money, on the other hand, wouldn’t lose its value. Wasn’t that worth the loss of Laura’s pretty face? And he’d still see Laura at the Sunday services. It wouldn’t be the same though. She’d be someone else’s frau. Laura wouldn’t stay single for long. That much he was sure of. Not as gut looking as she was.

  It was a shame though, Ivan thought as he picked up another chair, that he’d never had the chance to kiss Laura. He’d figured there would be plenty of time for kissing in their future and he hadn’t wished to appear too rushed. That was part of the appeal of a real man, he figured—the lack of need, even though he would gladly have taken Laura’s hand on their first date and drawn her face close to his. She would have allowed a kiss that first evening, he was sure. Now he had worried and schemed in vain. Perhaps he could still steal one after he talked with Miriam and knew for sure that she would take him back.

  Ivan stood up straight. He couldn’t quite do that. Even Laura would figure out what he’d done once he cut off their relationship. He’d better act cool and dispassionate. It wouldn’t be easy, but he shouldn’t expect things to be easy. Not when a debt-free farm hung in the balance. And Miriam needed a man like him who knew how to manage the place. Truly the Lord was in this situation. The whole plan was clear as day. Now for the next step, and the step after that. He’d take this slow and steady. Soon Miriam’s heart would be his again. He was certain of that.

  Chapter Fourteen

  On Sunday afternoon, more than a week later, Miriam stood listening to the chatter of the crowd in Mose Gingerich’s home where the church services had been held that morning. Miriam’s thoughts drifted to the past week. Shirley had told her that Jonas planned to pick her up again sometime soon. She’d whispered her plans to Miriam after they’d settled in upstairs for the night. Jonas and she weren’t very serious yet, Shirley had assured her. And she didn’t plan to become serious. They just liked each other’s company. No harm would come of it.

  Miriam’s job at the Berlin Gospel Bookstore was going well. The paychecks weren’t as big as with Mr. Bland, but anything helped. In the meantime, her two million dollars in the bank still seemed unreal. She wondered at times if it really was there. The checkbook in her dresser drawer said the sum existed, and so had Rose.

  Perhaps she should use some of the money to solve Shirley’s problem. Shirley could be sent on a trip somewhere—maybe to Oklahoma with Aunt Fannie. A little time away might end Shirley’s fascination with Jonas. Perhaps Miriam might even go with Shirley. She’d be glad not to have to see Ivan each Sunday and all the warm smiles Laura Swartz sent his way when she thought nobody was looking.

  Perhaps Miriam should bring up the idea of a visit at dinner. She’d love to be around her chatty aunt again, and that would be far enough away from Possum Valley to find peace for a while. After she’d found out about the inheritance, she’d even suggested to Rose, half in jest, that she’d flee somewhere. But how could she do that? It seemed as impossible now as it had then. From where could she say the money for the trip had come? Perhaps if she’d mentioned to Mamm and Daett that she’d received a little extra money from Mr. Bland, she could spend some now. But that would have been a partial lie, to say the least. Besides, what would she do about her job at the bookstore?

  Miriam shifted on her feet and glanced around. The services had finished an hour ago, and the second round of people were ready to be served their dinners. Mose waved his arms around to gather the young boys in from the outside. A few of the younger married men had also missed the first round. They made sure Mose didn’t miss them by hollering, “We haven’t eaten yet!” from the back of the living room.

  “Yah, yah, I know this.” Mose laughed. “But I thought your wives had served you a big enough breakfast you wouldn’t be quite so hungry.”

  This produced hoots of laughter from the older men.

  Miriam smiled. Everyone knew that Mose teased, and that no man would miss lunch regardless of how large his breakfast had been.

  “Unmarried girls over here!” Mose hollered out.

  Miriam moved toward the table with the other girls her age. She’d helped serve the first tables, and now she looked forward to a meal herself. The time was already well after one o’clock, and hunger gnawed at her. The problem hadn’t been the breakfast served at home. There had been plenty of food. She’d been unable to eat a full meal out of nervousness. By today everyone would have heard the news about the farm the Yoder family had been given by the Englisha man Mr. Bland. And they would have had time to think and talk about the matter. Not that anyone would object, but this would change their status in the community. How that would play out, Miriam wasn’t sure, but it certainly would have an impact. Daett had stayed true to form and made sure everyone understood that she would have the farm once she married. Daett didn’t have to add the detail that this made her a more attractive marriage partner. That would just be accepted. This was another reason she hadn’t breathed a word about two million dollars. What kind of a stir would that make?

  Miriam seated herself at the long table, and Bishop Wagler’s call to prayer soon rang through the house. All heads in the vicinity bowed. When Miriam looked up, she caught Ivan Mast’s gaze fixed on her. He was seated across the room with the unmarried men. Miriam looked away quickly as blood rushed up her neck. Why did Ivan pay her attention today? His girlfriend, Laura Swartz, sat not three people away from her at the table. What was Ivan up to? When their eyes had met a few weeks ago, he’d glanced away disinterestedly. Today, he was still looking at her—if she didn’t miss her guess. Miriam sneaked a peek. Sure enough, Ivan’s gaze was still on her.

  Well, she would ignore him, Miriam decided. There could be only one explanation for Ivan’s sudden interest. She’d once wanted his attentions badly, but she didn’t want him because she would own a prosperous farm. What kind of marriage would that be? Ivan had missed his chance. He’d chosen Laura, and his long look in her direction was completely inappropriate. That was all there was to it.

  Miriam studied the food in front of her. She’d been hungry moments ago, but now all she wanted to do was get up and leave. Well, she would eat now whether sh
e felt like it or not. Miriam took a bite of her sandwich and accidentally caught Ivan’s gaze again. To her horror, she felt a thrill at his attention. Against her will she had to struggle not to smile back at him. There was no sense to this. She wouldn’t—couldn’t—encourage him! Ivan might even speak with her if she wasn’t careful.

  Miriam choked on her food, and the girl beside her gave her a concerned glance.

  “I’m okay. The food just caught in my throat,” Miriam offered.

  The girl nodded and went back to her conversation.

  She was being immature, Miriam told herself, to even think such things about Ivan. She was still desperate for his attention, and she had to stop it. Both of them would have to live with the choice Ivan had made. It was too late to switch girls now—at least for the reasons Ivan had. She forced herself not to look in his direction as she finished the meal.

  His newly found interest in her would pass once the news of the farm wore off and Ivan figured out she was the same girl she’d always been. Decent—at least from a man’s point of view—but a little on the homely side. Certainly no beauty like Laura. She didn’t need a farm to attract a decent husband. And Miriam wouldn’t stoop to that level, either.