Seasons of Sugarcreek 02. Spring's Renewal

by Shelley Shepard Gray

  “What does that mean? What would I like to do?”

  “It means that I’ve already made up my mind. I plan to go, with or without you. I’m anxious to enjoy some of their fellowship. Plus, I have no intention of turning down such a kind invitation.”

  Clara could almost see the wheels churning in her mother’s head. She looked mighty displeased to be left out of Clara’s choices.

  “Mamm, I need to get back to my guests. What would you like to do?”

  “I’ll be joining you.”

  “I’m glad. I’ll go let Anson and Carrie know, then.”

  As she walked back to the kitchen, Clara felt a curious sense of expectation. It had been so long since she’d felt so excited and fluttery, she treasured the feeling.

  And thanked the Lord for giving her such wonderful-gut kinner to teach.

  Yes, that was what she should be concentrating on. Her students. Her kind neighbors.

  Not the man she would be seeing. Not something she had no reason to hope for.

  “We will both be joining you,” she said with a smile when she sat down across from Anson and Carrie. “Please tell your mother that I’ll bring a pie.”

  Carrie grinned. “You could just bring cookies.”

  “No, I have some blueberries that have been aching to be used. I think I’ll make a blueberry pie. But perhaps you two would like to take some cookies home with you? It’s a fairly long walk, jah?”

  Anson eagerly grabbed another one off the plate. Carrie was far more circumspect, but looked just as pleased. “Miss Slabaugh, you can do everything!” she said around a mouthful.

  Clara laughed as she handed Carrie a napkin. “What do you mean by that?”

  “You can put on plays and teach us and bake cookies. They are much better than my mother’s.”

  “Oh, please don’t say things like that. I’m sure your mother’s cookies are just as good. But I thank you, just the same.”

  Moments later, when they left to go deliver their news, Clara watched their retreating backs and sighed. Wouldn’t it be something if she actually could do everything she wished she could?

  Of course, there was only one dream that mattered to her. And that was being a mother and wife. And no matter how talented in the kitchen she was, she didn’t think it would ever overcome her looks.

  A man would want a pleasing face to look at every night at supper. And no matter what happened in her life…that would never happen if someone married her.

  Chapter 6

  “I should probably warn you about Clara’s mother, Amanda Slabaugh,” Frank said to Tim as they washed up outside of the barn. “She’s a different sort of woman.”

  “How so?”

  Frank shrugged, obviously reluctant to talk poorly about his long-time neighbor. “Life has been hard on her. Her daughter Clara has suffered terribly from her burns. Then, about five years ago, her husband died suddenly. I’m afraid he didn’t leave her in a good way financially. It’s taken its toll on her nerves. At times she’s difficult and short-tempered.”

  “Perhaps she should go to the doctor?”

  Uncle Frank almost smiled. “No medicine will cure her, I’m afraid. Only a sunny disposition.”

  “That would be a difficult way to live.”

  “I agree. No matter how many blessings a person has, there are always difficult times. A positive outlook and a shining belief in the Lord’s work can help a person get through them.”

  Thinking of his most recent circumstances, Tim knew his uncle spoke the truth. Only after reaching out to his relatives had he found any type of happiness in Sugarcreek.

  Constantly looking for the bad was a hard way to live. “From what I know of Clara, I have to say I’m surprised. She seems like such a happy person.”

  His uncle nodded. “She is. She’s at peace with herself, I believe. I have to admit to admiring Clara very much. Her older sisters left and she’s alone with the woman all the time. Yet she never complains. Now, if we could only discover what would make her mother happy, too!”

  “I’ll look forward to meeting Mrs. Slabaugh.”

  Judith poked her head out. “Mamm wants to know when you two are coming inside. Please say soon.”

  Wiping off his face, Frank laughed. “Tell your mother that we are coming in right now.”

  “She’ll be happy about that. She expects Joshua and Gretta any moment. And Clara and Mrs. Slabaugh, too, of course.”

  “Judith, it sounds as if she’s gotten herself into a stir?”

  “Oh, she has.” With a frown, she added, “We just saw Joshua today at the store. You’d think he was our long-lost relative.”

  Frank chuckled. “Tim, we best get inside and do what we can to smooth some feathers.”

  Tim charged ahead and impulsively flung an arm around his cousin’s shoulders. “Don’t worry so much, Judith. You’ll get wrinkles early.”

  While Judith sputtered, Uncle Frank chuckled. “Ah, Tim. I think you are finally fitting in.”

  Clara had been dreading the walk to the Graber’s home. After weighing the pros and cons again, they’d decided that there were little benefits to taking the buggy such a short distance. The walk was less than a mile as the crow flew, and at least triple that if they took the roads.

  The only benefit would be that they could ride in the buggy on the way home, when the air turned cooler and the night was upon them. But driving a buggy at night had its own set of problems. Cars and trucks didn’t always see them and the horses turned skittish.

  She, of course, was used to walking most everywhere. But after five minutes of walking up the first hill, it was terribly obvious that her mother was not used to much exercise at all.

  Clara had been mentally preparing herself to listen to a barrage of complaints. But then to her surprise, her mother chuckled.

  “Oh, but this reminds me of when I was courting your father.”

  “It does? How so?”

  “He lived on the other side of Sugarcreek, as you know. At first we would only make plans to see each other on Sundays, either at church or at singings. But then waiting a week seemed to be an eternity. So we started meeting each other halfway.”

  “What did your parents say?”

  “They didn’t know about it. My father was a very dear man, but a strict one, too. He didn’t believe in young women traipsing along the countryside.” A faraway look entered her eyes as they approached the little creek bed near the dividing line of their property with the Grabers. “Things looked different back then as well. Sugarcreek wasn’t near as big.”

  “Did your father ever find out?”

  “Oh, yes. We had quite a discussion that night! But soon after your father asked me to marry him and everything was much better.”

  “I’m glad you decided to come with me tonight.”

  “I am, too, Clara. It does my heart good to see these hills and smell the burst of spring in the air.”

  Her mother was more subdued when they arrived.

  “Thank you for inviting us,” Clara said after everyone greeted each other in the expansive great room. “I’ve brought a pie for dessert.”

  “You didn’t need to do that.”

  “I wanted to.”

  Her mother chuckled. “You should have seen her running around the kitchen in a flurry.”

  “I just wanted to have it be done in time.”

  Elsa took it from her and handed it to Carrie like a prize. “You may take this to the dining room.”

  “Oh, it is still warm.”

  “But not too hot?” Clara cautioned.

  “Oh, no. I am fine.”

  Now that the greetings were taken care of, the talk became far more loud and boisterous. Everyone started talking at once.

  To her surprise, her mother quickly followed Elsa into the kitchen and joined Elsa in insisting that Clara stay with the younger people and visit.

  Judith claimed her hand and took her over to where Joshua and Gretta were sitting. They were
surrounded by the other children. Gretta was holding Maggie and looked like she’d been a part of the family for years.

  A new look of contentment rested on her features. Clara fought back a twinge of jealously. She was certainly happy for Gretta, but would be lying to herself if she pretended she didn’t want to be in the same kind of position.

  Then she finally caught sight of the one person she’d most wanted to see…Timothy. He was sitting with them all, too. But didn’t look quite as comfortable as the rest of them.

  When their eyes met, he smiled warmly…which in turn made her pulse race a bit faster.

  “We’re so glad you came over,” Judith said when there was a break in the conversation. “We never get much of a chance to visit with each other after church.”

  Joshua looked at his siblings with something that looked very much like exasperation. “It’s a wonder anyone ever gets to talk about anything around us. We haven’t yet mastered the art of taking turns when speaking.”

  “I have,” Carrie interjected. “We have to be quiet at school when others are talking.”

  Clara chuckled. “That is true. I’m doing my best to teach taking turns.”

  Gretta leaned forward. “Tell us how your school year is going.”

  “It is fine. Your brothers and sisters keep me on my toes.”

  “I don’t remember being too much of a handful,” Caleb said with a grin.

  “Though I only taught you last year, I must agree. You weren’t too much of a handful at all.” After waiting a beat or two, she grinned. “In fact, you could be far worse.”

  Laughter rang out as more and more Grabers entered the conversation. Before long, they were all called to supper and walked to the kitchen with plates. “It’s easier to feed our group buffet style,” Elsa explained. “Otherwise, the bowls of food get a little too heavy to pass.”

  “I like this way,” Clara said when she found herself at the head of the line. “And everything looks wunderbaar,” she added as she looked at the array of baked chicken, pasta salad, relish trays, and spring peas. There at the end was her blueberry pie, right next to a cherry cake.

  Her mother said nothing, but Clara did notice that she took generous helpings of everything.

  After everyone was served and seated around an enormous oval oak table, they all bowed their heads and gave thanks.

  To her surprise, Tim chose the chair next to her.

  “I’m glad you came,” he said quietly. “I was looking forward to seeing you again.”

  “You were?”

  He smiled. “I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family. But I’ve also been blessed with fine hearing. Sometimes I yearn to sit near someone who isn’t quite as loud.”

  She felt her cheeks heating. Tim was acting as if his feelings toward her were special. The idea made her flustered, and hope burnished long-ago dreams put to rest.

  But she couldn’t let him know that. “Now you make me wonder if I should talk at all,” she teased.

  “If you get too loud, I’ll let you know.”

  She chuckled, then, to her surprise, realized that their exchange had been watched by the rest of the group. Gretta eyed them with speculation. Her students were staring at her with a new awareness.

  And her mother looked irritated.

  “What will you do when summer comes?” Judith asked.

  “All sorts of things. I enjoy my break just like the children do. I try to go on a walk every day and read as much as I can.”

  “She becomes far too lazy,” her mother added with a bit of sharpness in her tone. “I’ve been telling her to tutor or look for another job.”

  Judith’s eyes widened for a moment before they narrowed slightly. “I doubt Clara will become lazy.”

  “Yes, all of us need a day of rest,” Elsa said before turning the conversation to more general topics.

  When Mr. Graber stood up and her mother and Elsa followed, Clara stayed behind to help Judith and Gretta carry the dishes to the kitchen.

  “We should plan to do some things together,” Judith said. “If you’re busy, no one will think you are wasting time.”

  “My mother, she didn’t mean to sound so harsh.”

  “Even if she didn’t, she still probably forgot what it was like to feel young, with the future at her fingertips,” Judith replied. “It’s up to us to make sure we don’t let these days pass us by.”

  Clara didn’t know if she’d ever felt like her future was wide open. Ever since her accident, she’d been so grateful for her blessings that she’d never felt easy about asking for more.

  But that said, she would look forward to deepening her friendship with Judith. “I would like to plan some activities with you, if you can spare the time.”

  “Of course I can.”

  Gretta glanced at the two of them and grinned. “You two have a look about you that I recognize.”

  “And what is that?” Judith asked saucily.

  “Like you’re feeling restless. That’s how I was feeling in January.”

  “And here it is April already.”

  Gretta ignored Judith’s sarcasm. “I know, I know. I sound like I have much to learn. But I also have learned a lot. Joshua and I had quite a time before we reached our agreement.”

  “I’m surprised to hear that,” Clara admitted. “To me, you and Joshua were always so close.”

  “We had some growing pains. But in the end, we worked everything out. I’m sure you both will find your way as well.”

  “If I have a need to find my way,” Judith said sharply.

  Clara busied herself by putting the leftovers neatly away into the crockery sitting on the counter. The chore kept her hands busy while her mind played over Gretta’s statements.

  Judith was as opinionated and confident as ever. Clara had a feeling that nothing Gretta was saying would have much of an effect on her. That, Clara supposed, was the consequence of growing up feeling sure of yourself.

  She, of course, had had just the opposite type of experiences. The idea that her future wasn’t decided was an intriguing one.

  When Tim walked into the kitchen, all three girls stilled. “Tim, did you need something?” Judith asked.

  “Perhaps. I was wondering if Clara would like to go for a short walk.”

  While Gretta simply smiled, Judith looked her way. “Would you?”

  “Sure.”

  Something akin to relief flashed in his eyes. “You’ll probably want your cape or shawl. After you get it, will you meet me on the front porch?”

  Clara nodded. “I’ll hurry.”

  “No need. I’ll wait.”

  When he left them, Judith winked. “I am beginning to think you will not need much of my company after all. You’re going to be plenty busy with my cousin.”

  “I don’t know about that. He’s just being nice.”

  “Nice and friendly,” Gretta agreed, her eyes twinkling. “Well, you better go get your cloak and meet Tim. Even though he says he won’t mind waiting, I have a feeling he just might be anxious for you to join him.”

  Helplessly, Clara looked around the kitchen. The dishes were only half washed and put away. Two pots still needed to be scrubbed. “The kitchen—”

  “I’ll call on Carrie to help,” Judith said. “You’re our guest. Go now.”

  Fearing that any more protestations would only exaggerate the situation, Clara nodded and left.

  Without a word, she crossed through the dining room and right by the front parlor where her mother was looking at quilt designs with Mrs. Graber.

  Her mother looked up. “Clara, what are you doing?”

  She grabbed her cloak and slipped it around her shoulders. “I’m going for a walk.”

  “Right now? Why? And with whom?”

  “I’ll be back soon,” she replied, not answering a single one of the mother’s questions on purpose.

  When she stepped out onto the porch, the cool breeze felt like nature’s welcome. So did Tim’s smile.
/>   Chapter 7

  “Is there somewhere you especially like to walk in the evenings after supper?” Tim asked Clara as soon as they started down the driveway.

  “Anywhere is fine. I’m just happy to be outside.”

  “Jah. I feel the same way.”

  Around them, the air felt breezy and a bit cool, yet everywhere there were signs of spring. Crocuses were beginning to bloom—their tiny purple buds brightening the dark soil surrounding them.

  Yes, the early evening was a pleasure, for sure. But none of it mattered to him. His attention was far more focused on the woman standing next to him.

  By unspoken consent, they veered left, the opposite direction from the creek where they’d first met. As they walked, they passed a thick hedge. Directly after was the Allens’ home. Because the Allens were English, their house shone brightly. Almost every window was illuminated. The faint buzzing of a television drifted out from two open windows. Seconds later, they heard Mrs. Allen calling for something.

  Tim shared an amused look with Clara. “Their home is busy tonight, too.”

  “I would say so. I don’t know them too well. Do you?”

  “I’ve only talked with them a few times. My cousins like them very much. Anson and Ty are gut friends.”

  “Yes, Anson’s mentioned Ty to me a few times. Maybe a hundred or so?”

  He laughed. “That Anson, he’s never met a stranger.”

  “I admire that quality of his greatly.” After another twenty yards, they left the Allens’ mowed lawn and walked up a hill. There was a well-worn path to the side of the road. “If we continue this way for about five miles, it will lead us to downtown Sugarcreek. About a mile ahead, the Millers have a vegetable and honey stand. Would you like to walk to that?”

  “Sure.”

  “Okay. There are not too many cars, so it always feels safe.”

  Safety was something Tim never worried about. He felt strong and solid after a lifetime of working hard in the fields. No one would ever mistake him for a weakling.