Simple Secrets (The Harmony Series 1)

by Nancy Mehl

  Abel ambled up to us. “Just wanted to tell you that we’re going to clean things up tonight and start fixing the kitchen tomorrow. We’ll have things as good as new in no time at all.”

  “How—how much will it cost, Abel?” I said. “I don’t have much money, but I’m sure my dad will be happy to...”

  “Gracie Temple!” Abel said loudly. “Do you still not understand Mennonites? This is what we do. You don’t owe anyone anything—except a promise not to leave an oil lamp burning when you’re not around.”

  “That what started the fire, Abel?” Sweetie asked.

  “Yep. Too near the curtains from what we can figure. Just got too hot and started a blaze.” Before I could say anything, he patted my shoulder. “Don’t worry about it, Gracie. If you’re not used to having oil lamps, accidents can happen.”

  Someone called his name, and he turned and walked away. Sweetie followed him.

  “I didn’t leave any oil lamp burning,” I hissed to Sam.

  “I know that,” he said in a low voice. “Keep your voice down. Obviously someone started the fire on purpose. I think they wanted to burn down the whole house. They just didn’t count on Ida and her determination.”

  “But why burn down the house? It doesn’t make sense.”

  “I have no idea, but my guess is they want you out of Harmony. Seems to me if someone wanted to physically hurt you, they wouldn’t be stealing family heirlooms and setting fires when you’re not home.”

  “You’ve got a point.”

  “Look, you’ve been through a lot today,” Sam said. “I’m going to have Sweetie drive you home. I need to stay here.” He looked up at the sky. “It doesn’t look like rain, but we can’t take a chance. We need to make sure the house is protected from any surprise storms.”

  “Thanks, but I’ll drive my car. It’s been sitting ever since I got here.”

  Sam started to protest, but I put my fingers on his lips. “This isn’t open for debate. I want to check on Ida. I’ll go straight to your place after that.”

  “All right, but if you start feeling woozy again, you either come and get me or go on to the house, okay?”

  I nodded solemnly. “I promise.”

  With a final look of warning, he joined a group of men talking about what to do next to fix my uncle’s house. Correction: my house. That concept was going to take some getting used to.

  I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to find Joyce Bechtold standing behind me. “I hope you’ll forgive me for ordering you around earlier,” she said. “I’m usually not so aggressive.” Her face belonged to a beautiful woman who had lived with laughter, but her eyes held shadows of pain. Perhaps some of what I saw was planted there through years of unrequited love for my uncle.

  “Please don’t apologize. I had no idea what to do. I needed someone to tell me, and I’m grateful for your help.”

  Her well-used laugh lines fell into place as she smiled. “Thank you, Gracie. I wouldn’t want to offend you. Your uncle spoke of you quite often. Especially toward the end of his life. He wanted so much to see you. I—I wish he would have reached out to his family before the end. I never understood his reluctance, and although I asked him about it, he never seemed to be able to explain his reasons.”

  I nodded but couldn’t come up with a response. Not one she would want to hear anyway.

  She hesitated for a moment as if she wanted to say something else. Finally, she took a step back. “I guess I’d better go. I left the shop unattended, and I’m fairly sure I left the lights on and the door unlocked. All I could think about was Ben’s ... I’m sorry. I mean your house.”

  I reached out and touched her arm. “No, that’s fine. It’s hard for me to call it my house, too. He’ll always be a part of it.”

  She nodded silently. Sadness emanated from her.

  “Joyce, I wanted to ask you about the birdhouses.”

  She raised her eyebrows. “You mean the ones I painted with Ben?”

  I smiled at her. “Kind of. Actually, he left quite a few of them unpainted in the basement. I’d really like you to have them.”

  “Oh dear, Gracie. I—I mean, I could paint them for you, and you could give them to Ruth...”

  “No no. I don’t want to sell them, Joyce. I really want you to take the houses. You can do whatever you want with them. Keep them, sell them. I don’t care. I know my uncle would want you to have them. And if there’s anything else ... something you gave him or a memento you’d like to have, please let me know. I realize you were close to him.”

  A tear slid down her face. “Not as close as I wish we’d been. I’m afraid he kept a wall around himself. I feel blessed to have glimpsed behind it a few times, but in the end, that emotional barrier was too strong for us. I wish...”

  She didn’t need to finish the sentence. I knew what she wished. “As soon as things settle down some, will you come by?”

  She smiled through her tears. “Thank you, Gracie. Your uncle would have absolutely adored you. I hope you know that.”

  As she walked away, Gabriel Ketterling’s words rang in my head. Would have been mighty ashamed to call something like this family. I wondered which statement was true. Would I ever know the answer?

  I jogged over to Sam’s truck, found my purse, and grabbed the sack of baklava from Menlo’s. Then I hurried to the other side of the house where my car had been parked since I’d arrived in Harmony. As I pulled out onto Faith Road, I passed John Keystone. He was getting something out of his car, but his thoughts seemed to be focused in another direction—on the beautiful Mennonite girl waiting in her father’s buggy. Sarah sat with her head bowed and her eyes downcast. She appeared to be oblivious to John’s fixed gaze. As I drove past, he saw me and quickly redirected his concentration back to the task at hand. Strange. John Keystone was obviously attracted to Sarah, but there was very little hope for romance there. Gabriel would never allow someone like John anywhere near his daughter. Frankly, I was surprised by his attention. I would have thought someone like Mary would be a more likely match.

  As I drove down the dirt road toward Ida’s, I turned to my earlier conjecture about John. I felt certain I was right. But now what to do with my suspicion? I needed to confront him, but I really wanted Sam with me. Even though I’d seen a softer side to the butcher, I didn’t want to be alone with him when I asked the question I had to ask.

  I turned into Ida’s and parked near the porch. Zebediah stood near the fenced area behind the house. I took a minute to pet him before going inside. He moved his face next to me and closed his eyes while I stroked his soft face. His gentleness touched me. He was used to being cared for. I couldn’t help glancing at my car as I made my way to Ida’s front porch. I couldn’t pet it or have deep feelings about it. Maybe Ida had a point. If I lived in Harmony, I would definitely have a horse.

  I stopped cold at the bottom of the steps. If I lived in Harmony? Where had that thought come from? Man, a few days here and I was turning into Fannie the farmer. I shook off the silly thought and bounded up the stairs. The door was open, the screen door closed. Instead of knocking, I called out Ida’s name. I heard her holler at me to come in. When I stepped into the living room, I found her curled up on the couch with a pillow, a comforter, and a book in her hand.

  “Are you okay?”

  She struggled to right herself. “Ach, I am fine. My goodness. An old woman takes a tumble and everyone thinks she is ready to be put out to pasture.”

  Regardless of her protests, I’d noticed a slight wince when she’d sat up. “I don’t think you’re ready for the pasture, but I do think you should take it easy for a couple of days. Are you sure nothing’s broken?”

  She waved her hand at me. “I am absolutely certain. I bruised my hip, but everything is still working just fine. I feel so silly, falling like that.” She reached down and stroked her legs. “Getting older is not any fun, you know? God keeps me strong and healthy, but our bodies do start to wear out. And there is not much we c
an do about it.” She smiled at me, her face full of joy. “But with every day that comes, I know I am getting closer to going home. And I can hardly wait. Zebediah and I will ride the beautiful trails of heaven—both of us young and vibrant again.”

  For just a moment, in the look of bliss on her face, I could see the beautiful young girl she was once, and the woman she believed she would be again. It brought a lump to my throat. I sat down in the chair across from her.

  “So you believe Zebediah will go to heaven?” I asked gently.

  Ida straightened her comforter and put her book on the table next to her. The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. One of my favorites. “I certainly do. I do not believe God would give us so much love for animals if we would never be with them again. The Bible says they have souls. I know there is more than just body and instinct inside them.” She smiled at me. “I realize they do not go to heaven the same way we do. But since nothing is impossible for Him, I am convinced He can bring our beloved pets back to us. There have been a few animals in my life...” The old woman’s voice shook with emotion. “Forgive me, dear,” she said in a quiet voice. “Herman and I never had children. Some of our pets became like our children. I recently lost a dog I had for quite some time. I have not had the heart to replace him. It still hurts too much. And Zebediah? My goodness. What an old and dear friend he is. I cannot imagine my life without him.”

  “I understand.” Ida’s remembrances of beloved pets struck a little too close to home. I’d grown up with dogs, but after we lost Eddie, a darling little Jack Russell, I’d vowed I’d never have another one. When I moved into my apartment and discovered that dogs weren’t allowed, I’d felt relieved. My cat, Snicklefritz, was the only companion I needed. Of course, I’d been certain I could never get as close to a cat as I had a dog. My assumption had proved false. Silly cat had found a way into my heart. I was suddenly filled with a longing to see him.

  “How is your house, Gracie? I tried to watch the attempt to put out the fire from my window, but unfortunately I could not stand long enough to see much.”

  “It’s going to be fine.” I shook my head. “I can hardly believe the way everyone came together to save it.”

  “That is the way it is in Harmony. We are a family.” She adjusted her slightly askew prayer covering over the gray braids piled on top of her head. “Let me see if I can get us some tea.”

  “I really don’t have time,” I said gently. “But let me make you something before I go. Have you eaten?”

  “No, but I will get to it.” She winced again. “I am fine, child. Just a little sore.”

  “You get comfortable,” I said with a smile. “I’ll brew some tea, get you some supper, and make sure you have everything you need before I go.”

  Ida’s face flushed. “Oh dear. You really do not need to put yourself out so.”

  I got up and went over to where she sat. Taking her hands in mine, I said, “Ida, you saved my house. Sweetie saw you even before she noticed the smoke. If you hadn’t tried to get help, the house might have burned to the ground. My family and I owe you so much.”

  “Goodness, anyone would have done the same...”

  I shook my head. “No. Not everyone would have done the same thing. Most people wouldn’t have risked themselves the way you did.”

  “Ach, child. I am just happy help arrived in time.”

  I gave her a quick hug. “Now for that supper.” I’d started toward the kitchen when she stopped me.

  “Gracie, how did the fire start?”

  Not wanting to worry her, I said, “Ummm ... I guess I left an oil lamp burning.”

  Ida’s face wrinkled in a deep frown. “I do not understand. I leave lamps burning all the time. They have never started a fire.”

  I shrugged. “I guess the lamp was too close to the kitchen curtains. Anyway, that’s what I was told.” I took a deep breath and tried to keep my tone light. “I don’t suppose you saw anyone at the house late this afternoon did you?”

  She shook her head. “I must admit that I fell asleep reading and spent the entire afternoon napping on this couch—until I smelled something burning.” She raised one eyebrow. “Why? Surely you do not suspect...”

  “No. No reason. Just wondering.”

  I left the room quickly before she could ask any more questions. I didn’t want to alarm her by telling her I thought someone had purposely started the fire, but I had to know if she’d seen anything.

  I put some water on for tea. Inside Ida’s small refrigerator, I found cold cuts and cheese. There was bread in the bread box. I made a sandwich and sliced an apple. Then I poured a cup of hot tea and carried everything into the living room. Ida had pulled the small side table in front of her, and I set her supper on it.

  “Ach, that looks perfect,” she said, smiling. “What a blessing. Thank you so much.”

  I told her to wait a minute and ran out the front door to my car. I grabbed the sack from Menlo’s that I’d transferred from Sam’s truck. “I have a special treat for you,” I said as I reentered the living room. “I hope you like baklava.”

  Ida’s face lit up. “Oh ja. I absolutely love it.”

  I pulled the gooey desserts out of the sack and put them in front of her. “Three pieces. Is that too many? I can put some in the refrigerator.”

  She slapped playfully at my hand. “You leave them right where they are,” she said, grinning. “I intend to make short work of every one.”

  I laughed at her enthusiasm. “I have to go, but I’ll be back later to clean this up and help you get ready for bed.”

  Ida’s bright smile slipped from her face. “Oh no, Gracie. I am just a little sore. I can get around just fine.”

  I leaned over and hugged her. “No arguing. I’m going to keep an eye on you for the next few days until I know you’re okay. Since I can’t call to check on you...”

  She held her hand up to stop me. “I have learned my lesson this time. If I had a telephone I could have called for help right away instead of having to run down the road to Sam’s. I would have been a better help to you and would not have this awful bruise on my hip. I intend to get one installed right away.” She shook her head. “Honestly, I have never had anything against telephones. I simply did not think it necessary. I was wrong.” She grabbed my hand. “I hope you can forgive me for being so stubborn.”

  I laughed. “Listen, I’ve changed my way of thinking in so many ways since I arrived in Harmony. I can’t get a signal on my cell phone here. Not having it ring twenty times a day was hard on me at first. But now I find myself enjoying the peace and quiet. I have no intention of being a slave to my phone when I go home. Peace and quiet are much more precious to me now.”

  She patted my arm. “Thank you for that. Maybe a nice place in the middle of the road will be good for both of us, ja?”

  I hugged her again. “Ja,” I said softly. “Now, is there anything else you need before I go?”

  “There is one thing I would like. Could you go into my bedroom and get my cane? It is in my closet. It will help me get around a little more safely.”

  “Of course.” I followed Ida’s finger, which was pointed toward a hallway near the kitchen. I easily found her bedroom. The sparse room held an old iron bed and an antique dresser. The closet door creaked as I opened it. A wooden cane was lying against the wall just inside the closet. I grabbed it and was headed out the door when I took a second look at the bedspread on Ida’s old bed. I recognized the familiar pattern. It was one of Mama Essie’s, but it was so old and faded, it was only a shadow of the glorious quilt it once had been. I ran my fingers over it. I could see places where the pattern had become worn and the quilt pieces had been patched and mended. I thought back to the trunk with quilts in the basement of Benjamin’s house. As soon as I could get back inside, I intended to give Ida a new quilt. I smiled to myself as I pondered the joy it would give her.

  I closed the door to the bedroom and delivered the cane to Ida. After assuring her I woul
d be back by nine o’clock, I left. As I drove past Benjamin’s house, I saw that there were still quite a few men working. Gabriel was helping Sam nail plywood and plastic sheeting over the exposed areas of the kitchen. The burned areas had been removed. A quick look revealed that Gabriel’s buggy was no longer parked on the road, meaning Sarah must have gone home. John’s car was gone, too. I glanced at my watch. Almost seven thirty. Although I’d planned on waiting for Sam, my chance to talk to John today was fading fast. After a brief argument with myself, I decided to swing by the market just to see if he was there, although I doubted it. By now he should be home, and I had no idea where that was.

  I turned my car toward downtown Harmony. As I neared the market, I began to feel a little apprehensive. When I pulled up in front, I noticed the lights were on. John’s car sat in front. I stayed in my own car for a while trying to decide what to do. In my rearview mirror I noticed Ruth leaving her shop. She headed down the sidewalk toward the restaurant. I jumped out of the car and called her name.