The Bishop's Daughter

by Wanda E. Brunstetter

  Leona might have felt irritation because of the interruption, but under the circumstances, she thought Naomi’s timing couldn’t have been more perfect. “Come with me,” she said. She couldn’t keep the excitement from her voice. “I want to show you how well Millie’s doing and explain what I believe is going to help her learn to read and write easier.”

  As Naomi stood beside the desk watching and listening to Millie read, Leona waited with anticipation to see how she would respond.

  “What’s the blue piece of cellophane doing on Millie’s book?” Naomi asked, turning to Leona with a wrinkled forehead.

  “A teacher friend of mine gave me an article on dyslexia,” Leona explained. “It lists several things that have helped with the problem.” She pointed to the cellophane. “Using a colored overlay has worked well for many children, but since I didn’t have any, I decided to try the cellophane. I figured if it worked, I’d order some of the overlays from the company mentioned in the magazine.”

  Naomi pursed her lips. “I’m not sure I want Millie learning to read and write with fancy things you’ve read about. What’s wrong with her learning the old-fashioned way, like my other kinner have done?”

  Before Leona could respond, Millie looked up at her mother and said, “I’m learnin’ to read, Mama.” She pointed to the page before her and grinned. “See here. . . Dog. Cat. Stop. Go.”

  “Good, Millie.” Naomi squeezed her daughter’s arm; then she leaned close to Leona and whispered, “I’ll see what Caleb has to say about this; then we’ll let you know if we want you to order those fancy overlays or not.”

  Leona’s only reply was a quick nod. As she moved back to Emanuel’s desk, she lifted a silent prayer. Open Naomi’s heart to this new idea, Lord. And, please, since I can’t get more education, fill me with wisdom in knowing the best ways to teach my students.

  The walls in the one-room schoolhouse seemed to vibrate with excitement as the children prepared for this evening’s Christmas program they were putting on for their parents. Even Leona felt a sense of exhilaration while she scurried about the room, making sure everyone knew their parts and setting all the props in place.

  Besides the fact that Christmas was such a happy time of the year, Leona was pleased with how well Millie had been doing these last few weeks. The child’s reading and writing skills had improved quite a bit, and she seemed more attentive and willing to learn. After speaking with Caleb and Naomi again, Leona had been given permission to order the colored plastic overlays. It seemed odd that such a simple thing as a change of color could make a difference in the words being read; but it had, and Leona was very pleased. She knew Millie’s parents were happy, because Naomi had even thanked her.

  Now, if something could only be done to help Papa’s memory return, this would be the perfect Christmas. She scanned the room to see who had come to the program. Some of the parents were seated in their children’s desks, many sat in chairs placed around the room, and a few stood against the back wall. Leona spotted her folks sitting in chairs beside her brother. Next to Arthur sat his wife, Doris, and their four youngest children, Mavis, Ephraim, Simeon, and Darion. Their other three children, Faith, Ruby, and Jolene, were all students in Leona’s class, and they stood near the front of the room with everyone else who had a part in the Christmas play.

  She noticed Jimmy sitting in one of the school desks and was glad she’d thought to invite him. Even though she knew they could never have a permanent relationship, it was nice to have Jimmy as a friend. From the looks of his smile, she knew he was glad he’d been invited.

  Leona put a finger to her lips to quiet the excited scholars; then she smiled at the audience and stepped forward. “Thank you for coming to share this special evening with your kinner. We’d like to present the story of Jesus’ birth and share several recitations and songs.” Leona nodded at Josh Hoffmeir, who was dressed as an innkeeper. When he didn’t respond, she motioned with her hand.

  Josh’s face turned crimson, but he quickly took his place behind the cardboard partition in front of Leona’s desk. BETHLEHEM INN had been written in bold letters on the front of it. Emanuel Lapp, dressed as Joseph, walked up to the cardboard inn while Leona’s niece Faith, who was dressed as Mary, stood off to one side.

  Emanuel knocked on the edge of the cardboard, and Josh stepped out from behind the partition. “What can I do for you?”

  “My wife and I have come to Bethlehem to pay our taxes, and we need a place to stay.”

  Josh shook his head. “I have no empty rooms.”

  “But Mary’s due to have a baby soon, and she needs—”

  “Sorry. There’s nothin’ here.”

  “Please, I implore you.”

  The innkeeper shook his head.

  “She can have my room!” a booming voice shouted from the back of the schoolhouse.

  All heads turned, several people snickered, and heat flooded Leona’s face. With a look of determination, Papa shook his finger at Josh. “If Mary’s gonna have a baby, it wouldn’t be right to turn her away. You’re not a nice man!”

  Leona glanced at her mother and felt relief when Mom took hold of Papa’s hand and whispered something in his ear. Papa hesitated but finally sat down.

  Leona was glad her daed had come to see the program, but his childish outburst had been an embarrassment, not to mention another reminder that he wasn’t really her daed anymore.

  She forced her lips to form a smile and signaled the children to continue with the play. Why, God? Why did You allow Papa to lose his memory? And why won’t You make him well again?

  Jimmy could see by the horrified look on Leona’s face that she’d been embarrassed when her dad shouted out his offer to give Mary his room. He wished he could shield Leona from further humiliation, but he knew that, like himself, Leona would have to come to grips with her pain. Besides, as much as he might wish it, she wasn’t his girlfriend, so he had no right to try and shield her from anything.

  As the play ended and the program continued with songs and recitations, Jimmy’s thoughts switched gears. In a few more days, it would be Christmas, and he couldn’t help but wonder what Jim would do to celebrate the holidays without him. Probably get drunk on Christmas and stay that way until the New Year is rung in. Even when I was living at home, he used the holidays as an excuse to celebrate with alcohol, and now that we are at odds with each other, his drinking problem has probably gotten worse. He stared at his clenched fists resting on his knees and grimaced. I do feel sorry for him, but I can’t reach him. My days of rescuing Jim Scott are over.

  “Are you sure you wouldn’t like a hunk of gingerbread to go along with your tea?” Lydia asked Leona as they sat in the living room, drinking the chamomile tea Lydia had fixed soon after her husband had gone upstairs to bed.

  “Just the tea is fine for me,” Leona replied.

  “There was a good turnout at the program tonight.”

  “Jah.”

  “It was a joy to watch the kinner act out the Nativity scene, sing Christmas carols, and recite their parts.”

  No response, just a deep sigh from her daughter.

  Lydia reached over and touched Leona’s hand. “Would it make you feel better if we talked about what happened with your daed during the innkeeper’s scene?”

  Leona shook her head. “There’s not much point in talking about it. What’s done is done.”

  “No harm came from it. . .not really.”

  Leona set her cup on the end table and turned to face her mother. “Weren’t you embarrassed by Papa’s outburst? Don’t you get tired of him acting like a child?”

  Lydia blinked. “Well, I—”

  “Everyone was laughing at Papa tonight. Didn’t that make you want to hide your face in shame?”

  “I did feel bad for my Jacob because he didn’t realize it was only a play.” Lydia released a quiet moan. “My husband can’t help what happened to him, and I think it’s time you quit thinking of yourself and thank God that your da
ed is alive.”

  Leona waved her arms as if she were fighting off a swarm of bees. “I—I am glad for that, but—”

  “But you think the Lord should heal him because it’s what you want—because your daed does and says things that make you feel uncomfortable? You’re not the only one who’s suffered since your daed’s accident. It’s been hard on Arthur having to take over the painting business. It’s been hard on our church allowing Jacob to hold his position as bishop when he can’t fulfill any of his previous duties.” Lydia drew in a deep breath, trying to gain control over her swirling emotions. “And it’s been hard on me. When your daed fell off that ladder and suffered a brain injury, I lost my husband and was left with a little boy to raise.”

  Leona opened her mouth as if to say something, but Lydia rushed on. “Ever since this horrible tragedy, I’ve silently grieved—but not because I was embarrassed by my husband’s actions. I’m worried about what will happen to him if I die before he does.” Her throat constricted, and a tight sob escaped.

  Leona turned sideways in her chair and clasped Lydia’s hand. “Oh, Mom, I’m so sorry. I’ve been selfish and should have paid more attention to the way you were feeling. I don’t want you to worry about Papa. If something should happen to you, I promise to see that he’s cared for.”

  “You’re a good daughter.” Lydia squeezed Leona’s hand. “I think we should go down on our knees and ask the heavenly Father to give us both more patience and a better understanding of your daed’s needs. Faults are thin when love is thick, you know.” She lifted herself from the chair and knelt on the floor. Leona did the same. This was one of the few times since her husband’s accident that Lydia had felt this close to her daughter, and she thanked God for His goodness and tender mercies.

  Abraham stood in front of his bedroom window and stared at the drifting snowflakes. Fannie was already asleep in bed, but he was stewing about his friend. Would Jacob’s memory ever return? It had been several months since the accident, and there had been little change in the man’s behavior.

  A couple of times, Abraham had felt a ray of hope—like the day he’d heard Jacob call his wife by her real name, and another time when he and Jacob had been playing a game of checkers. After winning the game, Jacob had announced that he’d always been able to beat Abraham at checkers.

  But then there are other times, he thought regrettably. Like tonight at the schoolhouse when Jacob didn’t realize he was a grown man and shouldn’t be speaking out of turn.

  Abraham leaned against the window casing and closed his eyes. Heavenly Father, please bring comfort to Lydia Weaver and her family during this Christmas season. Let Jacob know You’re still with him, and if it’s Your will, allow my friend to have his memory back.

  “Abraham, are you coming to bed?”

  He whirled around at the sound of his wife’s sleepy voice. “Jah, in a minute.”

  “What are you doing over there by the window?”

  “Just thinkin’.”

  Fannie climbed out of bed and ambled over to his side. “Mind if I ask what you’re thinking about?”

  “Jacob’s been on my mind ever since we got home from the Christmas program. I’ve been prayin’ that God will give my friend his memory back.”

  “It’s good you’re concerned about Jacob.” She slipped her arm around his waist. “I’m a little concerned about you, though.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “Things haven’t been right with you and Naomi since you found Zach’s quilt in her linen closet, and I’m wondering how much longer you’re going to hold a grudge.”

  He frowned. “I ain’t holdin’ no grudge.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  He made no reply, just moved away from the window and toward the bed.

  “Don’t you think it’s time you put the quilt out of your mind and forgave your daughter? It’s kind of hard for our prayers to get through to God when there’s bitterness in our hearts,” she said, following him across the room.

  “Jah, I know.”

  “In Matthew 6:14, Jesus said, ‘For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.’ ”

  Abraham turned and pulled Fannie into his arms, resting his chin on top of her head. “You’re right. I do need to forgive Naomi. I’ll clear this up with her soon.”

  The pond not far from Leona’s home was frozen solid. So one Saturday in late January, Leona decided to take some of her older students ice-skating, along with a few of her former students.

  Several of the girls were in the center of the pond making figure eights. Emanuel Lapp, Josh Hoffmeir, and the Fisher twins had gathered some wood and built a bonfire several feet away. Leona planned to have a hot dog roast after the young people had skated awhile; then she would let them toast marshmallows for dessert. She’d also brought two thermoses full of hot chocolate.

  “Leona, come join us on the ice,” Stella Fisher called.

  “I’ll be there as soon as I get my skates on!” Leona dropped to a seat on a fallen log, slipped off her shoes, and placed her feet inside the ice skates she’d received for Christmas a few years ago. This was her first time skating this winter, and it took a few minutes for her to get her balance. By the time she’d made it to the center of the frozen pond, she felt a bit more confident.

  Leona had made only two trips around when she spotted Jimmy’s truck pull into the area where the horses and buggies had been secured by some trees. She’d told him about her skating plans the other morning when he had stopped by their house to pick up her daed for a paint job, but she’d never expected him to show up here.

  Jimmy climbed out of his truck and said a few words to the boys who stood by the fire; then he walked to the edge of the pond. “Looks like a fun way to spend the day!”

  Leona glided across the ice and stopped in front of him. Had he come because of her? The thought sent a shiver tingling down her spine. “Would you like to join us?”

  “I don’t have any ice skates.”

  She glanced at his brown leather boots. His feet seemed small compared to most men his age. “I think Emanuel’s foot is about the same size as yours, and since he seems to be more interested in poking sticks into the fire than skating, maybe he’d be willing to loan you his skates.”

  Jimmy looked kind of flustered. “I only came to watch. If I tried to take one step on that frozen pond, I’d probably fall on my face.”

  “No, you wouldn’t. Not if you hang on to me.” Leona shook her head. Now, what made me say such a thing? That sounded so bold.

  “All right, you’ve talked me into it,” he said with a chuckle.

  Emanuel didn’t mind giving up his skates. So once Jimmy had them laced up, Leona took his arm and helped him over to the pond.

  “Don’t let go,” he said. “My legs feel like two sticks of rubber.”

  “All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other and glide,” Leona instructed as she gave his hand a gentle tug.

  They made their way slowly around the ice until Jimmy felt more confident. Then she let go of his hand. “Hey, this is fun.” He tipped his head back and caught a few snowflakes on the tip of his tongue.

  When Leona looked at Jimmy, she thought she saw a reflection of her own longing in his dark eyes, but maybe it was just wishful thinking. If only we didn’t come from two separate worlds. If only I wasn’t so afraid. . .

  “Let’s go to the middle and try a couple of turns.” A mischievous twinkle danced in Jimmy’s dark eyes.

  “Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

  He leaned close to her ear and whispered, “With you by my side, I feel like I can do ’most anything.”

  “Okay.” Leona could barely get the word out; her throat felt so tight. Did Jimmy have any idea how giddy she felt being this close to him?

  Stella, Carolyn, and Ada moved aside as Leona and Jimmy stepped into the middle of the frozen pond. “Don’t run off on our account,” Jimmy said. “I won’
t knock you over—at least not on purpose.”

  The girls snickered, and Carolyn motioned toward the glow of the bonfire burning against the frosty air. “We’re gettin’ cold anyhow, so we’ll go stand in front of the fire awhile.”

  Ada and Stella nodded in agreement, and the girls skated off.

  “So how’s that puppy of yours doing these days?” Jimmy asked as he and Leona continued to glide around the pond.

  “Ginger’s doin’ great.” She smiled. “In fact, I never know what she’s going to do. There’s not a dull moment around our place since she came to live with us, that’s for certain sure.”

  “What’s the little scamp done?”

  “Let’s see now. . . . Ginger’s pretty aggressive, so instead of the goat chasing her the way he did Cinnamon, Ginger keeps him in his place. Then there’s her little water-dish trick.”

  “Water-dish trick? What’s that?”

  “Whenever I fill Ginger’s dish with fresh water, she takes a few drinks, grabs the edge of the dish between her teeth, and tips it over. I think she likes to see me go to the bother of filling it up again.”

  “I never had a dog when I was growing up, but I always wanted one,” Jimmy said in a wistful tone.

  “Maybe you should have kept Ginger instead of giving her to me.”

  He shook his head. “It wouldn’t be practical for me to have a dog right now—not with me renting the Rabers’ trailer.”

  “I’m sure they wouldn’t mind if you had a pet.”

  “Maybe not, but since I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying in Pennsylvania, it wouldn’t be good to settle in with a dog I won’t be able to keep if I do go back to Washington.”

  “Your daed doesn’t like animals?”

  Jimmy shook his head. “Not unless they’re in the zoo behind bars. When I was growing up, I asked for a puppy every year at Christmas, but I never got one.”

  “Speaking of Christmas,” Leona said, “I was surprised you didn’t go home for the holiday.”