Martha awoke, feeling rested, in the tiny cabin she occupied at the back of the B&B. She rose to the sound of birds singing sweetly, a newly rising sun, and a view of the vast greenery that spread out to the horizon. The view was breathtaking, and its charm never ceased to amaze her. She found comfort in its peaceful elegance. She loved sipping a cup of hot kaffi and gazing out into the horizon before getting dressed for work.
So much had changed in such a few short weeks. Martha had gone from living with her parents to living by herself and working at the B&B. Furthermore, she considered herself blessed to have such a boss as Miriam, who was kind, helpful and encouraging.
Martha also loved the fact that Rachel and Isaac were always nearby. She had called them a few times to ask questions about the new fixtures they had recently purchased for the kitchen. Isaac always hurried over to take care of any issues she had, no matter how minor.
Martha was also grateful that she had become friends with Bethany, and in fact, Bethany was the first person to whom had Martha confided about her longing to fall in love. Martha had previously not spoken of her deep desires with anyone, least of all with an Englischer, but with Bethany’s warm and endearing personality, it had been easy for her to open up. Bethany had reaffirmed to her that Gott had a plan for her and that He had not forgotten her.
Bethany’s sentimental words had struck a chord in Martha’s heart, and during her conversation with Bethany that first night, it caused a few tears to stream down her cheeks. Martha was so fascinated by Bethany and Richard’s romance that she couldn’t help but long for love in much the same way. She had spent a long time as a single woman, and being around the happy and loving couple made her wish for a special love of her own.
Martha took a long, hot shower, and dressed ready for the busy day at the B&B. Miriam had given her a long list of duties as well as instructions on what to do when the workmen arrived. Martha was growing more confident on a daily basis. She now knew how to turn down each room and leave it spotless; she knew where all the pots and pans were kept, and she knew how to set the dining table.
As Martha walked to the garden, Amos appeared. “Are you sure you want to work here?” he asked her in low tones.
Martha was puzzled. “Whatever do you mean?”
Amos looked at Martha from under his lids. “Well, you do know that Debra Bedshill from the B&B in town warned everyone not to support Miriam. If I were you, I wouldn’t go against her.”
“I am not afraid of Debra Bedshill,” Martha responded in a stern tone. Everyone knew that Debra Bedshill and her husband, Clark, were friends with the mayor, but Martha doubted they would be able to do anything to shut Eden down.
“I’m serious, Martha.” Amos took a step toward Martha, and she took a step backward. “The Bedshills have a lot of power in this town.”
“Only Gott has power over me,” Martha said boldly. She left Amos and headed to the garden without as much as a backward glance. Should she report this conversation to Miriam? Martha wasn’t sure, but she was beginning to think that Amos should not be trusted.
Martha did her best to compose herself after the strange conversation with Amos. Thanks to him, the peaceful morning now had a dark cloud over it and it made her uneasy. She hurried to begin her duties and tried her best to forget about the confrontation with Amos.
Martha made her way over to the garden and began planting the shipment of bulbs that Miriam had bought over the weekend. She loved the outdoors and she loved tending to the plants that surrounded the home. Gardening was one of her favorite pastimes, and she was thrilled it was a part of her daily chores. Furthermore, she knew the garden meant a lot to Miriam, so she followed her instructions meticulously.
Martha dug a hole wide and deep enough for the bulbs. She placed the bulbs in the hole with the noses facing upwards, and then she replaced the soil gently and firmly with the back of the rake, just like Miriam had instructed her. Martha stood up and surveyed her work.
Martha dusted off her dirty apron, tidied up the rest of the garden, watered the lilies, roses and sunflowers lining the house and then ventured back inside to complete the rest of her morning chores. Spending some quality time in the garden always helped to clear her thoughts and brighten her day. The uncomfortable conversation she had with Amos was quickly forgotten and now she was able to move on with her day.
As the morning turned into the afternoon, Bethany and Richard ventured into town to do a little shopping. Martha busied herself dusting the living room area, cleaning the kitchen, and replacing old towels and sheets. She was halfway through her chores when she heard a knock on the door. Miriam had told her that James and Amos would be working on some the pipes in the kitchen.
Miriam had in fact instructed her to keep an eye out for James and Amos in the afternoon, so she was a bit startled when the knock was promptly at noon. She raced downstairs to the door.
Martha dusted herself once more before she swung open the door, and when she did, she almost lost her breath. James was alone; there was no sign of Amos. James was tall, tanned, and very attractive. Strands of brown, wavy hair escaped from under his hat. He wore a pair of large brown gloves, while a tool belt was strapped securely around his waist. His white shirt hinted at his well muscled physique. She stood by the front door and gazed at him.
“Hiya, Martha.” James flashed her a friendly smile.
Martha stood gawking at him awkwardly before finding her voice. It had been a while since she had found someone so attractive. Well, truth be told, she had never found any mann so attractive. The realization made her frozen, shy and speechless. There were several young menner in the community who were said to be attracted to her, but she was not the slightest bit interested in them. Never before, had she been so struck by someone’s presence.
Martha returned the pleasant smile, but this time her heart pumped a little faster. She was grateful for a minute to catch her breath under James’ gaze. He always left her flustered and self conscious. He didn’t say much, yet his eyes spoke volumes when she felt his piercing eyes sinking into her soul. In such a few short minutes, she had changed from a relaxed carefree and confident girl to a shy, sheepish young lady.
“You’re starting early, James,” shouted a boisterous voice from behind. Amos barged up to the door.
For a moment, no one spoke. Martha finally found her voice. “Yes, come in, please. Would either of you like a cold drink?”
“You got any beer?” Amos asked loudly.
James instantly dropped his head in embarrassment.
Typical, Martha thought. James was the more quiet, reserved and diligent worker, while Amos usually completed the jobs in a more boisterous, blunt, and sometimes disruptive fashion. On other hand, the often shy, reserved and private, James remained in the background.
Martha put her hands on her hips. “Nee, but you may have a glass of lemonade.”
Amos pouted. “Hey, hope I’m not causing too much trouble; I just like a cold drink when I work.”
Martha frowned, and walked to the kitchen, with the two menner behind her. She knew Amos was trouble, and she was uneasy with him working at the B&B. Still, it wasn’t her business.