Chapter 8
Rachael pulled two warm sugar milk pies out of the oven Monday morning. It had been almost a week since Stephen’s funeral and burial. Caleb had been busy finalizing the purchase of his farm, and he’d stopped in the bakery only twice since they’d parted the night of Stephen’s services. She’d stolen about ten minutes each time to talk to him. The bakery had been too busy with customers when he’d chosen to visit to have any more time. Had he and Frannie had a serious conversation about what each of them expected? He hadn’t mentioned it.
Magdelena interrupted her thoughts. “Sheriff Williams and Dr. Harrison are here asking if we have warm pie. They want something different for breakfast.” She eyed the pie. “I’ll take the sugar milk pie to them.”
“What news are they reading in the newspaper? Anything of interest?” Rachael wasn’t supposed to inquire about outside world news, but Dr. Harrison and the sheriff split their paper each morning and discussed interesting topics. She needed something to take her mind off what she needed to tell Caleb.
“Nothing good. The war with countries fighting each other scares me. The sheriff and Dr. Harrison insist it’s only a matter of time before the United States will have to become a part of the war to protect our freedom. The news about the war going on in other countries always makes me sad because of soldiers losing their lives. I like it better when they talk about new inventions.” Magdelena tilted her head. “You’ve been quieter than usual this morning. Anything wrong?”
She didn’t want to tell Magdelena before she told Caleb her secret. He deserved to know first. “I’m all right. Danki.”
* * *
Caleb entered the bakery kitchen and grinned. He waved papers. “The farm is mine. I’d like to take you to supper tonight. I’ll meet you here after work and we’ll go across the street to the Inn’s restaurant.”
She’d waited long enough. It was time to tell him everything. She couldn’t let their courtship continue any longer. “I’ll be ready.”
Magdelena hurried to them. “I’m sorry to interrupt the two of you, but I need help to fill the display cabinet with the cookies and the second pie you made. I’ve got three customers in line.”
“I’ll leave and let you get back to work. Both of you, have a good rest of your day.” Caleb smiled and left.
Rachael carried the pie and maple cookies on a large tray to the display case. “I’ll arrange these for you.”
“Danki.” Magdelena accepted the customer’s change. “Enjoy your goodies. Next, please. Eunice, wilkom. Always good to see you. What would you like?”
“Magdelena, I’ll take a maple sugar pie. And, Rachael, I noticed your pretty face through the glass as you were filling the case.”
Rachael stood. “Danki for the compliment.” She blushed. “The pie you’re purchasing is still warm from the oven.”
“Mine aren’t as good as yours. You are quite the baker.” She paid Magdelena. “Danki, dear.” Eunice came around the counter and hooked her arm through Rachael’s. “I need a couple of minutes of your time. Let’s go to the kitchen.”
Rachael loved Eunice. She had brought the most food to Stephen’s services. She was generous and caring. What did she want to speak to her about?
“I delivered a casserole last night to Frannie and I asked if she needed anything. She said Caleb and she were managing fine. She told me she has no doubt he will take good care of her and Lily, as he’d never go back on the promise he made to his bruder. It’s no secret you and Caleb are courting. Please be cautious of her. She asked me if I stitched wedding dresses. I told her yes, and I didn’t ask any questions. I couldn’t rest until I told you about this.”
Eunice wasn’t a busybody, and Rachael loved her for caring about her enough to share what was in her heart. She was also Mamm’s closest friend. Her motives were pure.
Rachael’s heart pounded and she twisted her hands. “Danki. Caleb and I are meeting tonight. I’m unsure of what the future holds for us.”
“Seek God’s guidance through prayer and Scriptures. He has a plan for you and for Caleb. My prayer is for you to marry Caleb or whoever you choose is right for you, and to be happy.” She furrowed her brow. “Your limp is more noticeable today. I can stay and help you bake. You wouldn’t need to pay me.”
Rachael kissed her friend’s cheek. Lack of sleep always made her leg ache. “I appreciate your concern. I’ll be fine. Some days my leg feels heavier than others, but I don’t have much pain. I’m used to it.”
She had another reason she wasn’t herself. She was ashamed. If Caleb was the one with the secret and he’d waited as long as she had to reveal it, she’d be upset. It was time to consider Caleb and what he wanted. She’d also let Joy and Thad down. God wouldn’t approve of her putting herself before others. She had some difficult decisions to make.
“I won’t keep you from baking any longer. Always a treat anytime I talk to you. Your mamm and I have become fast friends over the last couple of months. I’m thrilled she and Joseph are courting.” Eunice grinned.
“He makes her happy and he seems perfect for her.” Rachael had warmed to the idea of Mamm and Joseph getting married.
Mamm had a lilt in her step, sang hymns as she did her chores, and had a sparkle Rachael loved. She wished her and Caleb’s courtship was less complicated.
* * *
Caleb couldn’t believe the change in Frannie. She’d cooked more meals, cleaned the haus, and taken care of Lily more this last week than she had when Stephen was alive. Why now? He mucked the barn stalls, fixed the loose latch on the corral, and stopped at the water pump for a drink.
Frannie strolled over to him. “Do you have plans for this evening?”
He stepped back and wiped water from his chin on his shirtsleeve. “Yes. I’m taking Rachael to the restaurant in town.”
“We need to talk before you go. Will you spare the time now?”
He should tell her he bought a farm. “Yes. Is Lily taking a nap?”
She nodded. “Let’s go inside. I’ve made warm cinnamon bread and tea.”
He loved cinnamon bread. She was up to something. He didn’t trust her. Perhaps she realized he wouldn’t stand for her laziness like Stephen. This conversation should be interesting. They went inside the haus to the kitchen and sat at the table. She served him a cup of hot tea and a warm slice of cinnamon bread slathered with butter.
“Danki.” She’d taken care to add extra butter, the way he liked it. “What would you like to discuss?” He’d tell her about the farm last.
“I’m aware Stephen asked you to take care of Lily and me in the event of his death. The proper way to honor his wishes is for you to marry me. You’ll need to inform Rachael you’re no longer available, and then we can schedule our wedding with the bishop. The sooner the better.”
He sat upright and narrowed his eyes. “I don’t need to marry you to make sure you and Lily have what you need. I’ve bought a farm. I plan to marry Rachael. I’ll hire a farmhand to take my place here. We’ll check on you and Lily, and you’re wilkom to visit as long as you respect Rachael.”
Stephen might’ve been relieved if Caleb had consented to marry his widow, but it wasn’t necessary. He could keep the promise to his bruder without marrying Frannie.
Spoiled Frannie smacked the table with her hand. “You owe it to us to do the right thing. If you abandon us, you’ve lied to your bruder.”
He stared into her eyes. “Calm down. Your idea and mine about what type of care you and Lily need is different. My way will work out fine. There are available men in our community. You might have some of them approach you, now you’re a widow. With your permission, Rachael and I can make known you’re interested in remarrying. She and Magdelena might be open to playing matchmaker for you.”
Frannie’s cheeks reddened and she scrunched her face. “You are a liar. You know Stephen meant for you to marry me if something happened to him. How can you abandon us and not fulfill your promise to him?”
Caleb struggled not to walk out. She was selfish to expect him to wed her and end his courtship with Rachael. He wouldn’t let her make him feel guilty about this. “Stephen wouldn’t expect me to become your husband, knowing we don’t get along. He would expect me to make sure you and Lily have what you need. You need to accept my courtship with Rachael, and be assured I will take care of you and Lily my way.”
Her face softened. “Rachael is stronger than I am. I depend on you, Caleb. I can’t bear to be alone in this haus. Please consider what I’m asking of you. We can build a life together and have more kinner. Lily needs siblings.” Frannie’s eyes pooled with tears.
He was hurting since Stephen’s death, and she was too. He wanted her worries about money and the farm to disappear. She needed to open her heart and consider another man. “Listen. It will take time for you to mourn and accept Stephen’s death. My heart aches over his passing too. I believe you have it in you to be stronger than you think.”
She glared. “Stephen would be disappointed if he knew you didn’t fulfill your promise to him. You knew what he meant when he asked you to take care of us. You choose to ignore it so you can fulfill your own selfish desire to marry Rachael. She probably would’ve married Nathan if you hadn’t kumme along. Let her marry him.” The woman had no scruples. She could turn her emotions on and off within minutes to attempt to get her way.
He shook his head. “She chose me. Stephen would’ve understood why I’m marrying Rachael. He’d be happy for me. He would also trust me to still take care of you and Lily. You should too. This conversation is over. I’ll be moving to the farm I purchased and I’ll hire a farmhand to take care of yours. Would you like to have a say about who I hire?”
Frannie narrowed her eyes. “No.” She stood, turned on her heel, and flounced from the room.
Caleb turned his back to her and went outside. He fed the animals, weeded the garden, and brushed the mare. At five, he washed his face and changed his clothes. He went to meet Rachael at the bakery. He wouldn’t let Frannie spoil his evening. He parked his buggy and smiled at her. She was standing outside the bakery.
“Are you hungry?”
“Yes. I’m hoping they have chicken pot pie tonight,” she said.
He returned her smile and nodded. “I might order the same. Sounds delicious.” He kept his hand on her elbow as they crossed the road to the restaurant in the Inn.
“Rachael, wilkom. Who is this handsome fellow?” The hostess wore a high-necked, ruffled blouse and a black fitted skirt.
“Greta, this is Caleb Yutzy.” Rachael blushed.
“Pleased to meet you.” Caleb grinned.
“What a sweet couple you make. I’ll seat you at our best table, away from the rest of our guests. We’re not busy tonight, so you’ll have plenty of privacy.” She led them to a table in the corner, which was the farthest from the other two couples dining at the restaurant.
“Danki, Greta. This is perfect.”
Caleb helped scoot in Rachael’s chair before he sat.
“The special this evening is fried fish, boiled redskin potatoes, and slaw. We sell Rachael’s creations from the bakery, so you’ll want to leave room for spice cake. Tilly will be your waitress. Enjoy.”
Caleb unfolded his red-and-white-checkered napkin and set it on his lap. “I don’t remember meeting Greta before. Last time I stopped in and had supper here, Juanita was the hostess.”
Rachael nodded. “Juanita moved away. Greta is her schweschder. She took Juanita’s place here.”
Tilly poured them each a glass of water from a pitcher. “Rachael, always happy to wait on you. Now, in addition to the special Greta told you about, we have chicken pot pie, chicken and noodles, beef vegetable casserole, and pork chops. The vegetable blend of the day is carrots and peas. Would you like anything to drink besides water?”
“Not for me. Danki. Tilly, I’d like you to meet Caleb Yutzy.” Rachael gestured to him.
“My pleasure.” Tilly glanced at Caleb.
“Water is fine for me. Danki. We’re ready to order.”
Tilly set the pitcher of water on the table. “What would you like?”
“We’ll both have chicken pot pie.” Caleb raised his brows. “Rachael, would you like anything more?”
“A basket of bread and honey butter, please.”
“You’ve got it, and you know it’s delicious because you baked it!” Tilly chuckled.
“Danki. We appreciate you buying our breads and desserts for the restaurant.” Rachael gazed back at Caleb as Tilly left them to help another customer.
“Rachael, I planned to wait until after supper, but I didn’t expect we’d have privacy here. I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I pray God gives us a houseful of kinner to raise. You and I have a lot of love to give them. What do you say? Will you marry me?”
She wrenched her gaze from his and her smile faded. “I would love to, but I can’t answer you until I tell you something I’ve kept to myself that may change your mind.”
“Nothing you say will change my mind.” Caleb didn’t understand. He expected an overwhelming “yes” to his proposal.
“You remember when I told you about the accident causing my limp?” Rachael folded her hands on the table, her knuckles white.
Why was she nervous? She’d already told him about the accident. “Yes. If this is about your limp, I think you’re beautiful in every way.”
“You have made it clear you want as many kinner as God allows us. I should’ve told you when our courtship became official, but I was afraid of losing you. I can’t have kinner.” She swiped a tear from her cheek.
Caleb’s eyes widened and his mouth opened. He’d looked forward to being a daed, and he hadn’t considered that he or Rachael might not have them. “Are you sure?”
She nodded and leaned her head closer across the table. She whispered, “I’m embarrassed to share such personal information, but you must understand. I stopped having my monthly courses after the accident. The doctor said there was nothing they could do. He’s sure I’ll not bear kinner. I love you, and I want the best for you. Frannie told me she expects you to marry her to fulfill a promise you made to Stephen in the case of his death. She can give you kinner.”
Caleb shook his head and took a deep breath. “I’m not marrying Frannie. We had a discussion today about it, and I made it clear to her I’m marrying you. I assured her I can provide and take care of her and Lily without having to wed her. Your inability to bear kinner doesn’t change my wish to marry you, Rachael.” He was sad about her news, although it wouldn’t hold him back from spending the rest of his life with her. Not having bopplis was a sacrifice he was willing to make. “Rachael, please marry me.”
“I’m standing in the way of the promise you made to Stephen and of you having kinner. I’ve been selfish and dishonest by not telling you I couldn’t have kinner. What I did was wrong.” Rachael wrung her hands.
Caleb reached for her hands across the table. “None of what you’re saying changes my mind.” He was shocked, but it was true. He would miss not having kinner, but having Rachael for his fraa was more important.
“How can it be God’s will for us to wed? I deceived you. I hurt Thad and Joy when I left them and I’ve been ridden with guilt over both of those things. God has pricked my conscience during my prayer and Scripture time each day, to be honest with you. I’m so sorry.” She stood and rushed outside.
Caleb hurried to find Tilly. He asked her to box the food and promised to return to pay her in a couple of minutes. He ran outside to the livery close by. She was in her buggy, ready to leave. He stepped inside the buggy and sat beside her. “Please stop, Rachael. I don’t understand. We love each other. I believe our meeting wasn’t by chance. What if God’s plan is for us to marry? It doesn’t matter to me that you waited to tell me you’re barren.”
“If I truly love you, I’ll let you go. You’ve mentioned how important kinner are to you many times since we’ve met. I’ve noticed how happy you are playing with the kinner after the services on Sundays. Your eyes sparkle when you’re holding Lily. I live with the sadness and disappointment of never becoming a mamm. It’s painful, and it never goes away. I don’t want you to regret not having kinner when you see our friends enjoying theirs. Again, I’m so sorry. Please, Caleb, let me go. Please.”
Caleb relented and left her buggy. He waited.
Rachael glanced at him with tears streaming down her face and back at the road ahead. “Kumme on, girl, let’s go.”
Caleb removed his hat and raked a hand through his hair. Why didn’t she believe him? He meant what he said. He would never regret choosing a future with her. He’d been drawn to her the first time they met. He had no doubt God had picked her for him. He had no doubt she loved him. He wouldn’t give up on her.
He set his hat on his head, returned to the restaurant, paid for the food, and took the leftovers Tilly had packaged for him. The meal he had hoped to share and wanted to remember as part of his proposal to Rachael for years to kumme. The evening had been a disaster.
He drove home. He couldn’t move into the farmhaus until tomorrow. The last person he wanted to run into was Frannie. He hoped she’d gone to bed. He entered the haus. All was quiet, and he sighed. What a relief. Frannie must’ve gone to bed. Tomorrow, he’d advertise for a farmhand. He had a plan and he wouldn’t veer from it. God had made it clear to him from the day he met Rachael that she was the one for him. He just had to convince her.
* * *
Rachael unharnessed her mare. She couldn’t stop weeping. Why had the accident taken away her ability to have kinner? As if losing her fiancé, John, wasn’t enough. Caleb made her heart sing. He had a strong work ethic. He loved God. She’d not be the same without him. She crossed the threshold. Mamm sat in her favorite chair, knitting a blanket. She plopped on the chair next to her.
Mamm dropped her knitting in the basket on the other side of her chair. “Before I forget, Joseph has asked us to kumme to his place tomorrow evening. Kumme to his place after work.” She wiped a tear with the pad of her thumb from Rachael’s cheek. “Oh, my dear dochder, you’ve been crying. What happened?” She reached for Rachael’s hand.
“I’ve made a mess of things with Caleb. I haven’t told anyone in Charm about being barren. I didn’t tell Caleb until he proposed tonight.”
Mamm’s eyes widened. “Proposed. Why didn’t you say yes, and why are you upset? You love him.”
“Because I love him, I couldn’t say yes. Caleb wants and loves kinner, and he would make a wonderful daed. I should’ve told him from the start of our courtship. I wanted one more day with him, and then one more week. I found excuses to keep my secret. It was an awful mistake.” Rachael swiped a tear from her cheek.
“What does Caleb have to say about all this?” Mamm rubbed her hand.
“He said it doesn’t matter to him. He still wants to marry me. But he’s mentioned often how much he wants kinner. I kept silent. Deep in my heart, I knew this day would kumme.” She’d put her happiness above his.
“Take Caleb at his word. Don’t rob yourself of the joy of having him as your husband and building a future with him. He’s forgiven you. Believe him.” Mamm caressed her cheek.
Rachael shook her head. “Kinner are an important part of what he wants for the future. I would always wonder if he’d grow to resent me in the years to kumme. What kind of marriage would we have if I carry the guilt of not giving Caleb the one thing he wants most? I don’t believe marrying him would be God’s will. I’ve learned an important lesson. I caused myself this pain by pretending it could work.”
“You’re being too hard on yourself.” Mamm sighed.
Rachael swiped a tear from her cheek. “Our marriage would always have a dark cloud over it. Even if he never mentioned it, I would always wonder if he had regrets every time we were with our friends and their kinner. God doesn’t approve of deceit. I was living a fairy tale.”
“Pray and seek God’s guidance through prayer and the Scriptures. Ask God for forgiveness, and then forgive yourself, whether you marry Caleb or not.” Mamm kissed the back of her hand.
Rachael scooted out of the chair and sat on the floor with her head in Mamm’s lap. “I long to have a boppli, and my heart aches when I allow myself to dwell on it.”
“I’m not sure I agree Caleb isn’t God’s will for your husband. Please seek God’s guidance. Joy and Thad love you. You didn’t do anything wrong when you fell in love with Caleb. They’ll understand when they grow older.”
“I’ve missed Joy and Thad a lot. My experience with them is part of the reason I have to let Caleb go. They are an example of the joy Caleb will have someday when he’s a daed. He deserves it, and he’ll be a devoted daed. As difficult as it is to end our courtship, I’ll cherish the time we spent together. He’s a wonderful listener, interesting to talk to, and easy to love. I may never get over him.”
* * *
Rachael kneaded the bread dough Tuesday morning. She’d skipped breakfast and left home earlier than usual, having tossed and turned most of the night, unable to take her mind off Caleb. She had to focus on work and anything besides him to bring herself out of this heartbreaking slump.
Magdelena entered and slid her apron over her head and tied the apron strings behind her back. “What brings you in this early?” She grinned bright and cheery. “How was supper with Caleb?”
Rachael’s cheeks heated. “He asked me to marry him.”
“Congratulations. Did you discuss a wedding date?” Magdelena clapped her hands. “I’m thrilled for you.”
“I declined.” Rachael’s stomach churned.
“Why? You love him. He loves you. I don’t understand.” Magdelena tilted her head.
“The accident I told you about that caused my limp also rendered me barren. Caleb said it doesn’t matter to him, but having kinner is all he’s talked about since we met. I’m guilty of withholding this information from him until he proposed. It wasn’t fair to him. As time passed, I thought kumming to grips with my condition would get easier, or I’d accept it. It grows worse. I won’t have Caleb experience the same.”
“Why haven’t you told me? We’re best friends. I could be helping you through this. You could’ve talked to me about it.” Magdelena placed her hands on Rachael’s shoulders.
“You are my best friend, and I tell you most things. This is the most difficult topic for me to discuss. I love kinner. I, like Caleb, wanted as many boppli as the Lord would allow me. For some reason, it’s not in God’s plan for me. I’ve accepted it, but it still hurts.”
“Why won’t you believe Caleb when he says it doesn’t matter and he wants to marry you anyway?” Magdelena gently shook Rachael.
“I would never forgive myself for taking away something so important to him. When I realized how much having kinner meant to him, I should’ve ended our courtship. I kept putting it off because I wanted more time with him. Each time he played with our friends’ kinner or Lily, I’d wonder if he had regrets. It’s no way to begin a future together. I believe, knowing this about myself, God wouldn’t approve of me becoming Caleb’s fraa. I can picture him with his kinner. He’ll teach them how to do farm chores, catch fish, row a boat, and so much more.”
Hannah rapped on the open doorframe. “Good morning. I hope I didn’t kumme at a bad time. The door was open. I wanted to visit you before you opened the bakery to customers.”
Rachael sprinkled more flour onto her bread dough. “You are always wilkom.”
Magdelena dragged a stool to the working table centered in the kitchen. The kitchen allowed them plenty of room to create their breads and desserts. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“I would. Danki.”
Rachael dropped her dough into a loaf pan. “I brewed some when I arrived.”
Magdelena left and returned. She passed Hannah a cup of coffee.
“I couldn’t help overhearing something about Caleb and kinner. Rachael, you look as if you’re carrying a load of wood on those shoulders. What can I do to help? Your sad eyes tell me something is wrong.” Hannah’s eyes were filled with compassion.
Rachael loved her for it. She expelled a heart-wrenching sigh. “I’m barren. The accident that caused my limp also damaged me. I stopped having my courses each month. I left out this detail when I told you about the buggy tipping over on me. I won’t marry Caleb because I shouldn’t prevent him from being a daed. He’s talked about it a lot.” Rachael was tired of repeating her story, but Hannah was a close friend and she always gave good advice.
“Isn’t this his decision too?” Hannah stood and set the coffee on the table. She circled her arm around Rachael’s waist.
“I stayed with him long enough for him to fall in love with me. Then I broke his heart. I wasn’t thinking of anyone but myself and my happiness. I must think of his. It’s the right thing to do.” Rachael sighed.
“God is all about forgiveness, and those we love are too. I also understand how you’re righting your wrong by allowing him the opportunity to fulfill his dream with another woman. I’m not convinced you wouldn’t be happy together without kinner, given he has said you’re enough for him.” She returned to her stool. “I don’t understand why Timothy and I haven’t been blessed with a boppli. We want kinner, but we would’ve still married if I knew I couldn’t have them. I can understand why you made this decision, on one hand. On the other, you should take Caleb at his word.” Hannah’s lips trembled.
“I’m praying about my decision. As for you and Timothy, there’s still time. You’re young,” Rachael said.
Magdelena nodded. “She’s right, Hannah.”
“Timothy and I will accept whatever God decides. He knows what’s best. We’re hopeful.” Hannah traced the rim of her cup. “We’re here for you, Rachael. My door is always open, anytime you need to talk.”
“Danki, sweet friend. I must accept my circumstances and remain strong in my decision, for Caleb’s sake.”
Hannah stayed and chatted with them another few minutes, then left.
Rachael splayed her hands on the table. “I forgot to tell you, Frannie expects Caleb to marry her. He refused. He bought a farm, and he plans to move into it soon. He did promise to check in on her and Lily, and to hire a farmhand to manage her place.”
Magdelena measured a teaspoon of brown sugar and added it to her butterscotch pie filling. “She’s not the easiest woman to know. We’ll have to work harder at befriending her. She’ll need friends. I can’t imagine how sad she must be, losing her husband.”
“Yes. She’s young and alone. I pray she will find love again. She’s not used to working hard. Stephen and Caleb did all the inside and outside chores. They did more than their fair share of caring for Lily also. She might be more open to befriending you than me,” Rachael said.
“She’ll have to be kind to you if she wants to befriend me. I’ll be praying you will be at peace with Caleb’s forfeiting having kinner to marry you. It is his decision too. Not just yours. He’s made clear to you his choice. I wish you’d accept it.” Magdelena gave her a hard stare.
“I believe I’m doing what’s in our best interest. It’s a hard decision to stand by.” Rachael assumed her days ahead with Caleb would be sad, but she had to remain strong.
* * *
At five, Rachael drove to Joseph’s and found him and Mamm seated at the kitchen table. Her gaze flitted to the stove and back at them. “I hope you don’t mind, I didn’t knock. Am I late for supper?”
“I don’t mind, and not at all.” Joseph grinned.
“I have a plate for you on the stove.” Mamm stood and grabbed the plate. She unwrapped it and set it in front of Rachael.
Joseph patted his stomach. “Your mamm cooked beef sliced thin covered with a mushroom gravy, mixed vegetables, and applesauce. It was delicious.”
“I’m sure I’d agree with you if I had a better appetite. Today hasn’t been the best.” She took a bite of beef.
She didn’t want to go into what had transpired between her and Caleb with Joseph. She hoped Mamm had shared what happened with him. She didn’t mind him knowing. He seemed like family already.
Joseph’s smile faded. “Your mamm told me you ended your courtship with Caleb and why. I’m sorry, Rachael.”
“Danki, Joseph.” She didn’t want to talk about it.
Joseph snapped his fingers. “I have an idea. I’m leaving early in the morning to visit Adelaide in New Philadelphia. You want to meet her, and I’ve decided I’d like you to. I’ll stay overnight at the boardinghaus in town, and then I’ll be home day after tomorrow. Why don’t you join me? I’ll secure a room for the both of you. I’ll show you around town, and maybe it will take your mind off your sadness for a couple of days.” He gave her a compassionate smile. “I’m praying Caleb will be relentless in his pursuit of you and you’ll accept he’ll be happy without kinner as long as he has you.”
Mamm grinned. “I’d love to go. Rachael, you can ask Hannah to fill in for you at the bakery. I realize this is short notice, but you can ask her this evening. It might do you good to get away.”
Rachael loved the thought of getting away. She was curious about Adelaide and why the woman liked living in the outside world. When Toby had confronted Joseph outside the saloon about seeing him talking to her when he was in New Philadelphia, she was relieved when Joseph told them Adelaide was his niece. She admired him for keeping in touch with her, in spite of not approving of her lifestyle. He should shun her, according to Amish tradition, but she didn’t agree with this practice either. He couldn’t make Adelaide change her ways. She was alone. He loved her as her uncle.
“Danki, Joseph, for your kind words and for asking me to go with you. I’ll help wash and dry the dishes, and then I’ll go to Hannah’s place.” She couldn’t help but smile. She was grateful to Joseph for thinking of her.
Mamm waved a dismissive hand. “You hurry to Hannah’s. I’ll take care of the dishes.”
“Danki.”
Joseph grabbed a dish towel. “I’ll dry.”
Rachael chuckled as she headed out of the kitchen. “You two make a good team.”
She drove down the road about a mile from her haus and turned into Hannah and Timothy’s lane and parked the buggy. She knocked on the door.
Timothy answered the door. His smile faded and his eyes widened. “Is everything all right?”
She waved a dismissive hand. “Yes. I’m sorry to startle you. This is a little late to visit. I came to ask Hannah a favor.”
“You’re wilkom here anytime.” Timothy opened the door wider for her to step inside the living room.
Hannah came from the kitchen. “Did you have supper? I have leftover stew.”
“Danki. I had supper before I came. Joseph invited me to go with him and Mamm to New Philadelphia tomorrow to meet his niece, Adelaide. We’ll be gone for two days. Would you take my place at the bakery? I understand I’m not giving you much notice. Don’t feel pressured to say yes if it’s not convenient.”
“I’d love to.” She smiled at her husband. “Timothy, do you mind?”
Timothy smiled at both of them. “No. You go have fun. You’ll enjoy baking again, and you can catch up on gossip with Magdelena.” He frowned. “I’m sorry about your courtship ending with Caleb. Magdelena told me.”
“Danki. I’ll wilkom this trip. The diversion won’t heal my heart or erase him from my mind, but it will give me other things to focus on. I’m looking forward to meeting Adelaide. She intrigues me. If I can help her in any way, I will. Joseph’s devotion to her warms my heart, and the more I’m around him, the more I like him.”
She stayed for a couple of more minutes and then left. Magdelena would be surprised to find Hannah at the bakery tomorrow, but she’d be happy and understanding. Caleb might visit the bakery and she needed to keep away from him. She didn’t trust herself. She loved him so much. She knew in her heart she was doing the right thing.
She returned to Joseph’s haus and went inside. “Danki again, Joseph, for supper and the invitation to meet Adelaide. I can go. Hannah has agreed to fill in for me at the bakery. She’ll tell Magdelena why I’m not there, and she won’t mind.”
She was thankful for her close friends. They all looked out for one another.
“I’m glad. I’ll pick you both up at six in the morning. It will take us six to seven and a half hours to arrive at New Philadelphia, if we make quick stops along the way. We should be there by two thirty or three.”
“We’ll be ready. I’ll pack sandwiches and snacks, and I’ll bring water.” Mamm motioned to Joseph. “I’m heading home, husband-to-be. You need your sleep. We have a long day ahead of us.”