Helen came out of her room a few minutes after she heard the buggy drive away. She stopped in the bathroom to splash cold water on her face and erase the marks of her tears. The burn of humiliation would linger much longer. How would she ever face Mark again?
She stared at her pale face in the mirror. Perhaps this was part of God’s plan to make her a humbler person. If that was the case, it was working.
She had always taken pride in her accomplishments and in her intelligence, although she knew they were gifts from God. She’d been the brightest scholar in school. Englisch customers in the fabric shop often commented on how friendly she was. Many of the young men she walked out with before settling on Joseph had said she was the prettiest young woman in her community. Prettier and smarter than her sister.
Helen was the better cook, the better quilter, the better seamstress. Olivia never truly excelled at anything. More than once, Helen had heard her referred to as the simple sister in the Zook family. Olivia wasn’t simple. Things just didn’t come easily for her.
Helen sighed. There had been pride in her heart because of Joseph, too. He had been the most sought-after and eligible bachelor in their community. She had set her sights on winning him even after she knew her sister was in love with him. When he asked for Helen’s hand in marriage she had been overjoyed, but look how that triumph had turned out for her. She became a laughingstock when Joseph broke their engagement to marry the “simple” sister.
No doubt this morning’s adventure along with yesterday’s disaster would be recounted to the entire Bowman clan and beyond for many more laughs at her expense. She wouldn’t be able to look anyone in the eye. Her summer would be spent living off the charity of her aunt and avoiding the community as much as possible. And then what? When the summer was over, where did she go? Home? She couldn’t go there. Was she destined to travel to yet another distant place and start over somewhere new?
She turned away from her reflection. Despair wasn’t an expression she wore well.
Her aunt was seated at the table with a cup of coffee in front of her when Helen entered the kitchen. The room was clear of smoke, but the smell of burned bread lingered. Clyde lay on the floor beside her aunt’s feet. He looked sadder than usual, with his heavy jowls spread over his front feet and his eyes half-closed.
“He hasn’t touched his food,” Charlotte said, staring down at him.
“Perhaps Mr. Bowman fed him before he brought him here.”
“I expect you’re right. That Mark is a mighty nice fella. It’s a shame he has a girlfriend back home. Clyde and I think he’d make an excellent match for you.”
“Nee, he would not. I can’t abide men with green eyes.” Or one with a dimple in his left cheek, thick dark eyelashes and a sour expression whenever he looked at her. Helen crossed to the oven and turned it off.
“Have you decided not to make more rolls?”
“There isn’t much sense in wasting more of my time and your supplies.” Helen began cleaning up.
“I guess that’s true. You don’t need to tempt Mark with sweets since he has given you the job.”
Helen spun around. “What did you say?”
“You don’t have to tempt him with sweets, although I’m sure he would enjoy them.”
“He told you he is willing to hire me?”
“Ja, something like that.”
Helen sat down opposite her aunt and took her by the hand. “Tell me exactly what he said, Aenti. This is important.”
“Exactly?”
“Word for word.”
Charlotte closed her eyes. “Let me think. I believe he said he didn’t need a baker, but he did need an inventory clerk and a general office worker. I’m sure that’s what he told me. Clyde certainly has taken a liking to him. I have, too.”
“But what did he say about me?”
“He said to tell you to come by the shop later today and start work. He couldn’t promise that you would like the job, but he did promise to tell Juliet to come home as soon as he saw her.”
Helen was almost afraid to hope. Could it be true? “He is giving me a job? Aenti, are you sure that’s what he said?”
Charlotte smiled and gave Helen’s hand a quick squeeze. “People often accuse me of not listening, but I hear well enough. Sometimes I even hear what isn’t said. You want a job. Mark needs help.”
She patted Helen’s hand, took a drink of coffee, rose and carried the mug to the sink. “You must hurry if you are going to get another batch of crescent rolls done and get to work on time. You should take my bicycle. It will be faster than walking.”
“He actually said I had the job?” Helen’s spirits rose like a kite in a strong wind.
“Honestly, Helen, I’m beginning to think you are the one who doesn’t listen. I’m sure your sister and your fiancé told you many times that they were falling in love with each other even though they struggled against it.”
Helen’s bright mood plummeted. “Nee, they never mentioned it. They went behind my back and met in secret.”
“I thought Olivia was working for Joseph’s mother? They would have had a reason to see each other every day. I’m sure I read that in one of your mother’s letters. I keep all my correspondence in boxes. I can look for it.”
“Joseph’s mother had to have surgery, and Olivia went to help with the housework and nurse her for a few weeks. I couldn’t do it. I had to help Mamm get ready for the wedding.”
“Olivia has always had a sweet and caring nature. I’m sure she was glad to help.”
“She helped herself to my fiancé,” Helen said bitterly. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Pain is part of life, but it’s hard to heal in silence. Talking helps. I shall pray for your sister. I’m sure she has been hurt by your actions.”
“My actions? What did I do?”
“You turned your back on her and cut her out of your life just when she most needed your forgiveness. Well, it can’t be changed. Water under the bridge as they say. I’ve always wondered who they are, but I guess I’m one of them, for I just said it. The Lord has a plan for us all, Helen. Including you. Now I must go look for Juliet. What time will you be home from work?”
“I’m not sure.” Grateful that her aunt had changed the subject, Helen turned the oven back on. After her aunt had gone out, Helen started on a new batch of rolls. She was determined not to think about Olivia and Joseph, but it was impossible in the quiet house with only the ticking of the timer to fill the silence.
Joseph had tried to tell her about his growing feelings for Olivia. Helen had refused to listen. She knew she could make him forget her sister in time. None of that excused his betrayal. It might be water under the bridge because their marriage couldn’t be undone, but she wasn’t ready to forgive him or her sister.
Strangely, her anger toward them didn’t burn as brightly as it once had. It was giving way to sorrow. She missed her sister and her parents.
An hour later, with a basket of still-warm rolls in an insulated bag over her arm, Helen rode her aunt’s bike the two miles to Bowmans Crossing and entered the front door of the workshop a few minutes before nine. The large room was already bustling with activity as a half-dozen men operated various machines. The smell of wood shavings, diesel fumes and the loud hum of engines filled the air.
Off to her right, she noticed an interior window into what appeared to be an office. A young dark-haired woman dressed in jeans and a bright yellow and red print blouse sat at a desk. Helen stepped inside, and the noise dropped away when she closed the door behind her. The woman looked up from a computer and smiled. “Welcome to Bowman’s Amish Furniture. I’m Jessica Clay. How may I help you?”
“I’m Helen Zook. Mark Bowman is expecting me.”
Her eyebrows shot up. “He is? He didn’t mention he had a client appointment.”
“I’m not a customer. I’m here to start a new job. Inventory clerk and general office worker. I’m guessing that means I’ll be working in here with you.”
Jessica’s smile widened. “Awesome. I could sure use the help. Mark’s gone to arrange for a special order of hardware from John Miller, the local blacksmith. He should be back in an hour or so.”
Helen sat on the edge of a small upholstered bench and tried to still her racing heart as she clutched her basket. Jessica seemed pleasant enough. The office was small but neat, with a wide exterior window that let in the sunshine as well as the interior one that overlooked the work area. She was surprised to see a number of modern devices. “The local bishop must be very progressive to allow phones, a fax machine and a computer in an Amish business.”
“We get questions about it all the time from our customers who are familiar with Amish ways. Isaac Bowman has a silent partner named James Carter. He’s a furniture dealer in Cincinnati, and he isn’t Amish. James had the computer and phone installed and even had a website built for the business. We now have satellite phone and internet. It was actually Mark who suggested it as a way to make the business more productive.”
“But I didn’t see any electric lines to the building.”
“The business is powered by a diesel generator, in keeping with the rules of Isaac’s church. Because of that, we are able to have a limited amount of technology, which I run since I’m not Amish, either. The Bowmans do have permission to have a phone in here so they don’t have to use the phone shack up the road that the other Amish families use. We also have a few solar panels for charging cell phones and pagers for the volunteer firemen who work here.”
“I have heard of Amish churches who are this progressive but I’ve never met anyone from such a church.” She wondered what other rules were different from the ones her congregation had.
Jessica returned to her computer but soon said, “Something smells delish.”
Helen smiled and placed the basket on the corner of the desk. “I’ve brought some treats as a thank-you for Mark, but help yourself. I made plenty.”
Jessica moved her chair closer. “Are you sure?”
“Absolutely.” Folding back the red-and-white napkin, Helen unfastened the insulated bag and offered the basket to her.
The door opened, and a tall blond Amish man leaned in. “Jessica, has Mr. Barker decided if he wants six or eight chairs with his dining set, because I’ll have to special order more walnut if he wants eight.”
“Let me check our email again, but I don’t think so. Samuel, this is Helen Zook. Mark hired her.”
“He did? He never mentioned it to me.” He stepped inside and closed the door.
“It was only this morning,” Helen said.
His surprise was apparent. “This morning? Mark hired you this morning? Wait. Zook? Are you the one with the dog?”
Helen wished everyone didn’t look so shocked by the news that Mark had hired her. Why hadn’t he told anyone? “My aunt owns the dog. I’m sorry if he disrupted your sleep.”
“He sure enough did that. I’m Samuel Bowman. My father Isaac owns this business. Didn’t I see you at the frolic?”
“I was there for a little while.” Helen clenched her lips together. The less said about that day the better.
“These rolls are amazing.” Jessica licked her fingers. “Try one, Samuel.”
“Please do,” Helen said quickly offering him the basket.
“Danki.” Samuel took one. “The email, Jessica?”
“Right.” She spun back to the computer and started typing. “He did reply. Says here he only wants six. Problem solved.”
“These are wunderbarr,” Samuel said taking another bite. “I don’t suppose you brought enough to share with everyone. I feel a little guilty enjoying this while the men working out there get nothing.”
“I made three dozen. There’s plenty to go around. Is there kaffee?”
“In the break room,” Jessica said. “I’ll go make some. Cream or sugar?”
“Just black.” Helen quickly folded a half-dozen rolls in the napkin and then handed the basket to Jessica. “Take these with you so the men can enjoy them on their break.”
Jessica went out the door. No sooner had it closed behind her than the phone started ringing. Samuel smiled and nodded toward it. “Might as well get started.”
“Me? Oh, ja, I reckon so.” Helen went to the desk and picked up the phone. “Bowman’s Amish Furniture, this is Helen Zook. How may I help you?”
She quickly wrote down the customer’s order and his contact information as Samuel stood at the counter listening to her end of the conversation. When she hung up, she handed him her notes. “Mr. Fielding in Akron wishes to order three bedroom suites for his furniture showroom. He has sold the ones he purchased before. He says you’ll know which styles he wants. Is there anything else I should have asked him?”
“Nee, this looks great. He didn’t by chance say he needed a custom fireplace mantel, did he?”
“He didn’t. Should I have asked that?”
Samuel gave her a wry smile and shook his head. “We had a customer cancel his order for one after Mark finished carving it. Since Mark isn’t here, why don’t I give you a quick tour. We have our main workroom out there where you came in. The break room is the next door down.”
Helen followed him as he crossed the office to a door opposite the one she had entered. “Through here is our showroom. We keep a few dozen pieces on display and for sale, but most of our work is shipped to furniture stores in different parts of the country.”
In a large room, well lit by numerous skylights overhead, Helen saw dining tables and chairs, bedroom sets, armoires, benches, side tables and even butcher-block islands. She admired the workmanship in the solid wood pieces. One in particular caught her eye. A beam almost six feet long sat on a pair of sawhorses. A forest scene with cavorting foxes in carved relief covered the entire length. “Is that the mantel you were talking about?”
“It is. It’s still raw wood. Mark hasn’t chosen a finish for it yet. Foxes aren’t as popular as wolves or deer, but I’m hopeful we can sell it.” He glanced at the memo she had taken. “I’ll check if we have any of these in stock. I think we do.”
“Should I wait for Mark to give me my instructions?”
“I’m sure Jessica can keep you busy until Mark returns. Have her tell the fellas to take an early break and enjoy those rolls. And tell her to save one more for me.” He walked to the far end of the room.
Helen returned to the office to find Isaac Bowman conferring with Jessica over a ledger. Outside, a pickup pulling a horse trailer turned into the parking lot and stopped. A middle-aged couple in riding clothes got out and came inside. Isaac left Jessica’s side to welcome them. “How may we help you?”
The man held out his hand. “I’m Vern Jenks, and this is my wife, Theresa. We’ve just come from the Stroud Stables where we mentioned we were looking for some authentic Amish-made furniture, and Connie Stroud suggested we stop in here.”
Isaac nodded. “Noah, my youngest sohn, works for Connie. She is a goot neighbor.”
“And a fine horse trainer,” Theresa added. “We’ve just picked up a new hunter for our daughter.”
“What type of furniture are you looking for?” Isaac asked.
“Rustic,” Theresa said. “Reclaimed barn wood, unusual pieces. I’m redoing our hunt club meeting room in American primitive.”
Isaac pulled on his long gray beard. “I don’t believe we have what you are looking for, but we do custom work. If you can give us an idea of what you want, we can make it for you.”
Theresa’s expression fell. “I’m not sure I want to wait for custom pieces to be built. If I change my mind, I’ll let you know.”
Helen could tell the couple wouldn’t be back, but she couldn’t let them walk away without at least trying to make a sale. “Is there a fireplace in the room you are redecorating?”
Theresa nodded. “There is.”
“Then there is something you might like in our showroom. It’s a hand-carved primitive fireplace mantel that would go beautifully in a hunt club setting. The wood is unfinished and could be stained or painted, if you like, or left raw under a clear-coat finish.”
Isaac grinned. “I’d forgotten about Mark’s piece. Right this way, folks. Danki, Helen.”
Jessica clapped softly when the door closed behind them. “Nice going, newbie. Let’s hope they buy it. Now I have some filing for you to do.”
Helen smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. She was going to enjoy working with these people.
* * *
Mark entered the front door of the workshop and stopped in his tracks. Where was everyone? The machines were all sitting idle. He glanced into the office. It was empty except for an Amish woman in a blue dress and black apron standing behind the desk at the file cabinet. She had her back to him, but he knew it had to be the wife of one of his cousins. They sometimes came to help out.
He opened the office door and stepped in. “Where is everyone?”
She squeaked and spun around. It was Helen.
So she did have enough pluck to face him again. He was surprised and a little pleased, but he couldn’t let that show. He scowled at her. “What are you doing?”
“Filing.”
“Filing what?”
“Paid invoices. Jessica asked me to do it.”
“Where is Jessica? Where is everyone?”
“In the break room.”
He glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s not break time.”
“I’m afraid I’m to blame. I brought some rolls, and everyone seems to like them. Isaac and Samuel thought the men might enjoy them while they were still warm. I saved some for you.”
She picked up a red-and-white-checkered napkin bundle and held it toward him. “I’m so very grateful for this job. You won’t regret hiring me. I won’t disappoint you.”
He tilted his head to the side. “When did I hire you?”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s a pretty simple question. When did I hire you? Nee, let me rephrase that. I haven’t hired you. I haven’t even interviewed you.”
She pulled her arms to her chest and clutched the bundle tightly in both hands. “But Aenti Charlotte said you wanted me to start work today.”
“Well, Aenti Charlotte got it wrong. I’ll hazard a guess that’s not the first time that has happened.”
The office door opened. Mark turned to see Jessica and Samuel enter. They were both grinning. Samuel clapped a hand on Mark’s shoulder. “Mark, you picked a winner. The men love your crescent rolls, Helen.”
Jessica took her seat. “Not only does Helen have typing skills and a pleasant phone voice, and she knows how to file, but she also knows how to use the fax machine. I’m impressed with your choice, Mark.”
“I learned to use a fax machine at my last job, but that was before I was baptized. I’m not sure how your bishop would feel about me using it now unless it was an emergency.”
Helen pushed a slip of paper across the desk. “Jessica, here are your phone messages. The receipts are filed and Samuel, Mr. Barker says Mrs. Barker has changed her mind and wants eight chairs. I took the liberty of calling several local lumberyards. The one in Berlin says they have the type of walnut you’re looking for.
“Goot. Order it. I’ll have Luke pick it up tomorrow.”
“I will,” she said as Samuel went out and closed the door behind him.
“Nee, you will not,” Mark said. “You are not an employee here.”
“She acts like an employee to me,” Jessica said. “Besides, I’m tired of doing the work of two people because you can’t make up your mind and hire someone.”
“Hiring the right worker takes thoughtful consideration. I won’t be rushed into a decision.”
“Well, you’d better hurry, or you’ll be giving thoughtful consideration to hiring two people instead of one. I can get a job anywhere. I happen to like working here because it is close to home and Isaac is so very sweet, but I’m not married to this job.”
Helen stepped up beside Jessica. “Please, don’t quarrel because of me. My aunt misunderstood. She’s a little eccentric, and she got it wrong.”
Helen lowered her eyes and clasped her hands together in front of her, wringing the napkin into a tight ball. “If you would grant me an interview, I would be deeply grateful.”
He gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “I don’t see you working out. I’m sorry.”
Jessica folded her arms across her chest and gave him a sour glare. “You should reconsider.”
“I’m not going to change my mind. She isn’t right for the job.”
The outside door opened again, and Isaac leaned in. “Helen, we’re happy to have you with us. I would have let a sale walk right out the door today if not for your quick thinking. She sold your mantel, Mark. You made a goot choice when you hired her. I was beginning to worry about your ability to know the right kind of worker when you met one. I’m pleased my faith in you wasn’t misplaced.”
Mark swallowed the denial that rose to his lips. How could he argue with his uncle? This was his business after all. “Danki, Onkel.”
Isaac closed the door, and Jessica burst out laughing. “I can’t wait to hear you tell him why you fired her.”
Mark pressed his lips together. “I can’t fire someone I haven’t hired.”
Helen took a step closer. “I will go explain to Isaac what has happened.”
He shook his head. “Never mind. Come with me. I’ll show you where we store our inventory and go over our ordering practices.”
She squealed and grinned, her pretty gray eyes sparkling with happiness. “Danki. I’ll do my best for the company. I’ll work hard every day. You won’t be sorry.”
He already was. “This is a trial period only. One month. Your work will have to speak for itself.”
“I won’t let you down. Here, these are for you.” She forced a smile and handed him the napkin. He unwound it. Inside was a pile of chocolate-covered pieces of bread.
She pressed a hand to her lips. “Oh, I guess they got a little squished, but they should still taste fine.”
“I’m not hungry. I’m worried.”
“About what?”
He handed the napkin back to her. “About the next disaster you’ll bring down on our heads.”