––––––––
Miriam, pacing in her bedroom, wanted to believe that Lance would let her be, but it was becoming more and more clear that this would not happen.
What can I do? I want to be free to go about Ephrata and see my friends and be with John, but, as long as that Lance character is coming here, I can’t. All I can do is to continue going around with my parents, Anna and John.
***
On the Fisher farm, Samuel and Emily spoke quietly together, worried about John’s engagement to Miriam Beiler.
“I saw her standing with that Englischer. She threw flowers back at him and yelled at him, but, Emily, that doesn’t mean anything,” Samuel said.
“I saw her talking to Bishop Stoltzfus at the last meeting. She was trying not to cry. I don’t know what they were saying,” said Emily.
John, passing by, overheard the quiet conversation. Veering into the kitchen, he asked his parents if he could join them.
“John!” Emily gasped.
“Mamm, I don’t think you need to worry as much as you seem to think you do. Miriam has done nothing to encourage that Lance character. He’s done all the pursuing and she’s tried to push him away. I’ll admit – I’m feeling impatient and I want him to just stay away from here – but she cannot do more than she is already doing. Her parents, Anna King or I take her to where she needs to go. She doesn’t drive around Ephrata by herself anymore, because we all know he could be here and he could see her. She doesn’t want to run into him, so she’s agreed that it’s best for us to take her everywhere,” said John.
“Denki, John. I’m glad you told us all of this,” said Emily gently.
After John had gone out to go and visit with Miriam, Emily sighed.
“I think we should go and visit with Joseph and Sarah. I want to find out what they have been doing – what they know,” Emily decided.
“I don’t like it, Emily, but I think you’re right. Just . . . don’t poke around too hard. From what John says, they have the situation well in hand,” Samuel advised.
Two days later, they drove out to the Beiler farm.
“Emily – look. That black truck. He’s back,” Samuel said. “He’s looking for her.”
At the Beiler farm, Joseph let the Fishers in. “We are doing everything we can to discourage that Lance character,” Joseph said. “Miriam, too. She does not like his attentions any more than we like them. She yelled at him the last time he tried to come here to visit her. You must understand, this situation has put her under a great deal of stress and pressure. She is working on her largest quilting order ever. When she runs out of thread, we have to take her to the Amish market so she doesn’t have to face him alone,” Joseph said.
“We saw him while we were driving here, Joseph,” said Samuel. “He was just driving up one road and down another, looking for the buggy.”
“Ach, yes. We know. He is one very persistent man. But we can wait him out. We are patient, where he is impatient. For as long as it takes, we will be protecting her. Emily, Samuel, I can assure you – Miriam does not want that Englischer’s attention. She just wants to be left alone so she can make her quilts, prepare for her baptism and get ready to marry John,” Sarah said with a smile.
Miriam, who had been thinking and praying on the back porch, walked into the kitchen as Sarah finished speaking.
“Ah, Miriam! I’m glad you’re here,” said Emily with a strained smile. “I have a question for you regarding this Englischer man – I know you spent some time with him recently, and I am worried for my son. Have you decided whether you’re going to stay here in our community – be baptized and become a full member?”
Miriam’s eyes widened at the pointed question. She opened her mouth to answer and relieve Emily of her worry, but Joseph beat her, speaking up first.
“Emily, both my daughter and your son are still completing their ‘running-about’ times. Besides, Miriam has already spoken to the bishop about her desire to take her Kneeling Vow – and about her efforts to rebuff this Lance character. Everything she has done, with the exception of those few minutes she spent with him a few weeks ago, has been above reproach and in compliance with the Ordnung.
“Remember – she is Sarah’s and my daughter, and it is up to us to correct and discipline her when she does wrong. We have spoken to her about her error in consenting to spend even a few minutes with that man, and we have put measures in place that protect her, her reputation and her relationship with John.”
Emily, taken aback by Joseph’s words and tone of voice widened her own eyes behind her eyeglasses.
“Well. It seems that we have all been worried and concerned, Joseph. I hope you’ll understand where my own concern and question came from – a worry for my own youngest child. If Miriam is . . . confused about her decision and commitment to John, we need to know that now. If, on the other hand, she is attempting to deal with this ‘Lance character,’ as you call him, then that eases my own mind.”
“Emily, I hope you’ll understand that we’ve all been worried about what that man has been trying to do to Miriam,” Sarah said. “Do you remember in our nurse’s training, when we went through the mental health instruction?”
“Ya. Are you saying that you believe . . .”
“That this man could have a mental condition and put Miriam in danger? I’ve had that thought more than once, Emily. We have all been very direct, none more so than Miriam. John and Joseph have also told him, using that Englischer phrase, to ‘take a hike.’ He’s not understanding what we’ve all been telling him. He keeps coming back and coming back and . . .” Sarah broke off, unable to continue for the tears that suddenly began falling down her cheeks.
“Emily, what we’re all worried about is that this character believes that, if he just keeps coming back and making contact with Miriam, that one day, she’ll suddenly decide he’s the man for her. I have no doubts about her commitment to John. My concern isn’t the chance that she’ll suddenly change her mind and cause hurt to John – it’s that this man is dangerous to her. She yelled at him the last time he came here. Yelled at him, Emily. That is not our meek Miriam, but she is feeling the stress from this man’s harassment. She is doing everything exactly as she should be doing. I don’t want to have to rely on the Englischer’s law enforcement, but if it comes down to that, I will. If Miriam needs more protection than we can offer her, I will contact them and ask them for their advice and help,” Joseph promised as he rubbed his hand on Sarah’s back.
“Okay, then, thank you. Samuel and I were worried when he saw her in plain sight with that man. John knows that you and Miriam are doing all that you can, but he’s also worried . . .”
“More for her physical safety than about anything she might do to destroy their relationship, I would think,” Joseph said.
“Ya, Joseph, that is what he said. But when I saw Miriam standing next to that man, I began to worry. You must admit that, if you had seen John standing by an Englischer woman, you would have the same thoughts,” Samuel said.
“Possibly, but, since we’re going through this situation, I might – might decide that there is more to the situation than meets the eyes,” said Joseph.
Sarah, recovered from her crying, sighed deeply.
“Emily, Samuel, rather than quarreling, what we should be doing is thinking of ways to support and protect Miriam and John. Don’t you agree?” she asked.
Emily looked at Samuel, who had the grace to look shamefaced.
“You are right. We are sorry. We should not have accused Miriam without . . .” Samuel began.
“Excuse me,” Miriam interjected. “I’m right here. I don’t want to be disrespectful, but mamm, daed and John have all been very supportive as I tried to figure this out. I . . . I do not want this man’s attention. I don’t like him! I just want him to leave me alone and stay away from Ephrata forever. When John told me that this man lied about how he learned about my quilting – that he learned of my business through a . . . business card, that’s when I got scared.
“He is not listening to me and my wishes. In fact, he’s ignoring them and continuing to come here. He’s finding ways to get to me – and what’s so scary is that he’s, I don’t know, disguising his attempts as some horrible romantic interest in me. Mr. Fisher, I’m sure you saw me throw those wildflowers back at him. When he saw me coming down the road, he picked them from the side of the road. When he gave them to me, I got scared – really scared.
“I haven’t invited his interest because I love John and I want to spend the rest of my life with him! Again, I apologize, but, as you and my parents talk about this whole mess, I would appreciate being addressed as well – because this all affects me and John the most,” Miriam said, gazing directly at the Fishers.
“Bishop Stoltzfus has already asked me about what happened and I told him everything, honestly. Yes, I made a mupsich mistake agreeing to spend even two minutes with that man. But I don’t know what else to do!” Miriam now began to sob, feeling her frustration and fear bubbling over.
“Okay, I think we’ve all upset you enough, Miriam. Your parents tell us that you have begun taking measures that protect you from this man. We – Emily and I – both apologize for doubting your commitment to John. We would like to demonstrate that by adding our efforts to yours, your parents’ and John’s as you try to keep that ‘Lance character’ away from you. If we spot him, we will make him leave. Joseph, I hope you won’t have to call law enforcement – have you spoken to the bishop or any of the deacons about this matter?” Samuel asked.
“Nee, not yet. I plan to speak to the bishop this weekend, after service ends. I just want to protect Miriam and respect the Ordnung. That is all,” said Joseph, balling his hands into two large fists.
“We are all frustrated. Miriam, we are sorry. I hope you will be able to forgive us,” Emily murmured.
“Ya, Mrs. Fisher. I do . . . I know that you are affected by this whole situation as well. And, please understand, I have kept, not only myself and my family, but you, John and the entire Amish community in mind as I’ve tried to push this man away from me. He doesn’t respect us, our beliefs or our culture. That’s clear to me. He wants what he wants and he’s going to try and get it by whatever means he has available. Even if it means forcing his will on me. I am relying on my parents and my faith even more than I ever have before. Please . . . I would appreciate having your understanding and support as I keep that man away from me!” Miriam stopped as her sobs overtook her once again.
“Emily, I think we have our answer, now,” Samuel said, looking very uncomfortable. “We . . . we were wrong in our too-hasty assumption. Miriam, Sarah, Joseph, you have our support. Miriam, we apologize,” he said, resting his hand on Miriam’s shaking shoulder.
“Den . . . denki, Mr. Fisher,” Miriam said, her words broken by her sobs.
“I will see you out. This has been a very long day and Miriam needs to try and relax,” Joseph said, standing. He walked the Fishers to the front door, giving them a small smile as they left.
“Sarah, I am going to go and speak to the bishop. I will be back by suppertime. Please leave the doors closed and stay here at home with Miriam. I don’t want her being alone – not now,” Joseph said, placing his straw hat squarely on his head.
“Ya, husband. We will be all right here. It is not often we lock our doors, but I think it is high time we began doing so. What do you plan to discuss with the bishop?” asked Sarah.
“Everything that you, Miriam, John and I have been through with this man. Our efforts to make him leave her alone. And to let him know that we might need to rely on the Englischer law enforcement for help if he doesn’t stop,” Joseph said.
“Please tell him that Miriam is doing everything she knows, within the Ordnung to make him leave her alone – that she has been horribly affected by all of this,” Sarah suggested.
“Denki, wife. I will.” Placing a soft kiss on her face, Joseph turned and left, going straight to the barn. As he walked, he scanned the area, looking for any vehicles, particularly a black truck. Seeing none, he let out a huge sigh of relief and walked faster to the barn.
Knocking on the bishop’s front door, he smiled at Mrs. Stoltzfus.
“Good afternoon, Mrs. Stoltzfus. Is your husband here? I have a . . . need, a situation . . . to discuss with him.”
“Ya, he is in the barn,” said the bishop’s wife, gesturing behind the house
“Denki. I won’t be long,” said Joseph with a small smile.
In the barn, he stopped to allow his eyes to adjust to the dimness inside.
“Ah, Joseph Beiler, how are you? Come in! I take it you are here on the matter involving your daughter?” the bishop asked with a sharp look.
“Ya. Her . . . situation continues. She is doing everything . . . we are doing everything we can think of to make this man stop bothering her. Samuel and Emily Fisher came by just a little while ago, to ask her if she still planned to be baptized and marry John. Miriam came in and heard us talking and it became . . . quite a discussion,” Joseph said with a huge sigh.
“No! I know she intends to be baptized. She has assured me of that! I will go talk to . . .” at an abrupt shake of Joseph’s head, the bishop paused. “You don’t want me to talk to the Fishers?”
“Nee. Miriam made it quite clear to them that she is doing everything she knows to do . . . that she loves John. They left, understanding out situation much better. Bishop, we have been telling this man to leave her alone. We have not used force or violence. Still, he does not stop. He continues to stop by and harass her. I wanted to let you know, before I do it, that I am thinking of contacting Englischer law enforcement. Sarah and Mrs. Fisher both believe that he might have some mental condition that is causing him to act like this. I don’t know about that, but I do know that my daughter is hurting badly over all of this. I know that we don’t rely on law enforcement, but our Ordnung, to work out various issues. This man doesn’t know or respect the Amish way of life and belief in humility, modesty and the Plain life. He tried to give Miriam a gift when he stopped at the house! Gave her a bunch of wildflowers – which she threw back at him. When he tried to give her the gift, I gave it right back to him and told him that it was very inappropriate for him to do so,” Joseph finished, pacing back and forth.
“Let me understand this. You are saying that this man doesn’t understand our belief or culture.” As the bishop spoke, he ticked individual points off, finger by finger. “That he keeps bothering your daughter. That our usual ways of handling someone are not working. And that you want to contact Englischer law enforcement. Am I right?”
“Ya. Normally, I wouldn’t even think of this, but because he is an Englischer, he won’t understand our orders to leave her alone – that a visit from the police may be the only thing to stop him,” Joseph said.
“Hmmmm. I have one question for you – does Miss Beiler know this man’s address in the city?”
“Nee.” Joseph said with a frown.
“They would need to know where he lives to make contact with him, no?”
“Ya.” As Joseph spoke, he clenched his fists convulsively, betraying his agitation and level of frustration.
“That may be a problem – or not. I don’t know how they operate. Go ahead and call them. Maybe they have a way of finding him. If they do, maybe they can talk to him and let him know that his actions are bothering your daughter, you and the Fishers,” Bishop Stoltzfus suggested.
“I will, denki. But I don’t know if they will be able to find him. The city is huge,” Joseph said.
Back home, he went straight to his carpentry shop and the phone installed there. Picking up the thick phone directory for Philadelphia, he thumbed through the “N” listings, looking for Lance Newman. His heart fell as he saw listings for over 10 men with the same name.
Is it worth calling all ten to see if I can find the right one? Thinking of Miriam’s pain, he decided the time and long-distance charges would be worth it. Before he did, he tried to find a reason for making the calls. Remembering that Miriam had said something about the man visiting high schools to talk to ball players, he decided to ask if Mr. Newman would be visiting high schools in Lancaster County.
Beginning, he went down the list, from name to name. On the fifth name, he got an affirmative answer.
“De – Thank you. I’ll tell my son. Goodbye.” Hanging up, Joseph wrote down the phone number and address, then looked up and called the non-emergency number for the Philadelphia police. After several frustrating minutes, he hung up after finding out that the city police wouldn’t visit a man who had been bothering someone outside the city. At least they told me I can call the sheriff in Lancaster county. Finding the phone book for Lancaster county, he called the sheriff’s department. Here, he had better luck.
“So, you’re Amish and you’re saying this “Englischer” man has been coming to your community. He’s been bugging your daughter, and, no matter what you tell him, he refuses to stop. Well, that could be considered stalking,” said the dispatcher.
“Yes? So, can you do anything?” Joseph asked.
“Well, technically, no. But . . . we can go visit him and tell him that someone from Lancaster has filed a complaint and that he really should cease his visits to your daughter and home. In order for us to arrest this guy, he has to do something that puts your daughter or someone else in your family at risk of harm. Then, we can arrest him. It’s up to you, sir.”
“I don’t want to make you do anything that goes against your own rules,” Joseph said. “But I also want him to leave my daughter alone. Yes, please, go and talk to Mr. Newman. And, thank you,” Joseph said.
“Not a problem, sir. I know the Amish try to resolve things their own way, but it seems he’s not getting your message. It might be a few days before we can visit him – but we will,” said the dispatcher.
“Thank you.”