Evelyn tried to walk ahead of Jayce so it didn’t look like they were together, but he stayed close behind her.
“Am I the only person in here who isn’t Amish?” His eyes grew wide as he spoke in a whisper. “And there aren’t any men.”
Evelyn tried to ignore the people peering at them from every direction as she beelined toward the back of the store. There was a line of Amish women waiting to check out and several more in the aisle as Evelyn led the way.
“The kinner—children—are in school but will be out soon. The store usually fills up this time of day. The women will get their groceries then meet the children at the school, where most of them left their buggies. It’s close enough to walk. The men are at work.” She pointed to a door that read Employees Only. “I have to go get an apron. Hopefully you can find everything you need.” She nodded left. “The deli is that way. To the right, you’ll find household items and food.”
“Uh, yeah. Okay.” He took a few steps to the right before she closed the door. She found an apron, then scurried to the cash register.
“Sorry I’m late. Millie got a piece of glass stuck in her foot.” Evelyn switched places with Katie. When she looked at her friend, Katie’s expression mirrored those of the women in line, along with the ones who had stopped in their tracks, all of them ogling Jayce like he was from another planet.
“Who is that?” Katie asked as she kept her eyes on Jayce. It was impossible not to notice his athletic physique, and surely they’d all seen those mesmerizing eyes when he walked in the store.
“He’s staying at the inn. Esther and Lizzie’s place. He found me on the road and helped with Millie.” She nudged Katie to step aside and reached for the first item to ring up.
“Ach, I love mei husband, but that is possibly the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.” Katie shook her head. “I mean, for an Englisch man.”
Evelyn couldn’t deny how nice-looking Jayce was, but she regretted accepting his invitation to supper and a movie. She didn’t even know him, and he wasn’t Amish. He was age appropriate and handsome, but they had nothing in common. He came from a life she knew nothing about. Clearly he didn’t know anything about Evelyn’s world either.
She would go to the movie with him, then not see him again. He would be working a lot anyway. She had to admit she was looking forward to seeing a movie.
As Jayce rounded a corner and disappeared from sight, everyone got back to business, either shopping or waiting patiently in line. Katie walked toward the deli, where she was scheduled to work today.
Widow Byler gave Evelyn a curious look as she rang up the handful of items, but she didn’t ask about Jayce, nor did any of the other women Evelyn checked out. Everyone began rushing to get in line since the school bell would toll soon.
Jayce breezed past the women, raised a hand, and said, “I couldn’t find what I needed, but I’ll pick you up at six tomorrow.”
Evelyn lowered her head. He couldn’t have said it any louder if he’d tried. Now every woman in the store knew she was going out with the handsome English man tomorrow evening.
She slowly lifted her eyes. Most of the ladies were eyeing her with speculation. Widow Byler crinkled her nose from where she stood near the exit. Evelyn didn’t say anything and continued ringing up the groceries. The entire town would be talking about Jayce and Evelyn by the end of the day. Montgomery wasn’t immune to gossip, and Widow Byler was the queen bee when it came to spreading news.
Maybe she should cancel the date. Except most people wouldn’t know if she canceled, so the damage was already done. Maybe she should tell the few ladies still in line that she was going to show him around because he was a guest at the inn. But that would be a lie. No matter which direction her mind traveled, a fib met her at every turn.
She pressed her lips together and stayed quiet. Everyone looked up when a long black limousine pulled into the parking lot. Even Evelyn’s mouth fell open. Is that the way Jayce always travels? She hoped he didn’t show up at her house in that fancy car tomorrow night.
She hadn’t factored in what her parents and brothers would think about her going out with an English man, particularly her father. But she would tell them the truth. He helped her with Millie, and she didn’t feel like she could turn down his kind offer of supper. Would omitting mention of the movie make it a partial version of the truth? Both of her brothers had taken girls to the movies.
No matter how she spun it, her description of the evening felt like a lie. What she couldn’t tell her family, or anyone else, was how wildly attracted she was to Jayce. And it wasn’t just his looks. It was the compassion he showed Millie and the way the horse had nudged him and allowed Jayce to help.
A date with an English man who would be gone in a month shouldn’t feel like a threat at all. How much could she possibly feel for him in such a short time? She was probably just getting ahead of herself. They were going out tomorrow night, and that would be the end of it.
* * *
Jayce slid into the front seat of the limo. Unlike his father and the others, he preferred to sit up front with their hired driver, Billy.
“What are you doing way over here? You walk all this way?” Billy was about his father’s age, but a whole lot nicer.
“I got mad at the old man and took off on foot to clear my head. Then I helped an Amish damsel in distress.” He paused, smiling. “A beautiful Amish damsel in distress.”
“What was wrong with her?” Billy’s eyebrows drew inward in a concerned expression.
“Actually, she was okay. It was her horse. The mare had a piece of glass in one of her hooves, stuck right in the side of the shoe. I was able to get it out. Then I remembered I forgot my socks and a couple other things, so she let me ride here with her. She works inside.” He nodded to the store as Billy pulled out of the parking lot. “But they didn’t have socks or the other things. I’ll hit Walmart in the next day or so.”
“What were you and your father fighting about this time?” Billy frowned as he turned onto the main highway.
“He was out of line this time. I know sometimes it’s my fault, but not this time.” Jayce pulled his visor down to block the sun. “There was this older man. He came in the dining room when I was eating.” He glanced at Billy. “By the way, you should have eaten when we got there. Best meal I’ve ever had.” He waved a dismissive hand and looked out the window.
“Anyway, this man—they called him Gus—he started basically screaming at those sweet ladies who own the inn. He was really obnoxious and rude. I felt like I had to say something, so I politely asked him not to talk to them that way. Then he tried to get all up in my face. Can you believe that?” He turned back to Billy. “He’s probably in his seventies. Anyway, he finally left, and then Dad came barging into the room ranting that he heard me from upstairs. He demanded to know what I’d done—said I was stirring up trouble the first day.” Jayce shook his head as he told Billy how the women tried to defend him, but his father wasn’t hearing it.
“I got up and walked out.”
Billy didn’t say anything. He’d worked for Jayce’s father for a long time, so he knew the man well. But Billy was fair and if asked for an opinion, he’d give an honest answer.
“He was the one out of line, right?” Jayce finally asked.
Billy thought for a few more seconds before he answered. “Yes, I suppose he was. Although, after what happened recently, I can see why he would jump to conclusions.”
Jayce leaned back into the headrest and sighed. “That wasn’t my fault either.”
“But it happened.” Billy paused. “You’re a good guy, Jayce, but you need to learn to control your temper.”
He respected Billy but still felt the need to defend his actions. “Never once have I lost my cool when it wasn’t warranted.”
“You might believe that to be true, but a real man will walk away from a physical encounter if he can.”
Jayce shook his head. “That’s being a coward. And if I hadn’t stood up for those women, I would have felt guilty. I didn’t think I’d have to hit the man, but he had no business talking to them like he was.”
They were quiet for the last short stretch back to the inn until Jayce said, “I asked that Amish girl to dinner and a movie tomorrow night. Can you believe she’s never seen a movie?”
Billy slowed the car almost to a stop when they turned onto the road that led to the inn. “Do you know anything about the Amish?”
Jayce shrugged. “They all dress alike and ride in buggies. But man, this woman is gorgeous.”
Billy pulled off the road and put the car in park. Jayce could see the inn in the distance and hear the hum of the generators if he listened closely. Gus was probably going nuts about the noise.
“I lived in Pennsylvania for a while when I was around your age, in Lancaster County.” Billy paused and waited for Jayce to look at him. “So I know a lot about the Amish. And for starters, they generally don’t mix with outsiders. Granted, I don’t know if the rules are different here, but I think some things are universal. They are very religious, for one thing.”
“I believe in God.” Jayce sat taller, feeling a little offended.
“I’m not calling your relationship with God into question. I’m just telling you that the Amish believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible, and one of the things they believe very strongly is that you turn the other cheek. They are very passive. They won’t engage in a fight, even if provoked. Also, this girl you’re going out with isn’t like anyone you’ve dated back home.”
Jayce shrugged again. “Her choice of clothing isn’t the best, but her beauty makes up for it.” Jayce pushed his visor back up and nodded toward the house. “Why are we stopped to have this conversation?”
“Because it’s important for you to understand that this girl is . . . pure.” He lifted an eyebrow. “You following me? And she’ll stay that way until she gets married. So don’t pressure her to do anything, not even so much as a kiss.”
“I have my faults, but I have never pressured a woman into anything.” Jayce fought a surge of anger, feeling insulted again.
“I believe that. I’m just letting you know these people are very chaste.” He scratched his chin. “I’m surprised she agreed to go out with you. As I said, they usually don’t date outsiders.”
“I’ll treat her with the utmost respect.” Jayce was considerate to women. Billy would be surprised to know he wasn’t the romantic conqueror most people probably assumed.
Billy smiled. “I believe that too. I just thought you should have a little background.” He put the car in gear and headed toward the inn.
It hadn’t been all that long since Jayce had eaten, but his stomach was already growling. He wondered what the sisters had on the menu for tonight.
* * *
Esther finished glazing the ham and put it in the oven to keep warm, along with a pot of twice-baked potatoes and pinto beans. The salad was made and in the refrigerator. Two loaves of freshly baked bread sat on the counter. She’d prepared enough for ten people—the six guests, she and Lizzie, and extra in case anyone changed their mind about dining with them. The young man, Jayce, could put away a lot of food. She loved watching people enjoy a meal. It was her reward for the effort and a reminder of the many ways the Lord provided for them.
She was pleased when Quinn and three gentlemen entered the dining room. Hal, Giovanni, and Jesse, if she remembered their names correctly. She suggested everyone be seated while she and Lizzie finished setting the table. Naomi had walked over earlier in the day to help, but Esther assured her that she and Lizzie could finish up.
They needed to hire a new girl who could manage most of the cooking and cleaning. Naomi still helped when she could, but now that she was married and pregnant with twins, her time was mostly devoted to running her own household, as it should be.
Esther was still getting used to the sound of the generators running on the motor homes. She was surprised Gus hadn’t returned to complain some more. As she placed the ham in the middle of the table, Mr. Clarkson entered the room. Everyone seemed to sit a little taller. He greeted Lizzie and Esther, then the group fell into a conversation about their plans for tomorrow. If she’d heard correctly, they were going to Bluespring Caverns for part of the day.
Jayce came into the room, smiling, until he saw his father. His expression fell and he took the seat farthest away from Mr. Clarkson. Esther’s heart hurt for the poor boy. He’d boldly taken on Gus, which no one ever did except Lizzie. Jayce had actually gotten Gus to leave. Lizzie only fired up an already smoldering situation when she confronted their renter. No good ever came from encounters between the two.
“I believe that’s everything,” Esther said as she placed a loaf of warm bread on the table. She and Lizzie had already decided they would eat in the kitchen. Occasionally they joined their guests for a meal, but only by request. This group barely noticed when they left the room—only Quinn threw a quick thank-you after them.
“See, it’s not so bad,” Lizzie said as she bowed her head. After they prayed silently, she began to cut her ham. They’d each made a plate to leave in the kitchen before setting out the meal for their guests. “They’re nice enough.”
“There’s just so many of them.” Esther glanced out the window. “And I must admit, the generators are rather loud. I’m surprised Gus hasn’t come back over.”
Lizzie chuckled. “He’s probably afraid of that boy.”
Esther wasn’t sure Gus was afraid of anything, but he had clearly backed down when Jayce confronted him.
“And that boy is right.” Lizzie gave a taut nod of her head. “We shouldn’t let him talk to us that way.”
Esther frowned. “You are as forthright as Gus when it comes to the two of you arguing, minus the terrible language.”
“He starts it,” Lizzie said, rolling her lip under.
Esther sighed. It wasn’t true. Lizzie sometimes instigated the run-ins with Gus. But she was too tired to argue.
They both looked up when they heard footsteps.
“Got room for one more?” Jayce stood in the kitchen holding his plate.
“Ya, ya.” Esther nodded to the two empty chairs at the kitchen table, wondering if he left the others because of his father.
Lizzie instantly resembled a lovestruck teenager as she batted her eyes at Jayce, asking if she could get him anything. Esther couldn’t help but look away and roll her eyes. If Lizzie knew how silly she looked, perhaps she’d act her age. But anyone who stood up to Grumpy Gus Owens was a hero in Lizzie’s book.
“Nah, I don’t need anything,” he said as he slipped into the chair across from Esther, with Lizzie sitting between them. “I just didn’t want to listen to the plans for tomorrow anymore. I’m terrified enough.”
Esther and Lizzie exchanged glances, then waited for him to explain.
“I don’t like enclosed spaces,” he finally said. “I didn’t realize until Evelyn told me that this particular cave is only accessible by boat.” He sighed. “Meaning I can’t run out if I need to.”
“Evelyn?” Esther asked, ignoring his concerns about the cave. They only had one Evelyn in their community, but the name was also common to the English. “Is that someone in your group?”
“No.” Jayce took a sip of tea before he continued. “When I left earlier, I needed some air and to get away from my dad. So I took off walking. A woman’s horse had stepped on a piece of glass, so I helped her. Her name was Evelyn.” He grinned. “The woman, that is. The horse was Millie.” Pausing, he focused on Esther. “I’m really sorry about my behavior today. I just couldn’t stand to see that man speak to you that way. I’m sorry if I overstepped.”
Lizzie was beaming, flashing her pearly white dentures. She was clearly smitten with this young lad. It was almost embarrassing.
“I’ve waited a long time for someone”—she glared briefly at Esther—“someone besides me to stand up to that grumpy old man.”
Esther was more curious about Jayce’s encounter with Evelyn. If Lizzie was giddy over the handsome English man young enough to be her grandson, what must Evelyn have thought about him?
“It was nice of you to help Evelyn with her horse.” Esther tried to sound casual but kept her eyes on Jayce to catch any reaction.
He finished chewing a bite of ham. “It wasn’t a big deal. I’m usually pretty good with animals.” He set his fork down. Esther was sure he wasn’t done eating, but his expression started to mirror Lizzie’s, dreamy and dazed. “She’s beautiful.”
“The horse or Evelyn?” Esther asked playfully. She hoped he said the horse, even though she knew he was talking about Evelyn Schrock. Every single man in their community had courted—or attempted to court—her. She’d even gotten a little serious with one or two. But she always broke it off in the end, saying no matter how wonderful the man was, he just wasn’t the one.
The young woman was probably drawn in by Jayce’s charming personality and natural good looks. Esther and Lizzie had both lived beautiful love stories, despite their inability to have children. They loved seeing young people find each other and start a life together and had even been known to play matchmaker, but Jayce wasn’t a consideration for Evelyn. They were too many worlds apart.
Jayce picked up his fork, stabbed at a piece of ham, and grinned back at her. “Evelyn, of course. We’re going to dinner and to see a movie tomorrow night.” He took a bite and swallowed. “Can you believe she’s never seen a movie before?”
Lizzie was quieter than she’d been in decades as she watched the handsome young man talk. Alarms were ringing in Esther’s head.
“We don’t go to movie theaters, but young people are often allowed to during their rumschpringe. It’s a time when—”
“Yeah, she told me. She gets to do her own thing before she gets baptized.” He excused himself to go into the dining room for seconds, returning with more food than he’d started with.
How much time had the boy spent with Evelyn? What would her parents think about her going out with an English man? Jayce had nearly perfect features, long hair, and ink peeking from beneath his short-sleeved shirt. That was more than enough to send Jonas Schrock into a tizzy. Looks shouldn’t matter, but first impressions stayed with a person, wanted or not.
“Will you be taking her to Washington to see a movie?” Esther knew where the theater was, even though she’d never been inside. “That would be the nearest town to see a movie, and you can get there by buggy.”
Jayce finished chewing, then swallowed. Esther remained in awe at the amount of food the lad could eat. “I want to do things the right way and pick her up. Billy can take us. He’s one of our drivers. Or I can probably take one of the cars and pick her up.”
Esther glanced at Lizzie, whose gaze had shifted from dreamy to concerned. For once they were on the same page. If Jayce showed up in a limousine, Jonas might forbid Evelyn to go in such luxury. Even though Evelyn was nineteen and not yet baptized, she still lived under her parents’ roof and must abide by their rules. Given the circumstances, it might be best that Evelyn and Jayce not get too chummy.
“Nee, nee, nee.” Lizzie pushed back her chair, folded her arms across her chest, and grunted. “You can’t pick up Evelyn in that fancy black car. Her daed wouldn’t let her out of the haus.” Lizzie waved a hand in the air. “Take one of our buggies.”
Esther’s eyes widened. “Lizzie, he doesn’t know how to drive a horse and buggy.” She glanced at Jayce, who had stopped chewing, his eyes ping-ponging back and forth between them.
“If he can drive a car, he can drive a horse and buggy. We’ll give him Poppy. That old horse isn’t going to kick up and cause him any trouble.”
“Lizzie, you don’t know that. Poppy is old, but she can be unpredictable.” Esther glanced at Jayce. The boy finally swallowed the food in his mouth.
“Uh . . .” He scratched his head. “Would her parents really not let her go if I show up in a limo? Because those are the only cars we brought.”
Esther was tempted to implore Jayce to cancel the date. This had disaster written all over it. “I’ve known Jonas and Mae, Evelyn’s parents, for a long time. They are fine people, but . . .” Esther sighed. “Lizzie is right. Jonas might not let the girl out of the haus.”
Jayce stared at his plate, then picked up a slice of bread and grinned. “Then the horse and buggy it is. I don’t want to take any chances that her parents won’t let her go.”
Esther tried to smile. They didn’t even know this young man. But when she looked at Lizzie, her sister winked. Esther would have a talk with her in private later and explain the obvious—this was not a situation to be encouraged.