Over a breakfast of oatmeal and toast the next morning, Sadie announced,
“I’ve been giving it some thought. I know who the other three women are.”
“You do?” Jane stared at Sadie, and noticed immediately the dark circles under her eyes. Had the poor woman been lying awake all night thinking and worrying?
“I think it’s the Simpson twins. They’re twenty-three, or thereabouts, and they’re always gathered around him like buzzing bees. You’d think there was three of them or even four.”
“Okay, with the twins that makes four ladies, and he said there were five so who could be the fifth?”
“I’ve been giving it a lot of thought. Lanie. Last year her husband just up and died leaving her a widow. Matt might feel sorry for her. They do spend a fair bit of time together.”
“That’s sad. I remember she married Desmond Lapp. I know he was always sick when we were growing up. What did he die from?”
“He had a heart condition—I'd heard he had rheumatic fever when he was little, and that it damaged his heart. They both knew he might not have long, but they were both in prayer about it.”
“Oh, that’s so sad for her. Was Matt close with them?”
“I don’t think so, not particularly, but he is friends with Lanie now and he is a protective man. I could see him wanting to look after her and her dochder. And, he’s already as good as said he’s going about this with his head and not his heart, so …”
“I see what you mean. I remember Lanie as a very quiet and shy girl. She’s about three years younger than I am.”
“That’s my guesses for the remaining three of them. Hasn't he told you who they are yet?”
“Nee, but he will soon. He’ll have to if he wants my help. I’m hoping he’ll point them out to me at the meeting today.”
“And he will be here soon to get us. Will you be ready?”
“Jah, I will.”
“On Sundays, I leave the dishes soaking in the sink. I will wash ‘em all tomorrow.”
“Okay.”
Since Sunday was the day of rest, the minimum of work was done, including household chores and cooking. Mostly leftovers were had, or simple meals that needed little preparation.
Just as Jane was placing the last dish into the sink, she heard the crunching sounds of the horse and buggy. “Sounds like Matt,” she said to Sadie.
“Jah, that’ll be him. It’ll be no one else at this hour.”
They both pulled on their black coats and black over-bonnets and headed out the door. Matt had already gotten out and was waiting to help them into the buggy.
Jane’s stomach had resumed the dreadful churning feeling that had started when Matt had told her why she was there.
As soon as they were all in the buggy, Jane asked, “Where is the meeting today?”
“It’s at the Shonebergers’ house,” Matt told her. “Before we get there, I have to arrange something with you, Mamm.”
“What is it?”
“I’d like you to invite Abigail and Marcy to have dinner with you one night soon, this week.”
“I’ll see.”
Jane noticed the response wasn’t very enthusiastic.
“Well, why don’t you see if they can make it tomorrow night? As much as I’d like to, I can’t keep Jane here forever. She has a life to get back to,” Matt said.
“I know and I’ll try to make everything happen as soon as possible.”
Matt glanced over at his mother, taking his eyes off the road for a moment. “So, you’ll do that today, Mamm?”
Sadie sighed. “Very well. I’ll do that for you.”
When they arrived at the house where the meeting was being hosted, Jane stepped down from the buggy and looked at the crowd gathered outside. It was heart-warming to be back in her old community seeing so many familiar faces. It brought to mind the fond memories of the days when her parents were still alive. Her brother and sister had both left the community and the Amish way of life, and she had been left alone. Now all her living Amish relatives were back in Ohio.
After Jane walked into the crowd and greeted everyone, and had been introduced to some new folk, she sat down with Sadie in the third row from the front. She had recognized Abigail and figured the woman with her was her cousin, Marcy. The two of them were seated behind her and Sadie, but who were these other three women Matt liked?
He still hadn’t said.
Taking a quick look behind her, she scanned the single women who sat in the back rows. After the meeting, she’d keep a close eye on Matt and see who approached him. That would be the easiest way, she figured.
All of a sudden, someone grabbed onto Jane’s shoulders. Jane turned to see her childhood friend, Jessica, who was now married to one of Matt’s brothers. Jane jumped to her feet and the two women stood there hugging with the bench seat between them. Jessica had put on a little weight, but apart from that she looked exactly the same.
“You didn’t tell me you were coming,” Jessica said, when they moved apart just slightly.
“I know. It was a last minute thing.”
“Where are you staying?” asked Jessica.
“With Matt’s mudder, Sadie. Your mudder-in-law.”
“You could’ve stayed with me. I’m always asking you.”
“I know. It’s so good to see you.”
“I can’t wait to catch up. Can you stop by my haus tomorrow?”
Jane looked down at Sadie. “I don’t have a horse and buggy to use. Sadie doesn’t have one at all. She relies on Matt.”
“We have two buggies, so I’ll come and collect you and perhaps we can spend the day together.”
“Part of the day. The morning maybe? I’ll have to help Sadie with the dinner. We might be having guests tomorrow night. I wouldn’t feel right if I wasn’t there to help.”
“I’ll be fine, Jane,” Sadie piped up.
“That’s okay,” Jessica answered Jane, totally ignoring Sadie. “I’ll collect you tomorrow and tell you all my news.” She turned slightly away from Sadie and patted her tummy and gave Jane a wink.
That meant Jessica was pregnant with her third child. Jane was pleased for her. “Where are Sally and Kate?”
“Over there. Sitting quietly for the first time in ages.” Jessica pointed two rows behind them where two girls sat.
“They’re adorable. I can’t believe how big they are.”
“Me neither. They’ve just turned six and four. Shall I collect you tomorrow at nine?”
“Jah, that would be perfect.” Jane glanced down at Sadie, who’d been sitting listening into their conversation. “Will that be all right with you, Sadie? I won’t stay long.”
“Stay as long as you want. I’m perfectly capable of cooking the evening meal on my own.”
“I know, but you won’t have to. I’ll be back in plenty of time.” Jane hugged her friend once more as the elders began moving to the front of the room, signaling that it was time for everyone to stop talking and take their seats.