A Simple Change (20 page)

“I am thinking there is a problem because I could hear angry voices when I started toward the path.” Ritt's focus remained fixed on me. “You are all right?”

“Of course she's all right. You can see her, can't you?”

Ritt's shoulders stiffened. “I was asking Sister Jancey.”

“I'm fine, but thank you for your concern.” This was the first time Ritt had spoken to me since we'd argued about Nathan, and my chest warmed at the genuine worry that shone in his eyes. But while I was pleased Ritt no longer appeared to be ignoring me, having Nathan involved would likely make matters worse between the three of us.

“She doesn't need protection from me.” Nathan clenched his hands and glared at Ritt.

“That is gut to know.” Ritt nodded toward the path. “We are expected at the Küche for a snack. Unless you want to make Brother William unhappy, I think you should come with me. We are already late.”

I nodded my agreement. “You should go, Nathan. You need to follow the rules if you are going to live here.”

“Rules! That's all people think about around here.” Using his shirt sleeve, Nathan wiped the perspiration from his forehead.

“If you are unhappy with the way we live, you are not required to remain in the colonies. No one is forced to live here.” Ritt glanced at me. “Anyone who decides this life is not what they want is free to leave and make a new life elsewhere.”

Nathan curled his lip. “Well, I can tell you this isn't the life I want for Jancey—or for myself, either.”

Ritt hiked a shoulder. “For yourself you can speak, but not
for anyone else. Sister Jancey has the right to decide whether her future will be in the colonies or elsewhere.” He stepped toward the path. “We must go to the Küche. If you and Sister Jancey want to talk, you should do it after working hours.”

“Don't you see how foolish this is? Why should I need to talk to you tonight instead of right now?” Nathan stared at me.

“Because I have work that requires my attention.” I leaned down to pick up the bucket, walked inside, and closed the door. I waited several minutes before I peeked out the window. When I was certain the two men had departed, I opened the door, thankful to once again gain a slight breeze.

Instead of setting to work, I dropped to one of the wooden chairs that surrounded the table where the men played cards and tried to steady my nerves. Discovery of the money bag had created a whirl of emotions, and the heated exchange between Nathan and Ritt further intensified my turmoil. This first day without Margaret wasn't yet over, and it had already proved more chaotic than I could have imagined.

I placed my folded arms atop the table and rested my head. Why hadn't I left those boards in place? If I hadn't been snooping where I didn't belong, I wouldn't be faced with this dilemma. Should I tell someone? Father? The elders? Ritt? Should I pretend none of it had ever happened? Should I attempt to discover more about Thomas on my own? After all, I couldn't be absolutely certain the money belonged to him, and I didn't want to bear false witness. The newspaper article was proof of a bank robbery and the fact that one of the robbers remained at large, but it wasn't proof that Thomas was that missing criminal. Everything pointed to him. But would a bank robber be the kind of man who wanted to locate his sister and build a new life? How
I longed to feel some nudging from the Lord—some indication of what I should do.

I needed to wait upon Him, for if I had prayed before I'd gone digging beneath the floorboards, I might not be in this situation. If I'd remember to wait before making decisions and then expecting God to get me out of trouble, I'd be much better off.

Some time ago, I'd spoken to Brother William about my occasional failures.

“None of us ever reach perfection, Sister Jancey,”
he'd said,
“but we must strive to remain in constant communion with God. That way, it becomes second nature to ask for His help when a problem comes our way.”
His eyes had radiated kindness.
“It is pleasing to the Lord that you are trying to do your best and draw closer to Him. You will learn. I will be praying for you.”

I was certain Brother William had prayed for me every day since we'd had our talk, and though I sometimes remembered to first go to God with my problems, I still hadn't mastered the knack of remaining in constant communion with Him.

“You sick or sleeping?”

I jerked upright, my heart pounding faster than a woodpecker hammering on a tree. I hadn't heard footsteps. “Thomas! What are you doing here? Why aren't you at work?” I glanced at the clock. I must have fallen asleep.

His lips curved in a lopsided grin. “You don't need to worry. I won't tell anyone you were sleeping on the job.” Using his thumb, he pointed over his shoulder. “I got off early, so you don't need to worry about none of the other fellows coming back just yet.” He dropped to a chair on the other side of the table. “Brother William has that fellow of yours moving around the mill to learn all the positions. Looks like he's gonna make Nathan a supervisor.
Anyway, he's working in my area and I was in the way, so they said I could leave. Guess they thought you'd be done with your work over here.”

Confusion blurred my mind. “I am. I mean, I shouldn't be in here with you. There's nothing that can't wait until tomorrow. I doubt the men will notice if there's a little dust on the windowsills.” I jumped to my feet.

His gaze settled on my shaking hands. “There's no reason to be afraid of me, Miss Jancey. It's not like we don't know each other.” He leaned across the table. “I been wondering if you got that other letter sent off to your friend at the orphanage.”

My throat constricted as if a rope had been tightened around my neck. I croaked an affirmative response and massaged my neck.

Thomas pushed away from the table and pointed to the water pitcher. “Want some water? I'll be glad to get you a cup if you don't mind drinking after us men.” He tipped his head to the side. “We don't worry 'bout unwashed cups.”

I knew that much was true. The only time the cups were replaced was when Margaret or I carried the dirty ones to the Küche and returned with clean ones.

I swallowed and shook my head. “I'll be fine.” I was pleasantly surprised when my voice sounded normal.

He settled back in the chair. “So how soon do you think you'll hear? I sure do wish I could find out something before much longer.”

“I don't have any idea. Much will depend on the family with whom Kathleen is living, but as soon as I hear anything, I'll leave a note.” I pushed away from the table. “I really should go home and check on my mother.” I hesitated a moment. “When did you arrive in Middle Amana, Thomas?”

He scratched his head and looked toward the ceiling. “I don't rightly remember. Sometime this past winter.”

I nodded. I'd felt a prompting to inquire, but I didn't know if it was my own curiosity or an urging from the Lord. I was uncertain how a person could know for sure, but I decided to continue with my questions.

“Had you ever worked here before? I've heard that some of the workers come and go, depending on the season.”

He narrowed his eyes. “No. Why'd you ask?”

I fumbled with the corner of my apron. “Just curious. Back when we first met, you asked me about why I'd come here and I wondered the same about you. Seems there would have been better paying jobs in Kansas City.”

“Seems you been thinkin' about me quite a bit, Miss Jancey. Not sure if I should be flattered or concerned.” Using his right hand, he pushed his chair back until it balanced on the two back legs and looked straight into my eyes. “I was in and out of Kansas City, depending on work. Living here's as good a place as any.”

“But it's a long way from Kansas City.”

“No place is too far if there's train tracks, Miss Jancey.” He pinned me with an unyielding stare and let the chair drop with a loud bang.

I jumped as though I'd been shot.

He'd made his point. Thomas Kingman had called a halt to my question-and-answer session.

Chapter 20

During prayer meeting that evening, I contemplated whether it had been the Lord nudging me to ask Thomas questions about his background or my own desire to discover the truth. I had a feeling it was the latter, but as we prepared to depart, I felt a distinct urge to confide in Ritt. I wasn't certain how the elders might react if I approached them with my findings—they might decide I wasn't the type of person they wanted living in the colonies. And I didn't want to tell my father. He had enough worries with Mother's ever-changing health; at least that's what I told myself.

In truth, I feared my father would step in and I'd never learn all of the circumstances surrounding Thomas or that hidden money—and I couldn't bear that thought. I didn't want to yield complete authority to anyone else, but I needed a confidant who could give me sound advice. Ritt seemed the perfect person. He'd
been concerned about my welfare earlier in the day, so I hoped he now understood I wasn't to blame for Nathan's position at the mill.

I maintained hope that Thomas and Ritt had visited a bit during their work at the mill. At a minimum, Ritt should be able to tell me exactly when Thomas had arrived here. Then I could write to Lilly and ask if she'd stop at the bank to make an inquiry regarding the date of the robbery. Of course, there was a possibility Ritt would insist upon telling the elders. I contemplated that idea. Before I told him, I'd secure a promise that he wouldn't divulge anything I said. I wasn't certain what I'd do if he didn't agree.

First, of course, I would need to tell him about meeting with Thomas and writing the letters on his behalf. A part of me wanted to avoid that topic and tell him only that I'd discovered the money hidden beneath Thomas's bed. But Ritt was insightful. He'd ask how I knew where Thomas slept. It wasn't as if there were names on the beds in the dormitory. And, other than Nathan, I knew nothing about the workers who lived in the men's quarters. Ritt would think it odd that I'd know anything about Thomas. Yet the connection to Kansas City was an important part of why I suspected Thomas, so I needed to explain everything.

Thomas had already revealed Nathan would be working late this evening, so the timing would be perfect. As we walked home, Madelyn came alongside me and grasped my hand. “Are we going to read this evening?”

I smiled down at her and nodded. “And you should ask your brother if he would like to join us. He hasn't listened to you read for a while. I think he will be pleased with your progress.”

Madelyn dropped my hand and skipped a few steps. “Can we sit outside under the tree? It will be cooler than sitting in the parlor.”

The upper floor of the house was always warmer than our downstairs rooms, but when I'd suggested Madelyn come to our parlor for her summertime lessons, Sister Hanna objected. Though I attempted to assure her otherwise, she thought the activity would disturb my mother.

“I think that's an excellent idea.” Plenty of daylight remained, and being outdoors would provide greater privacy when I spoke with Ritt about the money.

While Madelyn ran upstairs to fetch her books, I went into my bedroom and gathered a quilt for us to sit on. Mother hadn't been well enough to join us at prayer meeting, and I stepped inside her bedroom before departing. “How are you feeling?”

“As good as I can expect.” She gestured toward the quilt. “You are going outdoors?”

“Yes. Madelyn asked if we could go outside for her lesson this evening. Is there anything you need before I go? Father should be down in a few minutes. He was talking with Brother Werner.”

“No, you go on. Tell Madelyn she should come and read to me some evening. It will help me fall asleep.”

“I think she would like that, but you should tell Sister Hanna. She thinks Madelyn's reading will disturb you.”

Mother chuckled. “I'll speak to her. You go on now and enjoy yourself.” She waved me off as she picked up her fork. I hoped she would eat well, even though I wouldn't be there to prod her along. These last few days, she'd been eating less and less, and I worried she wouldn't build her strength on so little nourishment.

Excitement bubbled deep within my chest when I caught sight of Ritt standing alongside Madelyn and two of the other children in the backyard. Hiking her dress a few inches, Madelyn bounded toward me and reached for the quilt I carried in my arms.

“I'll spread it out for us to sit on.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Ritt said he wanted to hear me read.”

I handed her the quilt. “I am pleased your brother wants to see how much you've progressed.”

Madelyn spun around to face me. “I think he is more pleased to spend time with you.” She ran toward her brother before I could correct her assumption.

My heart pounded an erratic beat as he waved to me. I hoped what Madelyn said was true. Had Ritt set aside the differences that had come between us? In my mind, there was no reason why Nathan or his job assignment at the mill should cause problems, but Ritt hadn't been so sure.

With the help of the other girls, Madelyn spread the quilt beneath a large elm tree and plopped down with her book. The group had formed a circle and only one opening remained. She patted the quilt as I approached. “You can sit between us.”

I glanced at Ritt. “It might be better if you scooted over and sat between your brother and me. That way, we can both watch as you read and make certain you're not making any mistakes.”

“This space is gut.” Ritt tapped the same spot his sister had pointed to a moment earlier. “You are the teacher. I will close my eyes and listen.”

I liked the idea of sitting next to him, so I didn't argue any further. If anyone saw us, we would both receive a reprimand, but I was willing to take the chance. A chance I'd been opposed to taking with Nathan. That truth settled in the back of my mind as I took my place in the circle. I had Madelyn read last so that Ritt wouldn't leave early. If listening while I worked with the other girls bothered him, he gave no indication. When Madelyn's turn arrived, he made a point to close his eyes and listen.

She made only one slight mistake while reading the lesson in English, and I praised her lavishly when she finished. “If you were in my class at the school in Kansas City, I would use my blue ink and draw a star beside your name. You did an excellent job with your lessons today.”

Ritt smiled at his sister. “For sure, you have made great progress, Madelyn. Soon you will be able to read English better than I do.”

I looked around the group. “All of you are wonderful students. You have worked hard to complete your reading and English lessons, but now it is time to work on your arithmetic.” I motioned to a large basket I'd placed near the tree. “Would you bring that to me, Madelyn?”

Sister Bertha had given me permission to use a number of items from the kitchen house to help with our lesson. “Instead of repeating your addition and subtraction or going over your multiplication tables, I thought it might be more fun if we did something special.”

Eveline stepped closer and peered into the basket. “We are going to cook?”

Madelyn giggled. “There is no stove. How could we cook? Why did you bring these things, Sister Jancey?”

I removed a loaf of bread that Sister Bertha had sliced for me, along with several large apples.

“We are going to have bread and apples?” Anna asked, her eyes radiating excitement.

“First we are going to see how many people we could serve from this loaf of bread. Each of you count and see how many sandwiches you could make from this loaf.”

I watched as the girls carefully counted the slices. Anna's hand shot into the air and I nodded at her. “I could make ten if I didn't use the end pieces.”

“I like the end pieces so I would make eleven. Besides, we shouldn't waste,” Eveline said.

I chuckled. “Let's agree that we have eleven sandwiches, and we cut them in half. Then how many people will get a sandwich?”

Madelyn caught her lower lip between her teeth and frowned. Moments later, she raised her hand. “Twenty-two.”

“Exactly right. That's very good. Now if we cut those eleven sandwiches into four pieces how many people could we serve at the noonday meal?”

Bretta shook her head. “That will not work, Miss Jancey.”

I met the girl's intent gaze. “Why not?”

“Everyone would still be hungry, because they wouldn't get enough to eat.”

Ritt burst into laughter. “She is right. What man would be happy with one-fourth of a sandwich?”

Hands perched on her hips, Madelyn turned toward her brother. “A starving man would not turn down one-fourth of a sandwich.”

“Ja, you have an answer for everything, Madelyn.” Ritt grinned at the girl and tousled her hair. “But this time, I will agree that you are right. A starving man would be happy for even a crust of bread.”

After cutting the apples into slices, we continued to work on math skills. “I like subtraction the most,” Anna said.

I chuckled and nodded. All of the girls wanted to practice subtraction when they realized they would be permitted to eat slices of apple or squares of bread. By the time they'd eaten the apples and some of the bread, I declared their skills improved and the lesson complete, but the girls decided they wanted to study spelling words.

“We're going to move over by the back steps, where the light is
better.” Madelyn picked up her books and gestured to the other girls.

I started to get up, but Madelyn shook her head. “You can stay here. If we have a question, we'll come and ask.”

I agreed, certain the girls wanted a little time to share some secrets while they studied. Books in hand, they hurried away before I could change my mind.

“You are a gut teacher, Jancey,” Ritt told me. “You are patient and kind, and that makes them want to please you. You have a special gift with children. I see how you help each one in a special way.”

Ritt's words warmed my heart. “Each child has the ability to learn, and I try to remember that every child is unique. They learn in different ways. What works with one might not work with another. A good teacher keeps trying different keys until she finds the right one for each child.” I turned my hand as if unlocking a door. “Once you find the right key, it opens a whole new world to them. You can see the excitement in their eyes, and when that happens, it thrills me.”

Ritt pulled several blades of grass and twisted them between his fingers. “It is easy to hear excitement in your voice when you talk about teaching. I am sure you miss being at the school in Kansas City.”

He held me with his gaze as the setting sun cast a gold glint in his hazel eyes. I swallowed hard and tried to look away, but I couldn't. A pleasant feeling tickled alive deep within my stomach, and I tried to concentrate on what Ritt had said.

“You're right. I do miss the children. Don't misunderstand. I very much enjoy being in the colonies, but teaching gives me a feeling of purpose. I have that same feeling when I'm teaching Madelyn and her friends.”

He looked down at the blades of grass he held between his thumb and forefinger. When he didn't comment, I told him I'd received letters from some of the children at the orphanage. “I know it may sound silly, but reading their letters makes me feel closer to them.”

“Nein. It is not silly. I can understand how it would help to ease the pain of leaving them. I am sure everyone at the orphanage misses you.”

“There is a shortage of money, so they haven't hired anyone to replace me. Miss Manchester—she teaches the older students—wrote and said the younger children are falling behind.” I sighed. “I do wish the board of directors would see how important it is to have a teacher for the younger children. You can't have so many children in one classroom and expect any of them to learn, but they say there isn't sufficient money.”

Ritt frowned. “This I do not understand. They should have the funds you received when you worked there. Why could they not use that money to pay a new teacher?”