A Simple Change (6 page)

As if he'd read my thoughts, Father looked at me and then turned to Brother Herman. “We may need to stay at the hotel until tomorrow.” He waved his hand toward the adjoining rooms. “We will need beds for tonight.”

Brother Herman scratched his head. “You and Sister Almina can stay at my home. We have an extra bedroom, since our two sons have married.” He glanced at me. “I will make arrangements for you to stay upstairs with the Hetrigs. They have a daughter, and you can share her room. I am sure Sister Hanna and Brother Werner will be happy to have you.”

I swallowed hard. The thought of spending my first night with strangers in these new surroundings wasn't appealing. And wouldn't Mother and Father be more comfortable in a hotel? I waited, expecting to hear Father politely decline the invitation.

Instead, he nodded and smiled. “Thank you for your kind offer.”

My mouth gaped wide enough to catch flies.
“Thank you for your kind offer?”
Was my father really accepting Brother Herman's proposed arrangement? Fixing my eyes on my mother, I cleared my throat and waited until she looked at me.

“I'm sure the Hetrigs would prefer to have me take a room at the hotel. They've never even met me.” As a hint of fear took hold, I sent a pleading look in Mother's direction, hoping she would come to my aid.

“They're likely very kind, and it will give you an opportunity to become acquainted with their daughter. Perhaps you're close to the same age.” She glanced at Brother Herman.

“Nein, but I'm sure young Madelyn will be pleased to welcome you. I think she is nine or ten years old. A sweet girl—you will like her.” Brother Herman reached in his pocket and removed a pipe. “Your father said in one of his letters that you like young children, ja?”

“I do like children. I was a teacher in Kansas City, but—”

“Gut, then there is no problem. You and Madelyn will do fine together. There is no one at home right now, but I will take you to the
Küchehaas
and introduce you to Sister Hetrig. She works at the kitchen house where you will eat your meals. They are a gut family. Brother Werner is a supervisor at the grist mill, and their son, Brother Ritter, works at the woolen mill. Brother Ritter prefers to be addressed as Brother Ritt. You will like all of them.” He gave a firm nod that signaled the end of the discussion.

Pleased or not, fearful or not, ill at ease or not, I would be spending the night in the home of strangers. Maybe Nathan had been correct. Maybe I should have remained in Kansas City. I pushed
aside the notion. Wasn't I the one who constantly reminded the children at the orphanage to remain open to new experiences? Shouldn't I do the same? After all, nothing good would come from negative thoughts. No matter the circumstances, I wanted to be with my parents. I hoped our new neighbors would prove as likeable as Brother Herman promised.

“We will need to get you proper clothing. I will ask Sister Hanna if she will see to it.”

After delivering my parents to his home and seeing to their comfort, Brother Herman gestured for me to follow him. “Come. I will take you to meet Sister Hanna and the other sisters who work in the Küchehaas
.
”

After I bid my parents good-bye, Mother waved me forward as Brother Herman strode across the room.

He opened the door and waited for me to join him. “Your mother and father need to rest, but I am sure you want to see more of your new surroundings.”

I did want to see more, and though I would have preferred to see it with my parents, I appreciated Brother Herman's kindness. For a moment, our departure reminded me of the day my parents had taken me to boarding school. When they'd departed to return home, I'd felt as though I'd been marooned on a desert island. Though it hadn't taken long for me to overcome the loneliness, I hadn't forgotten those feelings. As an inkling of those same feelings attempted to take root, I pushed them aside and forced myself to focus on Brother Herman.

“We will go this way. It is a little shorter.” Taking long strides, Brother Herman escorted me away from his home. If he'd detected
any reluctance, he didn't let on. Neither of us spoke until we neared a brick house that was larger than most of the others I'd seen. Brother Herman looked over his shoulder. “This is the Wieler
Küche
, where you will eat. We are going through the back door and into the kitchen, but when you come for dinner you will go to the front and enter through the women's door. I am thinking your parents have already explained that the men and women sit at separate tables to eat their meals, ja?”

When he arched his brows and waited for my response, I nodded. “Yes. But I don't know which door is for the women.” There hadn't been much time to learn about the rules on our journey, but perhaps once our family was reunited, my mother would feel well enough to instruct me.

He smiled. “Just follow the other sisters, and you will be at the proper door.” He tapped on the kitchen door, stepped inside, and gestured for me to step forward. “
Guten Tag
, Sister Bertha. This is Jancey Rhoder—the daughter of Jurgen and Almina Rhoder.” Brother Herman tipped his head toward me. “Sister Bertha is the
Küchebaas
.” He grinned at the wide-hipped woman. “She makes sure everyone gets plenty of gut food and that it is served on time.”

“With the help of the other sisters. Without them, I could not manage.” The gray-haired woman lifted an oversized metal spoon from a hook on the wall and lowered it into a kettle sitting atop the stove. She turned her gaze on me. “I remember your Mutter and
Vater
. Sister Mina was younger than I, but she could knit much better than girls twice her age.” She continued to stir the contents of the pot. “Does she still knit?”

“Yes, when she's able. Her health hasn't been good for more than a year.”

“Ja, I was sorry to hear.” She looked at Brother Herman. “Sister Jancey will be working in the
Küche
with us?”

“Nein. I brought her to meet Sister Hanna. The Rhoders will be living in the rooms below the Hetrigs.”

Sister Bertha stepped to a door that led from the large kitchen to the dining room. As she walked into the dining room, I peered around her and noticed long tables with benches arranged along both sides. A wide aisle separated the rows, likely the dividing line between the men and women. Sister Bertha stopped beside a woman with rosy cheeks. Soon, the two of them drew near, and Brother Herman stepped forward.

“Guten Tag, Sister Hanna. I would like you to meet Jancey Rhoder, the daughter of—”

Sister Hanna bobbed her head. “Ja, ja, I know who she is. Brother Ernst told my Werner the Rhoders would be moving in downstairs.” She smiled at me. “Welcome.”

“Thank you. I'm pleased to meet you, Sister Hanna.”

Her lips curved in a broad smile that revealed a dimple in her left cheek. “
Danke
. And I am pleased to meet you, too.”

Moving between us, Brother Herman pointed to the kitchen door. “We will talk on the porch so we do not interfere with the other sisters while they work.”

Once outside, Brother Herman explained our circumstances to Sister Hanna. “Because their furniture has not yet arrived, Sister Jancey is without a place to sleep tonight. The simple solution is for her to spend the night with your family.”

Sister Hanna appeared comfortable with the idea. “We will be happy to have you as our guest, but you might not get much sleep. Our Madelyn has always wanted a big sister instead of a big brother. She may keep you awake all night with her talking.”

Before I could answer, Brother Herman shook his head. “Is not a problem. Sister Jancey has worked with children in Kansas City.” He turned toward me. “Will be like Kansas City for you, ja?”

“A little.” I smiled at Sister Hanna. “I'm sure I'll enjoy meeting Madelyn.”

Sister Hanna gave a slight nod and winked. “And our son, Ritt, I think you will enjoy meeting him, too.”

I wasn't sure what surprised me more—the comment or her knowing wink.

Chapter 6

To my utter amazement, Mother walked the short distance from Brother Herman's home to the Wieler Küche. Though she leaned heavily upon my father's arm, it had been months since she'd exhibited such strength. My heart soared as I caught sight of their arrival outside the kitchen house. Perhaps this move would prove to be the medicine that would cure her. If so, I would adapt to the necessary changes in my life. I would gladly give up the comfortable home in Kansas City and forgo a future of teaching at the orphanage. To see my mother restored to health would be worth any sacrifice.

“I can hardly believe my eyes,” I said, hurrying to her side and taking her arm as they drew near. “I was going to bring supper to you at Brother Herman's house. Sister Hanna said it was customary to take meals to those who are ill, but I'm so happy to see you are able to walk this distance.”

I shot a glance in my father's direction, surprised he'd permitted her to walk.

“Your mother insisted she was up to the walk, and I thought it would be good for her to try.” He gestured to the group lining up at the other door. “I need to enter with the men, so you'll need to see to your mother.”

A shade of rosy pink colored my mother's cheeks as she took hold of my arm. “It is good to be home again.” She looked up at me. “Tell me what you've been doing since we parted.”

While we waited to enter the kitchen, I told her about Sister Hanna and my arrangements for the night. “I haven't met the rest of the Hetrig family, but if they're as welcoming as Sister Hanna, I'll be fine.”

“I'm sure they are a wonderful family, but I know this is a sacrifice for you, Jancey. If at any time you decide you want to leave the colonies, your father and I will understand.” She squeezed my arm. “You'll tell us if you're unhappy, won't you?”

“Yes, Mother, but you should push aside your concerns. The only thing you need to do is continue to gain your strength.” I leaned close to her ear. “And tell me what I'm supposed to do so I don't look like such an outsider.”

“Just watch what I do and you'll be fine. And remember—no conversation during meals.”

I was thankful for the reminder. Father had mentioned the “no conversation” rule to me on the train, but I'd already forgotten. There were lots of rules, he'd said, and I wondered how many of them I would break before I could commit them all to memory. Mother and I sat side by side on one of the long wooden benches, and though I expected the hard benches to cause her difficulty, she sat through the meal without exhibiting any problems. She
ate far less than anyone else but appeared to enjoy the dumpling soup and parsleyed potatoes. When we stood for the after-dinner prayer, Mother clutched my arm.

I dipped my head close to hers after the prayer. “Are you feeling weak?” I momentarily forgot and asked my question in English.

“Speak German,” she said, patting my hand. “Just walk slowly and I will do fine.”

When we arrived outside, Father was standing with Brother Herman, two other men, and a young girl. As we drew near, Brother Herman turned toward us. “Gut evening, Sisters. I want to introduce you to your new neighbors.” He patted a tall, angular man on the shoulder. “This is Brother Werner Hetrig and his son, Brother Ritter Hetrig. And this is young Madelyn.”

Brother Herman crooked his finger, and Madelyn stepped forward.
“Guten Abend.”
The young girl's smile revealed a charming dimple in one cheek, just like her mother's. “Mutter says you will share my room tonight.” Her blue eyes sparkled as she pranced from foot to foot.

I returned her smile. “I hope you won't mind having company in your room. I'll do my best not to snore.”

Madelyn covered her mouth and giggled. “Girls don't snore, but my brother, Ritt, snores. Even with the doors closed, I can hear him all night long.”

Her brother chuckled and raked a handful of dark blond hair from his forehead. I couldn't be certain, but I guessed Ritt to be near my age. Like his father, Ritt was tall and broad-shouldered with natural good looks. He possessed an easy smile, and his hazel eyes sparkled with laughter as he spoke to his sister. “Then maybe we should send you to bed an hour earlier, so you will go to sleep without my snoring to bother you, ja?”

“Nein!” She shook her head with such vigor, her cap slipped to one side of her head. “I like the sound of snoring.”

There was an easy camaraderie among the members of the Hetrig family, especially between brother and sister. An undeniable longing settled deep inside as I watched the two of them. What joy I'd missed growing up without a sibling—someone with whom I could share my deep secrets, someone who would be my friend no matter what, someone who would protect me when needed. But my being an only child hadn't been my parents' choice.

After my birth, Mother hadn't been able to carry another child, a fact I regretted as much as my parents did. When I decided to become a teacher, Mother said it was my lack of siblings that had drawn me to the profession, and perhaps she'd been right. Though the children at the orphanage weren't like brothers and sisters to me, they filled a void. A slight ache squeezed my heart, and I wondered if they were missing me as much as I missed them.

“Did you hear me, Sister Jancey?” Madelyn tugged on my hand.

I shook my head. “I'm sorry. My thoughts were elsewhere.” I leaned down to eye level with the girl. “You now have my full attention.”

“I asked if you would like to go back to the house with us. We usually go home until time for prayer meeting.”

Uncertain what I was supposed to do, I sent a questioning look in Brother Herman's direction. “Ja, that would be gut. You go with the Hetrigs. Madelyn will keep you entertained, for sure.”

After placing a kiss on my mother's cheek and bidding my parents good-night, I joined the Hetrig family. Brother Werner gestured toward the kitchen house. “My wife will be home in a short time. First she must finish her work with the other women
while they clean in the Küche.” He raised his eyebrows. “You understand?”

With a slight nod, I stepped alongside Madelyn. “Yes, Sister Hanna described her work to me earlier.”

“I would like to hear why you have joined us here in Middle Amana, Sister Jancey.” Brother Werner glanced over his shoulder as he spoke. “I know your parents lived here long ago, but I am sure to come here caused you some worry, ja?”

“You're right. Coming here was a big decision for me, but I wanted to be with my parents. They are all the family I have. Brother Herman may have told you my mother's health is failing.”

Brother Werner didn't indicate whether he'd been advised or not, but since I'd told Sister Hanna a bit about my past when we were together earlier, I thought it would be easiest to answer any questions from the rest of the family while she remained at work. It would save repeating the same things over and over.

“It is gut you want to be with your Mutter during her time of need, and we will do all we can to help you and your parents.” He glanced at Ritt and then Madelyn. “Won't we?”

Both of them agreed. I didn't miss the sympathy in Ritt's eyes when he looked at me. “You should tell us whatever you need, and we will answer any questions you have. Do not be afraid to ask.” His voice radiated a deep warmth and kindness that made me feel comfortable in his presence.

“Thank you, Ritt. I'm sure I'll have lots of questions until I learn how things are done and where everything is located.”

He chuckled. “Will not take long to show you where things are. The village isn't so big, and you speak German, so anyone can help you if you get lost.”

“Where did you live before you came here? Was it a big city?” Madelyn spread her arms wide.

“My parents and I had a home in Kansas City, Missouri. I consider it a big city, but it isn't as large as some of the cities on the East Coast. Still, it is much larger than Middle Amana.”

Madelyn's eyes grew wide. “I would be afraid in such a big place.”

Brother Werner turned toward me as we walked inside the house. “Did your father work in Kansas City, Sister Jancey?”

I nodded. “He owns Forsythe Construction Company, which is located in Kansas City, but sometimes his contracts would take him to nearby smaller communities. As soon as all of his current construction contracts are complete, the business will be sold.”

Ritt opened the door to their parlor and waited while we entered. Once inside, we sat down, and Ritt leaned forward. “I am curious about one thing. If your
Vater
owned the business, why didn't he name it Rhoder Construction Company?”

I explained that my father and mother had come to own the business, as well as our house, because of the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Forsythe. “They were like grandparents to me. Since they had no children, they treated our little family like their own. My father wouldn't have considered changing the name of the company when he took over. Besides, keeping the name helped remind him of all the good that happened to our family. We were very fortunate to have met Mr. and Mrs. Forsythe.”

“Ja, is true, but I think Mr. Forsythe must have known your Vater and Mutter would carry on his business in an honorable way. He was a gut judge of character. I understand the business has done very well.” Brother Werner removed a pipe from his pocket and filled it with tobacco.

“Yes, the business has prospered under my father's direction.” The fact that Brother Werner knew about the success of Forsythe Construction surprised me, since he hadn't previously indicated he knew anything about our family or my father's business ventures. Perhaps Brother Herman had provided some details about our family.

Madelyn inched closer, and when I pointed to the empty space beside me on the sofa, she immediately filled the spot. “Did you work in a Küche like my Mutter?”

“No, I taught school at an orphanage a few miles from our home.” I didn't know if my father had shared that bit of information, but I saw no reason to withhold the truth. Keeping my eyelids at half-mast, I ventured a glance at Brothers Werner and Ritt, curious how they might react to such news.

Madelyn gasped and clapped a hand to her lips, her eyes shining with disbelief. “You were a teacher?” Though her words had been muffled, I'd clearly understood her question.

“Yes, I had a wonderful group of boys and girls in my class, and I was sad to tell them good-bye.” I inhaled a ragged breath, remembering each of the children's faces as clearly as if they were sitting in front of me right now.

Madelyn moved her hand from her lips. “What will you do? The sisters cannot teach in the Amana schools, only the brothers.”

Her look of concern warmed my heart and I patted her hands. “I knew that before I came here, so you need not worry. Brother Herman has already told me that I will be caring for my mother and also helping to clean the quarters occupied by the outside workers near the woolen mill.”

“You'll be helping Sister Margaret.” Brother Werner took another draw on his pipe. “She's a nice young woman and a
hard worker, but she is . . .” He hesitated for a moment, obviously looking for the proper word. “Clumsy. Ja, clumsy. She sometimes can make as much mess as she cleans. It will be gut for her to have help.”

I snapped to attention at Brother Werner's remark. I doubted I could provide a cure for clumsiness, and any attempts to correct Sister Margaret could spell disaster. And I didn't think she'd like being corrected by an outsider.

During my first weeks at the orphanage, I'd learned that suggesting new ideas could lead to heartrending ostracism—something I wanted to avoid here. I would do my best to perform my job in a suitable and efficient manner, and I would do my best to help Sister Margaret, but unless requested, I wouldn't make suggestions. And I certainly wouldn't criticize her work habits.

“If you still want to teach, you could help me with my reading, couldn't she, Vater?” The color heightened in Madelyn's cheeks as she turned toward me. “I'm not gut at reading. Brother Wieler says I need more practice. He's our teacher. He is married to Sister Bertha at the Küche.”