Grace's Forgiveness (6 page)

Pausing in front of Mark’s shop, she scanned the words above the door.
KING
’
S
FURNITURE
.
I
like it. The bold letters were cut thick and dark against the light wood behind them. It stood out as the best crafted sign on the boardwalk. Customers would find the beautiful masthead hard to miss. She opened the door to the dry goods shop and found Mark with a cup of coffee in his hand talking to Sarah.

Her heart raced as she dropped her bag behind the counter. “Good morning.”

Sarah hugged her. “Good morning.”

“Mark, I’m surprised we didn’t bump into you last week.” Grace straightened her kapp blown to the kumming in the door.

“I brought in a couple loads to my shop on Tuesday and Thursday after the stores were closed. I didn’t want to deliver my things during the day when there were customers shopping. I was afraid they’d stop me and want to peruse my things before I had a chance to get them out of the wagon.”

“I understand. How will you manage a store and your farm?”

“Levi and his friends have been helping me manage my property and animals until I hire someone. It’s been a pleasure to be better acquainted with Levi and his friends. They’re very supportive of me opening my store.”

Waving a dismissive hand, Sarah grinned. “Levi and his friends are always helping each other out. They’d rather work together than alone.”

Smiling, Grace poured herself a cup of coffee. “Are you ready to open your doors to customers?”

He sipped his coffee. “Jah. I hung my sign and arranged my stock on the floor and shelves. First, I wanted to invite you to kumme over.”

Sarah plucked a hair off Grace’s sleeve. “I peeked at his store. His furniture and household items are the prettiest I have ever laid my eyes on. You must let him show you around. I’ll manage our shop.”

Grace put her hands in her apron pockets. “I admired your masthead above your door before I came inside. It stands out on the boardwalk. It’s plain in big letters and easy to read.”

“Danki. It will be a reflection of my work to customers, so I’m relieved to hear you say you like it.” He gestured. “Kumme on in.”

She followed him to the connecting door but stopped. She recognized the woman coming into her and Sarah’s shop. Why couldn’t she remember this woman’s name?

The Englischer held her chin up and scanned the room. “What a lovely shop you have.” She clicked her shoes across the wooden floor to a multicolored pinwheel quilt hanging on the wall and fingered the corner of the note pinned to mark it sold. “I must buy this quilt. How much is it?”

Grace set down her coffee cup and joined her. Sarah stood behind the counter.

“This quilt has been sold. The woman who bought it is picking it up later this afternoon.” Grace picked up another similar patterned quilt. “Do you like this one?”

“No, I do not. I will pay you double what your customer has paid. What do you say?”

Sarah moved next to Grace.

Grace flexed her hands by her sides. “We won’t sell you a quilt already promised to someone else. We would be willing to stitch you a similar quilt. You may choose the fabric and pattern. The quilt would be ready in about a week.”

The woman frowned and narrowed her eyes at Grace. “You look familiar to me. You’re a friend of my daughter-in-law, Becca Carrington. Am I right?”

Grace swallowed hard. How could she have forgotten meeting Becca’s mamm-in-law? The woman had her nose in the air when meeting her at the wedding. Her tone was direct and cold. She was intimidating. The stories Becca had told her about Mrs. Carrington before her friend and Dr. Matt Carrington had wed weren’t pleasant. She understood why. Her pinched face and stern demeanor showed the woman’s prejudice toward her and Sarah.

She hadn’t told Sarah she’d attended Becca’s and Ruth’s weddings. Mrs. Carrington hadn’t attended Ruth’s wedding, but she might mention Becca’s. It would be best if she admitted to it before Mrs. Carrington did. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Carrington. I should’ve remembered you from the wedding. Yes, Becca and I are close friends.”

“Becca has taken to high society life quite well, after having been raised in your simple and sheltered lifestyle. Of course, I have taught her how to dress, speak, and conduct herself among our friends.” She cocked her head and patted the quilt. “Are you certain you will not reconsider selling me this quilt? It is my friend’s favorite color.”

Grace darted her eyes to Mark. He stood and studied a black and white patchwork quilt. He could hear every word of this conversation. How should she handle this woman? She was certain Sarah wouldn’t approve of her attending Becca’s wedding. Neither would Mark. She had put herself and her parents at great risk. She and her parents would be shamed if the bishop found out. Mrs. Carrington’s blatant rude behavior about the quilt added to her headache. “No, I’m sorry. Are you positive there isn’t another quilt in the shop you’d like? As I said earlier, we could have a quilt like the one you want ready for you in about a week.”

“My husband and I are passing through town on our way to visit friends. I must purchase a birthday gift for my friend. I need it today, and I want this one. Please do not be stubborn.”

This woman was merciless. Grace had never met anyone quite like her. “Mrs. Carrington, I won’t change my mind. Please choose another quilt, and we’ll lower the price for your inconvenience.”

Mrs. Carrington glared at Grace and slid on her gloves. She opened her mouth but shut it, swung open the door, and slammed it shut behind her.

Mark winked. “You treated her with kindness. I couldn’t keep a straight face. The woman was determined to badger you until you agreed to her demand. You stood your ground and didn’t compromise your principles, which is very commendable. Good for you.”

His words echoed and warmed her heart. Grace pressed a hand to her neck. “Poor Becca. She’s told me stories about how ruthless Mrs. Carrington’s actions were to separate her from Dr. Matt Carrington before they married. Becca claims she treats her like a dochder now, but she said Mrs. Carrington’s rudeness to folk not in her high society circle of friends embarrasses her when they’re out together. She obviously doesn’t hold us in high regard. Nonetheless, I didn’t like having to disappoint her.”

Sarah waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t give her another thought.”

Grace rolled her shoulders back. “You’re both correct. Danki for your support.”

“Go visit Mark’s shop, and then we need to talk later.” Sarah gave her a stern look.

“I won’t be long.” She stepped inside his store.

Dreading her conversation about Becca with Sarah, she wondered if Mark would also want to speak to her about Becca. Maybe she should approach the subject first after perusing his store. She didn’t want any awkwardness to linger between them.

Mark viewed the wall clock. “It’s time to open my store.” He slipped to the front door, turned the key, and flipped a neatly lettered wooden sign to
OPEN
and rejoined her.

The finely crafted oak headboards and bed frames stacked along the wall caught her attention. The light-colored desk and spindle chair in the corner gleamed in the sunlight in front of the window. She studied the rocking horses, bread and potato boxes, cedar chests, and kitchen furniture. “Your work is exquisite. You’re quite talented.”

The maple potato and bread boxes and pine carved trains, dogs, cats, rabbits, and
X
’s and
O
’s for tic-tac-toe were all arranged neatly in the store. She reached for a rabbit he’d carved and sat it upright in the palm of her hand. “I’m amazed at the detail you were able to create in the bunny’s big eyes, ears, little nose, and mouth. The Englischers’ kinner will love them. Everything you have is stunning.”

“You’re too kind, Grace.” He reached for a carved doll the size of her hand, without a face, and pressed it in her palm. “This doll is for you.”

Her breath caught. His slender fingers and the calloused skin on his hands warmed hers. “Danki, I love it.” No man, other than her daed, had ever given her a present. She would treasure the doll. The toy would remind her of him every time she beheld it.

He slid his hand off hers. “I’m pleased you like the gift.”

A tingle rose from her head to her toes. She liked him a lot.

The door opened. Mark stepped back and greeted a customer. “May I help you?”

The Englischer stroked the ornate oak headboard. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to browse on my own.”

“Please take your time.” The woman moved to the far end of the store.

Grace studied the second shelf. “Your ideas for wooden trains with moving side doors are smart. Little boys will like them. I believe your store will be empty in no time. Customers will want to buy everything.”

“I would be happy if they did, but I doubt they’ll be half as excited about my things as you. Danki for your support. Your opinion means a lot to me.”

She didn’t want to put off discussing Becca with him any longer. Mark’s customer was out of earshot.

She lowered her voice. “You must have overheard me say I attended Becca Carrington’s wedding in Massillon. She’s my Amish friend who joined the church but left our community to marry a doctor. Her parents invited me to go with them to visit her. We went to Massillon to buy supplies, but I also spent time with Becca. I attended her schweschder Ruth’s wedding too.”

“I could tell by Sarah’s frown and tone, she disapproves of your actions. Has she lost anyone to the world?”

“No, and she and Becca weren’t close.”

“I’m not going to pass judgment on you. My bruder, Abel, joined the church then departed to live among the Englisch. I understand I’m to act as if he’s dead, but I find this Amish law the most difficult. It pains me to not know if he’s all right. I love my bruder. We were close. I miss him.” He shook his head. “It’s hard to separate ourselves from friends and family who leave this life.”

“I agree. Where is he?”

He shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t have the slightest idea.”

A tall Englischer with a thick black mustache and tailored suit entered. Mark greeted the patron. “May I help you?”

Grace swallowed around the lump in her throat. She had struggled with obeying Amish law where Becca was concerned, but it must be harder for Mark to shun his flesh-and-blood bruder. She was glad he trusted her enough to share such an intimate detail about his life. His face read relief when a customer interrupted their conversation. She wouldn’t question him about his sibling. This was his first day to open his new shop. She didn’t want to ruin his excitement or run the risk of someone overhearing them talking about anyone who had left Amish life. They’d be punished.

The man studied a chestnut hope chest. “I’d like to buy this. Would you help me load it?”

“Of course. I’ll be with you in a moment.”

Grace whispered to him. “I’ll leave and kumme back later. You’re busy.”

“Please wait. This won’t take long.”

Mark accepted the patron’s money and helped him carry and load the chest in his cart.

She viewed him through the window. What strong arms he had. He’d delivered the heavy chest into the man’s cart as if it was as light as a feather.

He returned. “What a nice way to start the day. I’ve spent time with you and collected money already.” He held up his fistful of silver dollars.

“And the day’s not over yet.”

They both laughed.

Her face warmed. This Amish man had it all. Handsome features, a kind heart, and was talented.

“I should let you get to work. Kumme to our shop for dinner. I brought sandwiches again today.”

“I will. Do you have butter cookies?”

“Yes, are those your favorite?”

“Jah, and oatmeal cookies.”

Grace chuckled. “I’ll bring oatmeal cookies another day.”

The door between their shops opened. Sarah waved her over. “A wagon train is traveling through town. A crowd of women entered our shop, and I need help.”

Grace bid Mark farewell and scurried behind Sarah. The women huddled around her and asked questions about the quilt patterns. Beads of sweat formed on her lip, and her body heated. Sarah stood behind the counter. A line of women clutched quilts to their chests, had coins in their hands, and were ready to pay for their purchases. Other patrons were perusing their selection of textiles. Grace answered customers’ questions and, upon request, unfolded coverlets for them to view.

The last woman in the store departed. Grace fanned a hand inches from her face, plopped in a chair, and gestured for Sarah to join her. “I’m thankful we sold a lot of quilts, but I’m exhausted.” She remembered the small miniature wooden doll in her pocket. “Mark gave me this toy today. Isn’t it pretty?”

Sarah traced the outline of the doll. “It is pretty. He must like you a lot to give you a gift. I’m hoping he’s the one for you. He’s kind and a hard worker.” She passed the toy back to Grace and dipped her chin. “I’m sorry to dampen your mood, but we must discuss you attending Becca’s wedding. I’m upset with you for what you’ve done, Grace. You said you went with her parents several times to buy supplies in Massillon last year. You know better than to put yourself and your family at risk.”

Grace chewed her lip. “I’m sorry. I did buy supplies, but I also went to Becca’s and Ruth’s weddings. I couldn’t tell you and compromise you, too. Since Becca’s parents have passed, I won’t be visiting her again.”

Sarah sighed. “I accept your apology, and I forgive you. Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone what you’ve done. You’re my friend, and I love you.”

Grace wiped tears from her face. “It’s hard for me to let her go. She means a lot to me. We’ve been close most of our lives.”

“I sympathize, but Becca understood she’d be shunned by her family and the Amish community when she left the Amish life. You need to accept she can’t be a part of your life anymore.” She smoothed her apron. “Did you say anything to Mark about attending Becca’s wedding? You might ruin his positive impression of you if he learns you’re not abiding by Amish law and shunning her.”

“I told him about her. He has a bruder who joined the Amish church then left to live among the Englisch. He understands my struggle to sever ties with Becca based on his own situation with his bruder.”