Living in Harmony (21 page)

John hadn't meant to listen in on the women's conversation. He and his brothers had finished up fertilizing the fields earlier than expected, and with his free time he thought Amy might like to take a drive with him. With the heat and humidity gone, this might be a good day to look at properties for sale. Maybe they could catch lunch together. They might even be able to slip away without Nora tagging along to chaperone. But Amy hadn't been sewing alone in the front room. Sally entertained the King sisters with tales of her wild youth in Paradise.

Did the woman have nary a brain in her head?

Surely she saw the folly of inspiring the already willful Nora with new ideas. That girl needed tamping down, not stirring up, if she planned to remain in Harmony. And, frankly, he didn't like Amy hearing about Sally's past recklessness either.

Cutting her hair? Riding in cars with
Englischers?
Taking a job at a local teenage hangout? And attending a party where beer had been smuggled in?

No wonder the district's matrons doubted her suitability as a minister's wife. But, truthfully, that unnamed tattletale needed a reprimand by the bishop. The Bible was quite clear about gossiping, and that particular story should have been left behind in Missouri.

John had crept silently down the hallway, through the kitchen, and out the door, hoping he hadn't been noticed. He needed time to think about what he'd heard. Had he made a mistake coming here? If they had remained in Pennsylvania, they would be married in November with all the other engaged couples. Now Amy had learned of a shameful aunt, who had been shunned by her community, and had listened to wild tales from her soon-to-be sister-in-law. John kicked a stone down the driveway as a chill ran up his spine. What kind of woman had Thomas married? What had attracted a devout, quiet man to a young girl with chopped-off scarecrow hair and no more sense than a goat? Although everyone should be forgiven their past sins, Thomas still should have chosen more wisely if he aspired to preach the Word of God. You might be able to put a hat and a bow tie on a mule, but it still wouldn't do much more than pull a plow.

John shook off his uncharitable opinions about Sally. She was his brother's wife and therefore not his problem. But her negative effect on his sweet Amy was his concern, so instead of stewing about the situation, he headed toward the workshop. Thomas usually worked on tables and chairs once farm chores were finished, and today was no exception. Stepping into the pine-scented shop, John spotted Thomas bent over his lathe, working on spindles for chair backs. He wore plastic safety goggles and a long rubber apron, but sawdust and wood shavings clung to just about every inch of him. John cleared his throat. “Mind if I have a word with you?” he asked.

Thomas continued to labor, deep in concentration and oblivious to his surroundings.

John cleared his throat and repeated the request louder this time.

Thomas jumped, peered up, and then switched off the battery-powered lathe. “I didn't hear you come in, John. Has something happened in the house?” A look of panic masked his placid features.

“No, the women are sewing, knitting, and ironing, and all is well, but I wanted to have a private word with you.”

Thomas stepped away from the equipment, brushing off his clothes. He pointed at two finished kitchen chairs by the window. “I could use a break.”

Once they sat, John scratched his chin, suddenly unsure how to approach a delicate subject. When no insight came to mind, he simply forged ahead. “I overheard Sally talking to Amy and Nora in the living room. I know I listened longer than I should have, but I became curious.” He met his older brother's gaze and then looked away, embarrassed by his admission.

“Go on. What did you hear? Some gossip Sally shouldn't have repeated?”

“No, nothing like that.” John crossed and then uncrossed his legs, unable to find comfort on the straight-backed chair. “She was explaining about her
rumschpringe
back in Missouri.” He glanced at Thomas, who seemed completely devoid of emotion. “She told them how she'd cut off her hair, took a job in town, and rode with
Englischers
in cars—”

Thomas held up a hand. “I'm well aware of my wife's past before she joined the church and married me. You need not spell out every detail with such enthusiasm. I see no point to your eavesdropping, and even less reason to bring this to me.”

John felt a flush crawl up his neck, turning his face uncomfortably warm. “You're right. I shouldn't have listened, but I'm worried about Amy and especially about Nora. She seems so flighty
and impressionable, not to mention easily confused. I prefer they not be influenced in a negative fashion.”

Thomas bristled like a cornered porcupine. “You consider my
fraa
a negative influence?” His normally calm demeanor vanished again, this time in irritation.

“
Nein
. I'm expressing myself poorly. Sally has my utmost respect, but I would prefer that she not share details of her running-around days, at least not until Nora has made the decision to join the church.”

“I don't choose the topics for my wife's conversations. Besides, you're worried about something without basis in reality. As I'm sure Sally explained that Missouri's ways are not Maine's. There is no running-around here, so you don't have to worry about Nora or Amy following in my wife's wayward footsteps.”

John clutched his suspenders for something to occupy his hands. “You're right, Thomas. I have no cause to either criticize Sally or fear her influence on Amy.
Mir leid.
” He dropped his chin and stared at the sawdust-strewn floor.

Thomas waved his hand absently through the air. “It's forgotten. We have more important things to worry about than sewing circle chatter.” His tone turned ominous.

“What do you mean?” John splayed his hands across his knees.

“It's Elam. He's home for a while.”

“I've noticed that, but at least he doesn't eat much.” John forced a laugh.

Thomas closed his eyes, and then he rubbed them with his fingertips. “He was fired from the English logging crew. He wouldn't elaborate with details, but I believe he caused dissension among the men. Elam turns into a hothead when provoked. That much hasn't changed about our little
bruder
.” Thomas opened his redrimmed eyes to focus on John. “I'm afraid this isn't good. The no-
rumschpringe
rule doesn't just apply to young women like Nora,
but to our brother as well. The problem is that Elam pays no attention to it. When he's between jobs, he comes and goes from his cellar bedroom as he pleases, he doesn't partake in family meals or evening devotions, and he refuses to attend Sunday school or preaching services.”

“Maybe he figures the bishop would take exception to his scruffy beard, long hair, and slovenly appearance. And the fact he hasn't joined the church wouldn't set well.” John removed his hat and slicked a hand through his hair. “It seems like he's on the fence—he doesn't wish to commit to Amish ways, but he doesn't want to leave and turn English, either.”

Thomas blew out his breath. “That's what I would conclude. I know he wears jeans and plaid flannel shirts when he's on the crew. I've seen his wash hanging on the basement clothesline. He wouldn't dare put them in Sally's laundry basket because she's apt to throw them in the burn barrel.” Thomas rubbed the base of his neck while rotating his head side to side. “And I've seen him smoke cigarettes while driving the team through the fields.”

“At least he wears Amish clothes while home and pulls his weight with chores around the farm,” said John, unsure why he was defending his brother.

“I have given him leeway, hoping he would come around. But the older he gets, the more he test the limits…and my patience. I don't wish to send him away from home. We're the only family he has, except for a few cousins in Missouri. But it might come down to that.” Thomas locked eyes with John.

“And if it does, I will support you and help if I can.”

“
Danki
. That's good to hear. And I'll mention to Sally to stop chatting about her short-haired days.” Thomas rose to his feet and returned to the lathe, but he didn't look even remotely relieved.

“Will you stop poking me?” hissed Nora.

“Then stop sleeping in church,” Amy hissed right back.

“I can't help it. I keep dozing off.”

“If you pay attention to what the bishop is saying, that won't happen.” Other worshippers began to notice the girls' distraction, so Amy pulled away.

Nora nodded and straightened her back against the bench. She'd tried listening, but the bishop's quiet voice affected her like a warm glass of milk. Neither Thomas nor the other minister delivered his sermon in such a monotone. She'd tried biting the inside of her cheek, tapping her foot, and counting flies on the painted ceiling, all to no avail. The only thing that kept her upright on the bench was sitting across from her—Lewis from the general store. Every now and then their gazes met across the aisle, and Nora felt a shiver of exhilaration. She had once asked Amy how a woman knew when a man liked her. Amy had answered cryptically that “a woman just knows.”

The explanation made no sense at the time, but it certainly did today. Nora
knew
Lewis liked her. Her last two visits to the co-op confirmed what she'd suspected on her first trip to town. And since then he tried to get her to stay as long as possible.

Have you seen our new assortment of lamp oils that just arrived, Nora?

How about a sample of this honey, walnut, and oat trail mix, Nora? It tastes good and is supposed to give people more energy.

I ordered every variety of bulk candy they make, knowing you have a sweet tooth, Nora.

Lewis loved saying her name. And she loved hearing him say it. She might be growing on his
mamm
too, because the woman stopped frowning whenever Nora came into the store. Today his mother actually half smiled when they passed each other in the outer hall. Half a smile was better than no smile at all.

Maybe Lewis would sit with her during lunch, or maybe they
could take a walk to the grove of oak trees by the river. The bright red and orange leaves were so pretty this time of year. “Ouch,” Nora yelped as Amy's elbow connected with her rib cage. Heads turned again.

Amy shoved the
Ausbund
, the Amish hymnal, under her nose. “Stop daydreaming and sing,” she whispered.

Nora abandoned thoughts of Lewis to raise her voice in praise. But when the interminable service ended, she couldn't wait to get into the sunshine.

But the thorn-in-her-side had followed her. “I'd like a private word with you,” said Amy.

“It's time for lunch,” Nora protested. “Shouldn't we help Sally set out the food?”

Amy dragged her like a faceless doll clutched by a toddler. “What? You're suddenly interested in women's work instead of playing with
kinner
?” Sarcasm dripped off Amy's words.

Nora rolled her eyes. “You and Sally usually want me to watch the boys. I'd wish you would make up your mind. And stop pulling me!” She yanked her arm back. They had reached the stand of oaks, but it hadn't been her sister that Nora had hoped to see there.

With nostrils flaring, Amy glared at Nora. Amy took full advantage of her four-inch height difference. “Everyone noticed you falling asleep in church. I was embarrassed for your sake.”

Nora arched up on tiptoes. “Tell the congregation those migraine pills make me sleepy.”

“I won't make up stories. You need to listen to the sermon and stop letting your mind wander. We're here to worship the Lord. What would God think if He saw you napping in His house?”

Nora leaned against the rough tree trunk, tired of her sister bossing her around. Ever since their
mamm
died, Amy acted as though she had stepped into
mamm
's shoes. “I think God stopped paying attention to the King family long ago.”

Amy's eyes nearly bugged from her head like a grasshopper's. She checked over her shoulder, scandalized. “Why would you say such a thing?”