Plain and Fancy (14 page)

“I’ve been looking forward to tonight,” Laura murmured as she settled against the buggy seat.

“Jah, me, too.” Eli glanced over at her and smiled. “You’re sure pretty, you know that?”

Laura lifted her hand and touched her head covering. “You really think so?”

He nodded. “I do.”

“But my hair’s not long and beautiful anymore.”

“Your hair’s still long. You’re just wearing it up in the back now.”

“I know, but it looks so plain this way.”

He reached over to gently touch her arm. “You may become one of the Plain People, but you’ll never be plain to me.”

When they arrived at the Beachy farm a short time later, the barn was already filled with young people. The huge doors were swung open wide, allowing the evening breeze to circulate and help cool the barn.

Soon the singing began, and the song leader led the group in several slow hymns, followed by a few faster tunes. There were no musical instruments, but the young people’s a cappella voices permeated the air with a pleasant symphony of its own kind. Laura got caught up in the happy mood and was pleasantly surprised to realize she could actually follow along without too much difficulty.

When the singing ended, the young people paired off, and the games began. Laura was breathless by the time she and Eli finished playing several rounds of six-handed reel, which to her way of thinking was similar to square dancing.

“Would you like a glass of lemonade and some cookies?” Eli asked as he led Laura over to one of the wooden benches along the wall.

She nodded. “That sounds wunderbaar.”

Eli disappeared into the crowd around the refreshment table, and Laura leaned her head against the wooden plank behind her. She caught a glimpse of Pauline Hostetler sitting across the room with her arms folded. She appeared to be watching her, and not with a joyful expression.

It was obvious to Laura that Pauline wasn’t fond of her. In the months since Laura had been part of the Amish community, Pauline hadn’t spoken one word to her.
I’m sure she’s jealous because Eli chose me and not her, and I guess I can’t really blame her.

“Here you go.” Eli handed Laura a glass of cold lemonade. “I was going to get us some cookies, but the plate was empty. I didn’t want to wait around ’til one of the Beachy girls went to get more.”

“That’s okay. I ate a few too many of your sister’s peanut butter cookies earlier this week, and I don’t want to gain any weight.”

Eli frowned. “I think you could use a few extra pounds.”

Do you want me to end up looking like your slightly plump mother?
Laura didn’t vocalize her thoughts. Instead, she quietly sipped her lemonade. They would be going home soon, and she didn’t want to say anything that might irritate Eli or provoke another argument.

“If you’re ready to go home now, I’ll get the horse and buggy,” Eli told Laura after they had finished their refreshments.

She smiled up at him. “I’m more than ready.”

“I won’t be long. Come outside when you see my horse pull up in front of the barn. There’s no point in us both getting bit up by all the swarming insects tonight.” He strolled out the door, leaving Laura alone by the refreshment table. She caught sight of Pauline, who had exited the barn only moments after Eli.

“I hope she’s not going after him,” Laura muttered under her breath.

“What was that?”

Laura whirled around and was greeted with a friendly smile from a young woman about her age, whom she’d seen before but had never personally met.

“I was talking to myself,” Laura admitted, feeling the heat of a blush creep up the back of her neck.

The other woman nodded. “I do that sometimes.” Her smile widened. “My name’s Anna Beachy, and you’re Laura, right?”

Laura nodded. “I’m staying with Martha Rose Zook and her family.”

“I know. Martha Rose and I are friends. Have been since we were kinner, but I don’t see her so much now that she’s married and raising a family.” Anna’s green eyes gleamed in the light of the gas lamps hanging from the barn rafters. “Our moms were friends when they were growing up, too.”

Laura kept on nodding, although it was a mechanical gesture. While this was interesting trivia, and Anna seemed like a nice person, she was most anxious to get outside and see if Eli had the buggy ready. What was taking him so long, anyway?

“Our families have been linked together for quite a spell,” Anna continued. “Martha Rose’s mamm, Mary Ellen, is the stepdaughter of Miriam Hilty. The dear woman’s gone to heaven now, but Miriam, who everyone called ‘Mim,’ was a good friend of Sarah Stoltzfus, Rebekah Beachy’s mamm. Rebekah’s my mamm, and she’s partially paralyzed. She either uses a wheelchair or metal leg braces in order to get around. Has since she was a young girl, I’m told.” Anna paused a moment, but before Laura could comment, she rushed on. “Now, Grandma Sarah is living with my aunt Nadine, and—”

Laura tapped her foot impatiently, wondering how she could politely excuse herself. “I see,” she said in the brief seconds Anna came up for air. “It does sound like you have a close-knit family.” She cleared her throat a few times. “It’s been nice chatting with you, Anna, but Eli’s outside getting his horse and buggy ready to take me home. I’d better not keep him waiting.”

“Jah, okay. Tell Eli I said hello, and let him know he should inform his big sister that she owes me a visit real soon.”

“Since I’m staying with Martha Rose, I’ll be sure she gets the message.” Laura hurried away before Anna could say anything more.

Once outside, she headed for the long line of buggies parked alongside the Beachys’ barn. She stopped short when she saw Eli talking to Pauline.

When Pauline reached out and touched Eli’s arm, he took a step back, bumping against his buggy. What was going on here? This didn’t set well with him. Didn’t Pauline know he was courting Laura?

“That English woman will never make you happy,” Pauline murmured. “Take me home tonight, and let her find another way.”

Eli brushed Pauline’s hand aside. “I can’t do that. I brought Laura to the singing, and I’ll see that she gets home.” He sniffed. “Besides, I love her, and as soon as she and I join the church, I’m planning to ask her to be my wife.”

Pauline’s pinched lips made her face look like a dried-up prune. “You’re not thinking straight, Eli. You haven’t been right in the head since that fancy woman came sashaying into your life.”

“You have no right to say anything about Laura,” Eli defended. “You don’t even know her.”

“I know her well enough to know she’s not right for you.” Eli glanced toward the barn and spotted Laura heading out the door. “I need to go. Laura’s waiting for me to give her a ride home.”

Tears pooled in Pauline’s eyes, and her chin trembled. “I—I thought there was something special between us. I thought—” She choked on a sob and fell into his arms.

Eli just stood there, not knowing what to do, but before he could think of anything, Laura showed up, and he knew right away that she was hopping mad.

“What’s going on here?”

Pauline pivoted toward Laura. “What’s it look like? Eli was hugging me.”

Eli’s face heated up. “Pauline, that isn’t so, and you know it.” He could see Laura’s face in the moonlight, and it was nearly as red as his felt. How could he make her understand what had really happened? He knew she was a bit insecure in their relationship, and he was sure that seeing Pauline with her arms around him hadn’t helped any.

“I should have known you were chasing after Eli when I saw you leave the barn.” Laura’s voice shook as she stood toe-to-toe with Pauline.

Pauline didn’t flinch, nor did she back down. “All I did was say a few words to Eli, and it’s not my fault he decided to give me a hug.”

Eli touched Pauline’s arm, and she whirled back around to face him. “I know you’re not happy about me and Laura, but lying isn’t going to help.”

Pauline shrugged his hand away. “You’ll be sorry you chose her and not me. Just wait and see if you’re not.” She wrinkled her nose and stalked off.

Laura was fit to be tied. Did Eli really make the first move, or had Pauline deliberately hugged him just to stir up trouble?

Even if it broke her heart, she needed to know what had transpired. She had to know the truth.

“Are you ready to go home?” Eli gave her a sheepish look.

“I was ready half an hour ago. And don’t go thinking you can soft-soap me with that cute, little-boy look of yours, either.”

“You remind me of
en wiedicher hund,
” Eli said with a chuckle. “You’ve got quite a temper, but seeing how you acted when you saw me and Pauline together lets me know how much you really love me.”

Laura folded her arms and scowled at him. “I’m beginning to know a lot more of your Pennsylvania Dutch language, and I’ll have you know, Eli Yoder, I do not look like a mad dog.”

He tickled her under the chin. “You do love me though, right?”

“You know I do. That’s why it always makes me angry whenever I see that woman with you.” She leaned a bit closer to him. “Tell me the truth, Eli. Did she hug you, or was it the other way around?”

Eli pursed his lips. “She hugged me. Honest.”

“Did you encourage her in any way?”

He shook his head. “She knows I love you, Laura, and she’s jealous, so she wants to make you think there’s something going on with us.” He helped Laura into the buggy. “Think about it. Who’s the woman I’ve been courtin’ all summer?”

“As far as I know, only me.”

Eli went around and took his own seat, then picked up the reins and got the horse moving. “Let’s stop by the lake on the way home.”

Laura gazed up at the night sky. It was a beautiful evening, and the grass was lit by hundreds of twinkling fireflies. The buggy ride should have been magical for both of them. Instead, Pauline had thrown a damper on things.

Laura knew she was probably being paranoid where Pauline was concerned, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. “I’m not much in the mood for love or romance right now, so I think it would be good if we just head straight to your sister’s house.”

Eli moaned. “Maybe our next date will go better.”

“Jah, let’s hope so.”

Laura felt closer to Eli’s sister than she did the rest of his family. Martha Rose had patiently taught her to use the treadle sewing machine; bake shoofly pies; and given her lessons in milking, gathering eggs, and slopping pigs. It was none of those things that made Martha Rose seem special, however. It was her friendly attitude and the way she had accepted a complete stranger into her home. Laura wasn’t sure if it was Martha Rose’s hospitable nature or if she was only doing it to please her brother, but living with this young woman and her family for the past few months had helped Laura understand the true meaning of friendship.

Having been raised as an only child in a home where she lacked nothing, Laura knew she was spoiled. The Amish lived such a simple life, yet they seemed happy and content. It was a mystery she couldn’t explain. Even more surprising was the fact that on days like today, she almost felt one with the Plain People. Their slow-paced, quiet lifestyle held a certain measure of appeal. Although Laura still missed some modern conveniences and the freedom to dress as she pleased, she also enjoyed many things about being Amish.

Little Ben was one of the things she enjoyed most. He often followed her around, asking questions and pointing out things she had never noticed before. He was doing it now, out in his mother’s herb garden.

“Guck emol datt!”
the child said, pointing to a clump of mint.

Laura nodded, knowing Ben had said, “Just look at that.” She plucked off a leaf and rubbed it between her fingers, the way she’d seen Martha Rose do on several occasions.

Ben sniffed deeply and grinned.
“Appeditlich!”

“Jah, delicious,” Laura said with a chuckle. She was amazed at the little boy’s appreciation for herbs, flowers, and all the simple things found on the farm. Most of the English children she knew needed TV, video games, and electronic toys to keep them entertained.

In spite of Laura’s fascination with little Ben, she had no desire to have any children of her own. If she ever were to get pregnant, she would lose her shapely figure and might never regain it. If she had children, she might not be a good mother.

The baptismal ceremony and introduction of new members was scheduled for early September. Laura kept reminding herself that she needed to be ready by then, since most Amish weddings in this area were held in late November or early December after the harvest was done. If she wasn’t able to join the church before then, it would probably be another year before she and Eli could be married. Of course, he hadn’t actually proposed yet, but she was hopeful it would be soon.

For that matter, Eli still hadn’t kissed her. She worried he might have lost interest in her. Maybe he was in love with Pauline and just wouldn’t admit it. If only she could be sure.

Laura saw more of Eli’s sister than she did him these days. His job at the furniture store kept him busy enough, but now he was also helping his father and brothers in the fields. Over the last month, she’d only seen him twice, and that was on bi-weekly church days.

“So much for courting,” Laura complained as she trudged wearily toward the chicken coop. “If I weren’t so afraid of losing Eli to Pauline, I’d put my foot down and give Eli an ultimatum. I’d tell him either he’d better come see me at least once a week, or I’m going home to Minnesota.”

There was just one problem. Laura didn’t want to go home. She loved Eli and wanted to be with him, no matter what hardships she had to face.

The day finally arrived for Laura and Eli, as well as several other young people, to be baptized and join the church.

Laura was nervous as a cat about to have kittens. She paced back and forth across the kitchen floor, waiting for Amon to pull the buggy out front.

Little Ben jerked on his mother’s apron while she stood at the sink, finishing with the dishes.
“Boppli,”
he said, pointing to her stomach.

Laura stopped pacing and whirled around to face Martha Rose. “Boppli? Are you pregnant, Martha Rose?”

Martha Rose nodded. “I found out for sure a few days ago.”

“How is it that Ben knew and I didn’t?”

“He was there when I told Amon. I planned to tell you soon.”

“Oh,” was all Laura could manage. Maybe she wasn’t as much a part of this family as she had believed.

Amon stuck his head through the open doorway and grinned at them. A thatch of blond hair hung across his forehead, and his brown eyes seemed so sincere. “All set?”

“Jah.” Martha Rose smiled at Laura. “Let’s be off then, for we sure wouldn’t want to be late for Laura’s and Eli’s baptisms.”

Eli paced nervously across the front porch of their farmhouse. Today’s preaching service would be held at their home, and he could hardly wait. This was the day Laura would become one of them. This was the day they would both be baptized and join the church. He was sure that, even before he’d met Laura, she was the reason he’d held off joining the church, because they were meant to be together.

The sight of Amon Zook’s buggy pulling into the yard halted Eli’s thoughts. He skirted around a wooden bench and leaped off the porch, skipping over all four steps.

Laura offered him a tentative-looking smile as she stepped down from the buggy. He took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “This is the day we’ve both been waiting for, Laura.”

She nodded, and he noticed there were tears in her eyes.

“What’s wrong? You aren’t having second thoughts, I hope.”

“No, I’m just a bit nervous. What if I don’t say or do the right things today? What if—”

He hushed her words by placing two fingers against her lips. “You went through the six weeks of biweekly instructions just fine. Today’s only a formality. Say and do whatever the bishop asks. Everything will be okay; you’ll see.”

“I hope so,” she whispered.

The service started a few minutes after Eli and Laura entered the house. He took his seat on the men’s side, and she sat with the women.

The song leader led the congregation in several hymns, all sung in the usual singsong fashion, and the baptismal rite followed two sermons.

When Bishop Wagler called the candidates for baptism to step forward, Laura’s legs shook so hard she feared she might not be able to walk. The deacons provided a small pail of water and a cup, and the bishop told the twenty young people to get on their knees. He then asked them a question. “Are you willing, by the help and grace of God, to renounce the world, the devil, your own flesh and blood, and be obedient only to God and His church?”

Laura cringed. If she were to answer that question truthfully, she would have to say that she wasn’t sure. But she couldn’t let anyone know how weak her faith was or that she had no real understanding of God’s grace, so along with the others, she answered, “Jah.”