The Bridesmaid Read online

  Smiling briefly, Joanna agreed. “She’s doin’ it for you, Mamma, ya know. For her gut friend.”

  Mamma said she supposed that could be. “But even so, Rachel must be awful happy for you . . . just as I am.” Mamma eyed Cora Jane again, as if she almost expected her youngest to speak up now and say something kind.

  “Well, I can’t wait for you to meet him,” replied Joanna.

  At that, Cora Jane slipped out of the room.

  Mamma waited till Cora Jane was gone a few moments before saying, “Someone’s definitely sufferin’. Not sure just why.”

  “Maybe I shouldn’t have waited so long to tell her about Eben.”

  Mamma shrugged. “I wouldn’t blame yourself. Some folk are just afflicted with a grouchy disposition.”

  “Comes and goes like the wind, jah?”

  Mamma sighed into her hands. “It might be best if your sister’s gone on Friday, like she’s threatened to be.”

  “She said that, too?”

  Mamma nodded her head. “It’d be such a shame if her attitude spoiled things for ya.”

  “Well, Eben comes from a long line of siblings, so surely he’s encountered a schniekich—persnickety—sister at some time or other.”

  “Just hope she grows out of whatever ails her,” Mamma added.

  Or just plain grows up, thought Joanna.

  All day Wednesday, Joanna, her mother, and Cora Jane scoured the interior of the house as thoroughly as if they were planning to host Preaching service. They’d washed all the throw rugs the day before, having done up the rest of the laundry on washday.

  Cora Jane’s apparent disdain for the effort to make things spotless annoyed Joanna. She worked slowly and grudgingly; Mamma actually had her go back and redust or remop certain rooms. Although firm, Mamma was altogether patient, like a mother might be with a youngster. Joanna was grateful for her mother’s example and resolved not to let her sister’s sour attitude get the best of her, not with so much happiness just around the corner.

  Joanna rose early the next day to arrive at Lena’s in plenty of time to offer support to the bride. Joanna offered to brush Lena’s long blond hair while the other attendant, Mary Ruth Beiler, pressed Lena’s white organdy cape apron one last time.

  Joanna recalled Cousin Malinda’s emotional pre–wedding service breakdown and smiled to herself. There was no evidence of tears for this bride. No, Lena seemed impatient to get on with the wedding.

  Out the window, Joanna spotted Salina arriving with her husband, Noah. She wondered if Salina would have chosen to come to Lena’s wedding had Joanna not been one of the wedding attendants. Nevertheless, it was good to see her and Noah looking so nicely dressed for the occasion. She loved the way they still glanced so fondly at each other.

  Hours later, once the wedding feast was under way, Joanna noted which courting couples were in attendance. As beautiful as the wedding table was, she could hardly wait to get home, thinking of Eben’s arrival tomorrow.

  She was glad that Dat and Mamma had come, which meant Cora Jane was somewhere around the house. But because Gideon Zook evidently hadn’t been invited, her sister must have had to resort to spending time upstairs talking with other girl cousins. Joanna hated to admit it, but she felt more comfortable with her sister in another room just now.

  It wasn’t till much later, after the evening Singing, that Joanna and Cora Jane walked home together. This was the first they’d been alone since Joanna had told her about Eben’s visit, and Joanna was content to walk in silence for quite a ways.

  Then, out of the blue, Cora Jane muttered something about Joanna’s defying the odds. “You’re pressin’ your luck, sister.”

  “I don’t see it that way.”

  “Well, how do you see it?”

  Breathing deeply, Joanna felt the icy air cut into her lungs. “It’s about believing, really.”

  “That someone’s going to marry you?”

  “Not just someone.” She sighed. Should I say it?

  “So your beau’s comin’ to propose marriage, is that what ya think?”

  “That’s what fellas usually do after writing to a girl so long.” She’d divulged nothing more than the truth.

  “Okay, so maybe he is going to . . . but don’t forget he could take you away from Hickory Hollow forever!” Cora Jane sounded hurt. Really hurt. And Joanna didn’t know what to say.

  “After all, he’s already taken you from me before: You never once explained your absence while we were in Virginia Beach, ya know.” Her sister paused.

  Joanna shook her head. “I didn’t realize you were counting on me, Cora Jane—you seemed to be having plenty of fun with our cousins. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d be missed.”

  “Well, now ya know.”

  Cora Jane’s tone was bitter, and Joanna couldn’t bring herself to apologize. Lots of older sisters kept romantic things to themselves until closer to an actual engagement. Just because Cora Jane herself had always been so open about fellows didn’t mean Joanna was bound to be, as well . . . especially when she’d had so few fellows take an interest in her over the years. And, too, I didn’t want Cora Jane to ruin anything with Eben when we’d only just met, she thought. Considering her sister’s present concern about his being from Indiana, Joanna didn’t think she’d been wrong in that.

  Cora Jane sped up the pace a bit, not saying more. And Joanna fell in step with her once again.

  Chapter 8

  Joanna stirred until late that night, unable to sleep. She was excited about tomorrow, yet apprehensive, too. She offered a silent prayer to God, who alone saw her troubled heart. If only Cora Jane hadn’t refused to understand the need to keep Eben’s affection a secret. After all, this was Joanna’s first and only love. Why can’t Cora Jane understand?

  The moonlight crept under the dark shades, playing across the wide plank floor. Was Cora Jane restless tonight, as well? Joanna was too drained to go across the hall to see.

  Eventually, Joanna fell asleep, although her rest was fitful.

  Hours later, when it was finally time to get up, she tiptoed to Cora Jane’s room, expecting her to just be waking. But the bed was neatly made, with no sign of her. What’s this? Joanna clenched her hands. Where had her sister disappeared to at this early hour? Had she already made good on her threat to leave?

  Nor was Cora Jane present at the breakfast table. And when Joanna asked Mamma where she might’ve gone, her mother shook her head in dismay. Dat raised his eyes fleetingly to meet Mamma’s, then resumed eating his eggs and bacon.

  She’ll return once Eben goes home, Joanna felt sure.

  After dishes were done up and put away, Joanna dressed warmly and hurried outdoors to brush and curry both the driving horses, not knowing which one she and Eben might use later. She was anxious to show him around Hickory Hollow, hoping he, too, might fall for its winsome charms. She combed the horses’ thick dark manes and tails till they were beautifully smooth.

  When she was satisfied they looked exceptionally well groomed, she and her father oiled the harness, working together. While Dat remained mum on the subject of Eben’s visit, she did catch him looking her way several times, wearing a thoughtful expression. He’d also taken time to clean up his work boots and was wearing one of his better black felt hats instead of the old gray knit one he usually wore around the farm this time of year.

  Even though there was no way Eben would arrive before four o’clock, Joanna found herself keeping an eye out for him from midmorning on. She wanted to be completely prepared in every way. Once she was satisfied all was caught up, she went to bathe and dress in her best blue dress and matching cape apron. She dabbed some light perfume behind each ear and on each wrist. Then she went through the house, scrutinizing the downstairs rooms, trying to see them through Eben’s eyes as best she could.

  Mammi Sadie dropped in a few minutes later, mouth pursed. “It seems that Cora Jane’s run away from home,” she muttered.

  “I know,” Joanna said, offe
ring her grandmother a chair near the heater stove. “She’s peeved.”

  “Joanna’s beau’s comin’ from Indiana,” explained Mamma.

  Mammi Sadie’s eyes lit up. She looked quizzically at Joanna. “So then it’s true, what Cora Jane said.”

  “Cora Jane told?”

  “Oh . . . lots of sisters slip up and spill the beans, ’specially about such exciting news, honey-girl.”

  Joanna didn’t know what to think.

  Soon, Mammi Sadie had her talking again, and Joanna quickly filled her in about last summer at the beach.

  “Well, praise be!” Mammi made over her like a mother cat tending to her kitten. “Today? Your beau’s honestly comin’ today?”

  Joanna said he was, but she wanted to know more about Cora Jane. “Do you know where my sister’s gone?”

  “Why, sure I do. She’s sittin’ over in my kitchen eating me out of house and home.”

  “Ach, now.” Mamma’s shoulders visibly relaxed. “Gut.”

  “Is she comin’ back anytime soon?” Joanna asked.

  “She’s in a foul mood. So I didn’t dare ask,” said Mammi Sadie.

  “Well, better keep her over there, then.” Mamma gave Joanna a knowing look. “We sure don’t want any fussing today.”

  Mamma doesn’t want to run Eben off is what! Joanna had to smile at how much his visit seemed to mean to her mother and grandmother.

  “Tell Cora Jane she’s welcome to have supper with us, if she’d like,” Joanna offered.

  Mamma shook her head. “Do ya really think that’s a schmaert idea?”

  Joanna wondered. “Well, I dislike excluding her.”

  “Looks to me like she’s doin’ that herself, ain’t so?” Mammi Sadie said, accepting the hot coffee Mamma offered.

  “Jah, ’tis best to leave her be,” Mamma said firmly.

  “All right, then.” Joanna looked out the window from sheer habit. “Keep Cora Jane occupied.”

  “Oh, will I ever,” Mammi Sadie agreed. “There’s plenty of patching and whatnot that needs done.”

  Won’t she just love that? Joanna grimaced for her sister, then poured herself some hot water for tea and wandered into the front room, letting Mammi and Mamma talk alone for now. She stood at the window facing the road and peered out. Heavy gray clouds had moved in, and delicate flakes drifted in the air like bits of onion skin. She hoped the snow slowed by the time Eben arrived so they could have a ride around Hickory Hollow, but she didn’t want to dictate their activities. Whatever they did was up to him, even though he was their guest.

  Now, if only Cora Jane would behave herself and quit causing a silent rumpus!

  By five o’clock, Joanna had almost given up on Eben’s arrival in time for her delicious meal. She was warming the potato rolls she and Mamma had taken great care to make when she heard her mother let out a little gasp.

  Turning, Joanna saw a bright yellow cab pull up to the end of the lane. “Ach, he’s here . . . Eben’s here!”

  Mamma rose and went to the window, smoothing her apron. “He certainly is.”

  “Are ya nervous, too, Mamma?”

  They laughed, acknowledging their shared anxiety, and Joanna’s eyes locked with hers.

  “Oh, Mamma, pray nothin’ goes awry.” Joanna fussed with her hair, smoothing the middle part.

  “Puh, what could go wrong?”

  Joanna dared not ponder that. Instead, she asked, “Do I look presentable?”

  “You’re fine, dear. You look just fine.” Her mother smiled and waved her toward the door. “Go on now. Meet your beau.”

  Reminding herself to breathe, Joanna went to the door, her heart beating double-time. Only in the pages of her stories had she ever experienced a moment like this before. Mere romantic imaginings . . .

  Joanna spotted Eben strolling up the lane, carrying a dark duffel bag. He wore a black frock coat and black felt hat, as though for Sunday go-to-meeting. By all indications, he was coming around the back of the house, the way everyone else did in Hickory Hollow. And oh, did he ever look handsome!

  Joanna made herself move slowly to greet him, glad to see the lineup of coats and boots was still tidy from her morning redding up. A marvel! Now, standing a few feet from the closed door, she stared at it, nearly boring a hole with her anticipation as she waited for the knock to come.

  ———

  A thickening band of clouds had blown in with the afternoon, depriving the area of color. The change in weather had occurred just since Eben had arrived in Lancaster city. Joanna’s Hickory Hollow looked pale gray beneath the gloomy sky as he paid the cabbie, then walked toward the Kurtz home. He’d checked the address twice for good measure. At long last, the day he’d waited for had come.

  Eben took note of the well-kept older farmhouse, similar to his own father’s abode. The horse fences had been newly whitewashed, and someone had just recently swept off the long walkway around to the back door, where he assumed he ought to go and knock. Would Joanna herself open the door? If so, how would she greet him?

  Relax, Eben told himself. This is the girl who writes you every single week.

  The reminder was encouraging. And now the moment had come. He stood tall, pushed his feet together, and took a deep breath. O Lord, bless this time with my sweetheart-girl, he prayed.

  He raised his hand and knocked on the back door with what sounded like confidence, even to him.

  Chapter 9

  Joanna opened the back door, and there stood her beau, a broad smile on his face.

  “Willkumm, Eben.” She’d never meant anything more.

  “Hullo, Joanna . . . it’s wonderful to see you again.”

  “You too.” Her cheeks warmed at his words. “Come inside.” She opened the door wider.

  “Mighty cold here, ain’t?” he commented as he removed his boots.

  “Jah, ’tis,” she said. “Was it this wintry in Shipshewana this morning?”

  “Not nearly, and it was mighty early when I left.” He shook his head, still smiling. “Driver said you might be getting a big snowstorm here.”

  Joanna led him through the outer room to the kitchen. Just seeing him again, sensing the lovely feeling of attachment between them, she wished he might get snowed in here for days on end.

  Then, remembering her mother was sitting nearby, Joanna introduced her. “Eben, this is my mother, Rhoda Kurtz.”

  Eben set down his duffel bag and shook her hand. “Denki for allowing me to visit your daughter.”

  Mamma’s eyes glinted her approval. “I daresay you’ve had yourself a long day.” She rose and went to the stove. “Would ya like something hot to drink? Coffee, tea . . . some cocoa?”

  Eben kindly accepted some coffee, and Joanna offered to take his coat and hat, which he gave her. She turned toward the utility room but thought better of it. Eben’s outer clothes ought to be hung elsewhere. They looked so nice . . . and new. Surely he hadn’t put himself out just for her!

  Joanna slipped into the sitting room and hung Eben’s coat in there, then, returning, she found Eben and Mamma talking quite freely, and she felt momentarily sad that Cora Jane wasn’t around to meet him, too.

  “My husband’s still in the barn, but he’ll be along soon,” Mamma was saying.

  Joanna eventually showed Eben into the sitting room, knowing Mamma wouldn’t mind setting the table and putting supper on for the four of them. Joanna had so enjoyed preparing the special meal, delicious recipes in the family for generations: dinner in a dish and Hickory Hollow salad. Dessert was lemon sponge pie, which she dearly loved to make and eat.

  “I’m eager for you to meet my father,” Joanna said as they sat down. “Just a little warning, though—he’s quiet. Rarely says much.”

  “Ah, I have uncles like that.” He laughed a little. “You kinda get to know what they’re thinkin’ after a while.”

  “That’s exactly right.”

  Eben smiled at her and leaned forward slightly. “You’re even prettier than whe
n I first met ya, Joanna.”

  She lowered her head. “Ach, Eben . . .”

  “You truly are,” he said, reaching for her hand. “After supper, I say we go riding . . . just the two of us.”

  She agreed, unable to pull her eyes away from his.

  “We’ll have us a nice time,” he said.

  She knew they would. Goodness, she knew it as well as her own name!

  Then, hearing Mamma in the kitchen, she let go of his hand and settled back in the chair.

  Eben winked at her before looking around, resting his hands on the upholstered arms of the chair—Mamma’s favorite. “A pleasant spot, jah?” He glanced toward the corner windows.

  “Mamma likes to read her devotional books and the Bible here where the light streams in.”

  He picked up a magazine with the title Ladies Journal: Inspiration and Encouragement by Women of Faith. He thumbed through and stopped at a particular page. “Well, look at this—an article on natural homesteading.”

  Joanna leaned over to see.

  “It mentions the bugs folks need in a healthy garden. How ’bout that?”

  This brought a fond chuckle; then he began to read from the article. “Listen to this: ‘Hoverflies and chalcids will consume aphids, white flies, and stinkbugs’ . . . oh, and even grasshoppers in alyssum.” He looked at her. “Do you plant alyssum?”

  “In the late spring, jah.” She found it interesting how casual and familiar they were together. “May I see that article?”

  He handed her the magazine, holding it open. “Looks like men might even enjoy some of these columns. My father would, I think,” he added. “He’s not much for reading, though. Mostly the Bible.”

  “Same with mine. But he does faithfully read The Budget and the Farmers’ Almanac—just not in that order.”

  In a few minutes, Mamma softly called them for supper, though without coming into the room, honoring their privacy. They rose and walked into the kitchen just as Joanna’s father was entering the back door.