Never Far From Home (The Miller Family 2) (32 page)

Hannah glanced over her shoulder at Simon, trying to suppress a grin as the wagon reached the end of the drive and turned onto the road.

Emma noticed Hannah’s reaction however. “
Jah, daed
’s been in a better mood now that
mamm
is walking again. She has been sitting at the kitchen table every afternoon, teaching Leah plenty of new recipes. You can’t believe what a fine cook Leah is turning into.”

“I’m sure he’s very proud of you too,” Hannah said. “I’ve never seen such beautiful work as those wreaths.” She glanced back at the covered wagon.

Emma folded her hands in her lap. “
Danki
. I hope Mrs. Dunn feels the same.”

Once they reached Sugar Creek and Hannah pulled back the tarp, they discovered Mrs. Dunn more than felt the same. The shopkeeper walked around the wagon twice, gushing with praise for Emma’s handiwork. She lifted one wreath after another, insisting she’d never seen any finer. After her inspection, the three women went to her office while her two helpers unloaded the wagon. The contents would be sorted, counted, and then weighed in the back storeroom.

Once cups of tea had been passed around, Mrs. Dunn stated her business proposition. “I’d like to pay you thirty-five dollars outright for each wreath. I know I can sell every one of them and make a profit. I’ll take the woolens on consignment as usual, and I’ll also buy all the dye packets and skeins of yarn. Your work is exceptional, Emma.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

Then Mrs. Dunn remembered there were two women in her office. “Excuse me, Hannah. I didn’t mean to slight you.”

“No offense taken, Audrey,” Hannah murmured with a smile.

“The quality of your wool is excellent, as usual,” the shopkeeper continued. “I’ll take yours at our agreed price and the woolens on consignment as well. Your handmade items have the smoothest, tightest weave.” Mrs. Dunn smiled warmly at her two favorite suppliers.

“Aunt Hannah’s weaving is much better than mine,” said Emma, focusing on her hands in her lap.

“But yours improves with every piece you complete,” Hannah said. She reached for Emma’s hand to give it a squeeze.

“By the way, Emma,” Mrs. Dunn said, taking a sip of tea. “What do you hear from the Davis boy? His dad delivered their load of wool instead of him. Last time I saw Jamie, he was going on and on about a horse he’d planned to buy for you.”

Emma blushed to the roots of her hair. “I haven’t seen him lately. He’s moved to Wooster to attend college.”

Hannah set her teacup on its saucer with a clatter. “He purchased the horse on Emma’s behalf, not as a gift,” she clarified. “Emma makes regular payments to him and will continue to do so until the horse is paid in full.” Hannah knew Simon wouldn’t appreciate false rumors floating around, not even in the English world. Sugar Creek was a small town.

Audrey bobbed her head. “Ah, yes. Every one of the Davises has a good eye for horseflesh. I’m sure you did well having Jamie pick out your purchase.” A horn blared from the direction of the loading dock. Mrs. Dunn rose to her feet. “Looks like I’m about to receive another delivery. Do you have other stops to make? The men will finish weighing your bulk wool, and then I can have a check ready in about an hour.”

“
Jah
, we’re going to lunch,” Hannah said, also standing. The three women shook hands and a still-glowing Emma hurried for the door. “We’ll stop back later.”

Hannah glanced at her niece as they walked to the restaurant. The teenager’s mood had taken a tumble. “I’m hungry. Are you ready to eat? I daresay the profits today were better than expected. Your father insisted we treat ourselves to something special. They’ll be plenty left to put toward your
mamm
’s medical bills.”

Emma seemed to barely pay attention as they passed shop windows loaded with lovely things for sale. “You pick where, Aunt Hannah. I’m not particular.”

“All right. Then let’s go to Beachy’s,” Hannah said enthusiastically to Emma’s modest nod.

Inside the restaurant, the younger woman picked at her food, despite a buffet of delicious choices. Hannah ate more than usual and then walked over to peruse the dessert area. “Oh, my,” she said, returning to the table. “They have an ice-cream sundae bar with chocolate syrup, candy sprinkles, and real whipped cream.”

The confectionary bounty failed to pique Emma’s interest. “Not for me,
danki
. No room for it.”

Hannah couldn’t see herself indulging alone, so with disappointment she too skipped dessert. With growing uneasiness, she picked up the bill and headed toward the cashier. “What’s wrong, child? Don’t you feel well?”

Emma didn’t answer until they left the restaurant. “I feel fine physically, Aunt, but inside it feels like my heart has been torn in half.” Two large tears slipped from beneath her lashes. “When Mrs. Dunn asked about James, I remembered just how much I miss him.” She shuffled her feet like an elderly woman as they walked back uptown.

This was more than Hannah had bargained for, preferring not to get between Simon and Emma during her
Rumschpringe
. But considering her niece’s misery, she decided to break her rule this once. “Haven’t you received any letters from him since he left?” she asked. “I know your parents said that you two could write.”

After Emma climbed into the wagon, a torrent of tears let loose. “I didn’t for the longest time, but I got a letter yesterday.” She dabbed at her nose with a tissue. “It was ever so nice a letter. He told me all about his dorm and classes and the town of Wooster.” Emma tried to take in a breath, but it caught in her throat. “And he said he missed me more than he thought possible!” Her voice sounded strangled.

Hannah patted her knee. “It is hard to be young. I do remember that.” With the sympathetic gesture, Emma’s sobs increased.

“James invited me to come visit him. Truly, he
begged
me to come. He said he had so much to show me. They have a special farm for the students where they test new seed hybrids and fertilizers and whatnot. I guess they practice farming.” She shook her head in confusion, setting her
kapp
strings swinging. “I don’t really understand it, but I do want to visit him.
Mamm
and
daed
would never allow it. They’ll say it’s not proper for me to go to Wooster alone.” She hung her head inconsolably.

Hannah spoke without thinking. “What if I accompanied you for the day? What if you were never out of my sight? Then they might agree to the visit.”

Emma turned her watery blue eyes to meet Hannah’s. “You would do that for me, Aunt Hannah?”

“I would if they say it’s okay. And they just might. Your parents know how hard you’ve worked during Julia’s recuperation.”

“Oh,
danki
so much.” Emma threw her arms around her aunt’s neck and hugged so hard, Hannah couldn’t breathe.

“Goodness, Emma. If you choke me I won’t be able to chaperone.” She wiggled from the embrace.

“Sorry.” Emma scooted back on the bench and straightened her skirt. “I can’t wait to get home to ask them. And pick out which dress I’ll wear in case they agree to the trip. I’ll write to James the minute they say yes. Do you suppose my bangs will be grown out enough that they won’t keep falling into my face?” The waterworks had mysteriously stopped.

“Perhaps a tighter
kapp
will help. I’m going in to get the check from Mrs. Dunn. You wait here in the wagon.” Hannah handed her niece the reins and went inside the shop. When she returned, Emma was still staring at the horses’ backsides with the same wistful expression on her face.

“Did you miss me, child?” Hannah asked, clucking to the horses.

“Pardon?” Emma asked, waking from her daydream of a joyous Wooster reunion.

“Nothing. Just hang on to the seat so you don’t bounce out of the wagon on the way back.” To the team she called, “Get up there,” and slapped the reins lightly on their backs. The team picked up the pace and they soon left Sugar Creek behind.

Hannah was eager to get home to fix dinner for her husband and daughter…but not quite so anxious to face the music with her brother-in-law.

Emma could hardly believe her good fortune. When she’d received the invitation from James, her pleasure had been short lived. She was sure her father would never permit a visit to a college campus. Rumors abounded even in the Plain world as to the poor behavior of young women and about far too much alcohol consumption. She had tucked the letter into her drawer, preferring not to ruffle any family feathers. But Aunt Hannah’s willingness to come along changed everything. Emma tried to concentrate on the scenery during the trip home so she wouldn’t float right up into the clouds.

Matthew came running from the barn the moment the wagon rumbled up the driveway. He was smiling and waving as though they had been gone for weeks.

Emma and Hannah exchanged surprised looks. “I’ve never seen a boy so eager to rub down horses before,” Hannah said, chuckling. “Either that, or he certainly missed his big sister this afternoon.”

“Probably the first possibility. My
bruder
has never met a horse he didn’t like.”

Hannah brought the wagon to a stop close to the pasture gate and set the brake.

“Emma, Emma! I’ve got some great news,” Matthew shouted as he joined them. He grabbed onto the lead Belgian’s bridle as Aunt Hannah climbed down.

Emma held up an index finger, like a schoolmarm. “One moment,” she said to him, and to Hannah, “
Danki
for taking me to Sugar Creek and for the delicious lunch.” Emma spoke very primly. “I shall keep you informed regarding the other matter we discussed outside Mrs. Dunn’s.” Then she faced her brother. “Where are your manners, young man?” She scolded him as though far more than two years his senior.

Matthew swept his hat from his head. “
Guder nachmittag
, Aunt Hannah. ’Cuse me. I hitched up your mare a little while ago so your buggy would be ready. Want me to drive you home and then walk back?”

“No, Matthew, I’m perfectly able to get myself home. Good day, you two. Tell your
mamm
I’ll be over in the morning for a visit. I need to start dinner now.” Hannah climbed into her buggy and set off without another word.

“Thank you for a lovely day!” Emma hollered, waving her hand frantically. Then she wheeled around to Matthew, who seemed incapable of standing still. “Now tell me your news. What is so important that I couldn’t properly see off my aunt?”

Matthew tipped his hat back and scratched his forehead. “What else did you plan to say other than goodbye?” He looked thoroughly perplexed.

Emma lifted her tote bag from the wagon and crossed her arms. “Never mind. You wouldn’t understand.”

Matthew needed no further prodding. “I got a job, Em. A real job with a paycheck!” His freckled face lit up like a dozen burning candles.

“Doing what? You’re still in school till May. Does
daed
know? What about your chores?” Emma rattled off one question after another.

“Training horses. After school and Saturdays until I’m done with school.” He paused to recollect. “
Jah, daed
knows; he slapped me on the back. I’ll still get all my chores done. Pa made me promise. Besides, Henry is no
boppli
anymore. He should take on a bigger share.”

Emma walked beside her brother as he unhitched the team and led them to their stalls. “That is good news,” she said. “Where is this job?”

“Over at Macintosh Farms on the county road. They’re English folks. Mr. Macintosh breeds quarter horses and thoroughbreds, and he hired me to work them in the ring. Mainly, I’ll just be an exercise boy, but I’ll apprentice to a real trainer and work my way up.” He started brushing the first draft horse with so much zeal it could end up a show horse…or bald.

“I’m real proud of you, Matty,” Emma said. “Mr. Macintosh must have recognized your talent with four-legged beasts.” She patted the Belgian’s rump and then jumped back when he suddenly reared his head.

“Stay back, sister. You’re making him nervous.” He calmed the horse with a long, smooth pat down his flank. “Mr. Mac—that’s what he told me to call him—said I was a natural. I understand animals and can figure out what they’re thinking.” He wielded the brush with finesse on the neck and mane.

“Thinking
?
” Emma giggled. “Horses don’t think.
Daed
said they must have brains the size of a pea.”

Matthew shook his head. “You had better get on the other side of the stall if you’re going to talk like that! Horses are not only smart, but they know when someone doesn’t like them. And they’ll treat you accordingly.”

Emma clucked her tongue with skepticism but stepped back just the same.

“A horseman learns to read an animal’s body language and uses that information in training.” Matthew scratched the Belgian’s large wet nose.

“Body language?” Emma asked. “What do you mean—they talk by scraping their hooves in the dirt or shaking their tails?”

“Oh, forget it, Emma.” Matthew was rapidly losing patience.

“Well, I am happy for you, and I wish you luck with the new job.” She reached in between the slats to pat his arm. The horse turned his head and focused one dark brown eye on her. She yanked her hand back. “I should go in and help Leah. I’ll see you at supper.”