The Mercy (8 page)

“Even in the winter?” asked Isaac.

“Why, sure, don’t you?”

Leah tittered under her breath and poked Rose gently.
She must think I like him,
thought Rose, not giving Leah the satisfaction of turning around.

“We wait till spring to make it,” Isaac said, glancing back at Jacob, who nodded.

“The ice cream maker tends to freeze up in the winter.” Isaac chuckled at his own joke.

Leah laughed softly, but Rose wasn’t sure if Isaac was kidding or not. She sat quietly, thankful the young men had brought their two-seater family carriage, instead of a cramped courting buggy.

“We could get some ice cream somewhere,” Isaac suggested.

“Ach, but not on Sunday!” Jacob replied.

Rose turned, giving Leah a surprised look.

“It’s the Lord’s Day,” Jacob reminded his brother. “Isaac just forgot.”

Neither Leah nor Rose said a word.

“Another time, maybe?” Jacob suggested quickly.

Rose wondered if this was their way of lining up another date with her and Leah.

“Jah. . .
gut
idea, brother.” Isaac urged the horse faster. “Only next time, we’ll bring two buggies, ain’t?”

Rose felt her cheeks blush in spite of the cold. In so many words, Isaac was asking on behalf of both of them. She smiled at Leah, who seemed right happy next to Jacob in the second seat. And by the time they said good-bye to Leah, whom Jacob walked partway up the lane, Rose realized that he had chosen Leah.

“A nice pair, jah?” Isaac said, turning to face Rose.

“Seems so.”

He was quiet awhile. Then, as if gathering the nerve, Isaac said at last, “What about you and me goin’ riding sometime together? Would that suit ya?”

She liked him well enough, not only because he had a good sense of humor, but also for his confidence. She was relieved the day was turning out so nicely. “That’d be right fine,” she said, wanting to know him better.

“Next Saturday evening?”

“Jah, Saturday,” she replied.

His face broke into a grin. “
Gut,
then.”

Rose couldn’t help smiling in return as they waited for Jacob to hop back into the buggy.
Dat would like Isaac, I’m sure of it.
Then, reprimanding herself for jumping too far ahead, Rose settled back in the seat, very glad Jacob had chosen Leah.

H
en had tried hard to be pleasant when Bruce Kramer came to the back door hours earlier, asking for Brandon. Now it was late afternoon and Brandon and Bruce were still gone. Her mind raced: Was her husband actually going to put their pretty house up for sale? Was he also finalizing plans to visit his parents in upstate New York? Taking Mattie Sue along?

Pondering the latter, she felt she must have some legal recourse. But she remembered what had happened the last time she’d gone to an attorney’s office to fill out forms, though at Brandon’s request. Her husband had been involved in a terrible accident!

Was God trying to tell me something?
For weeks now, she’d asked herself that, as well as whether the Lord was trying to get Brandon’s attention, too. They’d both lived so selfishly.

Mattie Sue was stirring over on the settee as she awakened from her nap. “Mommy, can we go an’ see Aendi Rose?” she asked, rubbing her eyes.

“Rosie’s visiting Uncle Mose and Aunt Ruthann today, honey.”

Mattie Sue seemed to consider that for a moment, then asked if they could visit Hen’s grandparents instead. Hen had seen two buggies parked next door and wondered which relatives had stopped by. “That’d be nice, sure. But you need to walk the dog first.”

“Okay, Mommy.” Mattie Sue put on her warm coat and tied on her outer bonnet. She took the leash off the hook nearby and Wiggles came running. “Here, boy . . . time for you to go out.”

While Mattie and the puppy were outdoors, Hen thought of leaving a note on the door for Bruce to read to Brandon, if he should arrive before they returned. She watched Mattie Sue follow Wiggles, remembering how she’d yearned for a rural setting like this—with her daughter enjoying the farmland surroundings. Never, though, did she imagine Brandon would purchase the puppy Mattie Sue had begged for.

Hen pulled on her woolen shawl and found her black bonnet, which exactly matched Mattie’s smaller one.
Will she follow the Lord in holy baptism when the time comes?
But Hen knew it was impossible to project too far into the future. Not the way things were now.

In a few minutes, when Mattie Sue returned with Wiggles, she asked, “Will Daddy know where we are?”

“I wondered the same thing. You’re very thoughtful, honey.” She picked up the note and waved it, laughing.

“I’m just like you.” Mattie Sue smiled up at her.

Would Brandon think so?
Hen thought with a start.
Have I been kind enough to my husband?
She hadn’t considered this back when she was so determined to work at the fabric shop against his wishes. Had she ever really taken into consideration his feelings these recent months, English as he was?

“Let’s go!” Mattie Sue said, glancing over her shoulder at Wiggles, who’d already settled down near the warm cookstove.

Hen could hardly wait to fill her lungs with fresh, clean air as they followed the snow-swept sidewalk to Hen’s grandparents’ little house around the back. The day was crisp and cold, and Hen wished they’d had Preaching service today. With Brandon away, the house felt much too quiet.

When Hen and Mattie Sue arrived at Dawdi Jeremiah’s, Hen discovered four of her mother’s older cousins—two couples—and several of their own great-grandchildren there visiting, all of them dressed as if for church. They smiled their delight at seeing her and Mattie Sue—the children ran over to greet Mattie, even though they’d never met her before. The older folk sat in a semicircle in the kitchen near the cookstove with Dawdi Jeremiah and Mammi Sylvia, also wearing their best clothes. Several of the cousins mentioned how big Mattie Sue was getting, but as was true to their way, no one remarked on how pretty she was.

“We’ve been makin’ the rounds this afternoon—saw Aaron and Barbara . . . then stopped in to see your parents awhile,” plump and rosy-cheeked Annie Kauffman said. She was one of Mamm’s many first cousins. “We were planning to drop by and see you next, Hen . . . and here you both are!” Annie’s blue eyes twinkled.

There was not a hint of curiosity from any of them regarding Brandon’s whereabouts. Hen’s father must have mentioned Brandon had gone to town, like he did most Sundays. Still, Hen felt no sense of judgment from them, and she was grateful for that. It was hard enough knowing her husband had no interest in keeping the day holy.

“Aaron and Barbara are expecting another grandbaby come spring,” Annie’s sister Nancy announced.

“Verna?” asked Hen.

“No, one of the twins—Anna.”

She’s two years younger than I am.
Hen spotted Mattie Sue with one of the toddler girls, Becky Mae, who was babbling away in Deitsch where she sat under the kitchen table. The two were tapping spoons to their hearts’ delight.

Hen watched Mattie Sue playing so sweetly with the tiny tyke and, just that quick, tears sprang to her eyes. Goodness, she didn’t even know why.

After an hour-long visit, Hen and Mattie Sue returned to the house. Brandon still had not arrived, so she set about making potato salad. She’d cooked the potatoes yesterday, just as Mammi Sylvia and Mamm had always done, cooking ahead for the Lord’s Day. After that, she sliced cold roast beef for sandwiches, hoping Brandon might be home in time for supper.

She had just finished cutting up homemade dill pickles for the sandwiches when she spied Rose Ann at the back door and waved her inside. “We were about to sit down for a bite to eat. Would ya like to join us?”

Rose glanced about, as if noticing Brandon wasn’t home. “Why, sure, I’ll stay an’ eat with you.” She opened her arms for Mattie Sue, who came running over. “I’ve missed seein’ ya.”

“Me too,” Mattie Sue said. “And I miss Beth, too.”

“Well, Beth’s grandmother is prob’ly getting settled in over there,” Rose explained. “Maybe Beth can visit after some days pass. Would you like that?”

Mattie Sue lit up. “We can go in the pony cart again once the snow’s all gone.”

Rose laughed. “Well, that might not be for a long time yet.”

Hen was nodding. “Ain’t that the truth!”

They sat down together and prayed the silent prayer, then began to eat. Hen couldn’t help noticing the sparkle in Rose’s eyes. Mom had told Hen privately that Mose and Ruthann were “definitely planning something” with two fellows for Rose and her friend Leah Miller today. And there was no doubt in Hen’s mind that whatever Mose had had up his sleeve proved to make Rosie happy.
Will she tell me about it?
Since Brandon’s arrival, Hen hadn’t been as available to Rose for sisterly talks.

“Will ya play dolls with me after supper, Aendi Rosie?” asked Mattie Sue.

“After your Mamma and I do the dishes.” Rose locked eyes with Hen, which confirmed that she’d come for more than just the meal. For that, Hen was ever so glad.

As soon as Hen drew the water and swished the dish soap around, Rose began to share about her visit to Mose and Ruthann’s. “I met someone today.” Her voice was soft at first.

“Anyone I know?” Hen smiled, knowing her sister most likely wouldn’t reveal his identity.

Rose looked toward Mattie Sue, who was presently occupied in the sitting room. “I’ll only say that he’s not from round here.”

“Out of state?”

“Well, no. But not from our church district.”

“A town nearby?”

Rose nodded. “A forty-minute buggy ride.”

“Will ya write letters, then?”

“We haven’t even had our first date yet, Hen.”

“Sorry . . . guess I got ahead of myself.”

Rose laughed quietly. “Better slow down, or you’ll have me married next thing.”

“So, you
really
like this fella?”

“I wouldn’t be tellin’ you if I didn’t.” Rose smiled at her. “And you’ll keep it mum, jah?”

“Cross my heart.” Hen looked at her. “Now you’re blushing, Rosie.”

“I ’spect I am.”

“When will you see him again?”

“He wants to take me ridin’ next weekend.” Rose picked up another plate and dried it. “I’ve said yes, but the youth in our church district will wonder if I don’t go to Singing—on Sunday.”

Hen nodded. “Prob’ly so . . . but they’ll just have to wonder, ain’t?”

“Oh,” she groaned. “I hope I’m doin’ the right thing.”

“Well, if you’re not . . . I don’t know who is.” Hen meant it.

“I don’t want to displease the Lord . . . or Dat and Mamm.”

“As long as you’re thinking that way, you’ll be fine.” She wondered if Rose was still brooding over Nick. Oh, she hoped not!

“It’s not too soon to be courted by someone new, is it?” asked Rose.

“Well, that depends how you parted with your former beau,” Hen suggested.

“The feelings were mutual, believe me.”

“Well, then, you could pray about it.”

“I do every day.”

“And so do I—for you! But I’m talking about praying for God’s choice in a mate—such an important decision.”
As if I should be talking . . .

They finished up the dishes in no time, and Rose hung the tea towel to dry. “How’s Brandon doin’ since he went to the doctor last?”

“Between you and me, I think he’s become pretty frustrated. For a while there, he was starting to see shadows and glimpses of light.”

“And now?”

“Only taunting flickers.” Hen sighed. It was so hard to talk about this, even with her sister. “I just wish he’d rest more. It really worries me.”

Rose seemed to hesitate, then asked, “What if he’s blind forever?”

“I’m sure he fears that. It must be driving him nearly crazy.”

“It would anyone.”

Hen reached to embrace Rose. “Each and every morning, I wake up hoping this is the day he’ll see again. It just breaks my heart.”

“I pray for that, too. Even though it would change everything for you and Mattie Sue, ain’t so?” Rose stepped back, still holding Hen’s arms. She glanced out the window. “Ach, someone’s here. Must be Brandon.”

Hen looked to see Bruce’s car pulling up.

“Daddy’s home!” Mattie Sue went running to the door, Wiggles right behind her, barking and wagging his little tail.

Hen clasped Rose’s hand as she watched her daughter. “She loves him so much,” she whispered.

“Ain’t hard to see that.” Rose’s eyes softened and held her gaze. “What about you, sister?”

The question took Hen off guard. She paused a moment and realized the truth: She
did
love her husband. She’d never stopped. “Jah, I love him, Rosie. I truly do.”

“Oh, Hen. I feel for ya . . . honestly.” Rose kissed her cheek and went to grab her shawl. “I’ll be seein’ ya,” she called, rushing to get out the door before Brandon entered.

“Come again soon.”

Rose said she would and waved good-bye.

Hen put on a cheery face as she heard two sets of footsteps and Brandon’s voice outside. “Thanks for your help,” she heard him tell Bruce.

Her husband managed to get inside without Bruce’s assistance. Mattie Sue greeted him, hanging on to his strong arm as she guided him into the kitchen. Hen had heard somewhere that when one aspect of the senses was hampered, the others were heightened, but she didn’t know if that was true for Brandon.

Mattie Sue helped him remove his coat and scarf, jabbering about visiting Mommy’s grandparents and meeting a new little cousin named Becky Mae. “She was teeny tiny, Daddy, but she could talk Amish even better than me. Can you imagine that?”

“She doesn’t know any different, right?” he replied.

Mattie Sue continued, still talking about little Becky Mae while Brandon smiled. Hen, too, was eager to go and welcome him home, but try as she might, something held her back.