Two Suitors for Anna Read online

  Each day had gotten easier without Noah in her life. For the past several months, she’d not enjoyed her time with Noah. She put a hand to her heart. She suspected Daniel’s kind gestures and friendly conversations had something to do with healing her bruised heart. He was interesting to talk to and a good listener.

  Beth waved good-bye and scampered to Mrs. Hochstetler’s. Leah and Mamm joined Anna in the buggy, and they headed to town to work.

  Leah pressed her lips primly and glanced at Anna. “In my opinion, Daniel is suggesting repairs at the shop and here to spend time with Anna. Do you agree, Mamm?”

  Mamm looked at the road ahead as a small smile played across her lips but said nothing.

  Clicking the reins, Anna rolled her eyes. “Daniel’s a kind Amish man helping his neighbors. Don’t assign ridiculous intentions to his actions.”

  Leah sniffed. “God’s got a plan for each one of us. He may have brought Daniel here for you, Anna. Time will tell.”

  A hot blush rose to her cheeks. Daniel’s big brown eyes and strong build were attractive. Soothing described his voice, and his talent to fix anything and willingness to defend them were attributes hard to ignore. “Let’s change the subject.”

  Leah chuckled. “All right, I’ll stop teasing you.”

  Arriving in town, Anna dropped Mamm at the General Store on the way to the livery. Some shop owners were busy sweeping the boardwalk outside their places, and others unlocked their doors in preparation for receiving customers. She and Leah left the livery and opened for business. Two Englisch women walked in. The bent-over, frail older woman moved slowly and depended on her knotty pinewood cane to support her with each step, but she had a sparkle in her gray eyes and a beautiful smile. The younger woman’s swollen stomach stretched her cotton dress, as if her boppli might appear soon.

  Leah leaned close to Anna’s ear. “I’d guess her age is close to mine. Her thick, shiny, brown ringlets and hazel-green eyes are beautiful. Let’s go meet them.”

  They wilkomed the new customers.

  “Are you shopping for anything special?” Anna folded her hands in front of her.

  The younger patron rubbed her stomach. “I’m April Cooper, and this is my grandmother, Rosetta Cooper. Please call me April.” She smiled and took a breath. “My child is kicking up a storm today.”

  Leah dragged a chair to the elderly Mrs. Cooper. “Please sit and relax. I’ll be happy to bring dry goods to you that interest you.”

  “Much obliged.” The feeble woman trembled as she took a seat.

  “I’m Anna, and Leah is my schweschder. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  April walked over to the row of quilts hanging on the wall. “These are lovely. I would love to learn how to stitch a patchwork quilt. The Jacob’s ladder, pinwheel, and wedding quilts are gorgeous designs. Why do they have pockets sewn on them?”

  Leah explained the reason for the pockets. She lifted a pinwheel-patterned coverlet from two wooden pegs. “Anna’s a wonderful teacher. She taught me how to make them.”

  Anna couldn’t resist the wonder and excitement in April’s eyes and voice. She delighted in teaching her schweschders how to sew, cook, and clean. “I’d be happy to teach you how to stitch quilts.”

  April put a hand to her open mouth. “I would be so grateful for your time. When can we start?”

  Leah eyed the young customer’s middle. “You may want to wait until after your boppli is born.”

  Mrs. Cooper spoke in a weak tone. “April, sweetheart, listen to these kind ladies. You’ve got enough to do taking care of me and overseeing the property.”

  She smiled and fluttered her hand. “I’ll be fine.”

  Anna raised her eyebrows. Even if the property wasn’t large, the maintenance would be a lot for a young woman to manage, especially in her condition. “You manage the property yourself?”

  “We have a neighbor who takes care of the hay fields. He also helps me plant and maintain the garden. I enjoy feeding and caring for the animals. Grandmother cooks and does light cleaning. We’re a good team.” She winked and smiled at Mrs. Cooper.

  What a relief! The young woman had some assistance. April showed such enthusiasm for wanting to learn to quilt. She would work her schedule around Leah’s. “You’re wilkom to kumme to the shop whenever you’re ready.”

  “Would Wednesday morning be a good day?”

  Anna touched April’s arm and smiled. “Wednesday morning is fine, but kumme in before eleven to give us enough time to get in a good lesson, and you can practice while I assist customers.”

  “Thank you so much!” April chose fabric. “This will allow me enough material to make the sheets we need. They are beyond mending.” She paid for her purchases.

  She tucked her package under one arm and offered her other one to Mrs. Cooper. The older woman grasped her arm and they waved and smiled before the door shut behind them.

  Anna came alongside Leah at the counter. “April didn’t mention a husband.”

  “Maybe she’s married or widowed and failed to mention him. We’ll have a chance to learn more about her on Wednesday.”

  * * *

  Daniel whistled and pushed Grace’s Dry Goods Shop door open Tuesday morning. “I hope I’m not disturbing you. We had a soft rain late in the night. I wanted to check my handiwork on your roof.” He’d find any excuse to speak to Anna, gaze into her eyes, and have her warm smile brighten his day. She dominated his mind from morning to night.

  She shook her head and waved him in. “No, not at all. Kumme in.” She grinned and pointed to the dry ceiling. “I’m pleased to tell you we haven’t had any leaks.”

  “Good.” He held her gaze a moment.

  Leah lifted a mug off the shelf. “Coffee?”

  “Maybe after I check the roof. Danki.”

  He went outside and climbed up the ladder and onto the roof. Inspecting his repair, he smiled. “Looks good.”

  Crash!

  What happened? He climbed down the ladder and rushed inside the shop.

  Anna and Leah stood in front of a shattered window. Anna picked up a rock.

  “Who threw the rock?”

  Red-faced, Anna trembled. “We had our backs turned to the window when the rock broke through the glass and landed on the floor. By the time we turned around, the culprit was gone. He must have gotten lost in the crowd filling the streets. No one looked suspicious.”

  Daniel examined the damage. “Who would do such a thing?”

  Hands on hips, Anna sighed. “I have no idea.”

  “Do you think Butch is responsible?” Leah’s voice trembled and her cheeks glowed scarlet.

  Burying her face in her hands, Anna shook her head. “I hope not.”

  Daniel paced in a tight circle. “I wouldn’t rule him out.”

  Leah grimaced. “What should we do?”

  “We can’t prove he is the one responsible. There’s nothing we can do for the time being, except be vigilant.”

  He wanted to protect them, but how? He couldn’t be here every minute. Going to Butch at his home and confronting him wouldn’t accomplish anything. They had no idea who threw the rock. Mischievous kinner could be responsible. He scratched his forehead. “I’ll go buy a new window and take out the old one. Be mindful of anything or anyone suspicious. The sheriff’s office is two buildings away. Don’t hesitate to notify him with the slightest concern. We can’t risk you or Leah getting hurt.” He had to stifle the urge to reach for Anna’s hand to reassure her he would do whatever he could to shield her and Leah from harm. “I’ll kumme by and check on you both when I’m in town.”

  “Danki, Daniel. I don’t want to trouble you. You’ve done enough for our family.”

  “It’s no bother. I find any excuse to enjoy your company.” He held his breath a moment and shoved his hand in his pocket. Had he said too much? He coughed and covered his mouth. “I’ll go buy new glass and replace the window.”

  “Let me give you the money first.” Anna pull
ed out the cashbox.

  He positioned his hat on his head. “Let me replace the window for you. I’ll cover the cost.”

  “Daniel, I must pay you for the window.”

  “You can repay me with cups of coffee when I stop by.” He rushed out the door before she could protest further. Her petite nose wrinkled in frustration brought a grin to his face. She was pretty no matter her mood. He couldn’t bear it if anything happened to her.

  He dashed to the hardware store and scanned the crowd on the way for Butch. He didn’t find him. Hopefully, the rock had been thrown by an unruly child. Shrugging his shoulders, he pushed the store door open and picked out the window, paid for his purchase, and left.

  Leah met him. “I’ll hold the door for you. I saw you approaching the shop through the window.”

  Anna had moved a shelf of aprons away from the damaged area and swept up the shards of glass. “I cleaned the floor as best I could. Is there anything I can do to help you?”

  Daniel leaned the window against the wall and adjusted his tool belt. “No. Danki. I’ll be fine.”

  Anna and Leah assisted customers while he repaired the window. He could’ve stayed all day to hear Anna’s chipper voice answering the women’s questions. She and Leah were good at selling the shop’s offerings.

  Less than an hour later, he stood back and scrutinized his handiwork. “Good as new.”

  Anna handed him a cup of coffee. “Daniel, how generous of you.”

  He accepted the cup and nodded. “Glad to oblige.” If Butch was responsible for the damage, he might not limit his evil activities to the shop. He wanted an excuse to check on Anna at home, too. He had an idea. “I’m glad I’ll be working at your place on the barn. While I’m there, I’ll keep a lookout for Butch.”

  Leah showed a customer a wedding quilt and greeted another.

  Anna glanced over at her. “I should help Leah. Danki, Daniel. I don’t know how we are going to properly pay you for all the help you’ve given us.”

  He was happy to steal a few minutes alone with Anna. Her soft eyes and shyness sent a jolt through him like a clap of loud thunder. Her body language was unmistakable. The spark between them was there. He was certain. “I’m glad I can help. You befriended me the first day I met you. The evening I spent with your family was the best time I’ve had in a long while.” His mouth curled in a grin. “I wouldn’t turn down another meal or two if I were asked.”

  Leah bid the two customers farewell and joined them. “You can count on Mamm feeding you, and we’d all like you to join us for supper Wednesday and any other time you’re available.”

  Anna smiled. “She’s right. We would all like having you over anytime you’re free, not just to work.”

  His heart soared. Fixing up the barn had been a subtle way of showing his interest in Anna. He wouldn’t push or mention his intention to pursue her. She might need more time for her heart to mend from Noah’s departure. The sparkle in her eyes and her pink blushed cheeks told him he was making progress. He couldn’t quell his growing excitement. “Then it’s settled.” He waved good-bye and whistled as he left.

  He crossed the street. The Englischers had so many conveniences to make life easier. Electricity, inside washrooms, and much more. Using handmade tools and his muscles to accomplish tasks didn’t bother him. Hard work satisfied him. Building and repairing things provided healthy exercise.

  Stetson hats, colored shirts, pants, and fancy leather shoes hadn’t piqued his interest either. Motorcars were another story. He’d always wanted to read and learn about how they were constructed and drive one. He’d prayed about his worldly desire and asked God for help in putting these notions out of his head. He was devoted to God and the Amish customs, and he wanted to shield himself from the temptations of the Englisch world. It wasn’t always easy.

  What he did want was time with Anna. She’d captivated him with her melodious voice and gentle ways. She cocked her head to the side a little when she smiled. She played with her kapp string and stared at her shoes when she was nervous.

  The town was busy. Horses, buggies, and a few motorcars filled Main Street. He moved his wagon to the front of the store, went inside, bought the paint, and loaded all but the last can into the wagon. He returned to the counter and grabbed the last one. Leaving, he bumped into a slender blond Englisch woman he guessed was close to his age. “I apologize.”

  She waved a dainty hand and batted her dark eyelashes. “I’d pay you to do it again.” She had a Southern accent. “You’re so handsome, even in your plain drab shirt and pants.”

  In his way, she had him blocked from the crowded boardwalk. “Excuse me, miss. I need to get by.”

  She gently pushed him out the door and against the wall. She flattened her hand on his chest and held her nose inches from his. Her rose-scented perfume suffocated him. “Buy a girl a cup of coffee, and let’s get better acquainted. My name’s Tammy Whitewater. I’m from the East, visiting my aunt. I need a little excitement. With an up-to-date haircut and clothes, you’d be the best-looking man I’ve been with for a while. I could show you a thing or two.”

  “No, danki.” He stepped sideways and hurried past her.

  The woman had been shockingly forward and persistent. He shouldn’t have noticed, but he wasn’t blind. Her low-cut and tight-fitted dress outlined her perfect figure, but he had no interest in Englisch women. Her flirty behavior appalled him. The encounter was awkward and infuriating.

  Amish women were modest, reverent, and soft-spoken. His mamm had been a full partner in his parents’ marriage, often advising his daed on family and financial matters. He’d taken her advice more often than not. It was no secret in their haus how much Daed admired and loved Mamm. His parents respected each other for their wisdom, strength, trust, and faith in God. If he could find a woman with the same attributes and share a relationship with her similar to what his parents had shared, he would be happy. Anna reminded him of his mamm. She showed strength in managing the shop and working at home. He’d observed her deportment with her family at dinner. Their camaraderie was comforting. Something he sorely missed having, without his family.

  Driving home, he passed familiar neighbors he’d met since moving to Berlin. He nodded and waved. The cornstalks had grown knee-high and if the weather held, it would provide a good crop this year.

  Pulling into his yard, he spied a man sitting on the high-backed rocking chair on his porch. Squinting, he couldn’t place the man. Who was he? Halting his horse, he climbed out of the wagon and tied it to the hitching post. The tall, broad-shouldered Amish man stood. “I’m Josiah Petersheim.” He pointed to the east. “My property is the fourth farm on the left on your way to the church barn.”

  “Daniel Bontrager.” He opened the door, and Otis ran out to his favorite spot for taking care of business. His pet trotted back to them.

  “Jah, I was acquainted with your bruder and his fraa. I’m sorry they passed.” He let Otis sniff his hand. “Beautiful dog.”

  “Danki. Would you like to kumme in? Would you like something to drink?”

  Josiah removed his hat, rubbed his bald head, and sat in a rocker. “No, danki. Do you have a few minutes? I have a proposal for you.”

  Mr. Petersheim’s jolly dimples, rosy cheeks, and potbelly relaxed Daniel.

  He sat in the other weathered rocker. “What may I do for you, Mr. Petersheim?”

  Otis jumped up and rested his chin on Daniel’s lap.

  “Call me Josiah. I came to wilkom you to the community and to run a proposition by you.” He chuckled. “Jonathan’s single Amish bruder moving to town has been big news. He and Adele held you in high regard. I’m here to ask you to consider an arranged marriage with my dochder, Cora. She’s nineteen and would make any man a good fraa. Kumme to our haus and meet her. She baked a delicious sugar cream pie before I left.”

  He had no intention of meeting Mr. Petersheim’s dochder. He’d found the woman he’d be pursuing. Considering how fast news spread in t
his town, he didn’t want his interest in Anna to travel in the gossip circle. “Danki for the invitation. I’m going to have to decline. I have a few items to collect for tomorrow’s jobs. I’ll be cutting wood here until late. My schedule is full of repair jobs, and I must keep up with maintaining my property.”

  Josiah rolled up his sleeves. “I’ll help you so you can have time to meet Cora.”

  Josiah wasn’t taking no for an answer. He was determined to have him meet Cora. No way would he go with the man out of obligation. More importantly, he didn’t want Anna to find out. She would get the wrong impression, and his answer would remain the same even if Cora was the most talented and beautiful woman he’d ever met. Anna had already taken up residence in his heart. “I would’ve been honored to meet your dochder, but I have a woman in mind already.”

  Arching his eyebrows, Josiah scratched his beard. “May I ask who she is?”

  Having his and Anna’s names added to the gossip chain could be disastrous. Taking slow steps to build a friendship had worked well so far. He didn’t want anything or anyone to ruin their newfound companionship. “I haven’t revealed my interest in her yet, so I’d prefer to not tell you her name.”

  “I shouldn’t have been so nosy. Danki for your honesty and your time.” He tipped his hat. “Wilkom to Berlin.”

  Stretching out his arm, Daniel nodded. “Pleasure meeting you.”

  “Likewise. Have a productive evening.” Josiah stepped off the porch toward his wagon.

  Daniel rolled his shoulders and sighed. Josiah seemed kind. He hoped declining to meet the man’s dochder wouldn’t hinder a friendship between them. Berlin was a tight-knit community.

  Would Amish men ask Mrs. Plank if they could arrange a marriage with Anna? News of Noah’s departure had to have become a major topic among the women. Noah had been a spiritual, kind, and talented man for any of the single women in the community to consider, if he and Anna hadn’t been planning a future together.