Two Suitors for Anna Read online

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  Sunday, Anna sat under the big oak tree after the church meal and passed Daniel a blueberry tart and ajar of lemonade. “I’m glad the weather cooperated today. The cloudless sky and bright sunshine lifts my mood. I’ve missed you the last few days.”

  He stuck out his bottom lip. “Here I thought it was me putting a smile on your face.” He gazed at her and grinned. “I missed you, too. I had two difficult roofs to repair. They took a lot more of my time than I’d anticipated. It cost me time with you, since I also had to catch up on working in the hay field and garden.”

  “I forgive you.” She winked. “You deserve the most credit for my cheery disposition.”

  His expression serious, he held her gaze. “You light up my life, Anna Plank.”

  “I’m happier since you walked into mine, too.” His pleased smile warmed her heart.

  A ball rolled in their direction, hit Anna’s foot, and bounced away.

  Anna shifted her gaze to the child running toward the jagged stick. “Be careful of the stick, Sheila!”

  Sheila stumbled, her leg landing on the sharp piece of wood. “Ack!”

  Anna ran to her, with Daniel on her heels. She knelt next to Sheila. “Are you hurt, sweetheart?”

  The child rolled onto her side, pushed herself up, and sat. Blood dripped down her leg. “My leg is bleeding. It hurts.” Her lips quivered.

  Leah and Beth approached Anna. “How bad is it?”

  The child nodded and swiped a tear from her cheek.

  Anna pulled Sheila onto her lap and stroked her arm. “She scraped the skin and the wound is bleeding, but I doubt she needs stitches.”

  Frowning, Leah circled her arms around Beth. “Our little schweschder has a stomachache. Since you’re busy helping Sheila, I’ll drive her home. Will you tell Mamm? I couldn’t find her, and I didn’t want to make Beth wait.”

  “Beth, I’m sorry you’re ill.” She kissed Sheila’s hand. “I’ll find Grace. I’m sure she has her medical bag with her. Being a midwife, she carries it with her for emergencies. We need to wash and bandage Sheila’s leg. As soon as I find Grace to help Sheila, we’ll hurry and catch up to you.”

  Pressing a hand to her middle, Beth nodded and huddled to Leah’s side. “I want to go to bed.”

  Daniel knelt in front of Beth. “Is there anything I can do for you before I go find Grace?”

  Beth moaned and shook her head. “No, danki.”

  Leah turned to Daniel. “I’m leaving to take her home. She’s miserable from eating too many sweets.”

  “Anna, I’ll find Grace while you stay with Sheila.” He waved to Beth and Leah. “Be careful.”

  Soothing the child, Anna held her as Daniel walked away. He was dependable and always there when she needed him. He didn’t hesitate to jump in and do what was necessary before she asked.

  Grace and Daniel approached Anna and little Sheila. She knelt and opened her bag. “What happened, little one?” She winked at Anna. “It looks like Anna is taking good care of you.”

  Sheila nodded, swiped her wet nose, and squeezed Anna’s hand.

  “Grace, I’m so glad you’re still here. Beth’s stomach is upset, and Leah took her home. Do you mind tending to Sheila? I would like to fetch Mamm and catch up with my schweschders. Where’s Joy?”

  Grace removed a bottle of clean water and washed her hands with a clean cloth. “You go ahead. We’ll be fine. Mamm’s holding Joy and showing her off to the other ladies.”

  Ellen Troyer ran, knelt beside her dochder, and caressed Sheila’s cheek. “How did you hurt your leg?”

  She scrambled from Anna’s lap to her mamm’s, straightened her leg, and pointed her chubby finger to her injury. “I fell down on a stick. Anna helped me, and Grace is going to fix it.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Sheila’s mamm pulled her little one close.

  Anna watched the child embrace her mamm and her stomach fluttered at the endearing picture. “The stick was against a stone and upright, and Sheila tripped over it. Her leg grazed the stick enough to cut her leg.”

  Grace waved her hand to Anna and Daniel. “I’ll take care of Sheila. You two head home and tend to Beth.”

  “Danki, dear friend.” Anna pressed a hand to her throat. “Daniel, have you seen Mamm?”

  He scanned the sea of Amish men and women. “She’s not anywhere in sight. Let’s go search for her.”

  They bid Sheila, her mamm, and Grace farewell and scanned the crowd for Mamm.

  Out of the corner of her eyes, Anna spotted Mamm leaving the outhaus and pulled her aside. “Mamm, Beth is sick. Leah suspects she devoured too many desserts. I don’t think it’s serious, but I’m uneasy leaving them alone. Butch is being released from jail today.”

  Mamm stiffened and gently clasped Anna’s wrist. She nodded to Daniel. “Let’s get going. I’ll feel better when Leah and Beth are home safe.”

  Daniel carried her basket to the wagon and waved to friends fetching their buggies.

  The women scooted on the bench next to Daniel and waved to them too.

  He flicked the reins and drove them in the direction of their haus. He noticed a buggy turned over a few yards from the entrance of the Planks’ lane. “Someone’s had an accident!”

  Anna pointed. “Oh no, the buggy is ours! Where are Beth and Leah! The horse is gone, and the harness is broken!”

  Daniel halted his horse, jumped out, and scanned the area. He pointed. “Over there!”

  The three of them ran to the ditch.

  Mamm peered over the embankment. “Leah! Beth! Are you hurt!”

  Leah yelled, “We’re banged up, but no broken bones.”

  Anna held her breath for a moment. “Please be careful, Daniel.” She hoped he didn’t fall. He stepped sideways and made his way down the bank. He reached them. “Beth, are you too sick and shaken to make it up the hill?”

  “I don’t feel good, but I can make it.”

  “I’ll take you and return for Leah.” He put her in front of him, held on to her waist, and guided her where to step.

  She reached the top, and Mamm pulled her close.

  Daniel climbed back down the hill and did the same routine with Leah.

  Anna reached for her schweschder and hugged her. “What happened? Your hands are scratched. Are you in pain?”

  Leah huffed and puffed. She put a shaky hand to her chest. “I’m out of breath from fright. I’ll tell you when we’re in the wagon and on the way home so everyone hears the story at once.”

  Beth groaned.

  Daniel lifted her. “I’ll carry you. You sweet maedel. I’m sorry you’re sick and had an accident. We’ll get you home and to bed.”

  She buried her face in his shoulder. “Danki, Daniel.”

  Anna hugged Leah, and Mamm climbed in the back and Daniel passed Beth to her.

  Mamm stroked Beth’s cheek. “I’m so thankful you didn’t break any bones. I was terrified when we pulled up to the buggy. I have some aspirin powder at home. I’ll make you some tea.” She patted Leah’s back. “Leah, are you sure you don’t have any other injuries?”

  “My dress is torn and I’ve got some minor cuts, but nothing serious. We fell over the side and down the hill.” She gripped her dress. “I didn’t get a good look, but the person responsible for our wagon going over might have been Butch. He had the same color hair and body build. He fired his gun at close range and spooked the horse just as the buggy wheel hit a deep rut in the road. The horse jerked and rattled the buggy hard, breaking the harness as he bolted away.”

  Anna held her fists to her chest. “What should we do, Daniel?”

  “After we take your mamm and schweschders home, I’ll have you go with me to fetch your buggy and find your horse. Later, I’ll tell the bishop our suspicions. I’ll suggest he and I pay Butch’s daed a visit and enlist his help. Without proof, the sheriff won’t arrest him, but he’s already agreed to pass by your haus and shop often once I told him about Butch’s rude comments and our sus
picions the troublemaker threw the rock through the shop window. If your family doesn’t mind, I’ll stay with you for several days. I don’t trust Butch.”

  Mamm squared her shoulders. “You’ll get no argument from me, Daniel. We have no idea what this man will do.”

  He nodded, drove down the lane to their haus, halted the horse, and tied him to the hitching post. He carried Beth inside and lowered her on the settee. “You get some rest.”

  “Danki, Daniel.” She closed her eyes and rolled on her side.

  “You rescued us again.” Leah’s lips quivered. “I’m grateful, Daniel.”

  “God watched over you, and I’m glad He’s allowed me to help you.” He faced Anna. “Let’s go take care of the buggy and horse. I’ll bring you back, leave to visit the bishop, and go get my things.”

  Mamm carried water and a spoonful of aspirin powder to Beth. “I’ll rest much easier with you here. Danki.”

  Anna followed him outside. Her heart thumped in her chest. She’d never been so afraid. The Amish had guns to hunt for their game, but they wouldn’t raise one to a human. How were they going to stop Butch? The man’s anger had escalated. He’d shown he wanted to harm Leah. Would he actually kill her? She shuddered in fear. They had to stop him, but how? “Do you think Butch was aiming the shotgun at Leah?”

  “No. If he’d meant to shoot her, he wouldn’t have missed. Kumming up behind them unaware, he had ample time to aim and fire. He wanted to scare her.”

  “I should be relieved, but I’m not. They could’ve been killed. What if the buggy hadn’t righted itself and rolled down the hill?”

  “Anna, don’t let your mind go there.”

  His words ignited an angry flame within her. How could she not let her mind go there? Her schweschders were in obvious danger. She frowned and pinched the bridge of her nose. “I’m offended by your condescending tone.”

  Daniel stepped back and held up his hands. “I didn’t mean to insult you. I meant to comfort you. I want to save you from any more anxiety over Butch.”

  She had no reason to lash out at him. Anna hung her head. “I apologize. I’m taking my frustration out on you.” She paused and bit her bottom lip. “I’ve heard it said you take your frustration out on the one you’re closest to.”

  “I like being the one you’re closest to.” He kissed her cheek and helped her into his wagon.

  The kiss thrilled her. Anna studied Daniel. She could no longer imagine her future without him. In such a short time, he’d become an intricate part of her life. He’d taken charge and was doing his best to protect her and her family. The love in her heart for him had grown to new heights.

  Daniel pulled up next to their buggy. “Don’t get out. I want you to rest. You’ve had a terrible day. I’ll assess the damage.”

  Two men pulled to a stop on the road next to them. “May we help you?”

  Daniel raised his hat. “There was an accident, and the horse broke the harness when he got spooked and ran. I could use an extra pair of hands. Do you mind?”

  The two Englischers helped him right the wagon and repair the harness. “Looks like you were lucky.” The stockier man patted the sturdy wooden wheel. “Your wheels are fine.” He pointed to the deep rut.

  “We’re blessed the buggy didn’t topple over. The damage could’ve been much worse.”

  Anna glanced at the Englischers’ wagon. Her eyes wide, she held a hand to her open mouth. “You found our horse!”

  The young man pulled a rag tucked in the waist of his pants and dabbed at the sweat on his upper lip. “We found him grazing along the side of the road not far from here. We were asking the farmers along the way if he belonged to one of them. I’m glad you’re the owner and we can quit searching.”

  “I’m grateful for the unexpected blessing. Danki so much.”

  Daniel and the men secured the horse to the Planks’ buggy. He shook their hands. “Daniel Bontrager. Nice to meet you. You’ve been kind.”

  “I’m Alfred Rollins, and this is my brother, Walter. Glad to help.”

  Anna and Daniel waved good-bye to the thoughtful men.

  Daniel flicked the reins. “Anna, I’ll follow you home. Stay on the lookout for anything ahead and on either side of the road, and I’ll keep watch in the rear. I’m afraid to let my guard down where Butch is concerned.”

  She kept a watchful eye out on the way home. Her haus in sight, she blew out a heavy sigh of relief. She hoped the menace would turn his life around and behave.

  Pulling alongside her, Daniel halted his horse, got out, and accepted her animal’s reins. “Anna, I’ll stow your horse and buggy. Is your shotgun hanging on the sitting-room wall?” He tied his wagon to the hitching post and guided her buggy inside.

  She nodded and followed him to the barn. “Mamm keeps it there in case we need to shoot twice in the air to alert the neighbors if there’s a fire or danger. The shots are a signal the community put in place to notify one another for assistance.”

  “Good. If you notice anything while I visit the bishop and fetch my bag and Otis, alert the neighbors immediately.”

  “I will.” Every nerve she possessed was on high alert.

  “Tell your mamm not to worry about accommodating me in the haus. I can stay in the barn.”

  “Absolutely not, Daniel Bontrager. Mamm will insist you sleep inside. I’ll arrange a cot and bedding for you in the sitting room.”

  Daniel pulled her close and kissed her softly on the lips.

  Her heartbeat raced against her ribs. Their first kiss would be a memory she wouldn’t forget.

  He gazed into her eyes. “I’ve been waiting a long time to kiss you. It isn’t proper, but I didn’t think you’d mind.”

  She blushed and smiled. She was glad he’d kissed her. It was one of the happiest moments of her life. “I have no objection.” She accompanied him to his horse.

  He kissed her gently. “I’ll be back soon. I’ll go to the bishop’s haus and then return and tell you what he says.” He got in the wagon and drove toward Bishop Weaver’s haus.

  She savored his kiss. His soft and gentle lips on hers had sent a thrill through her. She touched her mouth. The warmth of their kiss lingered. The taste of his lips was as sweet as honey.

  Chapter Eight

  Daniel arrived at the bishop’s haus and knocked on the door. How would Bishop Weaver react to his news?

  “Greetings. What brings you here? Is something amiss?” The man pushed his spectacles on top of his head and ushered him to the front room.

  “Jah, I’m afraid so.” He recounted his story of Butch’s rudeness and aggression toward Leah in the shop, and his suspicions regarding the young man causing Leah and Beth’s buggy accident. The bishop went out of his way to avoid confrontation with Englischers. Daniel hoped the bishop wouldn’t ask him to ignore Butch’s threatening behavior toward the Planks. “Discussing Butch with his daed might help.”

  The bishop scratched his neck and stared at the ceiling in deep thought. “Speaking with Mr. Winter about his son is a delicate matter. Both men might get angry with us.”

  The bishop’s reluctance sent his pulse racing. Maybe he should’ve gone to meet Mr. Winter alone and suffered the bishop’s consequences later. He hoped Mr. Winter would have a strong, positive influence on his son and be able to reason with him. “Butch presents a danger to the Plank family. I believe we are in dire need of finding a way to protect them. I’m hoping his daed can have a positive impact on him.”

  “I see your point. Pray with me before we head out.” The bishop prayed and lifted his head. “Do you mind if we go together in your wagon?”

  “No. I’d planned on taking you with me and bringing you home.”

  The bishop lifted his hat off a knotty-pine empty coatrack and headed out the door.

  Daniel took a deep breath. Here goes. The bishop might not relish his informing the sheriff of his concerns about Butch. “I spoke to the sheriff before the accident happened. Anna overheard two Englisc
hers gossiping in her shop about Butch. Apparently, he was in jail for fighting and injuring a man. According to these women, his release was scheduled for today. The same day Beth and Leah had their buggy accident. The sheriff agreed to pass by Grace’s Dry Goods Shop and the Planks’ property each day.”

  “Do you think notifying the sheriff was necessary, especially before the accident?”

  “Jah, Butch is reckless. I suspect he’s the cause of what happened to Leah and Beth and I believe him to be a threat. The sheriff is aware of his temper and bad behavior pattern. If he commits another crime, the sheriff will put him in jail again. In the meantime, the Plank family is at risk. Starting tonight, I’m staying with them and driving the women to work each day until Butch calms down or is put away in jail for good.”

  On the way to the Winter farm, Daniel noticed the bishop’s frown, clenched jaw, and arms crossed so tight against his chest it would take an ax to separate them. Daniel blamed the ache starting in his head for the bishop’s awkward silence.

  He didn’t regret notifying the sheriff, but he had hoped the bishop wouldn’t object to his decision. He had run out of anything else to say on the matter. He wished he could bridge the distance between them.

  Maybe speaking about Anna with the bishop would give them something enjoyable to talk about and smooth things over between them. He cleared his throat. “Bishop Weaver, I’ve asked Anna Plank to consider marrying me, and she said she would. We’ve known each other a short time, but I’m confident she’s the fraa for me.” He stared straight ahead and gripped the reins. He hoped bringing up Anna would cut the tension between them.

  The bishop’s elbow bumped his. His frown turned to a smile. “I’m glad to hear it, son.”

  No mention of Noah, and no lecture on waiting for a period of time before scheduling a wedding date. Relieved, he relaxed his grip on the reins. “I’m grateful for your support, and Anna will be too.”