Читать книгу His Suitable Amish Wife - Rebecca Kertz - Страница 15

On Monday, Ellie returned to the Miller house to teach Sarah how to cook. “You’ll need a large stockpot. I saw one in that bottom cabinet,” she said, gesturing.

Sarah opened a door and grinned. “Here it is.”

“Gut. First, we’ll put in the chicken, then cover it with water. I bought chicken breasts because it’s easier. You can use a whole chicken, but then you’d have to remove the meat from the bones. With the whole chicken, however, you’d get delicious chicken stock. I went to Whittier’s and bought a container of chicken broth, which is easier and just as tasty. Just add a couple of tablespoons of the granules to the pot while you cook the chicken.” She regarded Sarah with a pleased smile as she followed instructions.

The teenager beamed at her. “What next?”

Ellie went on to explain what other ingredients were necessary in making chicken corn chowder. Sarah followed her directions to the letter, then reduced the gas flame under the pot. She stood back and grinned. “I can remember that,” the girl said.

“Ja, you can,” Ellie said with approval.

“Now what?”

“I brought all the ingredients for making a strawberry pie.” She handed Sarah a recipe card. “Follow these instructions and you’ll do fine.” It was getting late. Ellie looked at her watch. “I need to get home.” She had come well past noon after cleaning for the Brodericks. Reuben would be home from work soon and she didn’t want him to find her here. She picked up her cell phone from the counter as she got ready to leave. She stared at Sarah a long moment. “Do you have paper and pencil? I want to give you my cell phone number. If you need me for any reason, call me. Will you do that?”

“Ja, I promise,” Sarah said. “There’s a pay phone across the road.”

“Gut.” Ellie finished writing her name and cell phone number, then handed the paper to Sarah. “I hope Reuben enjoys his supper.”

“He will.” Sarah followed her to the door. “Danki, Ellie.”

“’Twas my pleasure, Sarah.”

“Will you come back to clean next week?”

Ellie agreed, then left the house. Reuben had pulled his buggy into the yard. Her heart started to race as he approached her. He didn’t look happy. His mouth was tight and his eyes were cold.

“I told you that I didn’t want you to clean house for us.”

“I didn’t clean.” She lifted her chin as she glared at him. “I came to see Sarah.” And his son.

He blinked. The tension left his expression and his blue eyes warmed slightly. “Have a nice night, then, Ellie.”

Heart beating hard, she gave a jerk of a nod, then climbed into her pony cart and left. As she drove home, her thoughts went to Reuben, who’d surprised her. He didn’t mind her visiting his sister? Apparently not. As long as she didn’t clean. She could work with that, she decided. She wanted to be there for Sarah and Ethan. She’d visit early in the day if she could. If the house became a little cleaner while she was there, then all the better. Ellie frowned. She had a feeling that Reuben would make sure the place stayed spotless, even if he didn’t get enough sleep.

She sighed and turned her thoughts to her parents. She’d be home in time to help Mam with supper. When she drove into the barnyard fifteen minutes later, Ellie smiled. She waved to her father, who was in the yard with Jeremiah, his beloved dog. She’d been shocked when Dat had decided to get a dog. Her sister Nell, the animal lover of the family who was married to a veterinarian, must have had more influence on their father than the family had realized.

Ellie heard Jeremiah bark as she climbed out of the buggy. Her father approached with his dog on his heels. “Dat,” she greeted. “Taking Jeremiah for a walk?”

“Ja.” Dat regarded her with affection. “You’re home early.”

She nodded. “Finished with the Brodericks, then went to the Millers, a new family in Happiness.” Her lips curving, she said, “I was teaching Sarah Miller how to cook. She never had much of a chance to learn with older sisters who did most of the cooking.”

Dat’s brows furrowed. “The Millers?”

“Ja. An Amish family who recently moved into our church district.” She glanced off into space, envisioning the vast amount of work that still needed to be done to Reuben’s house. “The family moved into that old English place we’ve passed and commented on.”

“Do they need help with the renovations?”

“Nay, the owner seems determined to handle the work himself.”

“If he changes his mind, I’ll be happy to gather a crew to help out.”

Ellie smiled as she bent to pet Jeremiah. “I’ll tell him.” When the dog lay down and rolled over for a tummy rub, she laughed. She crouched and gave him some attention. “Where’s Mam?” she asked as she straightened.

“At Aunt Katie’s.”

“Shall I plan supper?”

“I’m sure your mudder will appreciate it.”

She studied her father carefully. “You feeling oll recht, Dat?”

“I’m fine.”

Ellie stared at him. She didn’t believe it. She’d caught his grimaces of pain too often in the last couple of months. “I’ll feed the animals first.”

“I’ll feed them,” he said.

“But I don’t mind.”

“Fine. Jeremiah and I will finish our walk, then.” That her father gave in so easily only confirmed that he wasn’t feeling well. “Charlie’s marrying soon,” he said. “Someday you’ll find a man you’ll want to wed, too. What will I do without you?”

She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Dat, not to worry. I have no plans to get married anytime soon.”

“But you’ll marry and have children someday, ja?”

“Ja, someday.”

“Dochter, you’re twenty-one. You don’t have forever.” He smiled. “And I wouldn’t mind more grandchildren.”

“There’s time enough,” she insisted. “I’m not an old maid yet.” After waving him on with his walk, she went inside to plan supper. She took chicken out of the freezer to thaw in the refrigerator for tomorrow. Ellie decided that tonight they’d finish the leftover roast beef. She’d make gravy so they could enjoy open-faced hot roast beef sandwiches. Then she made macaroni salad as a side dish before heading toward the barn to feed the animals.

Charlie pulled her pony cart into the barnyard as she crossed the yard. Ellie waved, and her sister grinned as she returned the wave. She jumped down from the cart, secured the horse, then joined Ellie, who stood watching her with an affectionate smile.

“Going to feed the animals?” Charlie asked. “Want help?”

“I wouldn’t mind it.” It was June, and in just five short months, Charlie would marry Nate and move into the farmhouse he was currently renovating. She would miss her sister when she was gone. She’d be the only one left at home with their parents.

“I had the best day,” Charlie said. “You should see what Nate’s done to the house. I’m going to love living there. We’ll have plenty of room for a big family.”

Startled, Ellie turned to study her as they entered the barn together. “You want a big family?”

“I do. You know how much I love kinner.”

“I know.” Her sister had always had a soft spot for children. It was why she’d agreed to babysit for Nate’s stepmother and why she’d been eager to teach at their Happiness School. “I take it that Nate likes children, as well.”

“Oh, ja! And he’s so gut with them.”

“A match made in heaven,” Ellie murmured beneath her breath.

Her sister’s sigh made Ellie grin. “Ja.” Charlie filled up two feed bags and went to the horses first.

Ellie grabbed a bucket and filled it with chicken feed, then went out to toss the grain on the ground. As she watched the chickens peck at their food, Ellie heard her cell phone ring. Expecting one of her clients, she answered. “Hallo? This is Ellie.”

“Ellie?” an anxious female voice said. “’Tis Sarah. Something happened. Can you come now?”

She knew instant fear. “I’ll be right over.”

“Danki,” Sarah murmured and hung up the phone.

Ellie ran into the barn. “Can you finish with the animals? I just got a phone call and I need to go.”

Charlie frowned. “Ja, of course. Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know,” she replied honestly.

Ellie ran to the pony cart. Within seconds, she steered her horse down the main road toward the Reuben Miller property. Had something happened to Ethan? Or Reuben? Fearful thoughts chased one another until the stress made her chest tighten.

No buggies were in the yard as Ellie drove up next to the house. She’d been gone only a short time. What had happened? She ran to the side door and it opened immediately, revealing a tearful Sarah.

“What is it?” Ellie asked with concern. “Is Ethan oll recht?”

Sarah bobbed her head. “Can you come inside?”

Ellie followed her into the kitchen and waited while the girl calmed down enough to explain. “Sarah?” she prompted softly.

“Dat called and left a message. Something happened to my mam. He has asked me to come home.”

“Oh, Sarah,” Ellie said with sympathy. “Did he say what’s wrong?”

“Nay.” The teenager shook her head. “But I know he wouldn’t ask unless it was important. He knows Reuben needs me.”

“Do they want your bruder to come home, too?”

“Just me. I have to go. I’m sorry. You told me to call if I needed you,” Sarah said. “I need you, Ellie. I need you to take care of Ethan while I’m gone.”

The pain in Ellie’s chest intensified. “Me?”

“Ja, he likes you. He quiets down whenever you hold him. Please watch him for me. Reuben needs to work. He won’t make any money if he has to stay home.” She blinked back tears. “Will you do it, Ellie? Will you take care of Ethan for me?”

Ellie swallowed hard as she considered Reuben’s reaction. “Ja, I’ll do it. I’ll take care of Ethan for you. When do you have to leave?”

Sarah looked away. “A car is coming for me within the hour. I’ve already packed.”

Shocked, Ellie could only nod. “What time is Reuben expected home?”

“I’m not sure. He left about an hour ago after learning about a problem at his current job site.”

She glanced at her watch. “’Tis nearly supper time. Do you want me to fix you something to eat?”

“Nay. I’m not hungry.” In her anxiety, Sarah clasped her arm. “The chicken corn chowder and strawberry pie I made are in the refrigerator for you and Reuben. Promise me you’ll take care of Ethan no matter what. I know my bruder can be difficult.”

Ellie briefly closed her eyes. “I can handle Reuben.”

“Then you promise?”

She nodded. “I promise I’ll take gut care of your nephew.”

Sarah released a sigh of relief. “Danki, Ellie. I’ll get word to you as soon as I can.”

“Should I stay here until Reuben gets back?”

“I don’t know how long he’ll be gone. If it’s too long, you can leave, telling him that you have Ethan at your haus,” the teen suggested.

Ellie thought for a moment. “I’ll do that.”

Sarah hugged her. “Danki, Ellie. You are a true friend.”

A cry from the other room announced that Ethan was awake. “Go get your bag, Sarah. I’ll take care of this little man.” While the girl ran upstairs, Ellie went into the gathering room, where Ethan sat up in his cradle. She picked him up and cuddled him. The smell of his diaper told her it needed changing.

“Well, little one...’tis you and me for a while. Let’s fix your problem, then we’ll spend some time together, ja?” The little boy was a beautiful child who resembled his father. What was Reuben going to say after learning she’d agreed to babysit indefinitely for his son? The man hadn’t wanted her to clean his house. She could imagine what he’d have to say about watching Ethan.

What have I gotten myself into?

She needed to get word to her parents about what had happened. Using her cell phone, she made a call to their neighbors and asked them to let her family know that she’d be home as soon as she could.

School currently wasn’t in session. Perhaps Charlie could help with Ethan’s care until Ellie figured out a way to make time from her cleaning schedule for babysitting.

Less than an hour later, Sarah left. Ellie waited another hour and a half for Reuben’s return before deciding to head home with Ethan.

Before leaving, she bathed and powdered Ethan, then wrote Reuben a long note, explaining what had happened and where Ethan was. She’d made sure she’d packed a bag with diapers, a bottle and food for the new charge. She hoped Reuben wouldn’t be too angry that she’d left with his son. But she felt that she and Ethan were better off at her parents’, since she didn’t know how long Reuben would be gone.

Dear Lord, please help Reuben understand why I’ve taken his son home with me.

* * *

It was late when Reuben made it home after dealing with a plumbing emergency in the house they’d been building. He’d shut off the water, then had to figure out a way to clean up the mess while salvaging whatever he could in the rest of the house for his employer and the future homeowner.

It was close to nine when he drove his buggy into the yard. When he’d left the house earlier, he’d met an English driver hired by the construction company to transport their Amish crews. Reuben, newly promoted to foreman on this job site, had discovered that the plumber had failed to check his apprentice’s work before leaving for the day. The flood of water from an improperly connected pipe had done an undeterminable amount of damage.

His body ached from stress as he climbed out of his vehicle and went inside. The house was silent, but he expected it to be. Ethan would have been put to bed earlier, and Sarah was probably in her room reading or fast asleep.

It was nearly dark outside and pitch-black inside, so he felt his way to the drawer where he kept a flashlight. He clicked on the light before he washed his hands at the kitchen sink and splashed water on his face. He was exhausted. The only thing he wanted to do was climb into bed and sleep for as long as possible before meeting up with his boss the next day.

After drying his hands and face with a towel, he tossed it into the washing machine in the back room. When he returned to the kitchen, he spied a piece of paper on the dining table. He read the note, then growled with frustration. His son and sister weren’t at home. Sarah was no longer in Happiness. She’d gone to Ohio, summoned by their father. Ethan was with Ellie Stoltzfus at the woman’s house. Ellie had written that she thought it best to take Ethan there to wait for his return. If he came in late, he shouldn’t worry about coming to get him. She’d bring him home first thing in the morning. She knew he’d been working hard and he needed his rest.

Reuben growled with frustration. Ellie Stoltzfus had his son? He wasn’t about to leave him with the Stoltzfuses. And he needed to know more of what had happened.

He sank into a chair to catch his breath and to summon the energy to get moving again. He scowled when he thought of Ellie and her nerve in taking his son home with her.

Anger gave him impetus, and he rose and grabbed his flashlight. He got back into his buggy and headed out to get his son. He’d have a few choice words with Ellie. He was more than annoyed. Having to make this trip was the last thing he needed, but he wanted his son safe and at home.

What was he going to do about Ethan now that Sarah was gone?

Reuben knew he had to find a wife and quickly. But first he had to contend with Ellie Stoltzfus and get the full story from her.