Читать книгу Her Amish Christmas Gift - Rebecca Kertz - Страница 14

Chapter Two

As his family left for Indiana, Nate watched the hired car that carried them until the vehicle disappeared from sight. He turned toward the house and saw his brother on the front porch, gazing after the car as if he, too, was affected by their departure.

Nate strode toward the house and climbed the porch steps. “Ready to make hay?”

“How about some breakfast first?” Jacob suggested.

“Didn’t you eat earlier?”

“Nay, busy helping our sisters with their luggage.”

He smiled with amusement. “You, too? I helped Mam, Dat and Harley with theirs.”

The brothers headed inside for coffee and freshly baked muffins.

“I spoke with John King. His dat is lending us his hay mower for as long as we need it,” Jacob said as he finished up his coffee a while later.

“It will make the job easier.” He eyed his brother with approval. “Do we need to go get it?”

“Nay. John said he’d bring it by first thing. He should be here anytime now.”

Amos King, John’s father, was also his stepmother’s dat. He was a good man with a kind heart.

Nate washed the breakfast dishes while Jacob put the remaining muffins back in the pantry. The sound of horse hooves drew them outside to discover John King’s arrival with the mower.

After John left with his brother Joshua, Nate hitched his father’s two black Belgian horses to his dat’s equipment for his brother to use. He would mow the front field with Amos’s mower while Jacob started work at the back of the property.

It was a busy workday. By late afternoon they’d mowed just over a third of the hayfields. He and Jacob put away the mowers. They ate leftovers for dinner, before heading to the barn to make sure all of the animals were settled in for the night.

There was a definite new chill in the air when Nate arose the next morning. He dressed, made coffee and waited for his brother to rouse and join him. The kitchen filled with the rich scent of the perked brew as Jacob entered, looking sleepy-eyed with tousled hair.

“’Tis colder today. We’d best grab our woolen hats and jackets before we head out.”

Jacob nodded as he turned from the stove with a mug of coffee. “Think we’ll finish today?”

“We’ll be pushing it. Didn’t get much more than a third done yesterday.”

His brother agreed. “We can do it.”

Nate smiled. “We can try.” The mowed hay would be left to dry in the fields before they baled it.

“Let’s move,” Jacob said as he set his mug in the sink.

* * *

Charlie drove down the road toward Whittier’s Store. It was a chilly November morning, but she didn’t mind. She wore her black bonnet and woolen cape with a heavy blanket across her lap. Her mother’s list was on the seat beside her with the apple pie Mam had baked for Leah and Henry. She would stop first at Yoder’s Country Crafts and Supplies, her sister Leah’s shop, to deliver the pie before continuing on to grocery-shop.

The sunshine was bright across the surrounding farmland. A farmer cut hay in the fields ahead and she watched him as she steered her horse closer. The man maneuvered his horse-drawn mower down the length of the hayfield before turning to mow the uncut section.

Charlie smiled. She knew how to use a mower. With five daughters and no sons, her father had been glad of her help, once she’d convinced him that she could handle the job. Dat had objected the first time, until her repeated requests made him finally relent enough to show her how. She’d been pleased by his smile of approval after she’d mowed in neat, even rows across their field. After that he’d allowed her to relieve him while he’d completed other chores.

It had been a while since she’d mowed hay. Watching the farmer work made her smile and long for another chance on the back of a mower.

She returned her attention to the road. She had gone only a short distance when she heard someone bellow sharply in alarm. Startled, she drew up on the reins to stop her horse. Her heart went cold when she saw that the mower had tipped and the farmer lay on the ground. A second man raced toward the fallen farmer, and with a gasp, she recognized Nate Peachy. She pulled her vehicle off the road and secured her horse before she sprinted across the field to help.

She briefly locked gazes with Nate before she turned her attention to the man on the ground—his brother Jacob. “Jake, are you hurt?” she rasped, out of breath.

“Charlie.” Jacob met her gaze and smiled. “I’m fine.” But when he tried to stand, he cried out with pain and fell back.

Nate’s brow creased with worry. “Stay still. You are not fine.”

Charlie hunkered beside the injured man and experienced the impact of Nate’s startling blue gaze. She glanced away. “What hurts?” she and Nate asked simultaneously.

“My foot.”

“Can you walk?” Nate asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t think so.”

“My buggy is right there,” Charlie said, gesturing. “Maybe we can lift him into it...” She bit her lip as Nate rose. He stared down at her thoughtfully until she stood. “I can bring it closer.” She returned her attention to the man’s brother. “Jake?”

“I can make it with help.”

Her gaze met Nate’s. “Where do you want me to park it?”

“Leave it,” he said sharply. “Your vehicle is fine where it is.” He narrowed his eyes. “Go back there and wait. I’ll bring Jacob.”

Unwilling to argue, Charlie stood by her buggy and waited. Jacob gave her a weak smile as the brothers approached. The young man was obviously in pain, and she worried about him. Nate bore the brunt of Jacob’s weight as he half carried him with an arm securely around his brother’s waist.

She wondered how to help, but knew instinctively that Nate would mutter something cutting if she tried. Charlie watched silently as he lifted his brother into the back of the buggy.

“We should get him to the clinic.”

Nate flashed her an irritated look. “I’ll take him after I see to the horses and equipment. Drive around to the front of the haus,” he ordered. “I’ll meet you there.”

His tone irritated her. She had to bite her tongue to keep from arguing with him. “I can take care of the horses and equipment for you.”

“Nay,” he snapped. “Absolutely not.”

Charlie reeled back, offended. “I know how to handle farm equipment, Nathaniel Peachy. I’ve mowed hay for my vadder.”

“I don’t want you touching ours, Charlotte Stoltzfus. If you want to help, then get my bruder back to the house. I’ll meet you there.”

“Fine,” she agreed as she abruptly turned away. She didn’t bother to look to see what Nate was doing as she climbed into the buggy and checked on Jacob. “How’re you doing, Jake?”

“Foot hurts, but I’ll live.”

She frowned. “What happened?”

“I got distracted.” He seemed embarrassed.

She flicked the leathers and the horse moved. “What distracted you?”

“I don’t know. One minute I was mowing and the next I felt a sudden jerk on the reins. It threw me off balance.”

“Do you see any blood?”

She heard Jacob take in a breath. “Nay.”

She shot him a glance over her shoulder before she returned her attention to the road. “Do you feel like you’re bleeding?”

“My foot feels odd. I could be, I guess, but I can’t tell for sure. I don’t think so.”

Charlie sighed with relief. “Gut. That’s gut.” She could only hope that he wasn’t. She knew what could happen if farm equipment tipped over. Injuries could be as mild as simple bumps and bruises to severe loss of limb or life.

It took ten minutes or more for her to drive to the Abram Peachy house. She pulled her vehicle onto the dirt drive and parked close to the barn just as Nate exited the building. At his approach, Charlie experienced a constriction in her chest.

“Hold on a minute, and I’ll move him into our buggy,” he told her as he drew near.

“Use mine. There’s no need to move him.” She hesitated. “You might aggravate his injury.”

He sighed. “You’re probably right.”

It was clear that the last thing Nate wanted was for her to accompany them. “I’ll wait for you here,” she said quietly.

Something dark briefly crossed across his features. “The house is unlocked. You can warm up inside. Make yourself tea or something.” He paused. “You know where everything is kept.” And that bothered him, she realized.

Nate stepped back and waited for her to climb down. She watched as he got onto the seat she’d vacated before switching her attention to Jacob in the back. “You still oll recht in there, Jake?”

Jacob’s face was whiter than it had been earlier, but he nodded.

“Don’t worry. The doctor will fix you right up.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “I’ll see you when you get back.”

“I don’t know how long this will take,” Nate said. “We could be gone awhile. Are you sure you don’t want me to move him so you can have your buggy and leave?”

“Nay. There is no place I have to be.” She stepped back and waited for them to leave.

Nate suddenly glanced down. “You’ve an apple pie in here.” He speared her with his gaze as he lifted it for her to see.

She shrugged then approached to get it. “I was going to take it to Leah, but she doesn’t know. I’ll bring it in and you both can have a piece when you get back.”

Nate handed her the pie through the open window along with her shopping list. “Pie smells gut.” He gave her a twisted smile. “Did you make it?”

She stiffened. “Nay, Mam did.” She knew instantly what he thought—that the pie wouldn’t be edible if she’d made it. His look of disappointment surprised. “You should get going. Jacob doesn’t look well at all.”

Charlie watched until the vehicle was out of sight before she returned to the house with the apple pie. She debated whether or not to make tea, as Nate had suggested. But then she thought of the fields yet to be mowed and the forecast for rain for the next few days and she headed toward the barn instead. Without thought, she readied the smaller of the two mowers. It wouldn’t take her long to finish the work that Jacob had started.

As she climbed onto the seat and urged the horses forward, she thought of Nate. He’d be upset with her for doing what he’d considered a man’s job. She drew in and released a sharp breath. The benefit of a job well-done was worth risking Nate’s anger. Once he realized how efficient she was in cutting hay, he’d be glad to see that she’d mowed a substantial amount of ground.

The task went smoothly. Charlie enjoyed herself as she worked to finish the back section of Abram Peachy’s farm. Time flew by and she realized that she’d been out longer than she’d expected. She stabled the horses and left the mower right where she’d found it.

There was no sign of her buggy in the yard as she headed back to the house. Her relief was short-lived as she became concerned about Jacob. The brothers had been gone a long while. Was Jacob that badly hurt?

Charlie put on the teakettle then set the table with the pie in the center. She made a fresh pot of coffee with the hope that the brothers would return soon enough to enjoy a hot cup. When she was done, she stepped outside. As the buggy pulled into the yard and parked near the house, she descended the porch steps.

“How is he?” she asked as Nate climbed out of the vehicle.

“He broke his foot,” Nate told her. “There’s a nice-size slice in it, too, which the doc stitched up.” He reached in to lift Jacob into his arms. “He’s been advised to stay off the foot for a while.” His brother looked groggy as Nate carried him toward the house.

Charlie raced ahead to open the door. She made a sound of concern at Jacob’s pallor.

“The doctor gave him a shot of pain medication,” Nate explained as he carried Jacob inside.

“Do you need help?”

“I can manage.” He shifted Jacob within his arms and brought him into the kitchen.

When she saw Nate looking for a place to set Jacob down, she rushed to pull out a chair. “Unless you want to take him into the great room.”

“I’d like to sit here a bit,” Jacob murmured sleepily. “Do I smell coffee? And what about that pie you promised us?”

She fretted as she studied him. “Jake, you don’t look good. Wouldn’t you rather lie down?”

“Nay. I will soon, though.” Jacob frowned up at his older brother, who stepped back after setting him down. “I’ll be of no help to you for a while, I’m afraid.”

“I’ll manage,” Nate assured him.

Charlie felt her throat tighten as she went to the stove. “Nate, do you want coffee, too?” she asked easily, pretending that she wasn’t upset by the morning’s events.

“Ja, please.” Nate took the chair next to his brother, as if he wanted to keep a close eye on him.

She could feel Nate’s gaze as she poured two cups of hot coffee then set one before each man. “Apple pie, or do you want a sandwich first?”

Nate’s study of her made her self-conscious. “Pie will do.”

Her lips curved slightly as she nodded. Charlie cut two large slices of apple pie.

“Aren’t you having any? Or do you have to leave?” Nate asked as she pushed a plate in his direction.

“I should go,” she said, stung by the question. “But I won’t until after I have some pie.” He looked amused when she gave him a false smile.

It was quiet as they ate. Glad when Nate didn’t make a smart remark, Charlie glanced from her plate to Jacob, who slumped in his chair. She was about to express her worry to Nate then caught him studying his brother with a frown.

“Time to rest, bruder,” Nate said gently. “Let’s get you into the other room where you’ll be more comfortable.”

While they were absent, Charlie quickly cleaned up the kitchen. She covered the remainder of the pie with plastic wrap and left it on the counter for them to finish later. She washed the dishes but left the coffeepot on the stove in case Nate wanted another cup.

She felt his presence as Nate reentered the room and sensed him watching while she put away the last dish.

“He settled in?” she asked, turning to face him.

“Ja, he’s already asleep.”

“I’m going to head out. I need to pick up a few things at the store for my mudder.”

He eyed her with consternation. “We’ve kept you a long time.”

“’Tis fine. Mam doesn’t expect me home yet. She’ll think that I decided to spend the day with Leah.”

“You had an unusual day today,” he said.

She chuckled. “That’s for sure.”

He sobered. “It wasn’t fair to ask you to stay.”

“I didn’t mind.”

He seemed relieved. He followed her as she headed toward the door. “Charlie? May I ask you one more favor?”

She halted and faced him. “Ja, of course.” He seemed to have difficulty choosing his words.

“What do you need, Nate?” By the look on his face, she figured out what he wanted to ask. “Shall I come to stay with Jacob tomorrow while you cut hay?”

Nate released a sharp breath. “You wouldn’t mind?”

She paused near the threshold. “Not at all.”

Warmth entered his blue eyes. “Are you sure?”

Feigning annoyance, she tapped her foot and crossed her arms. “I’m absolutely sure, Nate.”

“Danki.” His expression became serious. “But I need you to promise that you won’t tell anyone what happened,” he said. “You know that our neighbors like to natter.” His lips firmed. “Especially Alta Hershberger. If she or anyone finds out, word could get back to my eldre, and Dat will insist on cutting short their trip.” He paused. “He’s been waiting a long time to visit my grandparents. I don’t want to ruin his plans.”

“I understand,” she murmured. “If anyone asks why I’m here, I’ll tell them I’m cleaning house for you while you work in the fields.”

“Doesn’t your sister Ellie clean houses?”

“Ja, but I’ve spent enough time in your house helping your mam that it makes sense that I be the one to do it.”

His expression was unreadable. “Appreciate it.”

“I’d do the same for any neighbor,” she assured him.

He accompanied her outside. “Drive safely, Charlie,” he said sternly.

Annoyed, she nodded before she climbed into her buggy and drove away. She didn’t mind coming back the next day. Nate would be busy and she wouldn’t have to see or talk with him for long. She would be there for Jacob, the easygoing, much younger and friendlier Peachy brother.

Still, as she drove toward Whittier’s Store to buy the items on her mother’s list, she couldn’t help but think about Nate and wonder why she felt so drawn to the man. At times he treated her like a child, and she hated it. But then there were those other occasions when he studied her differently, as if he saw her as a woman, an attractive woman he found fascinating.

Charlie sighed as she stored the bought groceries onto the seat next to her. She was imagining things. Nate didn’t find her attractive or pretty or anything good.

She would get through tomorrow then concentrate on getting hired on as the new teacher for their Happiness School. Better to focus on that than on her disturbing fascination with Nathaniel Peachy.