Read Online A Merry Heart by Wanda E. Brunstetter - Free Book Online

doesn’t mean Miriam would make you a good wife, Amos.”
    “But she would make Mary Ellen a good
mudder
, I’m sure of it.”
    Andrew nodded. “You’re probably right. Miriam’s done well as a schoolteacher, and she would likely do as well as Mary Ellen’s mother.”
    “Got any ideas how I can make her see that?”
    “Guess you need to try harder, and don’t give up, ’cause one thing I know for sure is my big sister has no other suitors.” Andrew paused and scrubbed a hand down his bearded face. “So do you want me to put in a good word for you or what?”
    “You—you would do that for me?”
    “Sure thing, because I think you’d be good for my unhappy sister. Truth be told, I wouldn’t mind havin’ you as a brother-in-law, either.”
    Amos released a puff of air. “That would be great. I’ll appreciate any help I can get on this.”
    “In case you don’t know it, my mamm wants to see you and Miriam together, too.”
    “Really?”
    “Sure. Why do you think she’s had you for supper so many times?”
    “Maybe I’ll have a talk with Anna then, too.”
    “Might not be a bad idea.” Andrew slid his chair back and stood. “A little prayer wouldn’t hurt, either.”
I
    Heartless. . .heartless. . .heartless. . .
The steady rhythm of the buggy wheels echoed in Miriam’s ears as they traveled home that evening. The repetitive noise seemed to be calling out a reminder of the heartless way she had behaved toward Amos that morning.
    She had probably hurt his feelings by letting him know she wasn’t interested in him and thought he was only after her because of Mary Ellen. But he needed to realize there was no chance of them courting, much less of her agreeing to marry him. No matter how hard Miriam tried, she couldn’t seem to get over the hurt and pain that lingered in her heart because of William’s deception. Now Amos was hurting her even more by using his child to try and gain her favor. How foolish did he believe her to be? She’d been tricked by a man once, only to have her heart torn asunder. She would never allow herself to be hurt like that again.
    As Papa pulled their buggy alongside the barn, Miriam pushed her thoughts aside, climbed down, and followed her mother up to the house.
    “How about a glass of lemonade or some iced tea?”Mom asked as they stepped into the kitchen a few minutes later.
    Miriam tried to smile but failed. “I’m kind of tired. So if you don’t mind, I think I’ll head upstairs to my room.”
    Mom patted Miriam’s arm. “Sleep well then, daughter.”
    “I will. Danki.”
    Miriam trudged wearily up the stairs, feeling like the weight of the world sat on her shoulders. If only there were some way to remove the heavy burden that made her feel like a prisoner.

T he following day after lunch, Anna and Miriam got busy cleaning up the kitchen. The men had gone back to the fields, leaving the women alone with a sink full of dirty dishes.
    Anna filled the plastic dishpan with hot water and a touch of liquid detergent. “The men were sure hungry, jah?”
    Miriam motioned to the bowl on the cupboard, full of watermelon rinds. “I think Lewis ate three or four pieces of watermelon himself.”
    “Our men do have some hearty appetites.” Anna stepped aside so Miriam could wash the dishes while she dried. “Speaking of men, I was talking with Amos Hilty yesterday after the worship service. He asked me—that is, he was wondering if I would speak to you on his behalf.”
    Miriam dropped the dishrag into the soapy water so hard that it sent several bubbles drifting toward the ceiling. “Doesn’t that man ever give up? I thought I had made myself clear when I spoke to him yesterday. Obviously my words fell on deaf ears.”
    “Now, Miriam, please don’t be upset.” Anna spoke in asoothing tone, hoping to calm her daughter. “I’ve probably made a mistake by bringing this up, but Amos seemed quite upset after he talked with you yesterday.”
    “I’m sorry