Read Online The Amish Bride by Emma Miller - Free Book Online Page B

customers.
    “They’re fine paintings,” Dinah agreed, sipping from a pop can. She cocked her head toward the shop. “Did you hear something?”
    “I don’t think so.” Ellen shook her head. “What do you mean?”
    “It’s nothing.” Dinah adjusted her glasses. “Been hearing things all week. Yesterday morning I was sure I heard someone on the back porch in the middle of the night. Silly.”
    “Do you think someone was trying to break in?” Ellen asked, immediately concerned. They had a very low crime rate in Honeysuckle, but she wasn’t so naive as to think nothing bad could ever happen.
    “No, nothing like that,” Dinah pshawed. “I should probably have my hearing checked next time I see that doctor.” She returned her full attention to Ellen. “What do you think you want to do with the watercolors?”
    “I was thinking that we have enough stock to open the other front parlor.” Pushing the last corner of bread into her mouth, Ellen carefully folded the waxed paper and tucked it into her lunch box to use again. “I think pottery and the two Windsor chairs would go nicely in there with the paintings and the carvings. Then we’d have more room in the main area for jams and the display of baby clothing.”
    “Jah,”
Dinah agreed. Since she lived upstairs in the apartment, the older woman could easily have gone up to have her lunch, but eating on the porch was one of the highlights of their day. “Remember, I’m leaving early today. Right after lunch. I’ve got to help Naomi get ready for tomorrow night’s haystack supper.”
    “That’s fine, we can do it later in the week. I’d like to hang these paintings on the wall by the fireplace.” That section of the old house hadn’t been damaged in the fire, and the woodwork and floor were lovely in there. “I’ll have Carl make another of those oak benches and put it in there for customers to sit on.” Ellen removed a peach from her lunch box. It smelled heavenly. She took a bite, and juice ran down her chin. She quickly wiped it with a napkin. “How is the Blauch baby? Do the doctors know when he can come home?” She knew that the widows’ group’s upcoming supper was to raise money for Mary’s little Raymond. The baby had been born several months early and had been rushed to the children’s hospital in Philadelphia.
    “Nay,”
Dinah said. “He has to be five pounds. He’s gaining, but he still has some other issues that have to be taken care of. It’s a blessing that Mary and David didn’t lose him, like the last two.”
    “But the doctors are hopeful?”
    “
Jah.
Little Raymond is a fighter. My daughter says the doctors expect him to be just fine.” She shook her head. “But the hospital bills are awful. The widows’ group can help, but I think the whole community will have to pitch in.”
    Ellen nodded. Their faith didn’t hold with insurance, but whenever tragedy struck a member of the church, other families were quick to offer help. There had already been a livestock auction for the Blauch baby, and the youth group was planning a pancake and sausage breakfast. The bishop had asked for donations, and she knew her parents had contributed. It was one of the things that made life in Honeysuckle, and in all Amish communities, fulfilling. There were many families, but they came together as one when someone needed help.
    As Ellen finished her peach, a tour bus pulled into the restaurant down the street, and dozens of people got out. Some went into the Mennonite restaurant, but others made their way toward the businesses along the street. A group of three women crossed over and came in Ellen’s direction.
    “Maybe I should stay,” Dinah said. “You might need the help.”
    “
Nay
, you go on. I’ll manage,” Ellen said. “Naomi and the others need you.”
    “Are you coming to the supper?”
    “I wouldn’t miss it. And I’ll bring that tray of brownies I promised you. Folks love their desserts.”
    Dinah took her leave,