Plain and Fancy (16 page)

Pauline’s eyes filled with tears, making Eli feel like a heel. He was sorry for hurting her, but it didn’t change anything. He didn’t love her now and never had. Even when they’d been courting, he’d only seen her as a friend.

Eli gently touched her arm. “I pray you’ll find someone else to love.” He walked away quickly, hoping she wouldn’t follow. His life was with Laura, and she needed him now.

Laura sank to the ground and leaned heavily against the trunk of a tree as she gazed at the bubbling creek.
Maybe I made a mistake thinking I could become part of a world so plain and simple. Maybe Eli should have chosen Pauline.

She sucked in her bottom lip, and a fresh set of tears coursed down her cheeks. Could Pauline really see through her? Did the accusing young woman know Laura was only pretending to be a follower of God?

But how could she know? No one knew what was in Laura’s heart or mind. She’d taken her biblical training classes, studied the Amish language, and learned how to cook, sew, and keep house. She wore plain clothes and no makeup and had learned to live without electricity or many other modern conveniences. What more was there? Why would Pauline think she couldn’t be trusted?

“Because you can’t,”
a voice in her head seemed to taunt.
“You’re lying to Eli, and you’re lying to yourself.”

Laura dropped to the ground and sobbed. She knew what she wanted out of life—Eli Yoder. She wanted him more than anything. If she had to pretend to have a relationship with God in order to join the Amish faith so she and Eli could be married, what harm had been done?

Laura jerked her head when someone touched her shoulder. She looked up and saw the face of the man she loved staring down at her.

“What’s wrong? Why are you crying?” he asked, helping Laura to her feet.

“I—I had an encounter with your ex-girlfriend.” She sniffed and reached up to wipe the tears from her face. “Pauline doesn’t like me, and she’s trying to come between us.”

“No, she’s not. I just spoke with Pauline, and I put her in her place but good.”

“You did?”

He pulled her into his arms. “I told Pauline it’s you I love, and nothing she says will ever change my mind.”

“You mean it?”

“Jah, I do. Pauline and I have never been anything more than friends, and she knows it. I don’t understand why she’s bent on making trouble, but don’t worry, because I’ll never stop loving you, Laura.” Eli bent to kiss her, and Laura felt like she was drowning in his love. Everything would be all right now. It had to be.

Laura was excited about the wedding and pleased that her parents would be coming soon. She was anxious for them to meet Eli. Her friend Shannon wouldn’t be coming, because she had gone to California to visit her grandmother who was dying of cancer. Darla wouldn’t be coming, either, because she had to work. But that was all right with Laura. She knew Darla didn’t approve of her becoming Amish. The last letter she’d received from Darla had said that she’d finished school and was working in Philadelphia, designing windows for one of the big department stores.

Laura had asked Anna Beachy and Nancy Frey, the schoolteacher, to be her attendants, and the ceremony would be held at Amon and Martha Rose’s house, since Laura lived with them.

“When are your parents arriving?” Martha Rose asked as she and Laura sat at the table, putting the finishing touches on Laura’s wedding dress.

Laura snipped a piece of thread and smiled. “Their plane was supposed to get into Harrisburg late last night, and they were going to rent a car and drive out here as soon as they’d had some breakfast this morning, so I expect they should be showing up soon.”

“They’re more than welcome to stay with us. We have plenty of room.”

“I know you do, and it’s a kind offer, but Mom and Dad are hotel kind of people. I don’t think they would last five minutes without TV or a microwave.”

Martha Rose pursed her lips. “You’re managing.”

“Jah.” Laura smiled. “I’m anxious for them to get to know all of you before the wedding on Thursday.”

“It will be nice to meet them, as well.”

“Since tomorrow will be such a busy day for us, what with getting things ready for the wedding and all, I figured it would be best if they weren’t in the way.”

Martha Rose’s eyebrows lifted in question. “Why would they be in the way? If they’d like to help, I’m sure we can find plenty for them to do.”

“The Amish lifestyle is quite different from what they’re used to, and Mom’s idea of work is a full day of shopping or traipsing around town trying to drum up donations for one of her many charity functions.” Laura sighed. “I just hope they don’t try to talk me out of marrying Eli.”

“Why would they do that? I’m sure you’ve told them how much you love my brother.”

“Oh, yes, and Dad said if I was happy, then he was, too. I think it gives him pleasure to see me get what I want.”

“Having one’s way is not always of the Lord,” Martha Rose admonished. “We’re taught to be selfless, not self-centered. Surely you learned that from your religious training prior to baptism.”

“Certainly. I just meant when I was younger and didn’t know much about religious things, I was rather spoiled.” She shrugged. “Dad still thinks of me as his little girl, but I know he and Mom both want my happiness.”

“So, you’re happy being Amish?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

Martha Rose opened her mouth as if to answer, but their conversation was interrupted when a car came up the graveled driveway, causing their two farm dogs to carry on.

Laura jumped up and darted to the back door. “It’s them! My folks are here!” She jerked the door open and ran down the steps.

Her father was the first to step from their car, and the bundle of fur in his hands brought a squeal of delight from Laura’s lips. “Foosie!” Her arms went around Dad’s waist, and she gave him a hug.

“Your mother and I thought you might like to have your cat, now that you’re about to be married and will soon have your own home.”

Mom stepped out of the car and embraced Laura. “It’s good to see you.” She frowned and took a few steps back. “Oh, dear, you’ve changed, and you look so tired. What happened to our beautiful, vibrant daughter, and why are you dressed in such plain clothes?”

Laura had expected some reservations on her parents’ part, but her mother’s comment took her by surprise. If she wasn’t beautiful anymore, did that mean she was ugly?

“Laura is still beautiful ... in a plain sort of way, and you should know enough about the Amish to understand why she’s dressed that way.” Dad raised his eyebrows at Mom, then handed the cat over to Laura. “Here you go, sweetie.”

Laura rubbed her nose against Foosie’s soft fur and sniffed deeply. “I—I don’t think I can keep her.”

“Why not?” Mom asked.

“Eli and I will be living with his parents until our own house is complete.” Laura stroked Foosie’s head. “Since it will be several months before it’s done, Eli’s folks might not appreciate having an inside cat invade their home.”

“But I thought Amish people liked animals.” Dad gazed around the farmyard and pointed to the cows in the field. “See, there’s a bunch of animals.”

“Don’t forget about those dreadful dogs that barked at us when we pulled in,” Mom added.

Laura shook her head. “Those are farm animals. They’re not pampered pets.”

“Be that as it may, I would think your husband would want you to be happy,” Mom said as she fluffed the sides of her windblown hair.

Before Laura could respond, Martha Rose was at her side, offering Laura’s parents a wide smile. “I’m Martha Rose Zook. And you must be Laura’s folks.”

Mom nodded, and Dad extended his hand. “I’m Wesley Meade. This is my wife, Irene.”

“I’m glad to meet you,” Martha Rose said, shaking his hand.

“This is a nice place you’ve got here. I’ve always had a fondness for the country life,” Dad said in a wistful tone.

Martha Rose motioned toward the house. “Won’t you please come inside? It’s kind of nippy out here in the wind, and I’ve got some hot coffee and freshly baked brownies waiting.”

“Sounds good to me.” Dad’s wide grin brought a smile to Laura’s lips. He looked like an enthusiastic child on Christmas morning.

Everyone followed Martha Rose to the house. When they stepped onto the back porch, Laura halted. “Uh, what would you like me to do with my cat?”

Martha Rose blinked. “Ach! I didn’t realize you were holding a cat. Where’d it come from?”

“We brought it from Minnesota,” Dad answered. “Foosie is Laura’s house pet.”

Laura rocked back and forth on her heels. What if Martha Rose made her put Foosie out in the barn? She knew the cat would never get along with the farm cats. Besides, she might get fleas.

“Bring the cat inside,” Martha Rose said, opening the door. “I’m sure Ben would love to play with her awhile.”

Once Laura’s parents were seated at the kitchen table, Laura placed Foosie on the floor beside Ben. He squealed with delight and hugged the cat around the neck.

“Now don’t
dricke
too hard,” Martha Rose admonished her son. She quickly poured mugs of steaming coffee, and Laura passed around the plate of brownies.

“What’s a dricke?” Mom asked.

“It means ‘squeeze,’” Laura explained.

“Schee bussli,” Ben said, as Foosie licked his nose.

“Ben thinks Foosie is a nice kitten,” Laura said, before either of her parents could raise the question.

Martha Rose handed Laura’s father a mug. “Laura says you plan on staying at a hotel in Paradise while you’re here.”

He nodded. “That’s right. We made our reservations as soon as Laura phoned and told us about the wedding, and that’s where we stayed last night when we got in.”

“You’re more than welcome to stay here. We have plenty of room.”

Dad’s eyes brightened. “Really? You wouldn’t mind?”

Mom shook her head while smiling sweetly. “That’s kind of you, Martha Rose, but I think it would be less hectic if we stay at the hotel.”

Dad shrugged, but Laura didn’t miss the look of disappointment on his face. “Whatever you think best, dear,” he mumbled.

“I made my own wedding dress.” Laura held up the pale blue dress she’d been hemming earlier.

Mom’s mouth dropped open. “Oh, my! It doesn’t look anything like a traditional wedding gown.”

“It’s a traditional Amish dress,” Martha Rose stated.

“I see.”

Laura could see by the pinched look on her mother’s face that she was anything but happy about this Plain wedding. For that matter, she was probably upset about Laura marrying an Amish man. Mom most likely thought her only daughter had lost her mind.

Laura turned to look at her dad. He was grinning like a Cheshire cat and obviously enjoying the homemade brownies, for he’d already eaten three.

“Eli and his parents are coming over for supper,” Laura said, changing the subject. “I’m anxious for you to meet him.”

Martha Rose nodded. “Eli’s excited about meeting your folks, too.”

Eli opened the Zooks’ back door and stepped inside, along with his folks and two brothers. Laura, who had been standing near the kitchen sink, rushed to his side. “My parents are here, and I’m so glad you came!”

Eli grinned and squeezed her hand. “I’m glad, too.”

Introductions were soon made, and Eli knew right away that he was going to like Laura’s father. He wasn’t so sure about her mother, though. Irene seemed to be scrutinizing everything in the room, and she had said very little to either Eli or his family.

Soon everyone took their seats at the table. Laura and Martha Rose had made a scrumptious-looking supper of ham, bread stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, coleslaw, and homemade bread.

All heads bowed in silent prayer, and Eli noticed that Laura looked relieved when her parents followed suit.

“Laura tells me you work in a law office,” Eli said as he passed Laura’s dad the platter of ham.

“Sure do. In fact, I have several other lawyers working for me.” Wesley grinned and forked two huge pieces of meat onto his plate. “Umm ... this sure looks tasty.”

“Pop raises some hogs,” Lewis spoke up. “He’s always got plenty of meat to share with Martha Rose and Amon.”

Eli’s father nodded and spooned himself a sizable helping of bread stuffing. “I’m not braggin’ now, but I think I’ve got some of the finest hogs in Lancaster County.”

Mom reached over and patted Pop’s portly stomach. “Jah, and some pretty good milking cows, too.”

Laura moved the fork slowly around her plate, and Eli noticed that she hadn’t taken more than a few bites of food since they’d sat down.

Pop glanced over at Laura’s father and frowned. “Say, I’m wonderin’ just how much influence you have on that daughter of yours.”

Wesley gulped down some milk before he answered.

“I’m not altogether sure. Why do you ask?”

Pop pointed a finger at Laura’s plate. “She eats like a bird. Just look at her plate. Hardly a thing on it!”

Laura’s face blanched, then turned red as a cherry. “I eat enough to sustain myself. I just don’t think one needs to become chubby in order to prove one’s worth.”

The room became deathly quiet, and Eli could almost feel her embarrassment. It wasn’t like Laura to blurt something out like that, and he had to wonder what had gotten into her. Was she nervous because her fancy English parents were here? Did she feel embarrassed for them to be sitting at the same table with a bunch of Plain folks?

“I ... um ... meant to say, I prefer to watch my weight,” Laura quickly amended. “If others choose to overeat, that’s their right.”

“Laura, what are you saying?” Eli whispered. “Are you trying to make some kind of trouble here tonight?”

She shook her head. “I—I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”

“I think our daughter might be a bit nervous.” Irene offered a pleasant smile as she patted Laura’s arm. “It isn’t every day she introduces her father and me to her future husband and in-laws.”

Martha Rose nodded. “Laura’s been jittery as a dragonfly all day. Haven’t you, Laura?”

Laura’s only reply was a quick shrug.

“In fact, Laura did most of the work today, just to keep her hands busy,” Martha Rose added.

“I did work pretty hard, but that’s because I wanted Martha Rose to rest.” Laura glanced over at her mother. “Martha Rose is in a family way.”

Irene’s eyebrows furrowed. “Family way?”

“She’s pregnant, hon.” Wesley chuckled. “I haven’t heard that expression since I was a boy growing up on the farm, but I sure can remember what ‘being in a family way’ means.”

“Your folks were farmers?” The question came from Pop, who leaned his elbows on the table as he scrutinized Laura’s father.

Wesley nodded. “My parents farmed a huge spread out in Montana, but my father sold the farm several years ago since none of us boys wanted to follow in his footsteps.” His forehead wrinkled. “Sometimes I wonder if I made the wrong choice, becoming a fancy city lawyer instead of an old cowhand.”

Little Ben, who up until this moment had been busy playing with the bread stuffing on his plate, spoke up for the first time.
“Maus!”
He pointed to the floor, disrupting the conversation.

“Maus? Where is it?” Martha Rose was immediately on her feet.

“
Schpringe,
bussli!” Ben bounced up and down in his chair.

“What on earth is going on?” Irene’s high-pitched voice held a note of concern.

“Aw, it’s just a little mouse, and Ben’s tellin’ the kitty to run,” Jonas said with a chuckle. “I’ll bet that fluffy white cat will take ’em in a hurry.”

“Fluffy white cat?” Mom’s eyes were wide. “When did you get an indoor cat, Martha Rose?”

Martha Rose gave no reply, just held a broom in her hand and ran around the kitchen, swinging it this way and that. It was a comical sight, and Eli laughed, right along with the rest of the men.

Foosie dodged the broom and leaped into the air, as the tiny, gray field mouse scooted across the floor at lightning speed. By now, everyone at the table was either laughing or shouting orders at Martha Rose.

“Open the door!” Amon hollered. “Maybe it’ll run outside.”

Laura jumped up and raced for the door. “No, don’t open that door! Foosie might get out, and I’d never be able to catch her once the dogs discovered she was on the loose.”

Foosie was almost on top of the mouse, but just as her paw came down, the critter darted for a hole under the cupboard, leaving a very confused-looking cat sitting in front of the hole, meowing for all it was worth.

Laura’s father was laughing so hard that tears rolled down his cheeks. “Well, if that doesn’t beat all. In all the years we’ve had that cat, I don’t believe I’ve ever seen her move so fast.” He wiped his eyes with a napkin and started howling again.