The Bridesmaid (4 page)

T
he familiar smell of freshly baked cookies greeted Joanna when she returned to the house from the phone shanty.

“Where've
you
been?” Cora Jane asked, eyeing her sharply.

Joanna wasn't ready to reveal her news yet, not without Mamma around. “Oh, just outside.”

“Well, that's obvious.” Cora Jane reached for two cookies and sampled both kinds as she continued to watch her. “Well, aren't you the secret keeper!”

Joanna ignored that and took her time removing her boots and outerwear. She wanted to savor every moment of her phone chat. Nearly too good to be true!

The back door opened just then, and there was Dat, his boots tracking in snow. He wiped his feet on the rag rug near the door as usual, just as she had, and looked at her curiously as she hung up her coat and scarf. But he said nothing.

All during family worship, Cora Jane stared at Joanna, taking away some of her joy. The minute the silent prayers were finished, Joanna slipped upstairs to write in her diary, which she kept hidden between the mattress and the bedsprings.

“He's comin' to visit at long last!” Joanna whispered as she dressed for bed.

But it was hard to fall asleep, if not impossible, with Eben's voice still in her head. She cherished everything he'd said and was nearly as excited as the first time they met. Oh, she could scarcely wait to show him around Hickory Hollow!

The bitter cold and steady winds made delicate designs on the windowpanes the next morning. Joanna was captivated by the frosty patterns when she awakened just as the sun rose, spraying light on them. She'd overslept, and no wonder, having replayed Eben's phone call happily in her mind throughout the night.

When should I break the news about him—and his visit—to Dat and Mamma?
She pondered this while getting ready for another day of chores prior to the Lord's Day tomorrow. She took extra care to inspect her best blue church dresses on wooden wall pegs over near the dresser, thinking she'd wear one of them next Friday when Eben arrived. She wanted to look her very
bescht
since he hadn't laid eyes on her all this time.

Breakfast was applesauce, bacon, and steel-cut oatmeal, which Mamma always said had a way of sticking to your gizzard. Cousin Lena Witmer stopped by right afterward. She didn't bother knocking, just rushed in, tossing off her boots at the back door. She made her entrance into the kitchen still wearing her outer clothes, her blue eyes aflutter.

Lena grabbed Joanna's hand and hurried her upstairs to her room, where she closed the door and fell into Joanna's arms, coat, mittens, and all. “Oh, cousin, I don't know what to do!” Lena cried. “I hope you can help me.”

“What's happened?” Joanna tried to comfort her, suggesting Lena sit on the bed.

Lena carried on a bit longer, then managed to wipe her tears away, though she looked terribly forlorn as she sat down. “My sister Verna was going to be my first bridesmaid, but she's been called away to Wisconsin to help with our father's ailing sister.” She sighed and seemed to gather herself. “With the wedding next Thursday, I'm out in the cold.”

Joanna sat beside her. “Have ya thought of askin' one of your younger sisters?”

Cousin Lena removed her black outer bonnet and fiddled with the strings. “That's just the problem: They're both lined up to be bridesmaids on that day—for Ruthann's wedding, and our neighbor, Kate Elizabeth's.”

Joanna hardly knew what to say. Or think.

Again, Lena sighed, her eyes tearing up once more. She searched Joanna's face, then looked away. “I know it's awful late, but I was wondering if, well, maybe you'd consider standing up with me. Along with my cousin Mary Ruth.”

Joanna wondered if her surprise registered on her face.

“I really don't want to ask anyone but you, Joanna.”

So she has no other options. . . .

It may have sounded presumptuous, coming from any other cousin, but Joanna could see poor Lena's dilemma.

“Well, it's nice of you to consider me, but have ya thought of Cora Jane? She's closer in age,” Joanna suggested.

Lena wrinkled her nose, then shook her head. “Ach, not sayin' anything against your sister. It's just that, well, I much prefer you, Joanna.”

Joanna wondered whether she'd even have time to sew a bridesmaid dress if she consented. “What color are ya planning?” As was the custom, the two female wedding attendants would dress to match the bride.

“Plum's what I chose for under my white cape apron, since nearly all the brides wear blue anymore.”

“Well, I don't have a dress that color, but—”

“Oh, I'll give you money for the fabric and thread. I'd be ever so glad to.”

“It's just that, well . . . I'd need time to sew it.” With Eben's visit coming up, too, Joanna would be scrambling.

“I can hem or do whatever ya need.” Cousin Lena smiled. “
Denki
ever so much, Joanna! You have no idea how grateful I am.”

Based on Lena's jubilant reaction, Joanna certainly did understand. And just that quickly she was committed, without even really agreeing. She must try to dismiss the notion that this was to be her fourth time as a bridesmaid, of all things. Once Cora Jane heard this, she'd say Joanna was pushing it for sure. But Joanna felt more confident than ever now, because Eben Troyer was arriving the very day after Cousin Lena's wedding. To think he was traveling nearly half a day just to see her!

What's it matter how many times I'm a bridesmaid?
Joanna thought as she hugged Lena good-bye. “I'll get started with the dress first thing Monday, after the washing's hung on the line.”

“Ach, I feel so much better.” Lena kissed her cheek. “Denki, dearest cousin.”

Joanna walked her downstairs and waited while she donned her black bonnet. Cousin Lena reached to give her another hug. “This means so much to me.”

“Glad to help,” Joanna said, aware that Cora Jane and Mamma were within earshot now. “I'll go and get the material and thread this afternoon yet.”

Waving, Cousin Lena made her way over the snowy walkway to the waiting horse and buggy.

Just as Joanna thought she might, Cora Jane crept up behind her. “What on earth was that about?”

Joanna briefly described the pickle Cousin Lena was in.

Mamma kept silent, but Cora Jane pressed for more. “So she wants
you,
then?”

“Guess I know which wedding I'll be attending.” Quickly changing the subject, Joanna asked to borrow the driving horse. But Mamma said to ask Dat, just in case he needed the mare for a trip of his own.

With Cora Jane's eyes boring into her, Joanna slipped on her winter things and headed out to the barn to talk to her father. Truth be known, she was relieved to exit the house. Glad, too, that she just might have an opportunity to talk privately with Dat about Eben's upcoming visit. Such a father-daughter chat she'd never undertaken before.

The field mules were dismantling several hay bales in the barnyard as Joanna made her way to the stable. Sliding open the door, she was greeted by the damp, earthy smell of animals and bedding straw.

She found her father freshening the foals' area. She stood back before making herself known, waiting for courage. Knowing how reserved her father was, Joanna felt tense about breaking this news.

She drew a breath, then stepped forward as Dat acknowledged her. “Can I have Krissy for an hour or so? I need to run an errand right quick.”

Dat nodded his consent.

Then, while he was still forking straw from the bale, she ventured ahead and brought up Eben. “We met while at Great-Uncle Amos's funeral back last summer and have been writing since. He's from Indiana, Dat.” She paused, aware that her hands were clammy inside her gloves. “And . . . somethin' else. Eben's comin' to visit next Friday.”

When her father said nothing—didn't even make eye contact—Joanna tried not to make too much of it. After all, this was Dat's customary response to most things. “He wants to meet you and Mamma, if that's all right.”

Her father stopped what he was doing and leaned on the pitchfork. “This is what you want, daughter?”

“I'm in agreement, jah.”

Dat frowned. “Is he willing to move here and join our church?”

“I 'spect so.”

Dat reached for the pitchfork and resumed his work. At last he said, “Then, jah, we'll meet him.”

Joanna had to make herself be still, although she'd much rather have squealed her delight. For Dat's sake, she remained sedate and calm, at least on the outside. “Denki ever so much!”

The slightest hint of a smile crossed his face, warming her clear through. Then she turned toward the stall to get the driving horse.
A pleasant look is a good start,
she told herself.

So all was well.

Doubtless Dat would pass the word to Mamma later in the privacy of their room, so Joanna wouldn't have to go through this again with her. But as for Cora Jane . . . it would be best to tell her directly. “I'll wait till she's in a
gut
mood,” Joanna murmured as she led her favorite mare out of the barn to hitch up. “Whenever that might be.”

I
n the middle of the night, Joanna dreamed she was running through a cornfield, chasing after Cora Jane, trying to catch her to tell about Eben. But in the dream, each time Joanna drew near enough, her sister darted ahead . . . relentlessly out of reach.

Joanna's heart pounded in her sleep. Oh, how she wanted to talk to Cora Jane once again, like sisters should, to say she'd never felt this way about a fellow. She tossed and turned, pulling the sheet like a rope.

Awaking with a start, Joanna was grateful to realize even in her clouded state that what she'd just experienced was not real.
Surely my sister will want to hear my news
, she thought, rising to greet the dawn.

It was the Lord's Day, and a Preaching Sunday at that. The sun's rays were just beginning to extend over the horizon, and Joanna went to raise the dark green shade at first one tall window, then the other. Instead of digging into her hope chest for her writing notebook as she liked to do, she instead felt compelled to read several psalms to start the day. Working on her story somehow didn't seem wise this morning.

Glancing across the hall at Cora Jane's partially closed bedroom door, Joanna contemplated what she ought to do. Surely by now Mamma knew about Eben's plan to visit. Dat would've told her without delay.

Joanna sighed and stared at the lineup of postcards on her dresser which she'd received from her Englischer friend, Amelia, presently in Europe. Such interesting sights and descriptions of London, Amsterdam, and Berlin—places Joanna would never see.

She reached for her Bible and read two psalms, then considered going over to awaken Cora Jane—tell her right away about Eben and be done with it. Yet with her sister so quick to find fault, news of an out-of-state beau had the potential to spoil the reverence of the day, and Joanna decided against it.
At least, not before church.

Joanna ended up postponing her talk with Cora Jane even longer, as her sister seemed in no disposition for it.
Perhaps after the common meal?
she mused while waiting in the cold to go into church at Cousin Malinda's. Shivering, she stood with Mamma and Cora Jane and her maternal grandmother,
Mammi
Sadie, along with Salina and several of their sisters-in-law, all of them in line with the other womenfolk. Everyone was bundled up, most of them waiting with their arms wrapped around themselves for warmth.

Up ahead, Joanna spotted Cousin Lena with her own mother and two younger sisters. Despite the frosty air, Lena was smiling.

Such a happy bride to be!

Later, after the Preaching service, Joanna sought Lena out, greeting her warmly. Lena clasped Joanna's gloved hands and insisted they walk around the barn until it was time for the second seating to be served.

In the chilly air, they strolled along together. What a difference a day had made for Lena. “You're simply beaming,” Joanna remarked, her breath floating before her. “You actually seem relaxed.”

“I surely am.” Lena flashed a big smile. “Because of you.”

“Ach, don't know 'bout that.”

“Well, I do!” Cousin Lena squelched a giggle, then dug into her purse and handed some bills to Joanna. “Here's
Geld
for your dress fabric, before I forget.”

Joanna thanked her as she accepted the money. Lena began to describe all of the extra-special treats her mother and many aunts had planned for the wedding feast at Lena's parents' home. Joanna wished she and Cora Jane could talk so easily like this again. What had happened to make Cora Jane so tetchy? Was it truly just about Joanna's being a bridesmaid?

When they rounded the barn for the second time, Joanna noticed Cora Jane walking with Cousin Ruthann, who was also scheduled to wed this week. It was clear the pair were having a confidential chat, so Joanna and Lena hurried back to the house, both of them offering to help Cousin Malinda even though neither had been assigned to kitchen duty.

“Next time,” Malinda said, thanking them. “Now go
waerme—
warm up.” She pointed to the heater stove, and Joanna willingly obliged.

Eventually, Lena wandered away to talk with her grandmother, who was enjoying the light meal, and Joanna headed to the glassed-in porch to visit with some younger cousins. She imagined how each girl she talked to might take the news of her Indiana beau. What might she say? But, of course, Joanna's parents were wiser than to tell it around, undoubtedly wanting to see how things went with the actual visit.

Will they like Eben?

She observed Cora Jane across the yard, still talking with Cousin Ruthann. Sighing, Joanna wondered whether her sister would mind her manners when Eben arrived. Or would Cora Jane just be Cora Jane and spoil things but
gut
?

Monday morning washday—
Weschdaag
—Joanna, Mamma, and Cora Jane worked together with Mammi Sadie in the cold yet sunny air to hang out all of the wet clothes by seven-thirty.

Once the chore was accomplished, Joanna hurried indoors to check on her bread dough. She planned to bake enough to share with her grandparents and Cousin Malinda, too. She ran tepid water over her nearly frostbitten hands to restore the feeling. The wet clothes would surely dry stiff as boards on such a day.

Once the bread was in the oven, Joanna began to pin her dress pattern to the plum-colored fabric on the kitchen table. She couldn't remember when she'd owned such a lovely dress. Despite the last-minute invitation, being one of Lena's bridesmaids was going to be right nice.

At that moment, Cora Jane wandered down the steps and offered to help cut out the pattern, surprising her. “I know you're in a hurry, jah?” she said.

Pleased as pie, Joanna smiled. “So nice of you. Denki.” She glanced up at her sister.
Is now a good time to talk?

“An unusual color for the bride and the attendants, ain't?” Cora Jane said, running her hand over the fabric.

“Cousin Lena wanted something different than most brides round here.”

“I see that.”

“She'll be a perty bride, I say.”

“A nice color for you, too,” Cora Jane replied. “With your blond hair and all.”

Glad to work alongside her sister once again, Joanna pinned the seams, eager to sew them up on the treadle sewing machine. The neck facing wouldn't take long, nor would the hem. Lena had offered to help her mark the latter sometime this evening.

Cora Jane began pinning the tucks into the sleeves by hand, humming a hymn as she worked. Her sister's apparent cheerfulness gave Joanna the courage she required.

“I've been wanting to tell ya something,” she began.

Cora Jane's head bobbed up. “Oh?”

“I've met someone.”

“You've seemed awful preoccupied, so I wondered.”

“He's not from round here, though.”

Cora Jane frowned. “Isn't that risky?”

“Not really.”

“Okay, then . . . tell me more.”

Joanna smiled. “Well, he's from Indiana.”

“Ach, so far away!”

“And he's comin' to visit this Friday.”

“Honestly, now!”

“His name is Eben Troyer . . . and he wants to meet Dat and Mamma.”

“And what about the rest of the family?” Cora Jane asked.

“No doubt he'll be happy to meet whoever is around that day.”

Cora Jane fell silent. “You aren't thinkin' of going out there to live, are ya . . . if you marry?”

“I daresay he'll come here to court me, when the time comes.”

“Well, I should hope so,” Cora Jane said emphatically. Her forehead pinched up.

“Please, ya mustn't worry 'bout my promise to the Hickory Hollow church, if that's what you're thinkin'.”

“Still, what if he wants you to go there, like some fellas in other districts? What then?” There was an edge of panic to her voice.

Joanna didn't want to get into this. Not when she and Eben hadn't really discussed it. “I'll take things as they come.” She sighed. “I just wanted you to know before he arrives.” She didn't dare say,
“So you'll behave yourself.”

Cora Jane moved slowly to the windows and looked out. “Where'd ya meet this fella?”

“At the funeral last summer.”

“Way back at Virginia Beach?”

“Jah.”

Cora Jane turned to face her. “Where we'd planned to spend lots of time together.”

“Please, Cora Jane . . .”

“I'd looked forward to it, ya know . . . but you kept disappearing.” Cora Jane's expression turned accusing, her lips curved down. For the longest time, Cora Jane just stared at her. She looked almost stricken. Then her eyes became moist, which surprised Joanna no end. “Well, I'm not goin' to stick around and watch this fella steal you away.”

Joanna was flabbergasted. “I never meant to upset you.”

Cora Jane reached for the needle, thread, and sleeve once again. “I hope you know what you're doin' is all. I've seen the postcards from your fancy friend, traveling through Europe.”

“Amelia has nothin' to do with my long-distance beau,” Joanna assured her.

“It just wonders me if you're itchin' to move away from here. Maybe she's given ya a taste for the world.”

Joanna didn't offer more to ease her sister's concerns—surely Cora Jane knew her better than that! Nor did she wish, worried and forlorn as Cora Jane looked, to say how wonderful it had been to receive Eben's letters for nearly five months now.

An uncomfortable silence fell between them. “So what's this fella look like?” Cora Jane finally prodded.

Eben was precious to Joanna. She couldn't bear to have her sister criticize anything about him. “I'm really not up to sharing much right now, if ya don't mind. If you stick around, you'll see him for yourself.”

“Is he writing to you?”

Joanna said he was.

“But ya never breathed a word of it to me.” Cora Jane grimaced. “This is nothin' like the way things used to be. I really don't know what to say.”

“Why not just say you're happy for me?” Joanna's stomach was tied up in knots. “Weren't you afraid I'd never be more than a bridesmaid?”

“I
am
happy. How's that?”

Could've fooled me!
Joanna looked at her. “What's happened to us, sister?” Her lower lip trembled.

“You tell me!” Cora Jane tossed the sleeve with the needle and thread stuck in it across the table, then abruptly exited the room.

Joanna could hardly believe her eyes.
Will my own sister interfere with my chance for love and marriage?