Chapter 18
H ENRY
Eli takes me aside before the church service this morning and informs me of the latest Petersheim woes. The moment I hear the news about Elijah’s sister Anna, I shake my head. I vow then and there to donate extra money to the community fund and bid high come auction time.
I don’t have millions of dollars, but I’m doing alright in construction. And my parents’ place is all paid off so bills are low. I would just hand the money to Eli’s dat if he’d accept it, but I know he wouldn’t.
The verse about a man’s pride bringing him low comes to mind, but if I were in his shoes, I’d likely feel the same way, so I don’t judge. The only blessings I have are from Der Herr anyhow, so I have no right to think I’m any better. Just one wrong move and I could fall off a ladder or a roof and end up with a buggy load of bills of my own.
Still, my heart is heavy for my best friend’s family. I can think of little else during the church meeting.
When the deacon makes the announcement about the auction to the g’may , my eyes immediately seek out Ellie, but she keeps her gaze on the boppli in her arms.
Ellie is perfect for me in so many ways. Just the fact that she and her family have had to overcome so much adversity tells me she is a strong woman. And being the eldest of the girls assures me that she is proficient in the kitchen and with child rearing. There isn’t a single thing about her that I don’t admire.
Okay, so she chucked my whoopie pies in the trash. That was something I wouldn’t have imagined, especially since their financial situation is what it is. She must’ve been really mad at me to have done that. I can only imagine the tongue lashing she must’ve received at the time.
At least she tried them. But, as great as those whoopie pies were, I don’t believe for a minute that she ate them all by herself. One thing I know about Ellie for a fact is that she is not selfish. I have no doubt she shared them with the entire family.
I’m dying to talk to Ellie but I have to wait until the young folks’ gathering tonight. But I need assurance from Eli that she will actually be in attendance, so I pull him aside.
“You and Ellie are still coming tonight, ain’t not ?”
“ Jah .”
“Good. And you think she’ll actually agree to ride with me this time?” I don’t dare get my hopes up after my previous attempts at courting Ellie Petersheim. But considering our kisses, I’m more hopeful than ever. Nevertheless, doubt still nags.
Eli shrugs noncommittally. “I’ll mention it to her. Although, she did say something about owing Simon a buggy ride.”
“Simon?” I practically shout the name, drawing the attention of everyone around us.
Including Simon, apparently, who comes walking over. “Did someone call me?” Oh, good grief!
I groan. “ Nee . I’m taking Ellie home tonight.”
Simon chuckles. “ Right . Well, good luck. Oh, and by the way, thank you for the hundred bucks. I think Ellie’s really going to enjoy the new speakers I installed.” He squeezes my shoulder. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
His tone grates on me, and I can’t stop my fists from balling. If I believed in fighting, I’d have it out with him right now. “What is that supposed to mean?” I grind out the words.
“You have competition. I asked her too.” Simon smirks.
“Has she kissed you?” I have to ask. Panic seizes my chest and all kinds of things fly through my mind. They’re probably irrational, but still. I don’t think Ellie is the kind of woman to go around kissing every guy, but she did sort of attack me, so I’m questioning myself now. Maybe I’m not as special as I thought I was. Ach , this was turning into a nightmare.
Simon laughs again. “Wouldn’t you like to know?”
Alright, that’s it.
I’m about to get in Simon’s face, when Eli steps between us and places a hand on my chest. He looks at me and shakes his head. Then he pulls me away from Simon and lowers his voice. “If you’re looking to win my schweschder , this is not the way.”
“Did. You. Hear. Him?” I am hot, as adrenaline pumps through my entire body. I thrust a thumb over my shoulder where Simon is now retreating.
“Simon’s bluffing. He’s just trying to rile you up. You need to ignore him.” Eli’s words hold merit. “Besides, fighting is the quickest way to change Ellie’s mind.”
“Change…but I thought you said…”
“I don’t know for sure. But if I had to bet, I’d say the odds are in your favor.”
“What’s this I hear about betting?” The deacon comes near, scrutinizing me and Eli. “Have you two been frequenting that new casino?”
I’m horrified at the deacon’s words. Not that I haven’t been tempted to peek in and see what it’s all about. Or pretend that I’ve never even heard about the casino and ask the deacon if he’s been frequenting it. But even I’m not that dumm .
Instead, I say, “ Nee .” My word is forceful, and it seems to mollify the deacon.
“Just a figure of speech.” Eli gives a nonchalant shrug. “No casinos involved.”
“We must be careful what we allow our mouths to utter. There are kinner who can be influenced by our words.” The deacon’s somber tone cuts to the quick. Leave it to the deacon to take us to task.
“We’ll have to remember that.” I say.
But now that the deacon mentioned it, I’ve got the casino on my mind. Now, who should be watching their words, huh?
Wow, I’ve gotten pretty good at the whole “holding my tongue” thing. Sometimes, I even impress myself.
“You’ll do well to.” The deacon nods then walks off to a group of elders, probably to inform them of our irreverent speech.
As soon as Eli and I are alone, he bursts into laughter. “That was a close one, ain’t not?”
“For some reason, I can’t stop thinking about the casino now.” I join in.
“Ellie will not want to go to the casino.”
At the sound of her name, I’m back on track.
I send up a brief prayer. Please, Gott , let Ellie agree to ride with me tonight.