Chapter 28
H ENRY
I think this is the most nervous I’ve ever been.
I don’t want Ellie to know I’m here, because I’d like to surprise her, so I wait until her father comes to the barn to tend to the chores. Before I ask Ellie to marry me, I want to be sure it is okay with her folks first.
Maybe I’m crazy to be here since Eli said his dat wouldn’t let me pay for the wedding, but I need to at least try. If we want a date in the spring wedding lineup, I’m going to need to approach the leaders soon. Not to mention, Ellie and I will need to go through our baptism classes first.
“Daniel,” I call out as he approaches the barn. I note that Elijah and his brothers are headed out for chores as well. “Can we talk in private?”
“ Guten morgen , Henry! What has you here on this fine day?” Daniel rarely seems to be without a smile, no matter how dire his circumstances. It’s like he harbors some kind of secret joy. “ Kumm , we can talk in my shop.”
After he leads me to the back room in the barn, I unload my thoughts. But I need to tread carefully because Eli shared their family’s circumstance with me in confidence. I have to act like I only know as much as the rest of the g’may knows, just that they have bills that have threatened to drown them. I can’t let on about them possibly losing the house or, Gott forbid, their moving to the Millers’ old shack.
“You know that I’ve been courting Ellie.” I can’t stop my smile. There was a time when I wasn’t sure that would ever happen. Yet, here I am about to ask her father for permission to marry her. I still can’t believe my good fortune.
“I’ve heard the rumors.” His eyes sparkle.
“Well, I’m just going to say it. I want to marry Ellie this spring.”
And his smile turns upside down. “So soon?”
“I know it seems sudden, but you must know that I’ve loved Ellie for years. And I think she might agree to it. I hope she will. If she doesn’t, then I can wait until fall if I have to.”
“I’m afraid that’s not going to be possible. In spring or fall. Weddings, as you know, are no small matter.”
“I realize that, and that’s why I’d like to help pay?—”
Daniel holds up a hand to stop my jabbering. “ Nee . I will pay for my own dochder’s wedding. When it is time. But now is not the time. Perhaps a couple of years down the road.”
Ach , a couple of years? Right now, that seems like forever. And that’s not even a guarantee.
How can I convey my thoughts without them sounding wrong? “I’m just worried that…well, I don’t want to, um…do anything we shouldn’t yet. You know what I mean?”
“Well, then, if you cannot contain, perhaps you and Ellie should take a step back. She’s only eighteen yet. You will have plenty of time.”
Jah , but I want to marry her yesterday. I don’t want to wait for years on end. Nevertheless, this is Ellie’s father, and I need to respect his wishes.
I rub my chin, but I can’t squelch my disappointment. “ Ach , vell , denki for hearing me out, anyhow.”
Daniel grips my shoulder. “There’s no one that me or Ellie’s mamm would rather see her marry more than you, Henry. It’s a gut match. A wedding is just not going to be possible for some time. I’m sorry.”
Well, that’s that. I honestly don’t know how we’re going to be able to wait that long. Maybe it’s best that I don’t go say hi to Ellie this morning.
I’ve got a full work week ahead of me anyhow. I need to buckle down and attempt to refocus my thoughts.
Because, barring a miracle, making Ellie my fraa will be years in the making.
I’m going to need Your help, Lord!