Chapter 36
H ENRY
I’m finishing up my evening chores as Elijah’s buggy pulls into the yard.
I hope he has Ellie with him, but he appears to be alone as he hops down, tethers his horse, then strides toward me with purposeful steps.
He looks like a man on a mission.
“Hey, what’s going on?” I ask as he approaches.
He shakes his head. “You don’t want to know.”
“That’s probably not true. I want to know everything, especially if it concerns Ellie.”
“This does concern her, but you don’t need to be concerned about it.” Eli’s speaking in riddles.
“What are you not saying, Eli?”
He sighs. “Forget what I said before about not being able to marry Ellie soon.”
That got my attention. “What do you mean?”
“Just don't worry about it, alright? You'll be able to marry her before long. You won't have to wait for twenty years.” He grins now, all gravity gone.
“Eli, what are you talking about?”
“Nothing. I have a plan, okay? I’m going to work it out. Just be patient. My folks will be able to afford a wedding soon.”
“Elijah, what on earth? How? You’re not going to rob a bank, are you?” I tease.
He snorts. “That’s all I’m saying.” He pivots, then heads back to his buggy. “Good night, Henry.”
And just like that, he’s heading back out of the driveway.
I don’t know if I should rejoice over his words or be concerned about Eli’s mental state. I mean, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t rob a bank…yet, at the same time, he didn’t exactly deny it.
I shake off the ridiculous thought.
What in the world could he have planned? Whatever it is, I wish I could help him with it. Because any idea that brings Ellie Petersheim closer to becoming Mrs. Henry Yoder seems like a good idea to me. Unless it’s robbing a bank, of course.