Chapter 59
“T hanks for driving me home—and everything.” As Lydia said her goodbyes and exited Maureen’s car, heady farmland fragrances engulfed her. She felt as if she were finally reaching shore after drifting at sea aimlessly like a chunk of wood. She breathed to her fullest. She noticed laundry hanging on the line and was grateful she’d kept her dresses, aprons, and white heart-shaped cap. Even the straight pins holding her garments together.
When she arrived at Jonathan’s parents’ farm, she was filled with anticipation and a case of nerves. She tied the mare to a hitching post and climbed the steep stairs to the back porch bedecked with a lawn swing and chairs. She couldn’t resist sitting on the swing for a moment to admire the grand fields that seemed to spread forever. The melody of birds trilling and warbling filled her ears.
She noticed movement in the distance and recognized Jonathan turning over the soil using his dat’s four giant Percherons—preparing the earth to plant acres and acres of corn. If they wed, Lydia would be expected to assist him, a task she would gladly take on.
She descended the steps and went to Jonathan. Intent on his work, he didn’t notice her until she called out, “I’m home, Jonathan.”
He steadied his horse and glanced her way but said nothing.
She sprinted across to his side. “Can you ever forgive me?” she asked.
“That depends.” He jiggled the reins, and the horses moved forward.
She struggled to keep up with him. “I implore you to please wait.”
He stopped his team but kept a tight grip on the reins. “Are you staying for good?” he asked.
“Yes. Even if you’ve given up on me.” She waited for a sign of affection but saw only blue eyes glaring back at her.