The Beginner’s Quilt

Prologue

Shipshewana, Indiana

DIANNA BONTRAGER PACED FROM ONE end of the living room to the other, stopping only to glance out the window at the rain shower that had just begun.

“Oh no—not again,” she muttered.

“What’s wrong?” her husband, Philip, asked from across the room, where he sat reading the latest issue of The Budget Newspaper.

“Would you believe it’s raining again? For goodness’ sake, we’ve had more than our share of rain this spring, and it makes me long for the hot weather of summer.”

Philip left the paper on the chair and came up behind her. “Is it really the rain bothering you, or is there something else on your mind that has you in a sour mood?”

Dianna folded her arms and groaned. “You know me too well, don’t you, Husband?”

He chuckled and slipped his arm around her waist. “Jah, but then what do you expect after being married to me these last thirty-six years?”

She shrugged without giving a response.

Moving directly behind Dianna, Philip rubbed her slumped shoulders. “Come on now … Tell me what’s really on your mind. It’ll make you feel better to get it out, and you know you want to.”

Dianna gave a sharp intake of breath. “You’re right. Maybe I will feel better if I verbalize my thoughts.” She turned to face him. “It’s Emma. I’m worried about her.”

“How come?”

“Do you really not know?”

He shook his head. “Why don’t you enlighten me?”

“She’s almost twenty years old and lacks the skills that she’ll need for marriage.”

“Such as?” Philip questioned.

“Do I need to remind you that our daughter can’t cook or sew and that she doesn’t show any interest in learning to do so?

” Dianna heaved a sigh. “Emma wants to be outdoors all the time, either doing chores in the barn or helping you with various things in your woodworking shop.” She glanced upward and shook her head.

“I’ve tried so hard to pique our daughter’s interest in the kitchen and sewing room, but with little or no success. I feel like a complete failure.”

“You’re not a failure, Dianna.” He gave her a tender hug. “Apparently, Emma is simply not interested in those things. Sure wish I had an answer for you that might make things easier.”

“Don’t you understand, Philip? It’s not for me that I want Emma to learn domestic chores. It’s for her own sake.”

They stood quietly together, staring out the window, until a brilliant idea popped into Dianna’s head. “I think I know a solution to the problem.” She clapped her hands as a ray of hope rose in her chest.

“What do you have in mind?”

“We can send Emma to Arthur, Illinois, to live with my parents for the entire summer.”

“How’s that gonna help?” Philip reached up and scratched behind his right ear.

Dianna’s lips parted slightly as a smile formed. “As you know, my mudder is an excellent cook and can sew just about any item of clothing, and it all turns out well. She’s also a patient woman. If anyone can teach our youngest daughter how to cook and sew, it’s my dear mother.”

Philip quirked an eyebrow and smirked at Dianna. “But even if your mamm is successful at teaching her those domestic skills, can she find Emma a husband?”