The Amish Christmas Sleigh (22 page)

She reached across the table and put her hand on Beth's. “I understand you wanted to protect your bruder, but putting your hands on Matthew shouldn't have entered your mind. You could've used your voice or waited for the teacher. She would've handled the situation.” She shook her head. “Please go to your room and do your homework.”

Beth glanced over her shoulder at Luke.

He bit his lip and glanced out the window.

Chin to her chest, she padded to her room.

Charity slumped in a chair. “Beth pushing Matthew is terrible.”

Luke reached for her hand, then withdrew it quickly. He had reacted and not thought first. He suspected his heart had taken over. “I'm surprised at Beth's behavior, but it doesn't sound like the teacher would've crossed the yard in time before Matthew delivered his second shove.”

Charity stood and crossed her arms. “Are you condoning what Beth did?”

“No, but I don't agree her pushing the boy is
terrible,
given the circumstances.”

Charity tightened her lips and crossed her arms. “I disagree. There is no room for compromise on this issue.”

“You're overreacting.”

She stiffened. “I'm disappointed we don't agree. You and I have both been raised not to impose physical harm to anyone for any reason. Beth must understand she can't do this again.” She nervously touched her kapp and glanced toward the hallway. “I should check on the kinner.”

Her abruptness caught him off guard. “Charity, I didn't mean to offend you. Let's sit and discuss this. I don't want to leave under these circumstances.”

She stared at her feet. “I'm sorry, Luke. I'm tired, and it has been a long day. May we discuss this another time?”

He nodded, lifted his coat and hat from the wooden peg, and left. He would allow her time to digest what had happened before talking about this again. He'd said the wrong words. She'd misunderstood him. What Beth had done deserved punishment and she shouldn't ever repeat her action, but he understood it. He'd apologize tomorrow and listen to what Charity had to say.

Charity pressed a hand to her forehead. Her head throbbed and her teeth hurt from gritting them so hard. He had been Amish all his life, so how could Luke defend Beth's putting her hands on the boy in such a way?
Overreacting? How dare he?
He hadn't understood at all, and she wasn't
overreacting
. She filled and warmed a large basin of water on the stove and then carried it to Beth's room.

The child's lips quivered.

Charity's face softened. At least Beth showed remorse. “Please get ready for your bath.”

Beth trudged to the washroom and stood silent.

Charity returned from the kitchen and poured warm water from the wash boiler into the cool water already in the tub. She touched it. “The temperature is all right. You can step in.”

Beth undressed, put one foot in at a time, and inched her body into the water. “Danki, Mamm.”

“You're a gut schweschder to Josiah. I'm glad you care about him, but do you understand why you mustn't let this happen again?”

Beth's shoulders slumped and her lips trembled. “Yes. I'm sorry.”

Her dochder had a strong will, determination, and wasn't afraid of much. She hoped Beth had listened and learned her lesson. Charity left the room and checked on Josiah. Snuggled under the covers, he slept. She left him in his clothes and covered him. He'd been through a tough time suffering the loss of his finger, and now this. Her kinner were close and couldn't stand it when she punished one or the other of them. She hoped they'd remain close as they aged.

After Beth bathed and put on her bedclothes, Charity listened to Beth's prayer. “Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for pushing Matthew, but please help him not to push Josiah again. Make his parents real mad at him and punish him gut. I love You. Amen.”

Charity opened her mouth but then shut it. She wanted Beth to say whatever was on her mind to God anytime she wished. She was certain Beth had learned her lesson.

Later, she lit the kerosene lamp and opened her bag. After pulling out a half-finished scarf, she wound yarn around her needles and began to knit. Luke was too tolerant where her kinner were concerned. She'd put distance between them for a while. Maybe time apart would be gut for her, too. She couldn't figure him out.

Her frustration mounted, not knowing where he stood concerning his emotions for her. Pushing the needle through the blue yarn, she paused. Maybe she'd taken her irritation and embarrassment concerning the situation out on him. No doubt he loved her kinner and wanted the best for them. Nonetheless, she couldn't allow Luke to diminish what Beth had done in any way. Even angry, she couldn't stop her heart from skipping a beat at the picture of Luke's handsome face in her mind.

 

Luke carried a cooked chicken and a pint of peach jam he'd bought from a peddler in town to Charity. Maybe his gifts would show her he cared and wanted to make amends. “How are the kinner?” he asked.

Charity gave him a faint smile as she held the door half-open. “They're fine. Beth's in her room and not allowed to play, and Josiah is playing with his wooden train.” She eyed the food in his hands. “It's best if you and my kinner don't spend time together for a while. Beth needs to take her punishment seriously, and I don't want you to insinuate in any way that her behavior was justified.”

Luke lifted his eyebrows. “I wouldn't do anything to interfere or go against you. I apologize for speaking out of turn. I should've listened to you and kept my opinion to myself.”

She met his eyes. “I accept your apology, but please help me impose this punishment on Beth by not allowing her to visit with you for a week or so. I would really appreciate it.”

“I understand.” He passed her the chicken and jam.

“Danki, Luke.” She bowed her head and closed the door.

A whole week before he could darken their doorstep again. He wouldn't want this disagreement to harm what they had between them. He'd wait, then approach her again.

 

During the week, Luke repaired furniture and doors and painted inside walls for his friends and neighbors. He was sick of eating ham sandwiches. The loneliness was even worse. Had Beth and Josiah asked about him? What had Charity told them about why he hadn't visited them? He closed his eyes. He could picture their angelic faces and melodious voices. Their giggles and stories about school delighted him, as did Charity's full lips and wide smile and the sparkle in her eyes. He frowned. The loss of them from his life this week had been difficult. He readied for bed. Tomorrow was Sunday, and they'd be at church. Would she allow him to talk to the kinner?

He woke to the Sunday morning sun peering in the window. Maybe it would melt the snow and ice. Hot coffee sounded gut. Climbing out of bed, he paused to stretch. He couldn't wait to go to church. Charity, Josiah, and Beth would be there. Would Charity speak to him? Had she missed him? He hoped so.

He dressed, readied his horse, and rode to the church barn. He passed the reins to the young stable hand and stepped inside. He searched for the Lantz family. They were seated on a bench several rows back from the front. He took slow steps to sit behind them. His throat dry, he coughed.

The Lantz kinner turned around and grinned widely.

Beth waved. “Hello, Luke.”

Josiah shifted in his seat. “We've missed you. Mamm said you couldn't come over because Beth was bad and it was part of her punishment. She said a week. It's been a week. Will you sit with us at the meal today?”

Charity smiled.

He nodded and grinned. Maybe everything would return to normal.

After the service, he made small talk with Charity and the kinner while they enjoyed their meals. It was as if they'd not had a disagreement. He bid them farewell and looked over his shoulder at Charity one more time. His eyes narrowed. Mr. Young was asking her a question. He strained to hear Mr. Young's exact words. Haus? Had he asked Charity to his haus? The chatter around them drowned out most of their conversation. He couldn't understand when Mr. Young had invited her to visit him. She was nodding. Oh no, what was she agreeing to? The man was a widower. This couldn't be gut.

He went home, fixed another cold ham sandwich, and read the first few pages of the book of John in the King James Bible, then fed his animals. His body ached and he couldn't keep his eyes open. Cold one minute and hot the next, he pulled back the covers and climbed in bed. He'd shut his eyes for a few moments before changing into his bedclothes. A little while later, he shivered and pulled his knees up to his chest. Tossing and turning, he couldn't get in a comfortable position. Legs and arms aching, he rubbed them.

Star licked his face, and he pushed him away.

Whining, Star jumped off the bed and paced.

Luke gritted his teeth at the sound of the dog's nails tapping on the wooden floor. “Settle down, boy.” He shivered. Hot one minute and cold the next, he piled quilts and blankets on himself. Sweat beaded on his face and soaked his bedclothes.

C
HAPTER
4

S
unday evening Charity sat in her favorite oversized oak chair and sipped hot cocoa. Luke had brought her food and apologized. The man had gone out of his way to help her, and she had taken her anger out on him. It hadn't been fair to punish him as well as Beth, although she was disappointed he hadn't agreed on the seriousness of Beth's transgression.

On the other hand, her kinner loved and missed him. She had missed him more than she thought she should. Was God testing her? She bowed her head. “Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive my anger and frustration this week. I'm confused. Guide me in what You would have me do where Luke and Mr. Young are concerned. Should I wait on Luke? Is he a friend or something more You have planned for me? Give me the right words to apologize to Luke. Danki for Your love, grace, and mercy. Amen.”

She would rather spend Thanksgiving with him than with the Young family. He shouldn't be alone on Thanksgiving. Maybe she should invite him to her haus. No. She had accepted Mr. Young's invitation for her family to join his for Thanksgiving. He had been a widower for a year. His wife had had a deep cough and weakness for a year before she died. Ten years older than Charity, he was a decent man, bald with pale skin and freckles. He was thin and tall. She liked his kind demeanor, and he went out of his way to talk to Josiah and Beth after church meals.

Luke had gazed at her a few times during their suppers as if he wanted to say something endearing, but then he shied away. She frowned. Maybe she'd misunderstood his expression and it was wishful thinking on her part. She couldn't wait forever. She owed it to herself and her kinner to find out if Mr. Young could be a potential husband.

She cocked her head and listened.
Scratch, scratch.
She crossed the room and opened the door. “Star, what are you doing here?”

Josiah and Beth joined her. “Where's Luke?” The kinner rushed outside into the cold.

“Kinner, please come inside. You'll get sick without your coats on.”

Beth's teeth chattered as she rubbed her arms. “Star came here alone.” She petted the dog's head. “What's wrong, Star?”

Star padded in but went back out before Charity could shut the door. He barked and paced on the porch.

Beth glanced at Charity. “He wants us to follow him.”

Charity stared at her bright dochder. The child was right. Beth never ceased to amaze her. She paid attention to detail and hardly missed a thing. “Get your coats on. We'll return him to Luke.”

Josiah clapped his hands. “Gut. We'll finally get to visit Luke. I've missed him. When can we visit him again?”

She kissed his forehead. “I'm sorry I've kept you from Luke. It was wrong of me. I'll talk to him about it soon.” She grabbed a lantern and herded them outside. They hurried to match Star's pace.

Josiah hugged her arm. “Danki, Mamm.”

Beth nodded. “Yes, danki, Mamm.”

She swallowed. The kinner would be lost without Luke if she chose Mr. Young. She knocked and the door swayed open. Luke had left it unlatched. She went inside. “Luke, may we come in? Are you all right?”

A moan came from a far room.

Josiah and Beth followed her with worried faces.

The haus was eerily quiet and dark. She lit the kerosene lamp closest to the door on a small table in the entryway. She squinted and noticed dirty dishes and a half-empty glass of water on the kitchen table. That wasn't like him. He'd always put his tools away and cleaned up his mess after doing repairs at her haus. Her breath caught. Something was wrong. She found another lamp and turned it up. She gestured toward Josiah and Beth. “No, you two stay in the sitting room.” She ran her hand along Star's soft black fur. “Play with Star. I'll be right back.”

She crept down the hallway and found Luke in his bed. She stepped gingerly to his bedside but kept her distance. His face appeared flushed, and his body trembled. Moving a little closer, she touched his forehead and quickly withdrew her hand. Warm and clammy. He had a fever.

He opened his eyes and his lips quivered. “Charity, what are you doing here?”

“Star scratched at my door. He must've sensed something was wrong. You need a doctor. I'll ask Mamm to mind the kinner and fetch him. First, I'll get you a drink of water.” Not waiting for his response, she returned to Josiah and Beth. She explained to the kinner about Luke's condition and why she'd need to drop them off at her mamm's. “Leave your coats on. I'll be back in a minute. I'm going to the kitchen to get Luke some water. He's sick.”

They frowned and nodded.

She hurried to the kitchen and pumped water into a pitcher and poured him a glass. With one hand to her churning stomach, she returned to his room. He shivered and winced. She grew light-headed.

“Can you sit up?”

He struggled to raise his head.

She held the glass to his lips. Her heart ached for him. He barely had the strength to sip the water, his body quaking. “I'll be back. You rest.”

His voice was weak. “No. I don't want you to go out in the snow and cold. I'll just sleep and be better in the morning.” He reached out and took her arm. His hand shook against her skin. “I'm glad we've moved past our disagreement. I missed you.” His eyes closed and his body trembled.

She put a hand to her heart. She shouldn't have shunned him. “I'm sorry for being rude to you, Luke. I took my frustration out on you, and you didn't deserve it.” She put a hand to her chest. “Please rest. I'll be right back.” She retrieved the kinner and trudged through the snow to their haus. She retrieved her horse and wagon, then she and the kinner headed to her mamm's. She was glad it was a short distance. The wind blew cold.

Beth knocked on the door. “Grossmudder, Luke's sick.”

Josiah hung his hat on a hook. “Star came and told us.”

“How did Star tell you?”

Charity hugged her mamm and recounted how Star had led them to Luke. “I'm worried about Luke. He's a vibrant man, and the raging fever has him weak and shivering. I'll rest easier if Dr. Harris examines him. Maybe he'll have medication to help lower Luke's temperature. Do you mind watching the kinner?”

“Of course not. You be careful.”

Charity bid the kinner farewell, climbed in the wagon, and guided her horse to town. Her heart ached for Luke; he had looked miserable. Throwing a blanket, then a saddle over her horse and fastening it, she paused. What if this was more serious than just a fever? She adjusted the bridle, then pushed the thought from her mind.

Dreading bothering the harsh doctor, she hoped he'd agree to come back to Luke's. Arriving at his haus, she rapped on his door.

He appeared and frowned. “What brings you here?”

“Luke Fisher is ill.” Charity recounted Luke's symptoms. “Will you please come to his haus?”

Dr. Harris grabbed his coat and medical bag. “I'll tell my fraa where I'm going and meet you there.”

Returning home, she put the horse in her barn, then waited for Dr. Harris on Luke's porch. She rubbed her arms.
It's so cold.
A few minutes later, Dr. Harris arrived. She accepted his animal's reins.

“You go on in. I'll stow your horse out of the winter air and then I'll come inside.” She hurried to secure his horse, then went inside and added logs to the dwindling fire. Flames burning bright, she removed her gloves and held her hands close to the fire.
Warm at last.

She put a hand to her forehead. She hoped his illness wasn't serious. She'd done all she could for now. She went to Luke's kitchen and washed and dried the dishes. She stretched the damp dish towel on the counter to dry.

Dr. Harris entered. He lifted his chin and stared down his nose at her. “His fever is high, but he doesn't have a cough or nausea. I've given him two spoonfuls of medication to lower the fever and to help him rest. I put the bottle on his bedside table and told him to take two teaspoons every four hours until his fever is gone. I don't suspect anything serious. When his temperature breaks, he'll feel much better. If not, please fetch me.”

“I will. Danki.” She followed him outside, escorted him to the barn to get his horse, and waited until he left before she went back to check on Luke. The doctor's cool demeanor hadn't changed since the last time she'd encountered him. No matter. She was grateful he'd come to Luke's to check on him.

She went inside, got a glass of water, tiptoed to Luke's bedroom, and stood a few feet away from him. “Are you doing all right? Is there anything I can get you?” She set the glass next to his medication.

“Danki for getting the doctor. I'll be all right. I just need sleep, and I'll take the medicine.”

“You're wilkom. Get some rest.”

“Danki again, Charity. Your being here is the best medicine.” He managed a weak smile.

Her cheeks warmed. “It pains me to find you ill. I hope you're better soon. I'll check on you tomorrow.”

He pulled the covers tight. She turned down his lamp and left. Heading for her mamm's haus, she fretted about Luke. Pale and in obvious discomfort, it was difficult to watch him suffer. She put a hand to her heart. She would fix things between them after he healed.

She knocked, then walked inside her mamm's haus. “Hello.”

Mamm met her. “How's Luke?”

Josiah and Beth hugged her.

Beth wiped cookie crumbs from her mouth. “Is he all right?”

“His fever is high. I'm hoping the medication Dr. Harris gave him helps lower it. Dr. Harris left the medication on his bedside table. He's to take two teaspoons every four hours, but I'm not sure he'll be in gut enough condition to take it. He really shouldn't be alone, but it would be improper for me to stay at his haus at night.”

“Why don't you take me over to Luke's? At my age, no one is going to question me watching over him until morning. I can give him the medicine.”

Her mamm had stepped in and eased her mind more times than she could count during her lifetime. She was doing it again. She had a generous heart, and nothing flustered her. She should've been a nurse. Beth resembled her mamm in this regard. “I'd rest easier if you'd tend to him. I'll be glad to take you.” She gestured to Josiah and Beth. “Get your coats, hats, and gloves. We need to get Grossmudder to Luke's and you to bed.”

Beth peered up at her. “I want to help Luke.”

“It's thoughtful of you, but no, he needs his rest. Grossmudder is going to take care of him.”

Josiah let out a deep sigh. “Feed Luke your chicken broth and bread like you do me when I'm sick. That'll make him better.”

Her mamm chuckled. “Gut advice, little one.”

“Can you walk to Luke's?”

“Jah, the exercise will do me gut.”

Charity and the kinner escorted her mamm to Luke's. She yearned to check on Luke herself, but her kinner needed to get to bed. The time had gotten late. “Will you be all right, Mamm?”

“Jah, child. Go home and get some rest.”

Charity and the kinner left and arrived home. “Change into your nightclothes, and I'll tuck you in.” She hurried to stow her horse and wagon in the barn.

The kinner sat on the floor in Josiah's room.

She knelt beside them.

Josiah yawned. “I'll go first.” He bowed his head and folded his hands. “Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me for my sins. Please make Luke better so he can take me sledding and we can fix things together. I love You. Amen.”

Beth then bowed her head. “Dear Heavenly Father, please forgive me of my sins. Please heal Luke and take away Mamm's sadness. Please tell her to let Luke come back. He makes her laugh and us, too. We miss him. I love You. Amen.”

She had been blessed with loving kinner. She kissed their foreheads and tucked Josiah in his bed, then held Beth's hand to her room and tucked her in.

Her precious kinner would be asleep in no time. Her heart lay heavy. This past week had been the longest and loneliest week she'd experienced in a long time. Maybe she should wait a little longer before giving up on Luke. She groaned and rubbed her temples. She should've put Mr. Young off a bit. She might have gotten herself into a mess.

 

Luke woke early. He dressed and followed the aroma of baked bread to the kitchen.

Mrs. Vogel grinned. “You have your color back. How are you?”

“I'm weak but on the mend. I'm starving.”

She straightened her apron. “I have hot tea on the stove and warmed chicken broth. If your stomach accepts the broth all right, then you can have something more substantial.”

Luke was fond of Mrs. Vogel. She had her gray hair wound in a bun under her kapp, and wire spectacles rested on her nose. The frail little woman moved slowly and winced in pain now and then, but she was always full of cheer. Charity's mamm took slow steps and care in lowering herself to a chair.

“Danki for taking care of me and for breakfast. I'll take you home after we're finished.”

“You've done so much for my family, I'm happy to do it. You take it easy today. It's not far. I can walk home. I'll stop by Charity's and tell her you're doing much better.”

Her concern touched him. “I insist on taking you home.” He spread a cloth napkin on his lap. “I'll feed the animals, but I won't venture out. I have no repairs scheduled today. Once my strength returns, I'll be as gut as new.” He sipped the tea she passed to him. “You raised a kind dochder. She's a wonderful mamm and a hard worker.”