Thrown to the Wolves (The Faith in Peril Trilogy) (22 page)
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Authors: Holly Newcastle
“Well, she’s … um … an unmarried woman, and he’s … without a wife now, although he’ll have to mourn for the appropriate amount of time. Perhaps he wants a … doting, second wife.” I found watching them difficult, because she flitted around him, drying his hair and making sure his tea was warm enough. I did not want to see this. “Where’s Rebekah?”
“In the parlor.”
“I’m … I think I’ll talk to her.”
Mam grinned sympathetically. “Abram Zug is here as well. They just arrived.”
“How nice. I’ll go see him.” My voice sounded strange to my own ears. I had to force myself to sound happy, relieved, and encouraged. I didn’t want to quit the kitchen, wishing I could sit next to Elijah, but his parents, brothers and sisters flanked him now, with Catherine hovering servilely.
I wove my way through the throng, leaving Mam behind. Rebekah spoke with Mrs. Shetter, while Ruth and a friend gazed out the window. The storm continued to rage, the wind and rain lashing against the glass panes. Abram saw me at once, hastening over. His parents were near the door in conversation. I wasn’t fond of this room because it held two caskets, one for Justine and another for the baby.
“There you are.”
“Hello, Abram.”
He smiled politely. “What a tragedy. We’re hardly believing such sad fortune happened again.”
“It was shocking and unpleasant for everyone.”
“Have you eaten yet?” He glanced over my shoulder at the kitchen. “It smells quite nice.”
“There are lots of pies and things.”
“We brought mashed potatoes and ham.”
“I’m sure that’ll be appreciated.”
The Beachys sat on the sofa, while Mrs. Beachy held a handkerchief to her nose. She looked like she had been crying.
“Do you have any idea when we’re going to eat?” He eyed me hopefully.
“Um … I … think soon. We have to say prayers first.”
“Oh, yes, of course.”
It dawned on me then that our conversations were never truly personal. We spoke on a simple, superficial level—about the weather, farming, or food. He had never said anything about his escapades during his
Rumspringa
years. Women did not participate in such behavior or shenanigans. Most young ladies easily accepted their position in the Amish faith without having to push the boundaries like men.
Movement in the doorway caught my attention, as Elijah appeared. “Hello, everyone. We’re going to eat soon.” He glanced around the room, his eyes falling upon me. Then he stared at Abram. “Thank you all for coming. You’ve taken time away from your families and farms to commiserate with me. I … will endeavor to be worthy of this sacrifice.” Then he stared at the coffins. “Justine wouldn’t want anyone to make a fuss over her, but … well, we thank you for being here.”
Mrs. Beachy got to her feet, and I feared there would be a scene. Elijah had done his best to accept the dozens of people that had come to pay their respects, even though he wished to be alone. But, just yesterday, in his grief, he had pointed a loaded rifle at his mother-in-law. I held my breath, worried about what might happen.
“Will you lead the prayer, Elijah?” she asked.
He nodded soberly. “Yes.”
“I want you to know I’ve forgiven you for nearly killing me.”
The room silenced to such a degree, the only noise came from the sound of rain pounding against the roof. We all held our breath in anticipation. What would he say now?
“I’m sorry about that, Fannie. That was wrong of me. I wasn’t in my right mind. Thank you for forgiving me.”
It seemed as if everyone in the room took a collective breath, relieved there would not be another unpleasant event.
Mrs. Beachy cleared her throat. “Then we may put this behind us. I … behaved badly too. I wasn’t without fault. This has been very difficult.”
He nodded somberly. “Yes, it has.”
Everyone in the parlor had witnessed the reconciliation of two people who did not care for one another, although they had been related by marriage. I met Elijah’s stare, smiling slightly, happy he had taken it upon himself to make peace. He inclined his head to me, and, from his expression, I knew he felt a measure of relief with regards to the situation.
“Please, everyone. Let’s have a prayer so we can eat. I’m sure you’re all wanting to go home soon.” A crack of thunder rumbled over our heads. “Once the storm’s over.”
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Books by Holly Newcastle
The Faith in Peril Trilogy
Thrown to the Wolves
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