Amish Heritage, page 7
“I thought you would be fast asleep.” Levi’s gentle laughter filled the room. Pulling back the heavy covers topped with a quilt worked-up in shades of blue, he crawled into bed.
Miriam pulled her hair over her shoulder and quickly braided it before slipping into bed beside her husband.
She wanted to talk to him about his involvement in hunting down these horse thieves. How did she even begin? Taking a deep breath, she tried to open up to him, but nothing came out. She tried again with the same results.
Levi rolled over and propped his head on his hand and looked at her. “Is there something you want to say, dear?” he asked softly.
Miriam nodded, and a tear ran down beside her ear. Levi wiped it away and kissed where the trail had been. “You can tell me anything, you know.”
Miriam nodded and began again. “I do not want you involved in catching the horse thieves, Levi. It scares me. What if something happened to you?”
Instead of becoming upset, he laughed at her. “Do not worry your pretty little head about this. I have it covered. Between Wayne, the bishop, Ash, and myself, we have a plan. A good one.”
Miriam pushed herself into a sitting position and leaned back on the sturdy headboard. “This plan, it still has to do with this new stud horse you have coming in?”
Levi was quiet for a moment, and then he asked her, “Why are you worried?” Miriam’s face pulled into a frown.
“It became real to me when I heard you and Wayne talking earlier.”
“I am sorry this happened. You do not need the stress, but our plan will work. I know it will, then all this will be over.”
CHAPTER 12
The meeting lasted longer than anyone expected. At least the various horse breeders were aware of the problem, one that seemed to be escalating. Levi learned of two more thefts.
The one worrisome note to everyone involved with the horse thefts came down to not knowing where the horses were being kept. Levi suspected, and many of the men agreed, they must be holding them in an Englisch farm, one they did not know.
The only thing the meeting accomplished was to set the plan in motion to catch the thieves. The bishop knew and approved of the trap. Pride filled Levi watching the Bishop tell all of them the new, extremely expensive stud would arrive today at Levi’s farm. The bishop wanted to be involved with everything in his district. What a difference a few months made. Old Bishop Yoder was harsh and demanding, while Bishop Eischler loved his community.
Levi snapped the reins of his pacer, wishing they were already at his home. His brother Wayne at least kept the bishop busy in conversation in the back of the buggy. If Bishop Eischler knew Asher waited at the barn, he might not have come with them to set it all in motion, the risk of bringing Asher into their problem went against the Bishop’s orders.
Nee, Levi believed the man would detest the police included in the trap. The decision to take this beyond the Amish was Levi’s. The danger to his family helped him decide to bring the Englisch law into an Amish problem.
“Levi your brother has some good solid planting ideas for the spring.”
“Yes, he does. His help is greatly appreciated.”
“You will have more time for training your horses.” The bishop smiled as if he was responsible for Wayne coming here. Levi thought about it for a minute and could see the bishop’s reasoning. He allowed Wayne to stay. Levi hoped the bishop would approach Wayne about being baptized.
The thought reminded Levi they needed to finish the work on the old farmhouse and get it updated. Levi could feel Miriam’s need to have their own home back in order. He was trying, and also wanted them in their home before their boppli arrived.
Levi was grateful the road was dry with a minimal amount of ice. So far, the horse had little problems with footing. But he was cautious enough not to push for speed.
The new stud should be arriving in the next hour or so. The bait for the thieves put Levi on edge. The stud, Radar, would make the future breed lines for their farm. He would be relieved when this was over. Worse than the thought of losing the horse was the strain it was putting on Miriam. She really hated the whole plan, and Levi knew it wasn’t right for her or the boppli.
Levi shook off his worries as he turned the buggy into the yard. He caught sight of Asher as soon as they headed to the barn. His friend since school days opened the barn door for them so Levi could drive the buggy right into the barn.
The bishop huffed beside him, and Levi wished he could disappear. He never faced the bishop’s anger and was not looking forward to it.
“We need him, Bishop. These thefts are much more than just one or two in our district, they are increasing at a fast pace. The law must handle them.” Levi took a breath and waited for the Bishop to reply. The way he looked at Asher and then Levi was enough to make Levi swallow, hard.
Asher moved up and shook the Bishop’s hand, and then began explaining to them all just how dangerous these men had become. Another theft happened last night, resulting in two Amish men being beaten and taken to the hospital.
“Sir, Levi needs our help in apprehending these thieves. Let me show you the equipment we have installed to record them in action. The deputies from Paradise Wells and two other districts will be here, waiting for them.”
“What if they don’t show.” The Bishop was angry, but Levi felt he understood why he had to involve Asher.
“Then we will have to find the thief closer to home. I don’t like to think they are so near, but it is a possibility.”
The Bishop nodded and seemed to think over the information Asher told them. “You best catch them and soon, Ash. We don’t need this danger in our midst.”
Before anyone could say more, they heard the truck coming up the drive. “I think your bait just arrived, gentlemen. I will head to the house for a warm drink. I have not seen the new boppli Wayne, nor your wife, Levi since hearing the news.”
With that said the man left the barn.
Levi and the others snapped out of their surprise over the Bishop and began working on getting the horse into the barn.
Later, after nearly an hour in the house, the bishop returned to the barn. “What a wonderful looking horse.” The Bishop never took his attention away from the stud.
Levi smiled, he too couldn’t stop watching the animal pawing the ground and prancing around his new stall. The outside wall held a door which opened directly to the large pen that Radar could use. The extra tall walls of the paddock and exercise pen were strong enough to keep him in. Levi had been warned. Radar liked to find his way out of any enclosure. “And the barrier goes down over three feet, so he cannot dig his way out.”
“Yes, good work, Levi, I can see where this horse will be a handful. Any thief would want him. I hope everything will work, and this danger will end.” The Bishop turned to face Levi. “I am not angry with you, though it was a shock to see Asher here. I should have realized how dangerous this is getting. When will Asher be back for the trap?”
“We decided to wait until the squatters are moved in. They are supposed to all meet at Asher’s parent’s farm. This way, there will not be any sign of the Englisch on the farm.”
The Bishop nodded and then put his hand on Levi’s shoulder. “You be careful, Levi. Many people depend on you.”
“I will, Bishop.”
Together they said a prayer.
Grant us, O Lord, your protection. Within your protection, strength. And within your strength, understanding. And within your understanding, knowledge. And within your knowledge, the power of justice. And within the power of justice, the love of all of Creation. Guide and protect our body, our mind and our best judgment in all things. For you, O Lord, will never leave our side. In this, we trust. Amen.
Levi gave a final wave at the Bishop as his buggy took the turn out of the yard. The Bishop was a good man, and Levi felt hopeful for the district to have such a man.
He pulled the big barn doors closed. Levi needed to make a final sweep of the animals before dinner.
The sound of the smaller door opening caused Levi to spin about. “Miriam. Is something wrong?”
Levi took hold of her hands and gently pulled her to him. “It is good to see you.”
He held her to him and moved his hand up and down her back. The tension inside her could be felt by him. Miriam leaned back a small bit and looked up to him. “Do you think this plan will work?”
Levi smiled and rested his chin on the top of her head, inhaling the beautiful scent which belonged only to his wife. “I hope it will. Besides, what thief could pass up such a beautiful horse?”
He laughed softly as she tried to look around him. “Come on, come meet Radar. I have looked for two years to find the perfect stud for our farm.”
Miriam moved out of his arms to see the horse. “Oh my, Levi. I have never seen a more beautiful horse.”
He stood behind her and held her, “He is that, and I think he will begin our breeding line for us.”
Radar came forward, and Miriam pulled a carrot from her pocket. “Yes, you are going to love all the mares waiting for you this spring.”
“Oh, wife, you do make a point.” His laughter and hers filled the open space of the barn. “It seems he likes girls already. He has not let anyone touch him, and here you stand, holding a carrot as he chomps down the piece you gave him.”
“I figured he needed to calm down and what better way than a goodie to eat.”
“You will spoil him, Miriam.”
“Oh, I intend to.”
The look she gave him made Levi want to pick her up and toss her on the nearest haystack.
CHAPTER 13
Anna gave Miriam and Ruby a tour around the house. Including the basement with the double doors leading into the cellar. “There is an opening at the outside directly into the basement. It will help a lot come canning time.”
Miriam knew Anna was the one who insisted on getting the squatters into a warm house before she and Wayne moved into the house and made it their new home. Her sister-in-law was entirely right to worry about those people. She thought they all might be relieved when the families got here.
She would check them medically once they got settled, especially the children. Miriam discovered two of the ladies were pregnant. Spring would see a lot of new life on their farm.
Wayne and Levi finished the repairs in the kitchen and heat in the old house. To her surprise, they even updated it with propane.
Ruby told her David and others were already finding jobs for the men. Some of the district ladies wanted to teach the new ladies how to make quilts and other sellable goods to make money in the store. Ruby also wanted to begin going to the craft shows in the area, having these ladies here, would be a big help to Ruby.
She couldn’t stop running her hand over the bump of life growing inside of her. Their boppli should arrive this summer, and they both could hardly wait for it to join them.
Miriam hid her humor over Anna’s authoritative arm wave for herself and Ruby to follow her.
“I want to show the two of you the rooms we set up. I think we can get at least four families, maybe five depending on how many children are involved.”
“You have been really busy, Anna.”
“You know how it is, Miriam. Our men need some guidance.”
Ruby and Miriam looked at each other and mouthed the word guidance. Thankfully neither of them laughed. Miriam decided Anna possessed a great talent to take charge of things. “Whatever the reason, I am glad to see so much progress.”
Ruby stepped forward, “Anna, should we begin by getting the curtains up?”
“Jah, it will be wonderful. I can go check the twins and put the dishes away which were dropped off. Our neighbors have become quite helpful and are donating many wonderful household items. I think there will be enough for them all.”
With the announcement, Anna swirled about and headed downstairs.
“Sister, she is a marvel to have Gotten this house in order. It really is beautiful.”
“I know Ruby, I have been busy sewing up all the items she needed and taking care of our house. I do not think it would be this ready for anyone if Anna hadn’t taken charge. Levi said there was more to her than anyone knew to suspect.”
“Well, he is right.”
Anna called up the back stairs to the kitchen for them to come down for a moment.
“Here Ruby, let’s put the curtains in here for now.”
Once downstairs, they followed Anna’s call from the basement.
“Oh good, you are up there. Come down here. I wanted to show you both how large the basement is.
When the sisters walked into the basement, Anna said, “We will need to string some clotheslines for the rest of the winter. Do you think we can find a washer? I discovered some faucets over in the corner we could use to hook up to a washer.”
Ruby spoke up, “I will put a notice up on the board at the shop, it should get the word out.”
“Oh thank you, it has been working quite well since you made the notice board.”
“Anna? When will the families be arriving?”
“Levi and Wayne made contact with the families when we were leaving, and the Bishop with Wayne have been back. Levi said the men from your district, or should I say ours, now, should be ready to pick up and bring them here in two days.”
Miriam came back from checking out the rest of the basement. “I am so worried about this whole thing. I will be relieved to have it done and out of our lives.”
She tried not to get upset, but it became too difficult to ignore. Levi was in danger, and it needed to stop. If they did not catch them, Miriam knew she would not be quiet about it. She refused to stay with Anna and Wayne that night.
“Miriam, what did you find over there?”
She smiled at Ruby, understanding she was trying to take her attention away from the worry. "We need to get shelves up for the canning. There is a lot of room, and even after they leave, it will be wonderful to have the storage.”
“Oh yes, Miriam. You are so right about it, I will make sure to note it for Wayne. Once planting is over, he will be able to make some.”
Anna’s smile became contagious.
“Oh, look over there, Anna. There is an outside door. I have always felt they lent safety to the inhabitants. I will make sure the doors are cleared of any debris.”
The girl giggled, and Miriam looked at her in question.
“Miriam, we do think alike. I cleared the door the other day to be sure anyone can get in or out.”
“If everyone could take a seat in the other room we will begin with the meeting.” Levi’s voice carried over all the heads of people in the kitchen. Miriam smiled and hoped they would listen, she needed to sit down.
After cooking breakfast for the crowd, she was exhausted. She wondered how all these ladies fared so well during their pregnancies. She still felt tired all the time. Even eating small snacks almost every hour hadn’t boosted her energy.
She looked down and rubbed her boppli’s large ball, Miriam almost laughed, she couldn’t see her feet. She was bigger than most at this stage. She sighed and refused to worry over it all.
People were not leaving the kitchen. Deciding men never like to listen to anyone, she picked up her pad of paper and walked through many conversations saying, “the pads of paper and pens are there on the counter if you need them.”
She smiled to herself when the men walked behind her, slow that they were, but at least they were finally moving, and she could sit and watch them filter in. Miriam rubbed her lower back to help ease the pain. Thoughts of Levi massaging her back tonight brought a silent smile to her face.
She felt his presence behind her just before his hands gently squeezed her shoulders. His warm breath brushed her ear as he whispered, “You look like an angel with not so nice thoughts in your pretty head.”
Miriam’s cheeks flared in heat, and it was all she could do not to laugh out loud. He gave her shoulders one last squeeze before moving away. Since she began staying home, their relationship flourished and felt so beautiful. At first, she worried she made the wrong decision but becoming close to Levi meant the world to her, she would not change a thing.
Ruby and Anna came to sit with Miriam in the front row of the ladies’ seats. They all settled down when Levi walked up to the front with the Bishop.
“This meeting is to keep everyone informed of the progress we are making. The house for the families is basically finished. We are waiting for the new heater to be hooked up today, the other one failed to keep working. But, all the major repairs are completed thanks to the extra help these last couple days. Thank you.”
Levi smiled and let the Bishop take over the meeting.
The Bishop raised his hands to gain attention again. “Everyone, I have some fantastic news, I have been able to speak to all six family heads to learn of each of the circumstances of their shunning and how they feel about coming back to the district and our church.
I will tell you, each of these family’s conditions is due to the last bishop. Also, I’ve researched all the records, and it seems as though all the men were shunned before being baptized. They all want to come back. There is one family that is ready to make this step and will do so at our spring service, Wayne and Anna Miller, please come forward.”
The whole room was silent, and Miriam couldn’t stop smiling. “This is so wonderful, Ruby. They are taking the baptism classes.”
Her sister reached over and took hold of her hand. “It really is, Miriam.”
The Bishop continued and said a prayer for the couple and their future in the district.
“You all know Wayne, and Anna Miller insisted on bringing the families into their home. We will be investigating the other families and their former homes to see what can be done. Wayne will be farming his family's land.”
