An Amish Betrayal Read online

“Remember those articles you read to me from The Budget? The ones about all the goings-on?”

  “In Bishop Saul Kauffman’s district? You want to move there?”

  He nodded ardently.

  Beth frowned. “But that’s in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s an expensive state to live in, ain’t so?”

  “It is more expensive than here in Holmes County, jah, but my schweschder says there isn’t that much difference. Pay is typically more too. And she said the leaders there are wunderbaar. She thinks I’ll be able to get a job without a problem.”

  “What about a house?”

  “Well, she offered for us to use their dawdi haus until we can find something of our own.”

  “I don’t think they allow bicycles, do they? I’d be lost without my bike.” Beth frowned.

  Not to mention, Uri’s sister had never really seemed to take liking to her. But maybe that was just Beth’s imagination. They hadn’t spent much time together in the past, so perhaps they simply needed to get to know one another better. This might be a good opportunity to do that.

  “I’m not sure, but I can ask my schweschder.” Uri took her hand. “Is not having a bicycle enough to make you say nee?”

  “Nee. But what about Grossdawdi? We wouldn’t leave him. I don’t know how he’d feel about moving.”

  Uri grinned. “He’s not opposed to the idea. He’s read the articles and knows about all the good that Minister King has accomplished. I think he’d like to be a part of it, actually.”

  “Ach, for sure?”

  “Jah, for sure and certain.”

  Beth smiled. Jah, a move might be gut for all of them. “Then what are we waiting for?”

  Uri leaned close and kissed her lips. “I was hoping you’d feel that way. Let’s start packing!”

  SIXTEEN

  Three months later…

  Beth sighed in relief when their first church Sunday had come and gone. She’d been needlessly worried about making friends. It turned out that nearly everyone had been welcoming. It probably helped that Uri’s schweschder and her family were established members in the community. She was convinced she and Uri would have a happy life in Bishop Kauffman’s district.

  There was something that she thought strange, though. Had there been an undercurrent of animosity toward Minister King on Bishop Kauffman’s part? She thought it odd because she’d only heard good, positive things about the minister. Perhaps she’d mention it to Uri and he’d ask his schweschder about it. Or maybe not. It was really none of her business.

  “Beth, I think someone just drove up the drive and is coming to the door.” Uri called from their bedroom, probably emerging from the shower. “I’m not yet dressed.”

  She turned from the dishes she’d been washing and quickly dried her hands. “Ach, okay.”

  She moved to the door, wondering who might be visiting.

  “Ach, Michaela!” She smiled, then called back to Uri. “It’s Minister King’s fraa.”

  She opened the door.

  Michaela offered two loaves of bread. The deacon’s wife held a pie and a box of other items. And another woman carried a colorful quilt.

  “David asked the ladies of the church to bring you a welcoming gift,” Michaela explained.

  Were all these gifts for them? Wow, what generosity. It seemed everything they’d heard about David King hadn’t been exaggerated. Understated, maybe.

  “Ach, denki so much! I didn’t expect this.” Beth beamed. “Won’t you come in and have some coffee?”

  “Sure, but just for a little while.” Michaela smiled and nodded to the other two ladies.

  “Have you met everyone yet?” The deacon’s wife asked.

  Unfortunately, the woman’s name failed her. Beth’s cheeks heated. “I remember Michaela…and…ach, I’m sorry.”

  “That’s okay. I’m sure it’s difficult remembering everyone’s names when you’re new in town. Not like us. We only have three new people to remember.” The deacon’s wife, most likely in her late fifties, stretched forth her hand. “I’m Loretta, Deacon Yoder’s fraa.”

  “I’m Dorcas Miller.” An older woman, closer to her mother’s age, smiled. Beth was pretty sure she was the wife of the older minister.

  “Ach, it’s wunderbaar to meet you all.” Beth grinned. “Please have a seat.” She gestured to their small dining table. Their dining set only had four chairs, but fortunately, they owned a couple extra.

  “So, what do you think so far? Is it quite different here than what you’re used to?” Loretta Yoder asked.

  “Different, jah. For sure.” Beth handed each of the ladies a mug of steaming brew then sat down at the table with them. “Would any of you like milk or sugar?”

  “Nee. Black is fine,” Dorcas said. The others seemed to agree.

  “So how is it different?” Michaela asked.

  “Ach, vell, the kapps, for one. I don’t know how I’ll get all my hair under one of those little things.” She touched her round kapp that she’d purchased at one of the Amish dry goods stores back home. Ach, was there any place to purchase kapps in these parts? She knew that some districts required the ladies to make their own. She hoped this wasn’t one of them. “Where do you buy yours?”

  “Our prayer coverings?” Michaela’s brow lifted.

  Beth nodded.

  Loretta smiled. “There is not a store to buy kapps here. We make them ourselves.”

  “Ach, I’m not sure if I’d be able to make one. I’m not so gut at sewing, unfortunately.” Beth grimaced.

  The ladies looked at each other, surely bewildered at her admission. But it was the truth.

  “You can probably pay someone to make a few for you.” Dorcas nodded. “And you will learn to master the art of the flat bun. I will show you.”

  “Denki.”

  “I have an extra kapp that you can use, if you’d like.” Dorcas offered.

  Their kindness overwhelmed her. “Ach, denki very much. You all are so generous.”

  “It is what the g’may does, ain’t so?” Michaela smiled. “By the way, there is a sisters day coming up in a few weeks. You should come.”

  “Jah, I’d like that.”

  “It’ll give everyone a chance to get to know you and for you to know them.” Loretta took a sip of her coffee. “It will be held at our place. I can give you directions on how to get there.”

  An hour later, the ladies bid Beth farewell. Uriah had blown through the kitchen on his way out to the barn, but not without a brief greeting to each of the ladies. He’d probably felt uncomfortable being the only male present. Grossdawdi was likely napping in his room.

  She now heard Uri’s boots stomping on the back step. He walked in through the back door to the kitchen. “Well, how did your visit go?”

  “Ach, wunderbaar. I really think I’m going to like it here.”

  Uri grinned.

  “The ladies were all very kind, but I feel like Dorcas Miller and I may become gut friends.”

  He bent down to kiss her lips. “I’m glad to hear it.” He rubbed his hands together and his face brightened. “Now, what goodies did they bring us?”

  SEVENTEEN

  “Guess what, lieb?” Uri’s eyes danced and Beth attempted to figure out where his excitement stemmed from.

  “Uh…”

  “I got a job! Minister David just stopped by. He offered me a job on his ranch.”

  Beth’s jaw dropped. “Really? That’s wunderbaar!”

  “That’s not all.”

  Her eyes widened. What other surprise could her husband have?

  He took her hands, beaming. “We have a place to live! Minister David is renting us his extra cottage. I knew Der Herr would provide.”

  “Ach, really? Minister King seems very kind.”

  “Jah. He is. Probably one of the best ministers we’ve had, ain’t so? He really cares for our people.”

  “When do you start?”

  “As soon as possible.”

  “When can we
move in?”

  “Next week already. I will be able to walk to work.” She loved the enthusiasm dancing in Uri’s eyes.

  “Ach, we are blessed.”

  “Jah, Der Herr is gut.”

  “Bishop David is a compassionate man, ain’t so? Seems like he might just be the best leader we’ve had yet.”

  “Jah. You wouldn’t believe the stories I’ve heard. He’s one-of-a-kind for sure and for certain.”

  “Like what?”

  “Well, for starters, he saved this entire community. I think he was still a teen then. He’s brave and strong and they say he’s gone head-to-head with a mountain lion.”

  Beth laughed. “Ach, are you sure those are not just tall tales?”

  “Yep. There were witnesses who saw it happen.” He grinned and gave her a quick recap of the story.

  “Wow.”

  Uri nodded. “I know. It seems like he’s tried to meet every need he hears about. He’s fair in his dealings. Yet, he can be stern when it comes to sin in the church. He’s truly God’s man.”

  “And now, he’s given us a place to stay and provided a job for you.” Beth shook her head. “Who knew all those gut qualities could be possessed by one person?”

  “Don’t forget, he is just a man. He is not perfect.”

  “Nee, I wouldn’t think so. But Der Herr’s hand does seem to be on him.”

  “Jah, it does. For sure.”

  EIGHTEEN

  David pulled in a breath as he knocked on Bishop Saul’s door.

  The bishop’s wife answered with a smile. “Ach, David. How wonderful it is to see my son-in-law.”

  He smiled. At least his mother-in-law held no animosity toward him.

  “Is the bishop here?” His eyes sought out the area behind her.

  “He is out in the barn.”

  “Denki.” David nodded. “I’ll go find him.”

  He shut the door and headed in the direction of the barn. He could hear Saul moving about, most likely cleaning stalls. David entered and picked up the extra pitchfork. He moved toward one of the empty stalls and began working as well.

  “What are you doing?” The bishop’s gruff voice sounded from behind him.

  “Helping.”

  “I don’t need or want your help. Geh raus!”

  “Why? What have I done?” He set the pitchfork down and stared at his father-in-law.

  Bishop Saul turned his back to him and walked away.

  David followed him. “How have you been sleeping lately? I can come play my mouth harp for you again if you’d like.”

  The bishop spun around and marched toward him. He raised the shovel he held in his hand. Ach, was he threatening him with bodily harm? “I said geh! I don’t want you here. Ever. Again. Go! Now!”

  Tears pricked David’s eyes unbidden. What was wrong with his father-in-law? It was almost as if the devil himself had gotten a hold of his heart.

  He sighed and immediately left the barn, honoring the bishop’s wishes. What would it be like when he and Michaela had kinner? Would Saul want them to visit? David couldn’t imagine them not knowing at least one set of grandparents. They’d still see his folks, but not as often since they’d moved in with David’s brother up north.

  How on earth could they work together on church matters if Bishop Saul was against him? He’d have to go to Deacon Yoder and Minister Miller instead. Because right now, a rational conversation with the bishop seemed nearly impossible.

  He’d have to spend more time in prayer. Perhaps Der Herr would soften Bishop Saul’s heart.

  ~

  David sat in the bleachers, holding his number, and rubbed his hands together in anticipation of the horses that would come up at auction. He’d heard rumors that they’d have some formidable buggy horses and the bidding was expected to start low. Perhaps he’d add a few more sheep to his flock as well. Not that he still tended to his sheep. Nee, he hired that out after Fluffy had died and he took the ministerial position. He watched over a different kind of flock now. God’s flock. And it was a great honor.

  He’d been praying for Der Herr’s favor in helping find a couple of gut horses for the Gerber family. They’d been hit hard by a recent storm and their barn had collapsed, killing their two driving horses. It was a tragedy, especially for them, because they weren’t financially advantaged. Ever since Brother Gerber had gotten injured in a farming accident, their steady income had ceased. Now, his fraa made quilts and sold fresh bread and baked goods to the Englisch at their roadside stand, but it was hardly enough to support their large family.

  He’d have to remember to send Michaela over to their haus to pick out a quilt. They could always use an extra one or they could give it away.

  David had gone to the other leaders to request financial help for the family, but his suggestion—like every other one—had been shot down by Bishop Saul. So David had secretly left monetary ‘love gifts’ in the Gerbers’ mailbox, and he prayed others in the community had been inclined as well.

  If the bishop had something against him, that was one thing. But there was no reason other families in the community should suffer for it. One of the ministers had sought David out privately to discuss the rift between him and the bishop, suggesting the bishop be confronted and reprimanded. But David insisted that they pray for Bishop Saul more earnestly instead.

  Perhaps if he stepped down as a minister, the community would benefit. He’d considered that option, but decided that if Der Herr had caused the lot to fall upon him, who was he to change that? Wasn’t it Gott who raised up leaders and put them down? Nee, he would stay put. And he would pray.

  The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. He thought of the verse. Jah, if the bishop’s heart could be changed, it would only be by an act of Gott.

  “See anything you want?”

  David turned to the older man next to him, Enoch Yutzy, grossdawdi-in-law to his newest hired hand, Uriah Shetler. He smiled at the friendly man. “Nee, not yet.”

  “What about this next one coming up? I’ve had my eye on him.”

  “Ach, jah. How many hands would you say it is?”

  “About sixteen, I’m guessing. Decent size. Stalky but lean.”

  David watched as the horse ran laps in the arena, a teen boy holding the rope and running alongside him.

  The auctioneer started the bidding, but David waited out the first several bids. When the bidding lagged, he lifted his number. The other bidder offered one more increase then bowed out.

  “Sold to number three fifty-six!”

  David patted Enoch’s back and grinned. “Denki for your advice.”

  “Ach, it’s my pleasure.”

  “Maybe I’ll have you accompany me to every auction. You have a good eye.” David was sincere, but he saw the joy in the older man’s face. He’d guess that Enoch probably didn’t get out as often as he’d like.

  The man nodded. “Jah, I’d like that. So long as my grossdochder lets me.” He chuckled.

  NINETEEN

  The week at the auction had been long and David was happy to finally be home. He couldn’t wait to tell Michaela about the new horses he’d picked up at auction. And he couldn’t wait to take her in his arms and give her the kiss he’d been aching for since he’d left her five mornings ago. Ach, how did he ever get along as a single man?

  The van he rode in pulled up to his house. He thanked the driver, paid him, and waved goodbye.

  The man he’d paid at the auction house would be delivering the horses tomorrow. He’d also been able to purchase other items, furniture and whatnot, for several families in their district. Those would be delivered next week.

  Now, he needed a shower, a meal, and a little lovin’.

  He walked into the house. It seemed quiet. Too quiet.

  “Michaela? Are you home?”

  No answer. Perhaps she’d gone to visit her mother or one of the other ladies in the church.

  Wait. Wasn’t there a sisters’ gathering today? But that woul
d have been over by now, wouldn’t it? Maybe she’d stayed over at her mother’s for supper, not expecting David to return so early.

  Was their hired girl gone too? He hadn’t seen or heard from her either. Maybe Michaela had dismissed her for the day.

  Oh, well. Nevertheless, he needed a shower.

  He walked into their bedroom, toward the master bathroom—a luxury he was glad Michaela had insisted upon—until he spotted something on the bed.

  An envelope with his wife’s handwriting on it. He quickly pulled out the folded sheet of lined paper. His eyes read the words.

  Dear David,

  I don’t doubt that you will be surprised to see this letter at home instead of me.

  After you left for Shipshewana, my father insisted I come with him to Colorado. I’m not quite sure what he is up to, but as a dutiful daughter, I obeyed him.

  He said that I should expect to be gone for some time and to pack plenty of clothes. I’m not sure what that means, but I will write to you again once I arrive and know more about this situation.

  I hope you had a wonderful good time in Shipshe.

  Your wife,

  Michaela

  David frowned and looked at the date. The day he left for the auction. So she’d been gone five days yet? He set the letter back down on the bed.

  “Colorado?” His hand practically screeched through his hair.

  What was Bishop Saul up to?

  He marched toward the kitchen and finally located his housekeeper. “Phoebe, did any mail come in while I was out?”

  She closed the basement door, her hands holding several jars that appeared to be apple butter and jam. “Yes, Preacher. It is in the top tray on your desk.”

  “Thank you.” He nodded.

  He walked to his office desk and thumbed through the bills, sale ads, and what-not, until he found what he was looking for. Michaela’s letter. He quickly found his metal opener, a gift from his best friend. It was a special sword that Jon had purchased at an auction because it had reminded him of David’s bravery. But he didn’t feel brave now. He shoved it under the envelope’s flap, slicing it open in a single movement. His eyes flew to the words on the page, desperate for information about his wife.