An Amish Kitchen by Kelly Long Amy Clipston & Beth Wiseman

Author:Kelly Long, Amy Clipston & Beth Wiseman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2012-10-24T04:00:00+00:00

Stephen turned to Bishop Smucker. “What would you like to talk about?”

The bishop nodded toward the back door. “Let’s go for a walk.”

Stephen followed the older man outside and toward the barn. His mind reeled with questions while they walked. He didn’t think he’d done anything improper since arriving in Paradise. Yet the disapproval on Rachel’s face warned him that this might not be a friendly visit.

The bishop stopped in front of the barn and faced Stephen. “How are you getting along in Paradise so far?”

“Very well.” Stephen leaned against the barn wall.

“Gut.” The older man folded his arms over his chest. “I wanted to stop in and see how you were doing. A couple of members in the community voiced a concern about your being here.”

“Why were they concerned about me?” Stephen stood up straight.

“Hannah is a sweet maedel, and they were worried about how folks may view her if she’s alone with you at the inn.”

“We’re not alone. There are guests coming to stay all the time. In fact, the inn hasn’t been empty since I arrived.”

“My instincts about folks are normally correct, and you seem like a gut man. However, I’ve known Hannah since she was born. I grew up with her daadi. If your relationship at the inn seems improper, she has to live with the consequences. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Although frustration struck inside him, Stephen nodded. “I do.”

“There may be guests in the inn, but if you’re seen alone together, it could be damaging to Hannah. You were alone with her tonight, and a scene like that could be misconstrued by others. Rumors can spread like wildfire in a close community.”

Stephen frowned. He knew rumors all too well, since he’d experienced them firsthand after Lillian died. Although the members of the community said they forgave Stephen, he heard whispers about the sin he and Lillian had committed.

“If you know you’re going to be alone with Hannah, you need to find an appropriate chaperone. It would’ve been smarter if you’d shared your snack at Rachel’s haus instead of being alone with Hannah. I’m certain the rules were similar in Sugarcreek.”

“The rules were the same.” Stephen kicked a stone with the toe of his boot.

The bishop frowned. “If you choose not to follow the rules, then I may have to ask you to move out of the inn and stay somewhere else.”

“I understand.”

“Gut.” The older man smiled. “I’m glad we could have this talk, Stephen. Gut nacht.”

Stephen looked toward the inn and wondered how Hannah’s talk with her mother was going. He thought back to the conversation they’d shared earlier, and he hurried over to the buggy. “Bishop, may I ask you a question?”

“Of course.” The bishop dropped the reins and climbed back down. “What’s on your mind?”

“Do you believe we’re completely forgiven if we confess our sins to God and our community?”

“Ya.” The bishop raised his eyebrows. “Why do you ask?”

“What if you confessed, but the sin was still heavy on your heart? How do you overcome that burden?”

The bishop paused as if to collect his thoughts.

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