An Unexpected Amish Courtship by Rachel J. Good

Author:Rachel J. Good [Good, Rachel J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zebra Books
Published: 2021-05-21T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Isaac looked up from loading chickens into a customer’s truck to see Mrs. Vandenberg beckoning him. He held up a hand to let her know he’d be right there. She nodded and made her way to a picnic table.

Gut. He wouldn’t have to worry about her toppling over.

As soon as he was done, he and Snickers hurried to the table. He always enjoyed talking to Mrs. Vandenberg.

“Do you have a few minutes?” she asked.

With a smile, Isaac sat across from her. He patted the bench beside him, and Snickers hopped up.

“First of all,” she said, “have you had a chance to practice Demosthenes’s technique and the other information I gave you?”

Isaac wanted to prove it to her, so he closed his eyes, inhaled deeply, and pushed out a loud “Jah.” He’d done it. Gotten out an answer without stuttering.

“Wonderful.” She beamed. “Once you learn to modulate it a little, it’ll be perfect.”

He nodded to let her know that had been his plan. Unfortunately, he hadn’t learned how to do that for whole sentences. And the effort it took him to speak on the outbreath meant he had little control of his volume—yet.

“Don’t look so discouraged. It’s a big change, and you’re coming along nicely.”

He drew in a breath and managed an explosive “Danke.”

“What about Demosthenes? Are you still working with the pebbles?”

“G-gravel.”

“That’ll help too. I want you to invite me to your first speech.”

Isaac laughed. He’d like to invite her to hear one full sentence. He’d be thrilled to get to that point.

“Don’t laugh,” she said, leaning forward with a serious glance. “I have no doubt you’ll be able to give a speech someday.”

He couldn’t help smiling at her earnestness, but it did give him encouragement. Knowing she believed in him made him want to prove her right. If he got to that point, his first speech would be a sincere danke for her kindness and inspiration.

“I have a favor to ask.”

He’d do anything for her.

“I know a young lady who’ll need a ride to market starting next Tuesday. I’m not sure how long she’ll need transportation, but I’m hoping you can take her.”

Isaac tried to keep his expression cheerful. He imagined driving a strange Englischer every day and struggling to speak. Was this Mrs. Vandenberg’s way of making sure he practiced?

“You don’t look too happy. Should I ask someone else?”

His too-loud “Neh” startled them both. Mrs. Vandenberg even jumped a bit. Isaac regretted that, but he’d gotten out another whole word.

“Are you sure?”

Mrs. Vandenberg had done so much for him. The least he could do for her was drive her friend. He nodded.

“One of our stand owners will be going into the hospital this week, and her niece—”

“S-Sovilla?” Did Mrs. Vandenberg want him to drive Sovilla? Jah, jah, jah!

She laughed. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have teased you, but it was worth it to see the joy on your face. I promised her I’d find her a ride starting next week.”

Isaac tried to control the smile stretching his lips until they ached, but he had little success.

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