Brightest and Best by Newport Olivia

Author:Newport, Olivia [Newport, Olivia]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-63409-559-4
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2015-07-16T16:00:00+00:00

The lessons were finished for the day, and the girls had gone to the dawdihaus to cheer up Miriam, promising to heed Ella’s warning not to be rambunctious. They could offer to read to Miriam, Ella had suggested, or ask her to tell a story about when she was their age, but they were not to ask for cookies or a game. Stew was on the stove, and corn bread cooled on the counter.

Ella debated looking in on Miriam. She seemed more rested than she was a week ago and unlikely to accept coddling for much longer.

The back door opened, and Gideon came in.

He glanced around. “Where is everybody?”

“Tobias is in the barn with James, and the girls are with Miriam,” Ella said.

A silly grin crossed Gideon’s face. “Good.” He leaned in to kiss her on the mouth, something he never did when the children were within sight.

She would never tire of the taste of him.

“Let’s go for a ride,” he said.

Ella tossed the dish towel in her hands onto the table and reached for her shawl.

“What will you do about the fines?” she asked as the buggy rumbled onto the main road.

“Pay them,” he said.

“You can’t just keep paying fines,” Ella said. “They’re sure to get steeper.”

“I have a plan.” Gideon clicked his tongue to speed the horse. “Did James get into town to check on Lindy today?”

Ella nodded. “The doctor says it’s only a bad sprain. Lindy needs to stay off her feet for a few days.”

“Then it will be handy to have David around,” Gideon said. “I hope he’s helping with the chores around the house.”

“Rachel wishes he would come home, and I don’t blame her. Someone has broken into Lindy’s shop twice. How is Rachel supposed to know David is safe? Lindy could come, too. I’d be happy to help look after her.”

“But David won’t come home, will he? Not unless Jed agrees to let him go to school.”

“No.”

“Then it’s better that he is with Lindy for now.”

“I don’t understand why anyone would want to hurt Lindy—twice.” Ella exhaled. “Rachel is organizing meals. James will make deliveries.”

“Good.”

She leaned forward, realizing Gideon’s route. “Are we going to the new school?”

Ella hadn’t seen the construction since it was hardly more than framing. The Mast farm was far enough off her usual routines that she did not cross their fields often.

A few minutes later, Gideon eased the rig to a stop in front of the one-room school and helped Ella out of the buggy. He held open the door to the building. Even in the waning afternoon, windows channeled light inside.

“The blackboard is up!” Ella said.

It was pristine, still rich in its slate hues, unclouded by layers of chalk smeared across the surface. Desks were lined up in precise rows, not yet subject to the jostling of squirming children. Three different sizes bore witness to the mixed ages the room was meant to serve. The simplicity and efficiency of the space beckoned beauty.

“All we need is an Amish teacher,” Gideon said, “and I think I know someone who would do a wonderful job.

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