The Shepherd's Bride by Patricia Davids

Author:Patricia Davids
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Steeple Hill
Published: 2014-09-15T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

After a hectic week, Lizzie expected a day of rest on Sunday, since there was no church to attend. Amish congregations gathered for worship every other week. The “off” Sunday, when there was no preaching service, was reserved for quiet reflection, visiting and family time.

At home, it would have been the day for reading quietly or perhaps going to visit a friend or neighbor. Because she and her sisters didn’t have the extended family so common among Amish communities, they seldom visited anyone but a few close neighbors. Her uncle wasn’t a popular man. It was rare that anyone came to visit them.

The morning passed much as she expected, but a little before noon, Elam and Katie Sutter drove in. Sally Yoder sat in the back holding Jeremiah while Rachel leaned out the window with wide round eyes.

Glad for the distraction that would prevent her constant worry about her sisters, Lizzie went out to greet them. Three people emerged from the back of the buggy. As she was being introduced to Levi and Sarah Beachy and Naomi’s daughter, Emma Troyer, several more buggies turned into the lane. Lizzie looked around for Carl, but he remained out of sight. The second buggy held the Lapp family, and the last vehicle belonged to a couple she hadn’t met. Faith introduced them to her as Joann and Roman Weaver.

Joann, a plain woman with amazing green eyes, said, “I think I remember you. Didn’t you go fishing with your grandfather when you were little?”

“Now that you mention it, I do remember going to a lake with him, but I remember throwing rocks into the water, not fishing. Are you the little girl who could skip stones so well?”

Joann laughed. “I don’t know that I did it well, but I did it often, until I learned that it scared the fish away. I’m so happy to see you again. I feel like I have discovered a long-lost friend.”

Her husband wore a sling on his left arm. “I believe you have. Just remember, I’m still your number-one fishing buddy.”

“Like I could forget that.” The smile the couple shared made Lizzie wish that someone would smile at her that way.

It was a silly thought. She never expected to be courted. She never wanted to be courted. So why would she long for such closeness with any man?

“Newlyweds,” Sally whispered in Lizzie’s ear as she walked past. “They only have eyes for each other.”

The children ran past her and greeted Duncan. Then they immediately went down to the barn to look at the sheep. The next time Lizzie glanced their way, she saw Carl was with them. He was holding Rachel and letting her pet one of the ewes. She squealed each time she touched the animal’s soft wool, making Carl laugh at her antics. Joann and Roman went down to visit with Carl. Were they friends of his? Did they know his history?

Sally bounced down the steps of the porch and stopped beside Lizzie. “Good, those two have gone to make sheep’s eyes at the sheep instead of at each other.

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