toward the sky and made a forward rolling motion that both men took to mean “tomorrow.” They had devised a similar backward movement to indicate “yesterday.” Over the years Daniel and Isaiah had developed their own simple form of communication.
When Isaiah nodded in understanding, Daniel slapped his shoulder once more and started for home. As darkness fell around him, he paused a moment to pray for guidance. With Abby gone, he felt like a boat adrift without anchor or paddle. Now more than ever, he needed to stay strong for the people living here who depended on him.
Catherine watched from the kitchen window as Daniel sauntered off, carrying supper to his mysterious cousin. Shy Amish people might not talk much at meals, but she’d never known any to hide from folks, especially not from their own family. While she washed dishes, wiped down countertops, and swept the floor, her mind invented half a dozen reasons for someone turning into a hermit.
Had he broken the Ordnung so grievously that the district had cast him out? District members could not take meals, conduct business, or socialize with those who had been shunned, but they could provide food, shelter, and basic necessities. Is that what Daniel is doing—providing subsistence to someone who has been shunned? By the time she had finished cleaning the kitchen, no other explanation seemed logical.
“Laura, Jake, come take a bath,” she called from the doorway to the front room. “Your daed said it’s time. Laura, you put the toys away in the box while your bruder bathes first.”
Jake scampered to his feet, carrying a yellow rubber toy.
“Mamm lets him bring Ducky in the tub,” said Laura, looking pensive.
“Then Ducky can come for a scrubbing too.” Catherine took the boy’s hand, feeling a measure of relief as Laura began tidying the room without a word of argument. Maybe the kinner would adjust to her presence quicker than their father.
After Jake was bathed, dressed in his sleep shirt, and headed up the steps with an equally clean duck, Catherine called Laura for her turn in the bathtub. Daniel hadn’t returned from his delivery yet. While the girl splashed around in the bubbles for a few minutes, Catherine started the kettle for tea, watching the back door for his arrival. Fifteen minutes later, her niece padded out in a fresh nightgown and sopping wet hair. Catherine left her window-side vigil to towel dry Laura’s waist length tresses and brush out the tangles.
“Tell me, niece, how old is your cousin who lives out behind the barn?”
The child shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know.”
“Is he young like you, old like me, or somewhere in between?”
Laura looked up at her and considered. “He’s old like you, but not old like daed.”
“Hmm, that’s interesting. Do you know his name?” She glanced into the back hallway.
Laura giggled. “Of course I know his name. It’s Isaiah.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever met him,” Catherine said softly, working her fingers patiently through a nasty snarl.
The girl lifted and then dropped her shoulders.
“I wonder why he doesn’t come to preaching services or why I’ve never met him at any social occasion. I don’t think my sister has ever spoken about a cousin living at her farm.” With care, she plied the brush through another tangle, not wishing to cause pain on her first day.
“Abby doesn’t talk about him because there’s not much to say… unless a person is interested in gossip.” Daniel leaned on the door-frame of the back hallway. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he wasn’t smiling.
“Daniel! You startled me. I had been wondering when you would get back.” Catherine finished brushing the child’s long hair and then braided it into a loose plait.
“Put that wet towel in the hamper and go upstairs, daughter. It’s thirty minutes past your bedtime. I’ll be up to say gut nacht in a few minutes.” After Laura did as instructed, he turned his hard-edged dark eyes on Catherine. “If you have any questions, ask them of me instead of a six-year-old.”
She stood and walked to the stove while her back arched like a cat. “I was curious as to why you have kept your cousin hidden away in a cabin instead of letting him mingle with other people. Would you like a cup of tea, Daniel? The water’s hot.”
“Jah, tea, danki.” Daniel walked across the kitchen and settled his tall frame against the counter. “Isaiah isn’t hidden away. He chooses to live by himself down by the river. He’s happy keeping