The Wonder of Your Love - By Beth Wiseman Page 0,12
didn’t learn English until they started school, but since English was Lillian’s native language, she’d raised the girls by speaking that to them. Samuel said it didn’t matter what language they spoke, only the meaning behind the words they said. And Elizabeth and Anna were good girls. Lillian and Samuel were doing a fine job with them. Katie Ann hoped she would do as well with Jonas.
Lillian wiped her hands on her apron, approached the table, and leaned down to kiss Jonas on the forehead. “Hello, my precious Jonas.”
Lillian looked up, and Katie Ann knew what she was going to say. She said it daily, and it had just become a “thing” between the women.
“Have I told you how glad I am that you named this baby Jonas?”
Anna spoke up before Katie Ann had a chance to. “Mamm! You say that all the time.”
Lillian cupped her daughter’s chin. “I know I do, and you’d know why if you had known your great-grandpa Jonas. The best man who ever lived, I believe.”
“I thought Daed was the best man who ever lived,” Elizabeth said.
Lillian smiled. “Well, besides your daed!”
Katie Ann sat down beside Anna. “So what’s the occasion? Why are you making peanut blossoms today?”
Lillian walked to the stove and pulled out a fresh batch of cookies. Without turning around she said, “Whatever do you mean?”
Katie Ann heard the playfulness in Lillian’s tone. “Ach, so there is a reason.”
Elizabeth skipped to Katie Ann’s side. “Martha asked Mamm to make them to have tonight for your date.”
Katie Ann stiffened. She took a deep breath. “Elizabeth, I don’t have a date tonight. Martha is just having a friend over to have supper with us.”
“That’s not what Mamm said. She said—”
“Elizabeth!” Lillian spun around. “Take your sister and go play in your room for a while so I can visit with Aenti Katie Ann.” She took a step forward. “Scoot now. After I chat with your aenti, you can both come back downstairs and have a double helping of cookies.”
Both girls nodded, then scurried upstairs. Katie Ann waited until they were out of earshot before she spoke. “Lillian . . .”
“Ya, dear sister-in-law.” Lillian grinned from ear to ear as she eased into a chair beside Katie Ann.
Katie Ann stifled a grin. She needed Lillian to understand that there was no chance of courtship with Eli Detweiler. “This is not a date tonight, but I am well aware that everyone is trying to play matchmaker between me and Eli.” She shrugged. “I suppose in some ways that makes sense. We are both alone, without spouses. But . . .” She held up one finger. “That does not mean that we are anything alike. And besides, Lillian, I am still mourning Ivan.”
Lillian reached over and patted Katie Ann’s hand. “I know, sweetie.” Lillian quickly sat taller and grinned. “But he sure is handsome, and Vera said Elam’s cousin would be a great catch. Did you know his wife died seventeen years ago and he raised his six children alone since then?”
Katie Ann stiffened again. “Ya. I know. And he is very proud of his accomplishments.”
Lillian put her elbows on the table and laid her chin in her hands. She spoke softly. “Don’t you think he should be a tad bit proud?”
“I don’t mean to sound harsh, Lillian. I’m sure he did a wonderful job, but I’m not ready to date anyone, and if I was, I don’t think it would be Eli.”
“I wouldn’t rule him out so quickly, mei sister.”
Katie Ann waved her hand in the air. “Never mind about Eli. I need to talk to you about something else.”
Lillian’s eyes widened. “What is it?”
Katie Ann took a deep breath. “It’s about Lucy Turner.”
Lillian grimaced. “What about her?”
“She sent me a letter a couple of weeks ago.” Katie Ann watched Lillian’s left eyebrow lift. “And she is coming to visit me.”
“What for?” Lillian placed her palms flat on the table. “She doesn’t need to come here for anything. I’d like to get my hands on that woman and—”
“Lillian!”
“I know, I know. It’s not our way. But I’d still like to rough her up a bit.” It was endearing the way Lillian had always been protective of Katie Ann, even if sometimes her old Englisch ways rose to the surface. “Did she say in the letter why she’s coming?”
“To discuss an urgent matter.” Katie Ann shrugged. “I have no idea what could be so pressing. And, Lillian . . . I haven’t told anyone about the letter.