He patted her gently. “I know what you are thinking of.”
She clung to her father, crying. “I don’t want to leave you, Father.”
“Don’t cry, my dear," he told her. "I won’t be marrying you off immediately. You are with us for now. I am sure Gott has good things planned for you.”
“Yes, Father. I will pray to our Lord to give me strength.” She wiped her tears. “Let me get you some dinner. You must be tired.”
Samuel watched her go toward the kitchen. Yes. She has turned into a mature young lady. She would be a blessing to the family into which she married. He prayed to God for Ruth’s happiness. He would let destiny take its course. It’s Gottes Willes.
* * * *
Chapter 3
It was early dawn, but Ruth was already awake. She had woken up earlier than usual. She had been so excited that it had been hard for her to go to sleep the night before. Finally the day of rumspringa had arrived. She would be going to visit Ant Sadie and spend a few days with her.
Ruth did her morning chores more quickly than usual. She milked the cows and helped her mother with the breakfast. When she was done, she collected a few of her clothes and packed them in a small sack. She adjusted her prayer kapp and ensured that she looked prim.
Ant Sadie lived a few miles away. It was an hour’s walk. The entire family gathered together when it was finally time for Ruth to leave.
“I can come with you, Ruth,” Her father offered.
“Thanks, Father, but it’s a short journey and I can manage. You have to go to the barn anyway. I will be all right.”
Her mother beckoned. “Come here, dear.” She gave Ruth a hug, holding her just a little longer than was needed.
“May God be with you,” she said.
Ruth ruffled Abram’s hair and patted Mary. Mary said, “You have to promise me, Schweschder, that you will tell me everything once you come back.”
Ruth laughed. “Yes, Mary. I will tell you everything that happens.”
Mary beamed. “Goodbye, Sister.”
Ruth waved good-bye. Then she turned toward the road and headed to her aunt’s house. It was a clear day with blue skies. The morning sun was gentle on her face. Her neighbors waved at her as she passed. They were aware that she would be going to her aunt’s house. She waved in reply.
As Ruth crossed a small bridge over a stream that marked the village boundary, she thought, All right, I am now in a foreign land. She felt both excited and a little nervous. She had been to her aunt’s house only a couple of times before, and this was the first time she had traveled there alone. Her father had been with her on the previous two occasions. Ruth met a few of the villagers along the way, and they nodded at her and smiled.
It was a little over an hour before she saw Ant Sadie’s cottage. Fields surrounded the small house. She saw her aunt out digging potatoes in the field and called out to her. Sadie smiled broadly.
“Ruth. Oh my, you have changed a lot. You were but a child when I saw you three years back. You are now a lovely young woman. Come. Let me show you inside the house.”
They entered the cottage. It was spartan, with only the essentials. Sadie showed Ruth to her room.
“You must be tired. Let me get you some food and milk.”
“Thanks, Sadie. That is very kind of you. But let me help you,” Ruth said.
“No, you can relax," Sadie told her. "It will take only a couple of minutes.”
“Please, I insist.”
Sadie smiled. “All right. If you want to help, you can help me by going to the Schrocks’ place next door. I need some beans.”
“Sure," Ruth agreed. "I will.”
Ruth had met Mrs. Schrock once before. She knocked on the door, but there was no response. She looked around and spotted a young man pulling water from a well. His back was turned to her.
“Pardon me, Mr. Schrock,” she called.
The man didn’t seem to hear her. She walked toward him.
“Mr. Schrock, I needed some beans.”
The young man turned toward Ruth, and her heart skipped a beat as she saw the mustached face.
* * * *
Chapter 4
They stared at each other as if in a trance. The man was the first to break out of it. “I'm sorry; I am not a member of the Schrock family. My name is James Townsend. I am living as a tenant here.”
“Oh!” Ruth exclaimed. She heard a voice behind her and turned. It was Mrs. Schrock. She hadn’t changed a bit from the last time Ruth had seen her.
“Do you need something, child?” Ruth saw a flicker of recognition in her eyes. “Ruth, is that you?”
Ruth nodded.
“I wouldn’t have recognized you, but for your eyes. When did you arrive?”
“Just now. I am on my rumspringa.”
“Isn’t that wonderful? Come inside. We have a lot to talk about.”
“I would love to stay, but I have to get back. My Ant sent me over to get some beans. I am helping her cook.”
“Oh, sure. Give me a moment. I collected a few of them yesterday. By the way, this is Mr. Townsend. He’s staying in the farm shed for a few weeks. Mr. Townsend, this is Miss Byler.”
James inclined his head. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Byler.”
Mrs. Schrock headed into the house to find the beans, leaving Ruth alone with the young man. She wondered what she should say to him.
“So, are you staying with your aunt?” he ventured.
Ruth nodded. “Yes, I come here now and then. How about you?”
“This is the first time I have been to this village. I am a doctor. I'm here to do some research.” He smiled at her and she felt her heart flutter.
“You are a doctor?”
“Yes.”
“I know a little bit about medicines. My uncle ran an apothecary and I used to help him.”
“If you are interested in medicine, I could probably teach you a few things. I have a lot of medical equipment with me. I'd be happy to show it to you some time if you like.”
Ruth realized that she was really attracted to the young man. And now that he had mentioned that he was a doctor, her respect increased. Doctors were life-givers.
“I would like to take a look, but I have to help my aunt with lunch.”
“That’s fine. You can visit me any time you want. How would after lunch suit you?”
“Er, I am not sure," Ruth hesitated. "I will first have to call upon Mrs. Schrock.”
“I understand.”
Just then, Mrs. Schrock hailed her from the doorway of her home. “Ruth, here’s your beans. Boil them on a slow flame and they will taste delicious. And don’t forget to come over to my house later so we can catch up.”
Ruth assured her that she would be coming soon. Then she collected the beans and returned to her aunt’s cottage. A few minutes later, lunch was ready. They had a delightful lunch, which was coupled with a heartfelt conversation between Ruth and Sadie. They had a lot of catching up to do with one another's lives, and they spent the next few hours discussing every thing that had happened since they last met.
* * * *
The next morning, Ruth was up and about early, and she helped Sadie with the daily chores. Sadie was pleased with Ruth’s independence and responsibility. Ruth didn’t want to be a burden on Sadie and had already decided that she would help her as much as she could.
After breakfast was done, Ruth asked if she could pay a courtesy call to Mrs. Schrock. Sadie agreed and told Ruth not to worry about preparing lunch. Ruth promised to return soon.
As she walked over to the neighboring house, she saw James in the yard. He was feeding oats to the horse.
“Good morning, Mr. Townsend.”
James turned around. “Ah, Miss Byler. It is indeed a beautiful morning.”
Ruth watched him feed the horse. “The horse seems to like you,” she observed.
“Yes. The feeling is mutual.” He glanced at Ruth and then continued. “You don’t get t
o see many horses in the city. Initially, I was afraid of him, but now we get along well.”
Ruth said, “Horses are similar to people. They take time to forge a friendship. A stranger that you come to know well is no longer a stranger.”
James smiled. “That’s true. So, do you have a couple of minutes to spare? I can show you some of the stuff that I am working on.”
Ruth thought about it. She had come to visit Mrs. Schrock. However, she found the warm voice of the Englischer inexplicably appealing. She wanted to know more about him and what he was doing in their village. This should only take a few minutes, she thought. Mrs. Schrock won’t mind a little delay.
“Please lead the way, Mr. Townsend.”
They went to a shed at one corner of the farm. It was larger than she expected on the inside, primarily because it was mostly empty. An old and broken down buggy was kept at one corner. There was a kettle, some bowls, and a few spoons on a table to one side. However, what caught Ruth’s attention first was a crate full of books and a pile of scientific equipment, including a microscope, a stethoscope, test tubes, and some medicinal supplies.
“What are those?” she asked, pointing to the modern equipment. Ruth had never seen anything like it before.
“This is my portable laboratory. Here, let me show you.”
James showed Ruth the medicines that could cure various diseases. He told her about the microscope that could show you things that could not be seen with the naked eye. Ruth was intrigued, so he showed her what a potato peel looked liked under the microscope. Ruth was impressed. It felt like magic to her.
There was a knock on the door. James opened it to find Mrs. Schrock on the other side.
“Mr. Townsend, did you get a chance to look at the buggy?” Mrs. Schrock inquired.
“Yes. I think it can be fixed. It will take me a couple of days to get it working. I was telling Miss Byler about my work. I apologize if I have distracted her from the purpose for which she came.”
“Ach, Ruth! I didn’t know you were on the premises,” Mrs. Schrock said.
“I am sorry, Mrs. Schrock. I was about to call on you.”
“It’s all right, my child. Take your time.”
“No, I think we are done here,” Ruth said, glancing at James.
He nodded. “That’s right. Feel free to visit me again sometime. I'd be happy to show you more of the equipment.”
“Thank you for your offer," Ruth told him. "I will take my leave now, Mr. Townsend. Have a good day.”
“You too," he replied. "Have a good day, Miss Byler.”
* * * *
Chapter 5
It had been an eventful day.
Ruth, who had a set routine at home, felt good about herself as she cooked the evening meal. She had thoroughly enjoyed her conversation with Mrs. Schrock. However, she couldn’t take her mind off her meeting with James.
He had been a real gentleman and was knowledgeable about his work. She was still astounded by the incredible things she had seen. She felt like he had offered her a peek into the outside world. She wanted to know more about him and his life. She wondered what it would be like to live the life of an Englischer. Would it be more exciting than her current life? She wondered what would happen if she decided to live outside of the community in the Englisch world.
Sadie spoke. “Ruth, dear, can you cook the vegetables as well? I think I will lie down and rest. I am not feeling well.”
“I am sorry, Sadie," Ruth apologized. "I should have helped you more today.”
“That’s okay, my child," Sadie told her. "I will be in the bedroom if you need me.”
Ruth didn’t worry too much about why Sadie felt indisposed. She figured that she must be hungry. Ruth worked efficiently to get dinner ready for her.
Dinner was a quiet affair, compared to the previous day. Sadie listened intently as Ruth told her about her day, speaking only when Ruth asked her a question. After a while, she asked Ruth to close the windows.
“Are you feeling all right, Ant?” Ruth asked.
“I am a bit tired. I will be fine.”
Ruth took a closer look at her aunt and observed that she was shivering. “Are you sure? You don’t look so good.”
“I will feel better after I have had some sleep,” Sadie told her.
Ruth helped Sadie to her bed and gave her some water to drink. As Sadie rested on the bed, she grasped Ruth’s hand. Ruth was astounded at the warmth of her touch. She placed her hand on Sadie’s forehead and found that she was feverish.
“You are sick, Sadie. Let me make one of Uncle’s home remedies. It will cure you,” Ruth told her.
“Don’t bother yourself, Ruth. I will feel better tomorrow,” her aunt said.
“It will take only a couple of minutes. Please, I insist.”
Ruth went to the kitchen and gathered the necessary ingredients. A couple of minutes later she was at Sadie’s side with the medicinal drink. Sadie drank it and lay back on the bed.
Ruth fanned Sadie’s face with her handkerchief. She waited for a few minutes and then touched Sadie’s forehead. The fever hadn’t subsided.
“Pray for me dear,” Sadie said in a weak voice.
So Ruth prayed. She prayed in a soulful and heartfelt voice to God. She prayed that Sadie would be well soon, so that she could have many more conversations with her. She prayed for God to make her strong, hale, and hearty.
Ruth stopped praying on hearing the retching sound.
“Mein Gott, help us.” She saw that Sadie’s face had become bloodless. The medicine wasn’t working. Night had fallen. The local apothecary would be closed. No one would help them.
Ruth felt helpless and alone. Sadie’s fever could worsen if she waited until morning. Ruth prayed to God for deliverance.
Suddenly, Ruth was struck by an inspiration. The Englischer next door! He could help.
Ruth ran barefoot across the field and knocked on the shed door, hoping that James was not asleep. She looked closely and saw a tiny crack of light around the doorframe.
There was a shuffling sound inside and the door opened. James took one look at Ruth and asked, “Is everything all right?"
“My aunt is sick. Can you help me?”
“Sure.” He grabbed a coat and followed her.
Back at the house, Ruth led James over to where Sadie rested. He made a quick examination and then told Ruth, “I will be back in a minute. I need to get some of my stuff.”
He returned in a few minutes, carrying a stethoscope, a vial of medicine, and a syringe. He checked Sadie’s vitals and then gave her an injection.
Ruth watched Sadie anxiously. Sadie looked visibly more relaxed after being injected with the medicine. A few minutes later she was asleep.
James said, “She will feel better in the morning. A good sleep will be very beneficial. I will come back tomorrow morning to check up on her.”
Ruth clasped her hands in gratitude. “Thank you so much for helping me. You are a godsend. I don’t know what I would have done tonight, if you hadn’t come.”
“That’s okay," James told her. "I didn’t do anything special. It was God’s will that I was in the neighborhood.”
“Yes. God bless you.”
“Thank you. I will take my leave now. Goodnight.”
* * * *
Chapter 6
By morning, Sadie felt significantly better. Ruth told her about the events of the previous night and Sadie said that the least they could do was to invite James over for lunch. Ruth agreed.
Presently, James came over to check on Sadie. He declared her much improved and admired her for the strength of will that had allowed her to pass through the difficult phase.
Ruth was full of appreciation for what James had done. James was modest about it. He knew he had only done what any doctor would have done. They invited him to join them for lunch. James told her that he would be delighted to have lunch with them, but he was fixing Mrs. Schrock’s buggy and would possibly not have time
that day. After much cajoling, he agreed to lunch the following day.
The next day, Sadie and Ruth enthusiastically prepared lunch for James. They selected the finest vegetables and fruits and exceeded themselves in ensuring that James would have a delightful and memorable lunch. While they ate their lunch, the three of them indulged in small talk, but it soon became evident to Sadie that James and Ruth were really interested in one another. They swapped stories from their childhoods, comparing their very different experiences. James was keenly interested in how they lived without technology, whereas Ruth wanted to know all about the modern world.
After the lunch was finished and the dishes were washed, James beckoned Ruth. “Come, I want to show you something.”
“What?”
“I'm not going to tell you. You will have to see it for yourself. It's not very far.”
Ruth followed him outside, where he led her to the shed. He didn’t go inside this time, but instead pointed to the newly painted buggy, which was adjacent to the building. It looked as good as new.
“This is wonderful,” Ruth exclaimed.
“Isn’t it? Mrs. Schrock hasn't returned yet, but I think she will be delighted when she sees it.”
“But does it work?" Ruth asked. "I hope you haven’t just pieced it together.”
“It will work exactly like it was working before. How about we take it for a test ride?”
“A ride?”
“Yes. Do you know about the lake? It's only about a mile from here.”
“No.”
“It’s the most beautiful place on earth.”
“You don’t say.”
“Sure, I do. Come with me. I will show you.”
* * * *
Sadie watched James hitch his horse to the buggy. When he was finished he opened the buggy door for Ruth and she climbed inside. James lifted the reins and they drove off toward the lake. She could hear them talking from a distance. She was grateful to James for saving her life. However, as an Englischer, his attention to Ruth was improper.
Sadie hoped that Ruth would realize where this was going. She considered her options. James, while certainly a nice guy, was still an outsider. She thought of Samuel. Samuel would expect Sadie to rein Ruth in, in such a situation. Still, after all that he had done for her, Sadie did not wish to hurt his feelings.
I will write to Samuel if they spend time together again tomorrow, she thought.
* * * *
It was late afternoon when Ruth returned. She bustled into the cottage, glowing with enthusiasm.