A Wedding Quilt for Ella (37 page)
Read A Wedding Quilt for Ella Online
Authors: Jerry S. Eicher
The following week Daniel and his crew started another job, but on Saturday they showed up with the smaller crowd who would help put the finishing touches on the house.
By the time the sun was setting, the last of the trim had been placed, the hardwood was given a final coat of varnish, and the knobs were placed on the doors.
After the last buggy left, Clara came sneaking up the hill, struggling with a plastic wrapped bundle.
“What are you doing?” Ella asked.
“I was waiting until everyone was gone,” Clara said. “I hid the quilt in your buggy this morning.”
“Ah, so we can see how it looks in the house,” Ella said, breaking into a weary smile. “I think that’s a great idea.”
Together they walked into the house, pulled off the wrapping, and carefully unfolded the layers. Ella spread the quilt out on the countertop, and, taking Clara by the arm, stepped back a ways.
“It’s so beautiful,” Ella said, pulling Clara into a tight hug. “And it was your idea to begin with.”
“I was glad to help,” Clara said, “and, yes, it is beautiful.”
After both girls wiped away tears, Clara said, “We’d better go now. Daett wants help with the chores, I’m sure.”
As they turned to leave, Ella looked back for a final glance at the quilt, still draped over the counter. Then she took Clara by the arm, and together they walked a distance up the hill for one more look before returning home.
“It
is
your house,” Ella whispered, “just as you drew it. Truly
Da Hah
has given, and
Da Hah
has taken.”
“Yah,” Clara said, “and with a lot of pain, but now it’s done.”
“You’re sounding like Dora,” Ella said as they laughed together.
Behind them the last rays of the sunset broke through the low clouds, painting the house a brilliant red. They stood unmoving until the color faded away. Slowly Ella started the walk down the hill with Clara following. The horse shook its head as Ella turned the buggy around on the road and threw Clara the reins. She climbed up and grasped the lines, hanging on tight as the horse dashed eagerly down the road toward Seager Hill.
1. How well did Ella do struggling with the question of why God allows sudden tragedy in our lives?
2. Was Ella justified in wanting God to show some expression of His sorrow in the storm which came after the services at the gravesite?
3. How well did Daniel do in his attempts to comfort Ella?
4. Would you have shared Ella’s feelings when she faced the bull over Eli’s fallen body?
5. Are the justifications Eli gives Ella for the risks he’s taking with the English nurse, Pam, his real reasons?
6. Was the young Bishop Miller’s visit to Ella appropriate so soon after Aden’s passing?
7. What are Daniel’s motives in offering to help Ella build her home?
8. How will the death of Preacher Stutzman’s wife affect him in the future?
9. Is Eli planning a serious relationship in his continued contact with the English nurse, Pam?
10. Will Ella’s house give her enough courage to say no when the young Bishop comes calling in six months?
As a boy,
Jerry Eicher
spent eight years in Honduras, where his grandfather helped found an Amish community outreach. As an adult, Jerry taught for two terms in parochial Amish and Mennonite schools in Ohio and Illinois. He has been involved in church renewal for 14 years and has preached in churches and conducted weekend meetings of in-depth Bible teaching. Jerry lives with his wife, Tina, and their four children in Virginia.
Coming April 2011
Book two in Jerry Eicher’s Little Valley series,
Ella’s Wish
Ella Yoder has moved into her dream house. In the stillness of the great house, Ella ponders her options. How is she to survive on her own? How will she ever forget Aden? What is to become of her?
Two would-be suitors soon make their intentions known, but Ella is unsure of her own feelings. As she agrees to take care of Preacher Stutzman’s three motherless girls, Ella’s heart is touched by their love for her. Could their affection be the answer to Ella’s quest? Can God speak through the love of a child?
Readers of Amish fiction will fall in love themselves with Ella Yoder and be hoping she finds the love and happiness she seeks.
Other fine Harvest House
Amish fiction from Jerry Eicher…
The Adams County Trilogy
by Jerry Eicher
Rebecca’s Promise
Rebecca Keim has just declared her love to John Miller and agreed to become his wife. But she’s haunted by her schoolgirl memories of a long ago love—and a promise made and a ring given. Is that memory just a fantasy come back to destroy the beautiful present…or was it real?
When Rebecca’s mother sends her back to the old home community in Milroy to be with her aunt during and after her childbirth, Rebecca determines to find answers that will resolve her conflicted feelings. Faith, love, and tradition all play a part in Rebecca’s divine destiny.
Rebecca’s Return
Rebecca Keim returns to Wheat Ridge full of resolve to make her relationship with John Miller work. But in her absence, John has become suspicious of the woman he loves. Before their conflict can be resolved, John is badly injured and Rebecca is sent back to Milroy to aid her seriously ill Aunt Leona.
In Milroy, Rebecca once again visits the old covered bridge over the Flat-rock River, the source of her past memories and of her promise made so long ago.
Where will Rebecca find happiness? In Wheat Ridge with John, the man she has agreed to marry, or should she stake her future on the memory that persists…and the ring she has never forgotten? Does God have a perfect will for Rebecca—and if so how can she know that will?
Rebecca’s Choice
Popular Amish fiction author Jerry Eicher finishes the Adam’s County Trilogy with an intriguing story of a young couple’s love, a community of faith, and devotion to truth.
Rebecca Keim is now engaged to John Miller, and they are looking forward to life together. When Rebecca goes to Milroy to attend her beloved teacher’s funeral, John receives a mysterious letter accusing Rebecca of scheming to marry him for money. Determined to forsake his past jealousies and suspicions, John tries hard to push the accusations from his mind.
Upon Rebecca’s return, disturbing news quickly follows. She is named as the sole heir to her teacher’s three farms. But there’s a condition—she must marry an Amish man. When John confronts Rebecca, she claims to know nothing. Soon Rachel Byler, the vengeful but rightful heir to the property, arrives and reveals secrets from the past. Now the whole community is reeling!
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