Judith Miller - [Daughters of Amana 01] (26 page)

“Wilhelm says your mother thinks I’m the reason he hasn’t returned to Amana. That’s why he’s never wanted me to come here. He didn’t think she’d welcome me.” Sadness shadowed her eyes. “I suppose he was correct.”

“Deep in her heart she knows he wouldn’t have returned. One day she will accept his new life and be happy for him.” Though I spoke the words with authority, I wasn’t truly convinced.

One thing was certain: With Mother at work, the remainder of the day would be more pleasant.

CHAPTER 20

Before we departed the dining room, I took Larissa to the kitchen and introduced her to Sister Muhlbach and the other workers. Larissa’s eyes grew wide at the sight of the huge brick stove and wood-fired oven.

“Such a large sink,” she said when I pointed out the six-foot-long trough and washstand.

Berta chuckled. “We need lots of room to stack all the dishes before we wash them, don’t we, Johanna?”

I quickly agreed. Then Larissa questioned me about the cheese molds and noodle boards. “All of the tools we use in the kitchen are made here in the village. The cooper makes our wooden buckets and barrels, and the large casks we use for wine making. The tinsmith makes our pails and pudding molds, even our cookie cutters, the big ladles, and spoons.”

“He does a fine job, too,” Sister Muhlbach said. “And you’ll not find a better broom maker or basket weaver than those who live in Amana. You might want to see some of the fine calico we have at the general store. Our woolens and calicos are the finest you can buy anywhere.”

One of the paring-knife sisters passed through the kitchen as Sister Muhlbach was extolling the products and shook her head.

“Those are mighty prideful words, Sister Muhlbach.”

“But true,” the Küchebaas replied with a hearty laugh. “Make sure you return in time for the noonday meal. We’ll have a special dessert.”

“They all seem very nice,” Larissa said after we headed off toward one of the shops.

“Amana is a fine place to live. Not like what you’re used to, of course, but I think you’ll find our shops and people all interesting,” I said as we entered the broom maker’s shop. We watched while he completed one of the small brushes used to wipe crumbs from the table. Though he spoke when we entered, his focus remained fixed upon his work. To my surprise Larissa appeared quite interested and asked several questions before we departed for the basket-making shop. Her eyes shone with delight when she surveyed the varying sizes and shapes perched on a shelf and hanging from wooden hooks awaiting delivery to households in the village. There were bread baskets, laundry baskets, apple baskets, and every other size and shape in between.

“The ones on the shelf are display baskets. When visitors come to the village they can see the sizes and shapes that are made,” I explained.

“Let’s make the general store our last stop. I know I’ll want to purchase some fabric to take to friends in Chicago, and I promised Louisa I would bring her one of those cookie cutters you mentioned. I hope to take her a rabbit-shaped one. Each Easter since Wilhelm and I have been married, she’s told me about how all of the Amana children love those rabbit cookies. Even Wilhelm agreed, and he seldom mentions his childhood.”

“Really?” The comment surprised me. “Only our woolens and calicos are for sale, but if the tinsmith has extras, perhaps he will be kind enough to give you one.”

“Oh, I do hope so. Louisa will be terribly disappointed if she doesn’t receive her cookie cutter.”

At Larissa’s mention of my mother’s sister, my thoughts wandered back to the conversation Berta had overheard on our front porch. I would wait until after we visited the tinsmith, and then I’d ask Larissa about the baby. Perhaps the birth of a child had fueled Tante Louisa’s desire for the cookie cutter.

Larissa watched the tinsmith at work, but mostly she looked at all the wares he had on display. Her eyes shone with delight when we stopped in front of a wooden box filled with cookie cutters— lambs, chickens, cows, horses, and rabbits were only a few of the many shapes. She lifted one of the rabbits from the box and held it in her palm. “I was hoping to take one of these to a relative,” she said to the tinsmith. “Is there any possibility . . . ?” The question hung in the air.

Eyebrows raised, the tinsmith glanced in my direction. “This is for a member of your family, Johanna?”

“Yes. My aunt who lives in Chicago.”

He grinned. “Then I think we could spare one cookie cutter, ja?”

“Thank you. My family is most grateful for your kindness.”

A short time later as we exited the tinsmith’s shop, Larissa clasped my hand. “I had hoped to purchase several, but at least I have this one to take to Louisa. Let’s go to the general store so I can pick out some fabric. We can take my parcels to the hotel, eat our noonday meal, and then go see the lambs. I think that would be great fun.”

I agreed. Besides, it would take a few minutes to walk to the store, and the time alone would provide an opportunity to ask my questions. But before I could formulate exactly how I wanted to broach the subject of Louisa and her baby, Larissa launched into talk of Chicago and her life with Wilhelm. “I would guess that Wilhelm has never told you how we met, has he?”

“No. I know he visited a lot of places when he used to work as a salesman for our woolen and calico goods. Did he meet you in one of the stores where he sold our fabrics?”

“That’s a good guess, but it’s not right. We met on a very cold day when I was ice-skating on the Chicago River with a large group of friends. I had left the ice and was headed toward a fire to warm myself when I tripped and literally fell into Wilhelm’s arms.” She giggled. “I’m not sure who was more embarrassed, Wilhelm or me, but I’m very glad that accident occurred. Otherwise, I doubt I would have ever met him.”

Her story surprised me. Of course, that was many years ago.

“Were you injured?”

“Oh no, though if I’d fallen, I’m sure I would have suffered bruises and perhaps a broken bone. After the rest of my group finished skating, we invited Wilhelm to join us for hot chocolate at one of my friend’s homes. He agreed, and I can’t tell you how pleased I am that he did. Wilhelm is a fine husband.”

“And a fine brother, as well.”

Her smile faded. “I don’t think he considers himself a good brother. He laments the fact that he seldom sees you, and Pieter’s death continues to plague him.”

Her comment surprised me, but I’d been so young when Pieter died that my memories of him were only stories I’d heard from my parents and Pieter’s friends. “Wilhelm can do nothing to change Pieter’s death, but he could visit Amana more often. I think it would help him.”

“That’s exactly what I’ve told him, but he says his visits make him sad. He knows he disappointed your parents by leaving. Still, he says he’ll never return. I hope they don’t think I’ve convinced him to stay away, for I’d never do such a thing.” She swept her arms wide as though she could embrace the entire community. “I don’t believe I could live here, but I think Amana is charming, and I would love to visit more often.”

We stepped inside the general store, and Larissa sauntered down one aisle and then another, stopping to examine items as she moved along. “I want to see all of the fabrics before I make my final choices.” She picked up several of the trims and laces and piled them into the crook of her arm.

“Those aren’t made here,” I whispered. “They are sold to us by salesmen from Chicago.”

She shrugged. “I like them, and who can say when I’d find exactly the same items back home.”

“Then let me take them to the counter for you. Brother Kohler will keep them together until you’ve completed your shopping.” I gathered the items from her arm, and while she continued to examine the array of goods, I piled the lace and trims in front of Brother Kohler. “She hasn’t completed her shopping. There will be more items.”

“I was pleased to see Wilhelm has come for a visit. We don’t see him often enough. And is this young lady a friend of the family?”

“She’s Wilhelm’s wife.”

I took a backward step, but before I could move any further, he leaned forward and rested his arms on the counter. “I don’t believe I was ever told that Wilhelm had taken a wife. When did he marry?”

“I don’t recall the exact date, but this is their first visit to Amana.” I took another backward step and glanced toward Larissa. “If you’ll excuse me, I should see if she has any questions.” I hurried off before he could ply me with further questions. Brother Kohler did a fine job keeping the store shelves stocked, but he also managed to extricate information from every customer who shopped there. He prided himself on knowing everyone in the community, as well as every event that affected each of us. He was obviously flustered that Wilhelm’s marriage had gotten by him.

I picked up one of the large hand-woven baskets the store provided for use by the customers and carried it with me. “This should help,” I said, approaching Larissa, who now held several jars in her arm. One by one I placed the containers in the basket.

“I’ve chosen some fabrics, too.” She waved me forward. Holding the corner of two different fabrics, she said, “What do you think? Which would be better for a new dress?”

I stared at the bold plaid cloth that we manufactured for outsiders. Never before had I considered such shades for a dress. “I’m accustomed to the dark calicos and woolens. You would know how to make a better choice. Maybe you should pick whichever color you don’t already have.” While she contemplated her choices, I rested the basket atop a pile of neatly folded blankets and daydreamed about what kind of life Larissa must have in Chicago.

“I think that should be everything I want.”

Her remark startled me back to the present. The basket brimmed with a variety of goods, and I knew Brother Kohler would be pleased. On the other hand I wondered if Wilhelm would be unhappy with his wife’s many purchases. I hoped his job paid him well.

Brother Kohler’s eyes shone with delight as we approached with the overflowing basket. He picked up his pencil and pad, ready to begin his calculations. It would take him some time to enter and tally the items, and he’d likely ask questions if we remained at the counter.

I hoisted the basket onto the counter and pointed to the lace. “Don’t forget to add in the lace and trims. We’re going over to the barns for a short time, and we’ll return to pay for the purchases in a little while.”

“Won’t take me that long,” he said. I could read the disappointment in his eyes and was certain he’d been assembling a list of questions for Larissa.

I flashed a smile in his direction. “We don’t want to be late for the noonday meal, and we need to stop by the hotel beforehand.” Giving him no opportunity to protest, I strode quickly toward the door, Larissa following close on my heels.

“Do you think Wilhelm will worry that you purchased too many items?” I hoped my brother wouldn’t hold me responsible.

Larissa laughed. “No. He doesn’t worry over such things as a little shopping. Besides, I have money of my own.”

Her announcement surprised me, since Berta had told me few married women worked. “Where do you work?”

“Oh, I’m not employed. My grandfather was quite wealthy, and prior to his death he arranged a trust fund for me. I receive money from it several times a year. In truth, Wilhelm wouldn’t need to work, but he’s too proud to use any of my inheritance. He insists upon paying our monthly living expenses from his earnings. I think he’d be happy if I’d give the money to the poor.”

“Do your parents live in Chicago?” Secretly I wondered why her grandfather hadn’t bequeathed the money to them instead of Larissa.

“Part of the time. They travel a great deal. Currently they’re in Europe. Thanks to Wilhelm, they can travel at their leisure.”

“Thanks to Wilhelm?” Wilhelm had always been vague when my parents inquired about his work in Chicago, and I assumed he continued to work as a salesman of some sort, probably in the textile industry. “He works for your father?”

“My grandfather was a financier who invested in many profitable companies. My father inherited those holdings, and now Wil-helm has taken charge. Father says he is the most astute businessman he’s ever met—even more brilliant than my grandfather.”

The news surprised me. I thought it strange that Wilhelm, who had been reared in a community where money was seldom needed for anything, would now be deeply involved in the business of finances and banking. Though I wanted to hear more about Wilhelm’s work, my attention wavered when I caught sight of Carl entering the barn with a woman at his side. My stomach tightened, and I shaded my eyes. It was impossible to see her face at this distance. Why would a woman be going into the barn with Carl? I silently chastised myself for questioning something that clearly wasn’t my business. After all, permission was granted to use a buggy or wagon when needed for important business or a family emergency. Still, it was odd to see a woman enter the barn for such a purpose.

When we reached the door leading into the barn, I hesitated. “If you want to wait out here, I can go in and request the buggy.” I glanced at the hem of Larissa’s gown. “I wouldn’t want you to ruin your dress.”