Judith Miller - [Daughters of Amana 01] (43 page)

He let out a whoop and jumped to his feet. “We need to go speak to your parents and then see if I can meet with the elders this evening. I don’t want to wait any longer than necessary.” His smile warmed me like the bright summer sunshine, and I took delight in his childlike enthusiasm.

Upon reflection, I couldn’t decide who had been more enthusiastic: Wilhelm flaunting his string of fish or Carl announcing I’d agreed to marry him. My parents’ delight had been expected, and my father gave his immediate blessing. Soon after Carl and my father left the house to meet with the elders, I went upstairs to speak with Berta.

She’d never forgive me if she wasn’t one of the first to know I’d accepted Carl’s proposal. Dr. Schumacher answered my knock at the door. “Come in, come in! Berta is in her room. Let me—”

Before he could complete the sentence, Berta flung open the door to her bedroom. Her eyes were bright with anticipation. “You’re back.” She grasped my hand and tugged me toward her room. “Come in and we’ll talk. I have much to tell you, too.”

Only a few hours had passed, and I wondered what could have happened during my absence, but I was anxious to tell her my news first. “I have accepted Carl’s proposal. You’re the first person I’ve told, other than my family.”

Berta’s eyes shone with delight. “So you jumped into the water after all. I knew you would. Now what happens?”

“Vater and Carl have gone to meet with the elders to ask permission.”

“They won’t object, will they?”

“No. There’s no reason they would oppose the marriage. The only question will be if we must wait the full year before we take our vows. I think Carl plans to argue against waiting so long, but I doubt he’ll meet with success. I told him he shouldn’t argue too much, or they’ll send him to another village during the waiting period.”

Berta clasped her hand to her chest. “They wouldn’t! Your father needs him.”

I shrugged. “Who can say? The elders could argue that Father got along without Carl’s help before he arrived.”

“Oh no! That would be terrible.” Berta fell across the bed. The girl’s flair for the dramatic didn’t disappoint. “So you don’t know when you will wed? We can’t even begin to plan. Before Wilhelm leaves, you must tell him to have Larissa send you pictures of the latest wedding gowns that appear in
Godey’s
.” My laughter disarmed her. “Why are you laughing? It takes a great deal of time to plan a wedding.”

I ceased laughing and clasped her hand. “I won’t be wearing a wedding gown like the ones they show in
Godey’s
. We don’t wear white dresses when we get married. White is for burials, not weddings.”

Berta’s enthusiasm faded. “I’d forgotten. How very disappointing.”

“The wedding won’t be disappointing at all—just different from what you’re accustomed to. And if you’re here, you can help Sister Muhlbach prepare the cakes and cookies to serve after the wedding.”

“Even if I wasn’t living here, I would return for your wedding— that’s what I wanted to tell you.”

I plopped down beside her on the bed. “What?”

“I’ve decided I’m not going to rush God to give me an answer.”

Her answer made me smile. “That’s good, Berta, because I don’t think God is easily pushed—even by you.”

She ignored my teasing remark. “I figure I have to live either here or in Iowa City while I’m waiting for God’s answer. So I’m going to remain in Amana until I know for sure what I’m supposed to do. Besides, I think maybe I got a little bit of an answer already.”

“Really? And what was that?”

“When I talked to Sister Muhlbach and Lydia before breakfast yesterday, Sister Muhlbach forgave me, though she said I couldn’t return to work in her kitchen. But later she called me outside and said that after she’d heard me speak in the meeting, she’d had a change of heart. She said she wanted to give me another chance.”

How could I possibly disagree with Berta’s assumption? It did, indeed, sound as though she’d received direction on where she should live. “And are you prepared to give Sister Muhlbach your best work, Berta?” If the girl wasn’t committed, Sister Muhlbach would soon regret her decision.

“Yes. I even told her she should remind me that I’d made a promise to her and to God that I would do my very best to obey the rules.”

I wasn’t certain a reminder would set Berta back on the right path should she veer to the right or the left, but I determined to pray that she would keep her word and that God would direct her future.

My father and Carl entered the parlor only minutes after I returned downstairs. The wide smile on both of their faces told me the elders had agreed. And though I’d had little concern that they’d permit the marriage, I was relieved the ordeal was over.

Carl stepped to my side. “Your Vater says we may go out back and talk privately for a few minutes.”

I knotted my fingers together and glanced at my father for affirmation.

“Ja. Go on. You two have much to discuss. Alone is better.”

Walking through the soft grassy yard, we circled the house. Carl led me to a far tree with leafy overhanging braches.

“The elders all confirmed that we may marry, and they agreed it would be best if I remained in Amana because of my work with your Vater.”

I looked up at him, my heart soaring at the love radiating in his eyes.

“We must wait until the first week in March for our wedding. Not what I’d hoped for, but at least it’s not a full year.”

“We can wait that long, Carl. It will give us time to learn more about each other.”

He raked his fingers through his sandy hair. “Just as long as you won’t change your mind when you discover all of my faults.”

“I doubt that will happen. I know you are a good man with a kind heart.”

Without another word he captured me in a warm embrace. “Do you think your parents would be angry if I kissed you?”

“I don’t think so.” I wasn’t sure if my voice or my hands quivered the most when I delivered my answer.

“And what about you, Johanna? Would you think me too forward if I kissed you?”

Heat flooded over me from the tips of my toes to the top of my head. I held tight to his shoulders. “I think it would be acceptable if you kissed me—to seal our engagement.”

He leaned down and gently covered my lips with a tender kiss, and I knew without a doubt that I had found where I belonged.

SPECIAL THANKS TO . . .

. . . My editor, Sharon Asmus, for her generous spirit, excellent eye for detail, and amazing ability to keep her eyes upon Jesus through all of life’s adversities.

. . . My acquisitions editor, Charlene Patterson, for her enthusiastic support for this series.

. . . The entire staff of Bethany House Publishers, for their devotion to making each book they publish the best product possible. It is a privilege to work with all of you.

. . . Brandi Jones, Amana Heritage Society, for tirelessly answering my many questions, for private tours, and for reading my manuscript for technical accuracy.

. . . Lanny Haldy, Amana Heritage Society, for meeting with me and taking precious hours away from other tasks to provide information, answer questions, and make recommendations.

. . . Mary Greb-Hall for her ongoing encouragement, expertise, and sharp eye.

. . . Lori Seilstad, for her honest critiques.

. . . Mary Kay Woodford, my sister, my prayer warrior, my friend.

. . . Tracie Peterson, friend extraordinaire.

. . . Laurie Toth, for providing excellent Chicago materials.

. . . My husband, Jim, my constant encourager, supporter, and advocate, and the love of my life.

. . . Above all, thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ for this miraculous opportunity to live my dream and share the wonder of His love through story.

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