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CHAPTER 1

1912, Charm, Ohio

Ellie Graber glanced at Joel Wenger across the room. Her heart raced, and her cheeks warmed. His blue eyes and pleasant voice had popped into her mind often since they'd met at Liza's marriage to her daed four weeks ago. Since Joel's family was new to the community, she was glad Joel's parents had been present at the last service and heard about the wedding and attended. He was tall and confident but not arrogant. He'd missed the last worship service, and she hadn't run into him in town. Worship every other Sunday had made for a long wait but worth it to speak to him again. She wanted to learn all she could about him.

She bowed her head. The bishop prayed for the after-service meal and dismissed them from the Yoders' front room. She jumped up from the hardwood bench, stretched, and walked outside with Hannah.

Hannah nudged her. "I caught Joel looking at you several times. You and he had a very short conversation the first time you met. Maybe today you'll have a chance to get to know him better."

Ellie heaved a big sigh. "Hannah, I'm afraid."

Hannah quirked her brow. "Of what?"

"He's the first man in a while I've been interested in. I might be setting myself up for heartbreak if he finds out about what I've done. I'm sure the other available Amish men have avoided me because of it."

"Ellie, God forgave you. Now, forgive yourself." Hannah whispered, "Joel's headed in your direction. I'll sit with Eva and Leah." Hannah gave her a sweet nod and hurried to the long tables filled with food dishes.

Joel reached her. "Ellie, would you mind joining me in the shade under the oak trees near the pond? I've got a blanket already spread, and I found a stack of firewood and used a couple of pieces to hold it down."

Her heart raced. Of course she'd sit with him. She'd waited for this moment for weeks. "Danki, I'd be happy to."

She went to the tables displayed with dishes filled with food and scanned the many selections. A bowl of enticing uncooked carrots, celery, and broccoli cut in bite-size pieces made her mouth water. She scooped a helping onto her plate, then selected a ham-spread sandwich out of the basket beside it. Smiling, she waited for Joel to fill his plate. He stood at least six feet tall, and his muscles threatened to rip his sleeves. The word handsome didn't do him justice.

"Do you have everything you need?"

Ellie nodded. She'd add thoughtful gentleman to the list of why she found him attractive. She strolled with him to the blanket, sat and balanced her plate on her lap. The abnormally warm breeze for this time of year brushed her cheeks. Orange and brown leaves fluttered from the trees.

"I love summer." She sighed. "It's September twenty-second already. This may be the last day we'll go without jackets and shawls. I'm sad to have the season end."

"Summer is my favorite time of year too. We've been fortunate to have the higher temperatures this long. The rest of my family loves snow. I can't understand it." Joel exaggerated a shiver. "I dread the cold. If Mamm hadn't told me silly stories about my childhood, I'd think I was adopted." He laughed.

She chuckled. He had a sense of humor. Another plus to add to the list of reasons she cared about Joel. "We didn't have a chance to talk much at my parents' wedding. Are you happy in Charm?"

"My parents and I have been busy getting things in order, and we haven't had time to socialize or explore the town. I'm anxious to do both. I also had an upset stomach and missed the last service. I haven't had a chance to get out and about much to get to know people."

Ellie smiled. "I'm sorry you were sick. I'm glad you're here today."

A woman approached them. She narrowed her light blue eyes and crossed her bony arms. "Joel, I expect you to socialize with all our new friends and not spend your time with one person."

Joel stood. "Mamm, this is Ellie Graber. Liza Graber is her stepmamm, and Ellie works for her at the bakery in town." He offered Ellie a hand to help her stand.

Ellie clasped Joel's fingers and balanced her plate in her other hand. She steadied herself and froze. The tall woman's pinched lips and hands on hips unnerved her.

Mrs. Wenger scanned Ellie from head to toe. "Ellie, I'm sure you'll understand if I take Joel to speak with his other friends. Joel, kumme with me. Let me introduce you to someone."

Ellie swallowed the lump in her throat. Why was this woman set on separating her from Joel? "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Wenger."

Red-faced, Joel sighed. "Ellie, I apologize for leaving you. I'll speak to you again before I leave."

Ellie nodded. "I enjoyed our talk." She set her plate on the grass, then helped him fold the blanket.

"I did too." Joel gave her a regretful sigh, tucked the blanket under his arm, and followed his mamm.

Hannah, Leah, and Eva rushed to her.

Hannah crossed her arms over her chest. "You and Joel were smiling until Mrs. Wenger interrupted you. What happened?" Hannah rested a hand on Ellie's shoulder.

She glanced at her friends. "We were having a pleasant conversation, and then Mrs. Wenger insisted he go with her. She was rude and scolded him for not conversing with their other friends. I just turned eighteen, and she treated me like I was a child. I don't understand her cold demeanor toward me."

Leah ran her shoe over a stray dry leaf. "I overheard my mamm talking to her about you. Mamm has a wagging tongue, and she loves to tell the past and present gossip to the newcomers first. It frustrates Daed and me."

Ellie squinted. "She's been good to me when I've been to your haus. I'm surprised she'd share the worst about me with them."

Leah waved a dismissive hand. "She likes you, and she approves of us being friends. However, she believes you should wait for two years to marry, considering your history."

Hannah huffed and drew her head back. "Your mamm is too opinionated and eager to win friends the wrong way. Do you agree with her about Ellie, Leah?" She held up her palms. "Nah, I do not."

Eva wrung her hands. "Ellie, Mamm agrees with anything Leah's mamm says. I hope you won't allow their views to interfere with our friendship."

"I understand how difficult it must have been for you both to share this information with me. I'm glad you told me. I cherish our closeness, and this won't change anything between us. I feared there would be consequences."

Eva gestured to the parked buggies and wagons. "Leah, your parents and mine are walking to the buggies. We'd better go."

Ellie and Hannah bid them farewell.

Hannah clasped her hand. "Don't let what you were told today upset you."

Ellie couldn't shake off the heavy sadness in her heart. Joel had captivated her from their first meeting. She might as well put her silly notion to grow a friendship with him out of her head. Mrs. Wenger would make sure it didn't happen. "I doubt God would want Joel to go against his mamm's wishes. The woman made it apparent she doesn't approve of me."

"She hasn't gotten acquainted with the sweet, smart, and adorable Ellie yet. Be patient. You will run into her at social gatherings and church. Engage her in conversation, and I'm sure she'll warm up to you." Hannah walked over to her basket on the table, reached in, and pulled out two cookies and handed one to Ellie.

Ellie held the molasses cookie. "Your friendship means so much to me. You always lift me up." She sighed. "I'll give it a try." She took a bite and hugged herself. "These are exceptional."

She glanced at Joel. Abigail Fisher had his attention. Petite and attractive, she had a distracting habit of talking with her hands. Her smile so big, Ellie waited for her face to crack. Guilt shot through her. She shouldn't be judgmental. She didn't know much about Abigail. Jealousy had gotten the best of her.

Ellie frowned. Mrs. Wenger laughed with Joel and Abigail. Joel's mamm approved of this girl. Ellie's chances of Joel giving her another thought or his mamm warming up to her were growing slimmer by the minute.

Hannah passed her another cookie. "Quit frowning at Joel and Abigail. We stay away from her for a reason. She's cunning and not your typical Amish girl. Her parents have spoiled her, and she is used to getting her way."

"She's always avoided me. I don't know anything about her."

"The Fishers moved here three years ago. I wilkomed Abigail to Charm. She's our age. At first she was nice, then she turned her nose up at me for no reason. She's strange. Be glad she avoids you. I doubt Joel will be attracted to her. Her parents treat her like a princess, and she isn't afraid to speak her mind. Joel's talking to her means nothing. He was dragged over to her. He sought you out." Hannah shot a glance at Joel and darted her face back to Ellie. "Glance at him this instant."

Ellie met Joel's gaze.

He exchanged an endearing glance with her before returning his attention back to Abigail.

A spark of hope welled in her. Maybe Hannah had a point. She might have a chance with him after all.

* * *

Mrs. Wenger stared approvingly at Abigail. "Joel, this sweetheart brought us rhubarb tarts when we first moved in, and we had a nice chat. You had gone to town to buy a new saw blade and missed meeting her. You two should make plans and get to know each other. Her family owns the fifth farm to our left."

Joel listened to Abigail and stole glances at Ellie. Unlike Abigail, Ellie had a pleasing voice and the prettiest sky-blue eyes. Her honey-blond hair showed through her sheer white kapp. She came to his shoulder and had the daintiest hands and slender fingers. He was intrigued by her, and he longed to ask more about her life. He swallowed the frustration with his mamm intruding into his conversation with Ellie.

He didn't have any interest in Abigail. The annoying girl wouldn't stop prattling on about her favorite barn cat. Standing next to Mamm, he dared not escape, or she would be unbearable to live with the rest of the day.

Daed approached them. He tipped his hat to Abigail. "I'm Mr. Wenger."

Mamm held out her palm. "Meet Abigail Fisher. She and Joel are getting better acquainted." She put her hand on Abigail's back. "She's a charming girl."

Abigail blushed. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Wenger. Your fraa is the one who is charming."

Mr. Wenger gave her a curt nod. "Pleased to make your acquaintance, miss. Enjoy the rest of your day. We must be going."

Abigail asked Mr. Wenger, "Do you mind if I steal Joel away for another minute?" "Not at all. Take your time."

Mrs. Wenger gave her son a gentle push. "You can meet us at the buggy. I need to gather my things, so don't rush." She waved to Abigail and joined Daed.

Abigail pulled Joel aside. "I've lived in Charm for about three years, and I plan to stay and raise a family here someday. It's a pleasant little town. You're going to enjoy life here. Kumme to my haus tomorrow around six. We'll have supper with my family then take a walk or buggy ride. I'll be glad to show you some good fishing and canoeing spots."

The last thing he wanted to do was spend more time with Abigail. "I have a lot of work to do. I'm going to have to decline, but danki for the invitation."

Abigail rolled her eyes. "Don't be silly. Your mamm approves of our getting together. I'm sure your family will understand. You have to have a little fun, and you will have supper at home. I make the best cornbread. You don't want to miss it."

This girl was pushy, and it annoyed him she'd called him silly. An unusual trait for an Amish girl. One he didn't want in the girl he would choose to pursue. "I'm sorry. I'm going to decline. We haven't got everything the way we want it. It's going to take time."

"I wonder if you would turn down Ellie's invitation to supper."

Joel's stomach clenched. He suspected this girl hid the forward side of her personality from his mamm. "Ellie and I met at her daed's wedding. This is the second time we've run into each other."

"You should stay away from her."

Joel narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

Abigail kicked a small stone to the side. "It's no secret. Her daed brought her to Charm for a fresh start."

"I'm not comfortable discussing Ellie with you."

"Someone has to tell you before you get yourself in trouble. She's not a nice girl."

Heat rose to his cheeks. He had to ask two important questions. "Has she committed her life to God? Has she joined the church?"

"Jah to both your questions, but it doesn't matter. I wouldn't trust her."

He'd learned firsthand how gossips could tarnish one's reputation. His family had suffered from embellished stories about his schweschder, Maryann. He'd hoped taking Mamm out of the home they'd once shared with his schweschder in Lancaster and bringing her to a new location would help heal her heart from the hurt they'd suffered as a result of Maryann's actions. He hoped never to experience such pain again.

Abigail lowered her chin and gazed up at him. "I hope you won't judge me for warning you about Ellie. I'm trying to protect you. You're new in town, and I don't want you to waste your time on someone who may hurt you."

He didn't believe her. She had an ulterior motive, to shift his focus from Ellie to her. It wouldn't work. She was forceful, driven, and rude. "Let's change the subject. I'm sure there's something else we can discuss."

"Kumme to my haus for supper." She raised her shoulders. "No harm in friends sharing a meal together. I'll expect you at my haus tomorrow evening around six."

Joel gritted his teeth. This girl had the determination of a beaver taking down a tree. Mamm would never let him live it down if he didn't say jah to her request. He was certain Mamm wouldn't be convinced he'd given Abigail a fair chance unless he accepted her invitation. The minute he got home, he'd make his disinterest in Abigail known. Then maybe Mamm would quit playing matchmaker when he told her he wasn't interested in Abigail. "I'll be there."

Abigail swayed from side to side and curled her lips in a satisfied grin. "I hope this will be the first of many visits you'll make to my haus."

He gave her a curt nod and left. Abigail would be hard to avoid at social gatherings and church. Going to her haus for supper to prove to Mamm and to Abigail he'd given the girl a chance might be a mistake. The girl wouldn't be easy to deter. He shook his head. He'd be polite but direct with her tomorrow evening.

* * *

Joel listened to the crunch of dry brown leaves with each step and gazed at the gray clouds. Hot summer weather had left, and the temperature turned cool this twenty-third day of September. Questions about Ellie swirled in his head. Ellie's answers to Abigail's warning could ruin any chance of friendship, or perhaps more, with her. He'd hope for the best. First, he had to go to supper at Abigail's and tell her the truth.

He worked hard until five thirty and then freshened up, changed clothes, threw his pole and dinted metal box he used to store what he needed in the back of his wagon, and headed to Abigail's. On the way, he admired the big barns, white homes, and pristine fields. Charm, a quaint small town, had the necessary businesses to supply whatever he needed. He didn't miss the larger and busy town of Lancaster.

Joel guided his horse to the hitching post, jumped down, and secured the animal.

Abigail opened the door and came skipping in his direction.

"You're here! Kumme on in."

He approached her. Her enthusiasm would make his planned conversation with her after supper awkward. Guilt shuddered through him. Kumming here was a bad idea. "Good evening. Lead the way."

She took him inside to the sitting room. "I'll hang up your coat."

He handed it to her. "Danki."

Her daed stood and offered his hand. "Call me Ben."

A cheerful, round-as-she-was-tall woman appeared. "Joel, I'm glad you could join us for supper. Would you care for some water, coffee, or tea?" "Danki. Water would be fine."

Abigail gestured for him to sit. "I'll bring you a glass. You stay and chat with Daed."

Mrs. Fisher left the room, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "I'll be in the kitchen. Ham and beans and cornbread will be ready in a few minutes."

Ben settled back in a maple chair with stuffed blue cushions on the back and seat, stretching his long arms. "My dochder tells me you moved here from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. What brought your family to Charm?" Abigail returned, handed him a glass of water, and sat a respectable distance from him on the settee. She flashed him a cheerful grin.

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Excerpted from "Ellie's Redemption"
by .
Copyright © 2019 Molly Jebber.
Excerpted by permission of KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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