On the way home, she found herself turning into David Beiler’s long lane, even though she hadn’t planned to visit Ella Mae. She parked around the back, facing the Wise Woman’s small Dawdi Haus, and there she sat, all in, wondering what had made her come here.

Am I making a fool of myself?

At that moment, Mattie Beiler walked across the driveway toward the main house, the hem of her long dress swinging. Seeing Susie, she waved and smiled and looked as if she was saying something to her.

Susie opened the buggy door. “Sorry?”

“Mamm’s home, if you’re wonderin’.” Mattie pointed to Ella Mae’s little house before hurrying up the back steps of the tall farmhouse that was her and David’s own.

“Denki,” Susie called back, realizing she was committed now.

Still feeling a bit hesitant, she climbed out of the buggy, tied Brambles to the hitching post, and made her way to the door of the cozy dwelling, having no idea what she’d say.

Ella Mae answered the knock with a bright smile and wearing a peach dress, a bright hue worn mostly by younger women. “Kumme in, dearie. It’s been a long time, ain’t so?”

Susie nodded, uncertain just how long it had been since she’d last stopped by to spill out her heart. She breathed in the aroma of bread baking and an inviting hint of cinnamon. Sunlight flooded the kitchen, and Susie accepted the kind woman’s invitation to sit at her pretty table to have a cup of peppermint tea.

“As I recall, you take honey in yours,” Ella Mae said, moving the honey jar from the end of the table nearest the window to the center. “Some folk drink tea without a speck of sugar or honey, like your Aendi Lettie.”

What a sharp memory! Susie thought, extra grateful for the thoughtful attention. “It’s so nice of you to let me visit unplanned.”

“Oh, I’m always ready for some pleasant conversation.” Ella Mae sat down at the table and poured the freshly brewed tea into two floral cups, then set the matching teapot between the two amber-colored placemats, near a plate of delicious-looking pumpkin cookies. “Let’s ask the blessing,” she said and folded her knobby hands.

Susie bowed her head with Ella Mae, and during the silent grace, she inwardly asked God how she ought to share what was troubling her.

Susie took several sips of the warm golden tea and wondered if Mamma felt this peaceful in Ella Mae’s presence.

“So now, how’s your Mamma?” The woman peered over the small glasses perched on the end of her nose.

She told about the sudden Missouri hospital stay and then, thankfully, Mamma’s remarkable recovery. She paused a moment, not saying more.

Ella Mae studied her. “What is it, dearie?”

She deliberated what to say, not wanting to sound envious of Allen.