Britta didn’t know how to respond, because she couldn’t understand why her age mattered. It seemed that Ella Mae knew something she was holding back.

“You ain’t goin’ against your Mamma’s wishes askin’ me, are ya, Britta?”

“Well, I don’t want to snoop around, but Mamma’s time in the hospital really shook me up. And now she isn’t around to talk to.”

Ella Mae’s eyebrows rose. “There’s a proper moment for everything. Takin’ things into your own hands can be risky.”

Britta felt Ella Mae’s eyes look deep into her soul—or so it felt. “I don’t understand why the details of my adoption have to be kept secret.” She glanced out the window near the table. “Honestly, it’s drivin’ me crazy.”

Ella Mae took her time sipping her tea and dipping her toast into the spot of jam on her plate. Then she said, “Can ya trust our heavenly Father for His timing?”

Britta wasn’t sure. “It’s just that I’ve been waiting so long.” She paused to drink some tea. “Besides, if Mamma should die before she told me, I’d never know what happened.”

Bobbing her head, Ella Mae said, “Waiting patiently with a gut attitude can be mighty hard. But it can be the best thing.”

“My yearnin’ to know is swelling up like it might burst.” Britta went on to tell her about Mamma’s recent Thanksgiving invitation. “I haven’t told Susie yet, but I want to travel to Missouri after all. And Susie can’t go with me since she’s in Cousin Verena’s wedding.”

“Maybe you could wait an’ go with her after the wedding, then.”

Britta hadn’t thought of that. “Well, Susie seems determined to keep the same hours for the customers at Mamma’s shop, and to fulfill her orders.”

Ella Mae nodded thoughtfully. “That does sound like your sister. And if that’s the case, well then, I daresay you’re old enough to go on your own.”

“Ya really think so?” Britta asked, not sure she felt up to traveling without her sister.

“Remember, there’re always other Plain folk in the passenger vans. Ya wouldn’t really be alone if Susie stayed put here.”

Britta pondered that as Ella Mae poured more tea for herself. “Nice an’ hot. Would ya like more, too?”

“Denki.” Britta held up her cup on its saucer.

“I have a question for ya.” Ella Mae filled it and set down the teapot. “Have ya thought of praying ’bout this, so ya don’t run ahead of the Lord’s plan?”

Britta sighed. “I had been, but not so much lately.”

“Why’s that, dear?”

“If I told ya that I’m too frustrated right now, would ya think I was sinning?”

“Only the Lord sees your heart.” Ella Mae smiled the sweetest smile. “And He loves ya still.”

The tender words touched her.