Eventually, the conversation moved to other things, including the fact that Mamma had cut the amount of marshmallow creme somewhat in the latest batch of peanut butter spread, so it wouldn’t be quite so sweet.

“Customers with a sweet tooth can always purchase some jams or jellies,” Susie suggested.

Mamma smiled. “Well, Britta likes the peanut butter extra sweet, so we’ll be sure an’ make some with the original recipe.”

As the meal continued, Susie contemplated her sister’s quiet mood further. What’s gnawing at her?

After breakfast the next morning, Susie worked in the sewing room on Mattie’s relatives’ family tree while Britta washed dishes and Mamma wiped them dry. Susie had made good progress on this cross-stitch and liked the deep blue and barn red colors she’d chosen—quaint and homespun-looking—for the names of the couple’s children. If she kept up this quick pace, she would be ready to iron it and get it ready for framing in another day or so.

Around midmorning, Susie poured some lemonade into a thermos and took it out to Mamma’s little shop, where plump Mary Beiler, the bishop’s chatty wife, had come to pick up an order of peanut butter spread, or “church spread,” as she liked to call it.

“Hullo there, Susie. Wie geht’s?” Mary asked, her round face aglow.

“Doin’ all right,” she replied.

Mamma nodded. “Grass has no time to grow under our Susie’s feet.”

“Well, if we keep too busy, we can miss out on livin’,” Mary said, returning her attention to the four jars of spread. “John’s been workin’ long hours, too, tryin’ to get all the plowing done. He’ll be glad for a treat, and goodness, his mouth’ll water when he sees this—his favorite peanut butter ever.” Mary grinned at Mamma. “A nice surprise, for sure.” She opened her purse and held out a wad of ones. “Just keep the change.”

Mamma shook her head. “Ain’t necessary.”

Susie could tell by the set of her jaw that Mary was determined to have the final say. She leaned against the counter and waved her money. “I insist, Aquilla.”

“Well, if you’re sure.” Mamma exchanged glances with Susie.

As Mary bobbed her head, Susie placed the four jars in an empty box, then carried it out to Mary’s waiting carriage. A car pulled up just then, and Susie could see three Englischer women inside. It was a good thing Mamma had made a new batch of her famous peanut butter spread, the most popular item among tourists. Britta had also made plenty of goat cheese to stock the gas-run cooler.

“Willkumm!” Susie said as the middle-aged women walked toward the shop. “Are ya from around here?” she asked, making small talk.

“We’re visiting from Arlington, Virginia,” the first woman said, pausing there on the walkway. “We were told we had to make a stop here.”