Mamm had chortled. As far as Mamm was concerned, it was like Evan could do no wrong. Of course, she would never be pleased to know he’d been friends with Jack Herr and hadn’t registered as a CO. Had Dat told her about all of that? Ellie was very sure they didn’t keep secrets from each other.

Ellie got up a little earlier than usual the next day to make cinnamon rolls for Leah’s visit. Given that Mamm still didn’t seem to know anything about Leah’s plan to live and work in Chambersburg, she felt awkward about it and was glad to be alone in the kitchen. Ninety-eight long miles away, she thought, having determined the distance using Dat’s old atlas in the tall bookcase in the front room. She wasn’t looking forward to saying good-bye today and felt sad to see Leah off.

After the family’s breakfast of homemade waffles and German sausage, which Ellie had only picked at, she washed the dishes while waiting for Leah to arrive. Mamm had gone upstairs to iron and to give the girls some time alone to talk, something she often did when Leah came to visit.

At last, the Bontrager family carriage pulled into the lane. When Leah arrived at the screen door, Ellie swallowed hard at the sight of her closest friend. “Kumme en,” she said, wiping her hands on her white work apron.

“Smells gut.” Leah looked a little tired.

Ellie uncovered the cinnamon rolls. “I made your favorite.”

“You didn’t have to,” Leah said, sitting at the table.

Ellie felt a lump in her throat. “Would ya like some coffee to wash it down?”

“Sure, but I can’t stay too long, really. I still have a few things to do at home, and I don’t want to miss the bus to Chambersburg.”

For pity’s sake, thought Ellie. While she’d suggested to Mamm that Leah might stay for only a short while, she’d mistakenly assumed they’d have time for a leisurely visit.

“Es dutt mir leed,” Leah said.

I’m sorry, too, thought Ellie.

“I know you’re probably disappointed, ’specially after going to all this fuss,” Leah said, taking a roll. “Leavin’ like this is just as hard on me, honestly. I don’t want to draw it out.”

Then don’t go, Ellie thought, pouring coffee into two mugs.

“Is your Mamm home?” Leah asked.

“She’s upstairs. Doesn’t seem to know ’bout your plans.”

“Hardly anyone does at this point.”

Ellie frowned, puzzled. “Is it still a secret, then?”

“Not really.” Leah glanced out the window, blinking. “Guess I don’t want anyone tryin’ to talk me out of it.”

Ellie gave Leah a wry smile. “Knowin’ how you set your mind to do things, do ya think they’d try?”

Leah shrugged. “My parents sure did.”