Ellie understood now, though she couldn’t say she disagreed with Leah’s parents. Since Leah wasn’t baptized yet, going to work for an Englischer—and someone none of them really knew—was a huge step for her. And that Carolyn Madison lived so far away made it all the more worrisome. “This is a drastic move for ya, Leah. I’m concerned. Are ya sure you should go?” It was hard getting the words out, but she’d never known her friend to be so impulsive.

Leah sniffled and pulled out a hankie from beneath her dress sleeve to dab at her eyes. “Like I said, it’s a gut opportunity to bring in some extra money for the family . . . and, well, it seems like the right time.”

“Because of the breakup with Josh?” She hated to bring this up, but Leah seemed quite emotional, and it didn’t seem like her friend had thought everything through.

“Nee, it’s not about Josh.”

Ellie listened, struggling to believe that Leah knew her own mind. “Couldn’t ya take some time to think it over . . . pray ’bout it, too?”

“Oh, I’ve done that.” Sighing, Leah pulled a slip of paper from her dress pocket and set it on the table. “Here’s my new address. Sol says he’ll write me, but I don’t know how often. I’d love if you’d write whenever ya can.”

“I will.” Ellie took another sip of coffee, then a small bite of her roll.

They locked eyes for the longest time without speaking. Ellie remained convinced Leah’s breakup with Josh had something to do with her emotional response today. She didn’t want to make things worse by asking again, but she hoped Leah might tell her more in a letter after she was settled in Chambersburg.

“By the way, I noticed my cousin Menno gave you a ride home after Singing,” Leah said, unexpectedly changing the subject.

“Well, it wasn’t only me,” she said. “Ruthann was along, too.”

“But it’s a start, jah?” Leah’s eyes twinkled for a brief moment.

So she’s figured out I like Menno—Ruthann probably has, as well, thought Ellie, blushing.

But it was too soon to know what Menno was thinking, though she did feel a sliver of hope.

“Let me know what comes of it, okay?” Leah said.

“I will.” Ellie could hear Mamm walking around upstairs. “What should I tell Mamm ’bout your leavin’?”

“Once I’m gone, feel free to tell her or anyone else what I told ya.”

“All right.”

Leah reached across the table for Ellie’s hand. “Please don’t cry . . . or I won’t be able to go through with it.”