Anna heard Gabe say that he hoped to recruit more volunteers for next year. I wonder if he’ll talk with Heidi and Eleanor’s cousin, she thought, recalling Shelley’s interest when they’d gone swimming.

Barbara asked Anna if she was doing any handiwork at present, and Anna mentioned the unique fabric-inset cards she was making with Sadie. “She’s been selling quite a lot at Saturday market.”

Barbara glanced at Emmie, then back at Anna. “Do ya sew, Anna?”

“Well, I make all my clothing,” Anna replied, wondering why she’d asked.

“Have ya ever made doll clothes?”

“When I was younger, all the time.”

Emmie’s faint smile grew into a full-blown grin, and Anna made a mental note.

Later, while eating their apple Danish dessert topped with homemade vanilla ice cream, Anna caught Gabe looking her way, and she felt herself blush. Why did he and Barbara invite me here? she wondered.

Chapter 39

The after-dessert conversation grew more lively when Gabe brought up the Harvest Days Festival coming up next weekend at the Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum. Barbara quickly said she thought Anna would enjoy it, while Emmie rubbed her eyes and yawned.

Barbara rose from her chair and reached for Emmie’s hand, and the two of them left the kitchen for what Anna assumed was a nap. As soon as it was appropriate, Anna would thank Barbara for inviting her, then make her exit.

Gabe will surely just walk the short distance home, she thought, hoping that was the case.

When Barbara returned to the table, she began to pour more coffee and even offered warm cider. To be polite, Anna lingered as the conversation turned to apple harvesting, and Aden voiced his opinion about the kind of apple that was the sweetest. He was a big fan of the Fuji, saying its sugar levels were higher than those of the Gala or Golden Delicious.

“The best apple variety depends on what you’re usin’ them for,” Barbara said with a smile. “A good apple for dumplings isn’t the same as a good apple for cider, for instance.”

“True,” Gabe said, excusing himself to go and rinse out his coffee mug. As he stood by the sink, he said, “It’s time to get back to work. Do ya mind givin’ me a lift home, Anna?”

Surprised, she nodded, hoping the worry didn’t show on her face. “Okay,” she said, ready to get going, too.

“Emmie can nap while you’re workin’,” Barbara offered.

Anna thanked her and Aden for the delicious meal.

“You must come again,” Barbara said as she followed her and Gabe out through the screened-in porch.

“Denki. It was a real nice time,” Anna told Barbara when Gabe opened the door for her, and they stepped out.

In the car, Anna started the ignition and drove down the driveway to the road.