“Maybe we shouldn’t go too far into the woods,” she said suddenly. “The produce will get warm in the buggy.”

“Jah, I s’pose I’d best be takin’ ya home.”

They turned to head back, and lovely thoughts flooded her mind as they ambled along, his arm brushing against hers now and then. It was apparent that Eb had also turned a corner—that they were no longer acting like friends was obvious. But she couldn’t think on that now, wanting to enjoy these tender moments together, in case they might be their last.

Chapter 41

Anna’s return to Strasburg Sunday evening came with lingering sadness over Mammi Eliza’s broken wrist. Thankful to have spent some time with her, Anna also felt guilty that she lived so far away, especially now. If she had any regret about moving to Strasburg, it was that she couldn’t see Mammi Eliza as often as she would like.

Now that she was back at the Flauds’, though, Anna looked forward to returning to work. She felt a bit impatient, as well, waiting for all the trees in the nearby wood to turn as vividly bright as the red sumac shrubs and sugar maples near the tree house. The several times she’d gone there to pray recently, she had noticed even more depth of color.

Prior to leaving for Mifflinburg yesterday, Anna had sketched out homemade patterns for small outfits for Emmie’s doll—a soft pink dress and white apron for one, and a short black coat, too. Once she got some fabric scraps and sewed them up, Anna was certain Emmie would be surprised and happy to receive them.

While sitting out on the back porch, she received a text from Mart asking about her grandmother and inviting her out for supper this Friday evening, which made her smile. He’s always so thoughtful. . . .

After most of Sadie’s chores were done late Monday morning, including hanging out the washing, she went with Glen to stroll around the gardens, making small talk about Anna’s coming and the ways it had changed their lives. “All for the better,” Glen said, and Sadie agreed.

“I’m sure she’ll attract a nice young fella and start her own family,” Sadie commented. “I’ll miss her if that should happen.”

“It’s not a question of if, but when.”

They moseyed around the yard, and Glen remarked how an early October wind had knocked over the tomato cages and frayed the geraniums and hollyhocks. And Sadie bemoaned the hummingbirds’ departure not long ago, recalling how comical it had been to see them fly up close to the windows and flutter there for a time, as if to say good-bye till next spring.

“’Twas a gut summer, ain’t?” Glen said as they walked up the back porch steps and into the house.

“Ever so gut,” Sadie said, smiling up at him.