Outside the redbrick two-story entrance, Miller’s Smorgasbord was crowded, with patrons waiting.

Anna spotted Mart standing off to the side, and when she caught his eye, he smiled and walked toward her. “Hi,” she said, glad she’d worn one of her best royal blue dresses, because even without a necktie, he looked to be dressed for church, too.

“Nice to see you again, Anna,” he greeted her. “I hope the traffic wasn’t too congested.”

“Oh, just the last few miles on the Lincoln Highway.”

“An extra traffic lane would really help. Motorists have complained about that for years.” Mart suggested they go inside to the air-conditioned lobby and wait for their number to be announced over the intercom, as he had already put his name in for a table for two.

“I can’t believe how busy it is on a Thursday evening,” Anna said, surveying the place as he held the door for her. Several families stood just inside the front door, waiting for tables.

“It’s like this well into November—tourist season, you know.” He led her to a bench, where they sat, speaking just loudly enough to be heard above the din of the room. “We celebrated my dad’s birthday here last Tuesday night, and it was this packed then, too.”

“I guess word spreads about great food.”

“You’ll soon find out why,” Mart said with a grin. Then he asked, “I’m curious . . . you never really said. What interested you in becoming a tour guide at the buggy museum in your hometown?”

She explained that a friend of her oldest brother had heard they were looking for a history buff for a guide position. “Since I had my nose in history books all the way through high school, it was an ideal fit.” She laughed a little. “In fact, I always keep a history book of some kind in my car. You never know when you’ll need something to fill your time.”

Martin seemed intrigued. “What’s your favorite era?”

Anna shrugged. “Oh, Colonial America, I guess. I like reading about the way things were done, especially how the women of the time lived and worked.”

Mart nodded. “Nothing like a book to occupy the mind.”

“What kind of books do you enjoy?” she asked.

“Lately I’ve been reading about the Underground Railroad in Pennsylvania,” he said.

“So, how did you get involved with conducting tours at the information center?” Anna asked, drawn to his attentive way.

“Well, let’s see . . . I started out booking horse-and-buggy rides for a local New Order Amish couple—set up a website for them and helped them attract tourists. I got a kick out of interacting with people who seemed curious about the Plain culture.”

“What do most center guides do during the winter months when tourism is down?” she asked.