Anna pulled another apron from her basket, pinning it to the clothesline, then made sure her phone was in her pocket in case she had a call for a tour. Later, she planned to review everything both Mart and Charlotte had shared with her last week before she drove around again to various shops of interest—a different route than the last time she’d done this and more off the beaten track. She would also keep her word and return to Kitchen Kettle Village to visit the candle shop owned by Heidi and Eleanor’s aunt.

When at last Anna finished hanging up her basket of freshly washed clothes, she was more thankful than ever for Sadie’s kinship and friendship, as well as her willingness to help bring the past into a clearer picture. If possible.

By Tuesday breakfast, the outdoor temperature had turned much warmer. Anna was just putting away the final plate when she received a call from Evelyn saying a college girl from Virginia was interested in having a two-hour tour. “She’d like it to include an Amish bakery, furniture store, and the wooden toy shop.”

“I would love that,” Anna said, glad the tour would be scheduled for ten o’clock. “Thanks so much, Evelyn.”

“Thank you, Anna. I’ll see you at nine-thirty. Keila Abbott should arrive about ten minutes later.”

What a pretty name!

Anna clicked off her phone and spun around, then laughed at herself. “I have my first official tour!”

Anna placed her letter to Wanita in the Flauds’ family mailbox, then started out for the information center, wanting to be a bit early. When she arrived, she noticed Mart’s car parked beneath one of the large shade trees. He’s early, too, she thought, happy to see him again.

As she entered the break room, Mart was having coffee with one of the tour guides she hadn’t met yet—a pretty young woman wearing a cup-shaped Kapp without strings. All of the guides here must be Anabaptist, Anna presumed, not interrupting their conversation as she went to the counter to pour herself some coffee.

When it was time to meet with her client, Anna headed to the counter like Mart and the other guides always did after their client had paid for the tour. I want to do everything just right, she thought, breathing a prayer for God’s love to shine through her this day.

Keila Abbott seemed rather pensive at first, but as she drove and Anna directed her, Keila began to warm up, sharing about her growing interest in Amish culture. “I’d thought of doing a research project on them for one of the summer courses I’m taking, but I decided to just get my feet wet and enjoy a tour.”

“Well, you can always pursue that sort of thing later, if you find you’re still interested.” Anna smiled, glad Keila felt comfortable talking to her.