Hope Chest by Wanda E. Brunstetter Read Free Book Online

it meant Anna would alter her attitude.
    Rachel felt a sense of relief when the benediction was given, followed by a few announcements and the closing hymn. It wasn’t that she didn’t enjoy church, but all those troubling thoughts rolling around in her head made her feel fidgety and anxious to be outside.
    Once the benches had been moved and tables set up, the women served a soup-and-sandwich lunch. Rachel and Anna joined several other young women as they brought out the food to the men. After the men finished eating, the women and children took their places at separate tables.
    When the meal was over and everything had been cleared away, men and women of all ages gathered in small groups to visit. The younger children were put down to nap, while the older ones played games on the lawn. Some of the young adults joined in the games, while others were content to just sit and talk.
    Rachel didn’t feel much like playing games or engaging in idle chitchat, so she decided to take a walk. Walking always seemed to help her relax and think more clearly. She left Anna talking with a group of women and headed in the direction of the small pond near the end of the Yoders’ alfalfa field.
    The pool of clear water was surrounded by low-hanging willow trees, offering shade and solitude on another hot, sticky day in late July. Feeling the heat bearing down on her, Rachel slipped off her shoes and socks, then waded along the water’s edge, relishing the way the cool water tickled her toes. When she felt somewhat cooler, she plunked down on the grass. Closing her eyes, Rachel found herself thinking about the meeting she’d had with Silas the day before. She’d only made one feeble attempt to talk to Anna about him and knew she really should try again. It was the least she could do since she had made a promise.
    A snapping twig caused Rachel to jump. She jerked her head in the direction of the sound and was surprised to see Silas standing under one of the willow trees. He smiled and lifted his hand in a wave. It made her heart beat faster and was just enough to rekindle her hope that he might actually forget about Anna and come to love her instead.
    “I didn’t know anyone else was here,” Rachel murmured, as Silas moved over to where she sat.
    “I didn’t know anyone was here, either.” Silas removed his straw hat and plopped down on the grass beside her. They sat in silence for a time, listening to the rhythmic birdsong filtering through the trees and an occasional ribbet from a noisy bullfrog.
    Rachel thought about all the times Silas had visited their farm over the years. She remembered one day in particular when a baby robin had fallen from its nest in the giant maple. Silas had climbed that old tree like it was nothing, then put the tiny creature back in its home. That day, Rachel gave her heart to Silas Swartley. Too bad he didn’t know it.
    “I just talked to Reuben Yutzy,” Silas said, breaking into Rachel’s thoughts. “He’s been working for a paint contractor in Lancaster for some time now.”
    She nodded but made no comment.
    “Reuben informed me that he’s leaving the Amish faith.” Silas slowly shook his head. “Can you believe it, Rachel? Reuben’s been my friend since we were kinner, and I never expected he would want to leave.” The lines in Silas’s forehead deepened. “Since he started working for that English man, Reuben’s been doing a lot more worldly things. I tried talking to him the other day, but I guess nothing I said got through. Reuben’s made up his mind about leaving, and he seems bent on following that path.”
    “Many of our men work in town for paint contractors, carpenters, and other tradesmen,” Rachel reminded. “Most of them remain in the faith in spite of their jobs.”
    “I know that’s true, but I guess Reuben’s not one of ’em.” Silas gave his earlobe a quick tug. “Reuben told me that he bought a fancy truck awhile back, but he’s been keeping it parked