A Plain Man Read Free Page B

the innkeeper and employee ignored four messy guestrooms, plenty of towels and linens to wash, a dining room of dirty dishes, and a cyclone-hit kitchen until they ate their own meal. Sarah loved chatting with Lee Ann. The woman had enough stories about her missionary days in Africa to keep breakfast interesting for years. But today she had another topic in mind. “How’s Caleb doing? You never talk about your brother much. And I seldom see him on the lane.”
    Dividing the remaining food onto three plates, Sarah gave Lee Ann’s husband the largest portion. She delivered his breakfast to the private family room where Roy watched morning talk shows and then settled down to eat by the front window. Their little table had a perfect view of the flower garden, birdfeeders, and busy street down the sloping lawn. “There’s not much to tell, I guess.” Sarah picked up the coffee cup Lee Ann had filled.
    â€œOh no you don’t. You always say that. Then I pry out all kinds of tasty tidbits. Has he joined the Amish church yet? Did he find a job? What about a girlfriend? Has he found someone new or rekindled an old flame?” Mrs. Pratt’s brown eyes almost danced out of her head.
    â€œI truly think you should write books in your spare time with your vivid imagination.” Sarah chewed a piece of bacon. “Let’s see...no, no, and no. Any more questions?”
    â€œOnly one—how come?” Lee Ann crossed her arms over her full apron.
    â€œIt’s hard to find carpentry work in the winter, especially since he doesn’t want to work for Englischers. And he can’t join the Amish church without taking the classes to prepare for baptism. And baptism is only once a year, usually in the fall. I’m sure he’ll join the next class that will start in summer.” Sarah swallowed some delicious egg and cheese soufflé.
    â€œAnd?” Lee Ann drained her cup and refilled from the carafe. “He needs a nice woman to settle down with.”
    Sarah felt odd discussing Caleb with Mrs. Pratt, but her boss had only his best interest at heart. And she wasn’t a gossip. “I couldn’t agree more, but he keeps to himself when he’s not helping one of our neighbors. In the three months he’s been home, he’s gone nowhere other than preaching services. And if the rest of us remain to socialize, hewalks home—no matter how far or how nasty the weather. When we go visiting on Sunday afternoon, he stays in his room. He tells my parents that he’s not ready. I don’t know how a person readies himself for eating pie and drinking coffee with folks you’ve known your whole life.” Sarah’s exasperation with her older brother slipped out.
    Lee Ann reflected quietly while finishing her eggs. “He must be ashamed to face people—afraid they’ll ask too many questions.”
    Sarah shrugged, setting down her fork. “He can’t hide in his room or the barn forever.”
    Mrs. Pratt pinched her arm. “ You need to do something, young lady. Before he decides coming back to Fredericksburg was a mistake.”
    â€œWhat can I do? Cal never asks me for advice.”
    â€œThink of something. What about those singings on Sunday nights? I’ll bet plenty of single girls attend them.” She leaned across the table as though in anticipation.
    â€œTrue, but he says he’s too old. He’s not, but that’s his excuse. Lots of men his age are there.”
    â€œWhat else is going on, social-wise?”
    â€œHe won’t go ice skating with Rebekah, Katie, and me because he hates being cold and it reminds him of his last apartment. So that rules out sleigh rides, tobogganing, and ice fishing.” Sarah finished her last bite of breakfast. “I’ll have more success when the weather warms up. Cal always enjoyed volleyball and softball. And who doesn’t love picnics, hayrides, and bonfires under