Thrown to the Wolves (The Faith in Peril Trilogy) Read Free Page A

him. He stood taller than most of the men, long and lanky, but as solid as a wood plank. A seasoned farmer, he worked the land his family owned, embracing the labor with zeal; I had seen him often enough with his horses, commandeering a plow. Daniel stood with his father and brothers; the female members of the family had disappeared into the house. And, as if sensing my notice, he turned towards me, his face partially hidden beneath a wide-brimmed, felt hat.
    “Do you think he’ll ask to court you again?”
    “I surely hope not.” I had refused him twice already. “He must be weary of asking by now.”
    “He’s staring at you.”
    I shrugged, feeling justified in my resentment, although I had forgiven him years ago … for something I could never forget. “I care not if he looks this way.”
    “I know you loathe him, but what happened, it was so long in the past. You know what they say, ‘For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.’”
    “Yes, Anna, I’m well aware of that. I … forgive him. I … just can’t forget.”
    “You judge him still.” She frowned, marring her pretty features. “That’s not your job. Only He can judge.”
    “Fine and dandy, but I won’t court him. I’ve no desire to speak to him. I don’t wish to be anywhere he is.” Nonetheless, I seemed to have his full attention, his dark gaze drifting over me, while he stood with his father. Clean-shaven, he held his chin slightly higher than everyone else’s, giving proof of his pride to any who would see. “Indeed, even if he were the last Amish man on earth and I was the last Amish woman, even if our joining would continue the bloodline, I would not marry him.”
    Anna, stunned by my sharp retort, snorted, and began laughing uncontrollably, which garnered the interest of several people, who turned to look at us. I took her arm, leading her to the house. “We’ve lingered long enough. Let’s help with dinner.” As we walked away, I glanced over my shoulder, spying Daniel staring in our direction. This sent a shiver down my spine, which was not in the least bit pleasant.

Chapter Two
     
     
    With as many people as had gathered in the Troyer house, we were surprisingly orderly, even the little ones behaving themselves, some playing with toys, while others remained close to their mothers. As we took our seats at the table in the parlor, luck failed me tonight. I found myself situated across from Daniel Stoltzfus and his family, the sisters smiling pleasantly. I groaned my displeasure inwardly, fighting the frown that threatened to appear on my face. Anna, noting my unhappiness, grinned mischievously, blinking at me beneath her eyelashes, trying to get my goat. I wanted to throttle her.
    My mother, oblivious to my suffering, chatted amiably, an ever-present smile creasing the edges of her eyes, while she spoke with Mrs. Stoltzfus. Having gone to school together, the women were old friends. Conversations abounded, whilst the lilting voices of children added to the commotion. Being hungry, my belly grumbled, anticipating the meatloaf with cabbage and onions. I eyed a large bowl of potato salad and a basket of freshly baked bread, but first there would be prayer. We knelt on the floor, placing our hands on the chairs before us.
    Bishop Graber said, “O Lord God, our merciful Father, we thank you for this day, for allowing us the opportunity to better serve Thee …”
    Anna prayed with her hands upraised and resting against her forehead, a slight smile lingering around her mouth. While trying to concentrate on the Bishop’s words, I felt eyes upon me. Looking an inch higher, I discovered proof of this, as Daniel Stoltzfus faced me, his look stark, yet indomitable. Annoyed and disturbed, I lowered my head and closed my eyes, listening to Bishop Graber, who knelt with us.
    “… guide us and teach us to