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

act accordingly to Thy will. We strive to be obedient in all things, to be kind to others, to share our earthly belongings with those in need, and to live by Thy grace. Bless this food we are about to eat, for it is the nourishment we seek … that you have given us … Amen.”
    “Amen,” I murmured.
    Once we had resumed our seats, a bowl of mashed potatoes came my way, and I helped myself to a steaming spoonful. We ate in companionable silence; my sole focus on the meal, yet swallowing became difficult, knowing Daniel Stoltzfus sat directly across from me. His presence was like a bothersome splinter in the finger or an itchy rash from a plant in the garden. The conversation centered mostly on childrearing, farming, and gossip, as several couples had announced their desire to marry recently.
    Anna knocked against my knee with her knee, feigning innocence. She knew how I felt about Daniel, thinking it funny to toy with me in such a manner. The males and females would be separated once the singing began. I looked forward to this, because I wanted to remove myself from Daniel’s disturbing presence. His sisters, Rose, Jane, and Mary were lovely girls, and I adored them. We had gone to school together. Jane would soon be married, and she beamed with happiness, because her intended sat at the next table.
    Dessert and coffee followed the meal, while various discussions continued; talk of fishing, hunting, and farming abounded. Mam sat with Abe on her lap, the baby drooling and babbling, which made me long to hold him. I adored my brother, finding him endlessly fascinating, each stage of his development a joy to behold. He was our miracle baby, a blessing my parents had been praying for and anticipating.
    Whenever Daniel spoke, which occurred seldom, the baritone of his voice infiltrated my brain, like a spear thrown expertly, hitting its mark. His words rambled around in my consciousness, and, although he expressed himself eloquently enough, I disliked hearing him, wishing he would be quiet. It wasn’t long before the dishes were taken up and the tables removed, while benches were brought in. Anna and I sat with Ruth and her friends, Mildred and Tessa, while Mam and Dat sat with Abe and Jacob at the back of the room with the other parents. The girls sat in one row, the boys were in the next and it alternated in this manner, while the furthest row held the rowdier boys, who partook in tomfooleries, believing we would not notice, although we did.
    The singing was the highlight of the evening, our voices soaring in harmony. The boys sang several verses and then the girls, this process alternating repeatedly. Most of the songs were in German with a few in English. I wasn’t a gifted singer like Anna, whose lovely voice was always in tune. Standing next to her gave me an advantage, as it helped me to stay on pitch. The music calmed my nerves and lifted my spirits, similar to walking through a garden in spring. The effort it took to perform at the top of my lungs had left me exhilarated and sweaty, although I did not mind the latter in the least. Every note had been worth it. These gatherings were always joyous and lively, the songs fast-paced and vibrant, a stark contrast to the hymns sung in church.
    The boys were the first to file out of the room, while the girls followed, the parents staying behind with the smaller children. A fair amount of courting happened outside, with those already spoken for leaving together in buggies, the boy driving the girl to her house. I lingered with Anna, my stalwart confidant, while Ruth spoke with a friend.
    “You did well,” she said.
    I glanced at her in disbelief. “I did not. If it weren’t for you, I’d have given everyone a headache. My singing is terrible.”
    “Nonsense. It’s lovely.”
    “Well, if it isn’t the Glick sisters,” said a voice behind us.
    I turned to find Caleb Shetler, a friend from school. “Hello, Caleb. How are you tonight?”
    He grinned beneath his black