A Simple Autumn: A Seasons of Lancaster Novel by Rosalind Lauer Page A

cutting
     today.”
    “Ya,” Adam said, his eyes on his food. “Another week or two and we’ll be putting up
     the harvester till next year.”
    “Then things will slow down for a while.” Jonah ran his thumb over the drops on his
     water cup. “Even with the roof done, Aaron is going to need some help to keep his
     farm running. Perry is leaving this week, and Daniel’s taking on more and more of
     the harness shop in town. I’d like to do some work for them, if you can spare me here.”
    Both Adam and Gabe looked up at him at the same time.
    “I would keep working here, too. At least half a day.”
    “We’ll need that,” Adam said, “at least until everything is cut and stored.”
    “But this is our busiest time of year,” Gabe said. “And I had plans for a job, too.”
     He turned to Adam. “I was going to talk to you about it after the harvest. I want
     to try something outside the farm.”
    “Why would you do that?” Adam asked. “You’re so good with the cows. It’s a gift you’ve
     got, Gabe. A blessing.”
    Gabe frowned. “I’m in rumspringa, and I don’t want to be here all the time. And it
     would be good to make some money of my own, the way Sadie did.”
    Now Jonah and Adam exchanged a look of concern. Was Gabe pulling away, feeling
Unzufriede
, a sense of discontent with Amish life?
    “Are you looking to get a cell phone and a souped-up buggy?” Adam asked.
    Gabe shrugged. “I already have that boom box, but I wouldn’t mind a few more discs
     for it. But it’s not about buying things. I just want to try something off the farm
     for a while.”
    Adam rubbed his chin, a gesture Jonah recognized. He did that when he was worried.
     “In another few weeks, when the harvest is in, we’ll talk about you getting a job.
     What Jonah’s doing is different. Aaron Stoltzfus needs our help.”
    Gabe nodded, but Jonah could see the disappointment in his frown.
    “But we can still go to our jobs at the tea shop, right?” Susie had been bubbling
     with excitement since she’d heard that Lovina would be willing to train Leah and her.
    “Part-time jobs,” Adam said. “But you’ll have to keep up with your chores here.”
    “We will. I’ll sweep up every morning and make all the beds.” Her eyes darted over
     to her twin sister. “As long as I can get Leah out of hers.”
    “I’m not a lazybones,” Leah said.
    “But every chance you get, you curl up with a book.”
    “Because I like to read.” Leah’s eyes were prim behind her glasses. “There’s nothing
     wrong with that.”
    “Oh, snooze.” Susie patted her open mouth, faking a yawn.
    “Girls.” Mary gave them a stern look. “I hope you won’t be bickering at the tea shop.
     Lovina has enough to do. She shouldn’t have to put up with the likes of this.”
    “We’ll behave,” Leah said.
    “And I was just kidding.” Susie turned to her twin. “You know I love you, sister dear.
     It would be a little scary to take on a job alone. But I don’t have to worry, knowing
     you’ll be beside me.”
    “Ya. I’ll be there to mop up your spilled tea,” Leah said.
    Everyone laughed, including Susie.
    Jonah found himself grinning as he reached for his water. This was the way Mamm and
     Dat had wanted their home to be. Peace in the family. Peace, and plenty of love.

FIFTEEN
    Y ou’ve been awful quiet tonight, Emma.” Elsie stood on a step stool at the sink, scrubbing
     and rinsing the dinner dishes. “Cat got your tongue?”
    “I’ve got a lot on my mind.” Emma tossed the towel over her shoulder as she reached
     up to store plates in the cabinet.
    Elsie turned from the sink to face her, and Emma recognized her sister’s thoughtful
     expression. Her short upper lip was pulled back to reveal her widely spaced teeth—a
     feature of dwarfism that had always bothered Elsie, though Emma was always reminded
     of little white pebbles worn smooth from a stream.
    “A burden is always lighter when it’s shared by two,”