Judith Miller - [Daughters of Amana 01] by Somewhere to Belong Page A

small, and sell our fabrics. Like you, he is very fond of Chicago.”
    “Is? Does your brother live in Chicago?”
    “Yes.”
    “Wait!” I planted my feet on the dusty road, unwilling to move until she answered my questions. “Did he run away?”
    With a glance over her shoulder, she waved me forward. “No. He was a grown man who could make his own choice.”
    Sadness weighed my shoulders into a slump. “So you’ve never seen him again.”
    “Of course I’ve seen him. He comes to visit occasionally. If he ever wanted to return, he could do so. This isn’t a prison. Wilhelm was an adult, and he chose to leave. If he ever wants to return, he will be welcomed back.”
    Johanna’s explanation sounded rehearsed. I was certain there must be more to Wilhelm’s departure. “Were your parents very displeased with him?”
    “We won’t speak of this any further, Berta. Hurry up or Sister Muhlbach will assign us extra duties.”

CHAPTER 9

    Johanna Ilg
    Not again! Ever since Carl had moved into Oma Reich’s rooms, my parents had been inviting him to visit in our parlor each evening after prayer meeting. And now my mother had invited him to join us Sunday afternoon, as well. “I don’t know why he has to be with us every free moment.”
    My mother frowned and touched her index finger to her lips. “Hush, Johanna. Carl will hear you.”
    “He and Vater are discussing repairs for the barn. They don’t hear a word we say.” I leaned close to her ear. “I’m going to my room to mend my stockings.”
    “You will stay here and behave like a proper young woman. I think Berta’s rude behavior is beginning to have an effect on you.”
    “I don’t see why I must be present when you’re the one who initiates these visits. Carl and Vater discuss farm equipment and the barns. Why must I listen to such uninspiring talk?”
    Berta’s influence couldn’t be blamed for my conduct, but she had certainly questioned Carl’s frequent visits. Ever the romantic, she wanted to believe Carl was madly in love with me. She still didn’t believe the visits had been initiated by my mother. I’d given up any attempt to convince her otherwise.
    My mother sighed. “Carl is lonely and has no family here in Main Amana. We are his neighbors, and your Vater is his supervisor. It is only right that we make him feel welcome.”
    “But it was his choice to leave High. If he didn’t want to be alone, why didn’t he stay there—or bring his Mutter with him?” Our hushed whispers had finally captured the men’s attention, and my father looked in our direction.
    “What interesting talk are we missing?” His eyes twinkled with curiosity.
    “Just women’s talk, Vater. Don’t let us interrupt you.”
    Grasping the armrests of the overstuffed chair, he pushed to a stand. I knew all hope of further discussion with my mother had come to an end. “There is a meeting of the Bruderrat that I must attend, but Carl has offered to take the two of you fishing this afternoon.”
    Fishing? With Carl? I had always enjoyed fishing with Wilhelm, but the idea of spending the remainder of the afternoon with a veritable stranger didn’t appeal. I turned toward my mother. Surely she could read the silent plea in my eyes. Surely she would refuse.
    “Oh, that sounds wonderful.” Mother folded her hands in her lap and preened.
    Sounds wonderful? I’d never before heard her speak in such a manner. Was she attempting to impress Carl?
    “Thank you, Carl, but I have mending to finish. I’m sure Mutter will keep you company.”
    “You can bring your mending along, Johanna. I know you probably don’t want to touch worms or handle fish. I’ll find a shady spot where you can sit and enjoy the breeze while you finish your stitching.”
    “Ja. That’s a gut plan.” My father gathered his Bible and hat. “You go with them, Johanna. And if you finish your sewing, maybe Carl can teach you how to catch a fish.” He winked at me before he turned and opened