Plain Man, Plain Love

By Zoe A. Craig

Looking for a feel-good romance?
Join a simple Amish man and his English lady, as they dance through the courtships of a forbidden love. Will they live happily ever after? Or will their societies force them apart? Only a dash of luck and a whole lot of faith separate their happily ever after from a disastrous and heart breaking end. Will the scales tip in their favor? Read on to find out....

• Language: English
• Publisher: Craiganmore-books Publishing
• Release date: Oct 13, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301751860

Zoe A. Craig

While she does not write or publish anymore, Zoe A. Craig has elected for her books to remain in print so the world may enjoy them.

Book preview

Plain Man, Plain Love

Second Edition

Zoe A. Craig

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2013 Tiffany T.J. Craig and Zoe A. Craig

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

This is a work of fiction. Liberties have been taken, pertaining to the beliefs and customs of the Mennonites. Place names are correct, but any similarity to actual people is purely coincidental. No offense was intended, in the writing of this novel, as the authors greatly admire the strength, courage and simplicity of the Mennonite way of life. This is a love story… plain, and simple.

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CHAPTER 1

That idea’s been done to death!, wailed a voice from inside the office. Nobody wants to read about a bunch of people that are stuck in the last century! I won’t do it and, furthermore, I’ll quit if you force me to go!

From her desk, Sarah Desmond grinned at the consoling sounds coming from her boss’s office. Old Jed had a problem on his hands, all right. The approval had just come through for a story on the Mennonites of Mid-Missouri, and not a one of his reporters wanted it.

Sarah shook her head in disgust. What she wouldn’t give to spend two months in the back of beyond, learning how to do all the things her grandmother had done so many years ago. She rolled her eyes at the scene that was taking place right under her nose. The magazine’s ace reporter, whining and throwing a tantrum, just to get out of an assignment! It was positively degrading. Why, Vanessa Raymond wouldn’t stay in the country for two hours, let alone two months.

If Jed would only come to his senses, Sarah would put in a bid for the assignment, but she knew there was no way he’d turn his only secretary loose for two whole months. Not unless he had no other choice. She sighed unhappily, and went back to her typing.

Sarah jumped, startled by the sudden exit Ms. Raymond made from Jed’s office. She left so fast that she didn’t even bother to close the door behind her.

Desmond!, Jed bellowed, Get in here!

Sarah grabbed her notepad and ran for the office door.

Oh, there you are. What took you so long, girl?, he asked irritably. Jed rifled the papers on his desk before saying, Desmond, get that Miller file. I want it cross-referenced with every name on my payroll. Find me the right person for this job. He looked at her expectantly and asked, "Well, what are you waiting for, a bonus?’

Sarah swallowed her smart reply, turned on a heel and left the office. She couldn’t help grinning, though. Jed had just given her the chance she had been hoping for. Maybe she’d outwit the old rascal after all.

She pulled the Miller file and headed for the computer room. Having machinery to analyze all the information took a lot less time than doing it by hand, and Sarah had the results within ten minutes. A smile of satisfaction lit up her face when she saw the name Sarah Jane Desmond at the top of the computerized printout. Let him wiggle his way out of that, she thought smugly, and headed back to Jed’s office.

Fifteen minutes later, Sarah stood in Jed’s office, waiting to hear his decision. She had spent that time at her desk, wondering if the old man would see reason, or if he would pick one of the other names on the list.

He eyed her thoughtfully and said, I suppose you’re happy, now that you’ve got it on paper.

Sarah tried not to say ‘I told you so’, but the grin on her face said it for her.

Well, pack your bags, girl. The plane leaves for St. Louis at two-fifteen, and if you’re not out of here in two seconds, I’m liable to change my mind., he said grumpily.

Sarah left the room, grinning from ear to ear. She grabbed her briefcase, filled it with paper, pens, white-out, a stapler, file folders and the Miller file. She threw in some extra typewriter ribbons and carbon paper from her bottom drawer and shut the case. As she grabbed her purse she heard Jed’s voice saying, Don’t forget to send a temporary up from the steno pool. I’d be lost without a secretary for two months!

Sarah grinned and replied saucily, Don’t I just know it, Jed Warner., before catching the elevator door. She made a quick stop on the third floor, to arrange a fill-in for her cantankerous employer, then left the building.

Her apartment wasn’t far from the airport but she hurried her packing anyway, just throwing together two medium suitcases and grabbing her trusty old portable typewriter off the shelf. The taxi got her to the airport with fifteen minutes to spare. Not bad, when she’d only been given an hour to get ready. She checked in, boarded her flight, and settled into her seat for a well-deserved nap.

Sarah stood on the short sidewalk and watched the bus pull out into traffic. The plane trip had been uneventful, the Am-Track had flashed along too fast to see any of the countryside, and the bus had been almost empty. She was glad to be standing again after so many hours in a seat.

Now she had two numbers to call. First, she called a taxi to come and take her to the next town. Then she called the Miller family to tell them she would be arriving within the next half hour, and to be ready to take her to Excelsior, where she was to meet her host family before going on to their farm.

Sarah bought some snack food for the ride to Tipton, and then the taxi pulled up. The miles flew by fast, and, within fifteen minutes, Sarah met her first Mennonites. The Millers were a nice, quiet family, right down to the dark-eyed little baby cradled in his mother’s arms. The oldest son, Seth, drove her the fifteen miles to Excelsior in a black Oldsmobile.

He parked in front of the general store and took her bags inside. The young girl behind the counter smiled shyly at him, and, in answer to his question, said, Papa is busy in the storeroom. Grandpa Miller is milking. Uri Schrader’s son, Eli, comes to drive Miss Desmond home.

Eli will be here soon, Miss Desmond. I have to get home before dark. You will be alright by yourself?, asked Seth.

I’ll be fine, Seth, and thank-you for driving me down. Tell your family thank-you for me, too, and that I hope to see them again soon., Sarah replied.

Seth said his goodbyes and swung out the door.

Sarah turned back to the girl at the counter. I’m Sarah Desmond, from Tennessee., she said, extending her hand.

The girl grasped it firmly in her own hand, introduced herself as Aaron Schuyler’s Rebecca, and invited her to look over the store while she was waiting.

Sarah accepted the offer and found herself thoroughly enjoying the contents of the shelves. She was amazed at the quantities of ready-made pasta, candy and cooking oils.

As she headed to the other side of the store, she passed the fresh produce counter, the frozen food lockers and the book section. Sarah scanned the titles quickly and made a mental note to purchase one of the Mennonite cookbooks before returning to Tennessee.

The next section was packed with spices. Sarah was in heaven! The smells assailing her nostrils were phenomenal! There were dried herbs mixed in with the spices, and Sarah was examining the herbal teas when a man’s voice said, You should try the red clover, if it’s tea you like.

Sarah turned and looked up into the bluest eyes she had ever seen. The man’s lips curved into a very sexy smile and his eyes sparkled as he stretched a well-muscled, golden tan arm towards her.

Eli Schrader, Miss Desmond, come to drive you on to the Miller farm, though you were not missing me yet, I think.

No, Mr. Schrader, I was enjoying myself immensely, and if I may purchase a few items first, I’ll be ready to leave as soon as my bags are loaded., replied Sarah, and although she was having trouble talking, it managed to come out fairly well.

Eli tipped his hat to her and went to load the suitcases onto his buggy. When this was done, he leaned easily against a buggy wheel and watched the English woman through the store windows. She was pretty, with her red hair and friendly smile. A pretty name, too, Sarah. The women he knew were plain. They kept braided hair under caps, wore long dark dresses, and were reserved. This English, Sarah, was not plain. Her hair was long, and copper fire glowed from it. She made him feel. His Jessie was gone now, six years. It was a long time to not feel. He ran a hand over the front of his pants, hoping to settle the yearning. He was not ashamed to feel, but Sarah was English… verboten. Eli shook his head sadly, and turned to adjust the harness. He settled the reins neatly over the front of the buggy, and pulled a carrot from his pocket. The horse would enjoy this treat, and it would take Eli’s thoughts from the English… Sarah.

As Sarah paid for her purchases, she suddenly remembered Eli’s words and added a large bag of red clover to the things on the counter. Then, bidding the shy Rebecca farewell, she stepped out into the evening.

Eli was standing by the buggy, and Sarah let him help her up, as she had never seen a buggy before, let alone tried to get inside one.

The warmth of Eli’s hand on her arm was very exciting, and as she sat down, their eyes met for a second time. Sarah was glad she was already sitting, as she would probably have fallen if she hadn’t been.

As Eli walked around to the other side of the buggy, Sarah quickly reassessed his physique. My God, he was gorgeous! He had to be at least six foot, and all his muscles seemed to be nice and tight, especially in his butt! The suspenders over his white work shirt really emphasized his broad chest, and the rolled up shirt sleeves did wonders for his biceps.

As he stopped by the driver’s side, Eli removed his hat and swiped off his forehead with a man’s kerchief. Sarah melted at the sight of his sun-bleached waves. What a man! Too bad he was off limits. Most Mennonite men his age were married and had at least four children. Oh well, she was here to do a story, not to find the love of her life.

The ride to the Miller farm was quiet, although Sarah enjoyed the clop-clop of the horse’s hooves, and the gentle swaying of the buggy. Eli pointed out a few interesting sights along the way, but otherwise, conversation was kept at a minimum.

So, you come to live plain for a time. Your family can spare you this long?

The question startled Sarah out of her doldrums, and she replied honestly, My parents are both dead. I was an only child, and I’ve never found a man who would put up with me. My boss will probably miss me, but the temporary from the steno-pool will make him just as happy as I did, so I rather imagine that no one will be spilling any tears while I’m gone. I’m sorry to have taken you away from your family at supper time. You could have waited until after the milking was done.

It was no trouble. Supper was ended, and Matthew was at lessons. John Miller’s Amos brought a message. Milking was late, and not to be done before store closing time. I needed a breath, too., Eli explained.

Listening to him speak was like a symphony after dark, and Sarah wasn’t about to interrupt. When he stopped talking Sarah asked, Who is Matthew?

My son., came the answer. Sarah didn’t want to pry, but her heart fell down around the general area of her feet as she said, I’m sure his mother will be waiting for you. Perhaps we had better hurry.

My wife is dead these six years. The boy is ten, and my sister Rachel cares for him. There is no hurry., he replied.

They were the sweetest words Sarah had ever heard, but she was ashamed of herself anyway and apologized, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.

If I had not wanted, I would not have said., was his reply. Sarah’s heart soared.

Are we almost there? Sarah asked, partially out of curiosity, but mostly out of pain. She wasn’t used to riding in a buggy, and her rear-end was starting to hurt.

The lights ahead. The Miller’s wait for us., answered Eli, in his no-nonsense fashion.

Sarah was becoming used to his brusque qualities, and found herself wanting to hear more. Where do you live, Mr. Schrader?, she asked.

I am Eli. My father is Mr. Schrader., he corrected her, The lights beyond are mine.

Then we’ll be neighbors., replied Sarah. I’ll look forward to meeting your sister and your son. Are there any more of your family that I’ll be meeting?, she asked.

A few. Rachel’s husband Saul, their children. Papa, some aunts, uncles, cousins. Our family is small., said Eli.

Small!, Sarah exclaimed, Why, that’s a lot of people for one family!

You would think. The Miller’s have five boys, three girls, all married. Twenty-three grandchildren with two started. Eli laughed and said, Now THAT is a family!

Sarah loved that laugh. It was like a breath of spring air to a snow bound arctic hare. She felt warm all over. When I was a child, I dreamed of a family that size., she said.

And now?, asked Eli.

Now? Now I seem to want it more than ever., replied Sarah softly.

Eli turned the horses into the driveway and guided them to the side door of the old farm house. The windows were aglow with lamplight, and Sarah could see inside to the kitchen. There were three people at the table.

As Eli helped her down from the buggy, she heard him say softly, Dreams are made, Sarah. You are the creator.

Sarah looked up at his face, and smiled sweetly. I’ll remember that, Eli., she said, and headed for the kitchen door.

I will remember it too, Sarah., Eli whispered into the darkness.

As she stepped onto the porch, the door was opened by a middle-aged woman. She smiled and put an arm out to draw Sarah into the kitchen. So, you are here. We were wondering. I am Miriam., she said, and turned to the two men at the table. Papa, Eli comes for coffee. She turned back to Sarah. Sarah, my husband John, but he will be Papa to you now. I will be Mama. You will have coffee?, she asked graciously.

Yes, thank-you Mrs.…, ah, Mama. Coffee sounds lovely., Sarah said. She felt Eli come through the door to stand behind her.

Mama caught her breath quickly, and put a hand to her heart. The young English looked so right standing by Eli like that. Well, maybe she was just getting old, but it did look so right. She had felt the same way when Eli had stood behind his Jessie, just in that spot, all those years ago. Ach, time will out! And, anyway, who was she to say? Eli knew his heart.

Sit! I get the cups, you sit!, she said, turning and walking to the cabinet for two more cups. She filled them with coffee at the stove, and set them on the table.

The other man at the table was introduced as Amos, the youngest son. Papa explained that his wife, Bethany, was putting the boys to bed and would be down shortly. Reuben, the next oldest son, and his wife Mariah, would be coming across the yard as soon as their two were asleep. Jessica and her family were away. So, the ride was good, Eli?, asked Papa.

Eli smiled and said, It was good, Papa. The company, also.

Ach, so…, was pretty anyway, eh?, said Papa, chuckling wickedly.

Eli’s eyes crackled with laughter as he agreed. You could always find them, Papa. I am glad the prettiest found you, and married, so the rest of us could find a pretty girl when we wanted to marry!, he joked.

Papa roared, and almost fell out of his chair. Mama blushed prettily, then scolded them all, good naturedly, for being too loud when the children were trying to sleep.

Sarah laughed along with the rest, but her eyes were caught by Eli’s, and as they smiled at the secret feelings in their hearts, they both wondered what it was the other could be smiling about.

CHAPTER 2

The next morning, Sarah was awakened by the sound of feet in the hall, and the wonderful scent of bacon frying. She poured water from the ewer into the wash bowl, washed her face and hands, and looked in the closet for her clothes.

They were gone! Sarah looked again, but everything was missing, except her hairbrush. Just as she was beginning to panic, the door was pushed open and Mama marched into the bedroom followed by two other women.

The twinkle in her eyes should have warned Sarah, but she was still agitated and couldn’t help wondering what was going on. We think you learn more about living plain if you are plain., announced Mama. So, Bethany and Mariah will help.

Within ten minutes, Sarah was transformed into a properly dressed Mennonite woman. Her lovely red hair was parted down the middle, braided, and twisted into a bun in back. She was dressed, by capable hands, in an olive green homespun. A white apron was slipped over her head and tied at her waist, then black stockings were slipped over her feet and legs, and black shoes were placed on her feet. Last of all, the small white cap was pinned to her hair.

As each step was taken, it was explained to her by Mama. The hair worn up was plain, not prideful. Worn long, it would be envied by others. Only the husband was allowed to see its’ great beauty. The cap was a symbol of purity of thought and deed. It was a woman’s honor, her modesty, and her humility, all at the same time.

When all was done, the women stepped back to inspect their work. Sarah turned around for them, and the smiles she received were good enough. She will do, I think?, asked Mama.

Plain enough., said Miriam.

Brown eyes turn green fast, Sarah., observed Bethany, How does this happen?

Why, my eyes are considered hazel., Sarah replied. It means they are not really brown, but have a tendency to pick up colors from other things. The green must have been borrowed from this dress. It’s one of my favorite colors.

It makes you younger, said Mama, It is bad I can not say that.

The four women giggled and headed for the hallway.

As they entered the kitchen, four pairs of brown eyes turned to look. Papa’s eyes sparkled as he commented on the change of clothing, We have five beauties in this house. I think we bar the doors now.

Reuben grinned and said, Ach, Papa, are you afraid they will find new men, or has the day come when five women are too many?

David looked contrite, but Amos was laughing so hard that he had to struggle to stay in his chair. Nein, Reuben, he is more afraid that they will talk him to death! he joked.

Mama threw a tea towel at him and headed for the broom. All four men headed for the door fast. Sarah looked at Bethany and Mariah. They were about to burst, and when Mama turned around with the broom in her hand and a grin on her face, all of them laughed so hard they had to sit down and wipe the tears away.

Finally, Sarah spoke. Does this happen all the time? I’ve always heard that the Mennonites are stern and straight-laced.

Ach, Sarah. We do not drink, or have parties, or own televisions. We should sit and glare at each other? Nein! We laugh! Life is too short for glaring., Mama said, So. We teach you to live plain, not glaring!

Mariah got out the bread pans and Bethany motioned for Sarah to come with her, saying gently, Today is baking day. You and I will gather eggs, and bring the milk from the barn. Then we go to the springhouse for butter and lard.

When Sarah and Bethany returned, Mama had breakfast ready. Mariah and Jessica are just finishing the housework. Sarah, ring the bell and we eat., she said.

Sarah had seen the big dinner bell earlier, and she stepped outside to pull the rope. The response was instantaneous. People of all shapes and sizes appeared from out of nowhere. Sarah gasped, then turned and ran back to the kitchen with everybody on her heels.

The children washed up first, then went to sit at a long table with benches around it. The men washed next, then sat at the large round kitchen table. Mama served the eggs to the children, starting with the youngest. Mariah served the bacon and biscuit, Sarah poured the milk and coffee.

A prayer was said by Papa, and they all ate with gusto. Sarah surprised herself by eating two eggs, bacon, and a biscuit with gravy. Maybe it was the fresh country air. Then again, maybe she just wasn’t used to getting up at four-thirty in the morning and working for two hours before eating breakfast. That would make anybody hungry.

As each one finished eating, they brought their dirty dishes to the sink, rinsed them and stacked them neatly. The children all turned a curious eye towards Sarah as they passed her. Mama shooed them out the door with an amused chuckle. Sarah will be here after school. Plenty of time for you to look then. Move now, or you miss the bus!, she said. The children grinned and scampered out the door. The men weren’t far behind them.

When the kitchen was quiet again, Mama ran the water to do the dishes. While she washed, Miriam rinsed, Bethany dried, and Jessica put away. Sarah took over the task of cleaning the tables. They were finished within twenty minutes.

As Jessica put away the iron skillet, Mama introduced her saying, You know all but this one, Sarah. She is Jessica. Her David took them all to visit his parents. They returned late.

Sarah returned Jessica’s smile. I’m happy to meet you. Your husband must have been the man having coffee with Papa and the others this morning.

Jessica nodded and smiled. David is fond of early coffee. I do not drink. Herbal tea is more likeable., she said.

Sarah agreed and added, I picked up some red clover tea at the store in Excelsior. Eli Schrader recommended it.

Mama smiled and said, Eli is right. He is a tea drinker, but sometimes he will drink the coffee with Papa. I have red clover. Mariah, put the kettle on for water. We all have a cup, and Sarah will taste.

Her daughters-in-law grinned, and Sarah asked if she had missed something. Mama laughed and replied, Ach, no child. My girls know me. I find any excuse to sit for a hot cup of tea. My downfall. But they are right to laugh. You laugh, too. It is good to laugh!

Sarah laughed and the other women joined in. Mama was right, it was good to laugh!

The rest of the day was spent in the kitchen. Mama and her girls had taken on the task of teaching Sarah how to make bread. By ten o’clock, they were all flour stained, and tendrils of their carefully pinned up hair kept escaping from under their caps. Ten loaves of white