The Farmers' Market Mishap Read online

  Elma choked back a sob as she searched the ground, taking small steps toward the store.

  After looking for what seemed like hours, she gave up. The only sensible thing was to go over to Thelma’s house and borrow her set of keys. “Don’t know why I didn’t think to do it sooner.” She tapped the side of her head, almost knocking her head covering off.

  Elma hurried down the driveway, thankful it wasn’t windy this evening. She paused at the mailbox to retrieve the mail then, looking both ways, crossed the street. Joseph and Thelma’s front room window faced the road, along with most of the wraparound porch. So if her sister wanted to sit outside, she could watch the customers come and go.

  As Elma started up the driveway, to go around back, she heard a familiar meow! Looking down, she groaned. Much to her chagrin, Tiger had followed her across the street.

  Thelma was about to start supper when Joseph entered the kitchen. “Don’t bother fixing anything for us, ’cause I’m takin’ my beautiful fraa out for supper this evening.”

  “Oh, Joseph, are you sure? I bet you had a busy day at the harness shop. Wouldn’t you prefer to stay home and rest?”

  “Nope.” He stepped up to Thelma and gave her a hug. “I did have a busy day, but I’m guessin’ you did as well. Your stooped posture and red-brimmed eyes are a good indicator of exhaustion.”

  Thelma nodded. “I used to be able to work five days a week and do all sorts of chores without feeling so mied.”

  Joseph tipped her head back so she was looking directly into his eyes. She giggled when he affectionately tweaked her nose. “But you weren’t expecting a boppli back then. Which is why you need to take it easy and let me treat you to a meal out at Tiffany’s.”

  Thelma’s mouth watered thinking about the good food on the menu there, not to mention what was available on the restaurant’s buffet. “All right, let me wash up and get changed into a clean dress, and I’ll be ready to go.”

  “I need to clean up and change my clothes, too.”

  They started down the hall toward their bedroom but halted their footsteps when someone pounded on the back door. Thelma went to the door and was surprised to find her sister standing on the porch.

  “Can I borrow your key so I can get into my house?” Elma spoke breathlessly, and her cheeks were bright pink.

  Thelma blinked rapidly. “What happened to your key?”

  “I don’t know. I lost it somehow, and since the store key is on the same ring, I don’t have it, either. I had them when I locked up the store, so they must have slipped out of my hand somewhere between the store and home.” Elma heaved a heavy sigh. “I’m tired, hungry, and so is my pestering cat, so I need to get into the house right away.”

  “I’ll get my key for you.” Thelma went to her purse and took out the key. She handed it to her sister then turned to Joseph and whispered, “Would you mind if I invited Elma to go out to supper with us?”

  “Course not. She’s more than welcome to join us at Tiffany’s.”

  Elma smiled. “It’s a nice offer, but I have to feed the animals yet, and…”

  Joseph held up his hand. “Not a problem. I’ll take care of your outside chores while you and my fraa get ready to go out. Once I’m done, I’ll come back here, take a quick shower, and change into clean clothes. Then we can be off to Tiffany’s.”

  Elma pushed an unruly strand of hair back under her head covering then picked Tiger up before he decided to venture back across the road. “If you’re sure you don’t mind, I’d appreciate the help, and a meal out this evening sounds wunderbaar.”

  Soon after Elma was seated at a table with her sister and brother-in-law, she spotted Delbert Gingerich coming in the door. Joseph must have seen him, too, for he waved Delbert over.

  After everyone greeted Delbert, Joseph pointed to the empty chair at their table. “If you’re not meeting someone, we’d be glad to have you join us, Dell.”

  “I’m not meeting anyone, but hey, I don’t mind sitting by myself. Sure don’t want to interrupt your meal.” Delbert rubbed the back of his neck. Shuffling his feet, he glanced at Elma then looked quickly away.

  “No one should have to eat alone, especially when their friends are sitting right here.” Joseph got up and pulled out the empty chair. “Now I won’t take no for an answer.”

  “Well, umm…”

  Delbert looked at Elma, as though needing her approval, but before she could form a response, Thelma spoke up. “We’d be pleased if you joined us, Dell. We haven’t seen you in a while, and it’ll be nice to catch up.”

  Feeling as if she had no other choice, Elma smiled and nodded. While she had nothing personal against Joseph’s friend, his little quirks sometimes got on her nerves. She remembered from when Delbert courted her how stubborn and opinionated he could be. He also ate too much candy and was a poor sport whenever they played a board game with Thelma and Joseph.

  Delbert’s eyes brightened as he took a seat and slid his chair in close to the table. “Anyone know what the special here is tonight?”

  “I’m not sure.” Joseph motioned to the buffet. “But that’s what I’m goin’ for. It’s nice to get a variety of food.”

  Elma glanced in that direction. Joseph was right. There were so many dishes to choose from—chicken, corn, mashed potatoes, thick noodles, a salad bar full of fresh vegetables, and some wonderfully tasty desserts.

  “Guess I’ll have the buffet, too.” Delbert grinned. “I had a busy day and worked up a hearty appetite.”

  “What are you going to have?” Elma asked her twin.

  Thelma shrugged her shoulders. “I am kind of hungerich, so I may as well have the same. How about you?”

  “Since everyone else is going to the buffet, I will, too.”

  “Let’s have our silent prayer before we help ourselves,” Joseph suggested.

  Everyone closed their eyes.

  Heavenly Father, Elma prayed, bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies, and please bless everyone at this table. Amen.

  “How are things with you these days, Elma?” Delbert asked as he followed her up to the buffet. “Are you still keeping plenty busy at the store?”

  “Jah, I am, and with things at the house, too.” She pursed her lips. “There are many items on my list that need to be done, beginning with the upstairs toilet.”

  “What’s wrong with it?”

  “It’s leaking, and I’m continually wiping up the floor.”

  His brows pulled together. “Not good, Elma. If you don’t get it fixed soon it could damage the bathroom floor, not to mention creating a mold problem.”

  “I wouldn’t want that to happen.” She wrinkled her nose. “I’ve been meaning to ask Joseph, but he’s been extra busy in his shop lately, so it may have to wait until things slow down for him.”

  “Not to worry.” Delbert smiled. “I’ll drop by your place and take a look at the situation. It might be something I can easily fix.” He blushed; then he quickly added, “If it’s okay with you, that is.”

  “Danki. It’s kind of you to offer, and I appreciate it. I’ll pay you, of course.” Elma picked up a clean plate.

  “We’ll see how it goes. If it doesn’t take too much time, I may only charge you for the part.” When Delbert picked up a plate, it nearly slipped out of his hands. “Oops.” He managed to grab it in time. As he started down the line, he put a glob of mashed potatoes on it then added some gravy. “Everything else okay?”

  “Pretty much—except for losing the keys to my house and the store today.”

  “Did you find them?” He looked at her intently.

  Elma shook her head. “I borrowed Thelma’s key so I could get into the house, and I’ll use her key to the store when I open it tomorrow.” She forked a chicken thigh and put it on her plate.

  “That’s too bad. I hope you find it.” Delbert took some of the golden-crusted meat and plopped it next to his potatoes.

  “So do I.” Elma added some noodles to her plate. “If
I don’t find them, I’ll take Thelma’s keys to the hardware store and have some copies made.”

  Delbert nudged Elma’s arm with his elbow. “You can do that all right, but if someone finds the keys you lost, it could be arig.”

  She tipped her head. “Why would it be bad?”

  “If the wrong person found your keys, they might break into the house or store and steal from you. If you like, I could change the locks on both doorknobs and get you another set of keys.”

  Elma gulped. Having Delbert around, for yet another project, could be a little unnerving. Now she was even more determined to find those lost keys.

  CHAPTER 4

  The following morning, Elma woke up with a pounding headache, as well as a stiff neck. She’d lain awake much of the night, worrying someone might have found her keys and would enter her house or rob the store. Every little noise and creak of the house put Elma on alert.

  The first thing she did when she entered the kitchen was to grab a glass of water and take an aspirin. Then she stepped outdoors and took care of feeding and watering the animals in the barn. When that chore was done, she headed to the chicken coop, carrying a basket in the crook of her arm.

  Hearing the shrill cry of a hawk, Elma stopped to watch it circling on the air currents. A wave of peaceful calm came over her as she paused to pray. Lord, help me to do Your will today. Please remind me to reflect You in all I say and do.

  Things went well in the chicken coop, and Elma returned to the kitchen with six nice-sized eggs. Her head still hurt, and it almost felt as though she was in a daze. As she began to prepare breakfast, Elma wavered as pure exhaustion took over.

  Holding on to the countertop, she stood quietly, until her vision cleared. Then glancing down, she noticed her furry companion, eagerly lapping the fresh water in his dish. “Sure wish I’d found those keys, Tiger.”

  The cat looked up at her briefly then began nibbling the food she’d given him. At least somebody was happy this morning.

  Elma went to the refrigerator and took out a carton of eggs. Think I might feel better if I had a dog to alert me to any danger. Tiger’s only good for catching mice.

  As though he could read her thoughts, the cat left his dish and came over to rub against Elma’s leg. She couldn’t help but smile. “Okay, Tiger, you’re a nice pet.” Truth was, ever since Thelma moved out, Elma found herself talking to the cat as though he were a friend. At least it was better than talking to herself.

  Elma got out the frying pan and cooking oil. She was about to pour some into the pan when she heard a horse’s whinny. Glancing out the window, she was surprised to see Delbert’s buggy pulling in. Elma watched as he secured his horse to the hitching rail and started for the house.

  “Guder mariye,” Elma said after opening the door. “What brings you by here this morning?”

  Delbert lifted his toolbox and grinned. “Came to take a look at your leaky toilet, and maybe put a new lock on the house and at the store.” He stepped into the house and followed her to the kitchen. “That is, unless you’ve already found your keys.”

  “No, I haven’t, but then I haven’t looked for them yet this morning.” Elma gestured to the stove. “I was about to fix myself some scrambled oier. If you care to join me for breakfast, I’ll fix enough for the both of us.”

  Delbert removed his straw hat and scratched his blond head. “I did have a cup of kaffi and a faasnachtkuche before I left home, but I could probably eat a plate of scrambled eggs.”

  Elma resisted the urge to tell Delbert that a doughnut and coffee did not make a healthy breakfast. Instead she smiled and said, “Okay, if you want to go down the hall to the bathroom and wash your hands, I’ll get the eggs started.”

  “Okie-dokie.” Delbert set his toolbox on the floor, and as he sauntered off, he sneezed.

  Remembering his allergy to cats, Elma picked Tiger up and opened the door. “Sorry I have to do this, but out you go.” She placed the cat on the porch and quickly shut the door.

  Returning to the kitchen, Elma washed her hands at the sink and got started on the eggs. By the time they were done, Delbert was back.

  “Is there a katz in the house?” He glanced around. “I started sneezing as I was going down the hall.”

  “Tiger was in here, but I put him out, so I hope it helps.” Elma set two plates on the table, along with the platter of scrambled eggs and two glasses of orange juice.

  “My allergies get so bad, sometimes all it takes is being in a house where a cat’s been. It’s their dander that affects me.”

  “I’m sorry about that. If I’d known for sure when you were coming, I would have put Tiger out before you got here.”

  “It’s okay. I’ll live.” Delbert smacked his lips and pulled out a chair. “Looks good, Elma. Danki for asking me to join you.”

  “You’re welcome.” She smiled and took the seat across from him. Following Delbert’s lead, Elma bowed her head for silent prayer.

  When their prayers ended, they ate and talked about the weather, since Elma couldn’t think of anything else to talk about. Being alone with Delbert felt strange. It made her think back to their courting days. Only then, Joseph and Thelma had been with them during all of their outings. Delbert and Elma had only been alone on a few occasions, whenever he’d come over to work on the house.

  She reflected on the day he’d found carpenter ants in their porch, and how she’d appreciated his help, then and now. There were times Elma wished things could have worked out between them. But it must not have been meant to be, she thought. Delbert may be a confirmed bachelor for the rest of his life, and I, quite likely, will remain an old maid.

  As Delbert began working on the toilet, his nose twitched. A musty odor in the room led him to check around. Leaning closer in at the flooring near the back wall next to the toilet base, he took the screwdriver out of his pouch to see what might be going on. Delbert knelt down and poked around the flooring near the wall. It chipped up easily as he pushed the tool into the rotted spot. This needs to be fixed, and now I know why it smells so nasty in here. He would bring the situation to Elma’s attention when he went out to the store later on.

  Delbert thought about Elma, and how tired she looked this morning. Seeing the dark circles beneath her eyes, he had a hunch she’d been working too hard and wasn’t getting enough sleep. No doubt her responsibilities had increased after Thelma married Joe and moved out of their grandparents’ house. In a place this old, things were bound to fall apart, which meant a lot more maintenance.

  He put the screwdriver away then picked up the part he needed for the toilet and set it in place. I wonder if Elma will ever get married. If she was a little more easygoing, like her sister, she’d have a better chance at snagging a man. His forehead wrinkled. She is a fine-looking woman, though. Her silky brown hair and pretty blue eyes are what attracted me to her in the beginning. If she hadn’t been so persnickety, our relationship might have gone further.

  Delbert couldn’t help but envy his good friend. Seeing the look of adoration that Joe and Thelma exchanged last night was enough to make any man jealous. I don’t want somebody tellin’ me what to do, but it sure would be nice to have a pretty wife waiting for me at the end of the day with a sweet smile and a home-cooked meal.

  He thought about the two women he’d gone out with a couple of times since he and Elma broke up. Sarah worked at a gift shop in Shipshewana, and he’d met Millie at the hardware store in LaGrange. They were both nice enough, but the connection wasn’t there, so they’d gone their separate ways rather quickly.

  “Maybe I’m gettin’ too old and set in my ways,” Delbert muttered as he finished up with the toilet. “Might be best if I learn to be content with my life as it is now and quit hoping for something that’s probably never gonna happen.”

  He stood and arched his back. Guess I’d better go out to the store and let Elma know I’m done.

  Elma had just finished waiting on a customer when Delbert entered the store. �
��Got the toilet fixed,” he announced, stepping up to the counter. “But the bad news is, you’ll need some floor work done in the near future. The leak you had was dripping down and rotting out the floor behind the toilet. The bad wood will need to be taken out and replaced with new flooring. There’s a disgusting odor coming from there, too. I’m surprised you didn’t mention it to me.”

  She rubbed her forehead and grimaced. “I have noticed the smell but wasn’t sure of the cause.”

  “Well, when you’re ready to do the job let me know.” Delbert swiped at his brow.

  Elma rested her hand on her hip. “I’ve wanted to replace that old flooring anyway. It’s worn and faded looking.”

  “I’ll run back to the house now and get the square footage you’ll need for the new linoleum. That way you’ll know how much to order.” Delbert pulled his fingers through the end of his hair. “I haven’t locked up yet, but I’ll do that as soon as I’m finished measuring.”

  “Oh, good. How much do I owe you?” Elma shifted her weight, trying not to stare at his deep blue eyes.

  “Nothing for my labor. I left a bill on your kitchen table for the cost of the parts. No hurry about paying me, though. After I get those floor measurements, I’ll leave a note on the table with the bill.”

  “Danki, Delbert. I’m grateful for all you’ve done.”

  Placing both hands on the counter, he leaned close and lowered his voice. “Where do you think you lost your keys?”

  Elma shook her head. “I looked all along the path between here and the house but came up empty handed.” Her gaze flitted around the room. “I hope if someone else found them they’d be kind enough to say something.”

  “Well, you can’t take any chances. I’ll head over to the hardware store and get new locks for all the doors on your house, as well as the front and back door here at the store.”

  “Danki, Delbert.” Elma placed her hand on top of his but quickly pulled it away when another customer approached the counter. “When the job’s been done, let me know how much I owe you.”