A Hidden Truth by Judith Miller Page A

we took our seats.
    While Sister Marta filled and carried bowls to our table, Dovie leaned close to me. “Where is the shepherd you spoke of earlier?” I placed my index finger to my lips and gave a slight shake of my head. Dovie grinned and poked my side with her elbow. “Do tell me. I want to see which one he is.”
    Sister Bertha cleared her throat and sent a disapproving look in our direction. Instead of remaining silent, Dovie smiled and arched forward. “Hello. I’m Dovie Cates. My mother grew up here in East Amana. Perhaps you knew her—Barbara Cates. Her name was Lange before she married, Barbara Lange.”
    Sister Bertha’s frown deepened. “I understand you are a guest, but we speak only when necessary during our meals.”
    Dovie’s jaw snapped together, and her lips tightened until they curled inward and disappeared. I reached beneath the table and gripped Dovie’s hand. She squeezed in return, and in that moment, we sealed our friendship.
    For the remainder of the meal, Dovie watched the ladies at our table. If one of them took a second helping, she took a second helping; if one of them salted their food, she salted her food; if one of them held up a glass for more water, she did the same. She made certain she did nothing that would produce any cause for criticism. When we’d finished our stewed apples, we stood to be dismissed with prayer.
    The moment the prayer ended, I leaned and whispered into Dovie’s ear, “Anton is the tall one with the dark hair.” Just then Anton turned and saw both of us staring at him. He grinned and raised his hand in a slight wave. “Ach! He saw us looking at him.” I grabbed Dovie’s hand and pulled her toward the stairs. “Quit looking at him!”
    â€œWhy? He’s quite handsome and he waved at you. That means he likes you.”
    â€œI don’t want him to think we are talking about him. He waved because he saw us staring at him, and he didn’t know what else to do.” I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. If Anton thought we were discussing him, he’d be sure to ask me when I met him in the barn tomorrow. And what would I say if he did? Dovie wanted to see the shepherd who doesn’t know how to handle the sheep. Or, Dovie thinks you are quite handsome and that you must like me since you waved at us.
    â€œYou’re wrong. I could tell from the way he smiled and waved that he cares for you.”
    I pinned Dovie with a stern look. “Anton is here to work with the sheep. I am not yet certain, but I believe he is here for his year of separation.” While keeping my voice low, I continued walking her toward the stairs. “I do know he is a man with a temper, and that does not make for a gut husband. Besides, in the colonies, we do not think marriage is necessary for us to enjoy an abundant life.”
    Dovie stopped midstep and turned to face me. A deep V had formed between her eyes. “What does all of that mean?”
    Reaching around Dovie, I pushed down on the heavy metal latch and opened the door to my room. After a quick glance toward the stairs, I nudged her forward. “Let’s go inside.” Who could say when Anton might bound up the stairs. Over the last few days, he’d begun visiting with my father in our parlor after supper and walking with our family to prayer meeting each night. I wouldn’t want him to overhear our conversation.
    Once the door closed behind us, I sighed with relief. “What part do you want me to explain?”
    â€œAbout separation and abundant single lives—all of it. There are lots of married people here, aren’t there?”
    â€œJa, that is true. But we believe that if a person can remain single, it is better.”
    Dovie’s frown deepened. “But why? What makes it better?”
    â€œYou have more time. When you are not working, your time can be devoted to worshiping the Lord rather