At Home in Pleasant Valley by Marta Perry

community’s obvious wish to marry him off, he was not looking for a bride. After what had happened with Ruth, he wasn’t sure he’d ever take that chance again.
    And if he did, it wouldn’t be with a woman who seemed to be flirting with the English world in the shape of her former sweetheart.
    He made Jonah swoop up and down in imitation of a barn swallow, and then set him down and gave him a tap on the bottom. “Go and tell your brother and sister it’s almost time to go home,” he said.
    â€œSo soon?” Leah looked honestly regretful. “Be sure you don’t leave without taking the basket of leftovers that Mamm has for you. It will save you having to cook tomorrow.”
    â€œThat’s kind of her. I’m grateful for your hospitality.” He looked into her face, detecting a hint of strain there. “I’m sorry if Jonah interrupted your conversation with your friend.”
    â€œIt’s all right. We had finished what we had to say.” She gave him a straightforward, serious look. “I’m sure you can guess what we were talking about.”
    He nodded. “How does Kile’s family feel about his coming back?”
    â€œThey don’t know yet, other than Rachel.” Her smooth brow furrowed. “She must tell her parents before they hear from someone else.”
    â€œThat would be wise.”
    â€œMany Amish have children and grandchildren who have chosen not to join the church.” She seemed to look inward, as if arguing with herself. “They still find ways to have some relationship with them.”
    She couldn’t know why the very mention of that thought made him stiffen. And he wasn’t going to tell her.
    â€œWe live separate from the world. Accommodating it can only lead to trouble.”
    His words came out harshly, but perhaps that was just as well. Teacher Leah may as well know now where he stood on that issue, because where his children were concerned, he would not take any risks at all.

C HAPTER F OUR
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was perfectly normal for her to stop and see Rachel after school, Leah assured herself on Friday. So normal, in fact, that Betty turned her head toward the lane to the Brand farm even before Leah’s hand tightened on the harness lines.
    Her errand, however, wasn’t so normal.
    Surely Rachel would have talked to her parents about Johnny by now. Leah’s stomach roiled at the memory of her conversation with John on Wednesday when he’d learned she had no answer for him. He’d hated being put off. And she hated being put in the middle of this tangle.
    She slowed Betty to a walk as they approached the house. On either side of the lane, the Brand dairy herd munched contentedly on April-green grass, and she spotted Becky and her younger brother, five-year-old Joseph, heading for the barn.
    Gut, she’d timed this visit right, then. She’d hoped to get here while Rachel’s husband, Ezra, was still busy, and while the kinder were at their chores. That way she and Rachel could have a private talk.
    She stopped at the back door and slid down, a prayer for guidance forming in her heart. She didn’t know what to pray for in this situation, but certainly the Lord knew what was right for Rachel, for her parents, and even for Johnny.
    She was fastening Betty to the hitching rail when Rachel appeared at the door, holding it open in welcome as always.
    â€œLeah, wilkom. I hoped to see you.” Her smile was warm, but those lines of strain around her eyes were not normal for easygoing Rachel.
    Leah’s heart sank. This situation was hurting her friend, she knew,and there was probably worse to come. No matter what Rachel’s parents had decided, the way wouldn’t be smooth.
    â€œKomm, sit.” Rachel led the way through the mudroom to the kitchen, warm and smelling of supper cooking already. “I have apple kuchen and coffee ready. You’ll have some.”
    â€œOnly if