A Marriage for Meghan (4 page)

Isaiah’s wife
. Didn’t she also have a wedding to plan, along with quilts to make and linens to embroider? And shouldn’t she help Abby dry the herbs and can the produce that might line her own pantry shelves someday? Instead, her
daed
wanted her to spend the next five months training her little sister on how to be a teacher. Meghan—who had once locked her own teacher in the girls’ outhouse. Five months wouldn’t be enough time to file down that girl’s rough edges.

“Thank you for the ride,” said Catherine, handing the driver his fare.

“You’re welcome, ma’am. I’ll set your suitcase on the steps.”

He hurried up the salted walkway while she trudged behind like a condemned felon bound for the gallows. Suddenly, the door swept open and out popped her
mamm
’s head.

“There you are! I thought you would never get here. Or maybe you decided to leave your family high and dry?” Ruth’s focus landed on her solitary suitcase. “That’s it? Where’s the rest of your stuff? You took more than that when you left for Abigail’s.”

Catherine stepped past her into the warm, sweet-smelling kitchen. Someone had stoked the woodstove to capacity. “No sense moving everything back home—especially not my summer-weight clothes. This relocation will only be temporary, although it is good to see
you
.” She hugged her mother tightly and kissed her cheek.

“
Jah, jah
. You’re not hitched yet, so don’t go counting your chickens.” Ruth accepted the embrace and then squirmed away. “Your
daed
’s in the front room, wearing a hole through the carpet from pacing back and forth. Go in before he exhausts himself.”

Catherine set her suitcase by the stairs and entered the living room, feeling like a child from years ago. Her father turned a weary, anxious face toward her. “There you are! Why did you pay a driver? James would have come for you. I’ll have John carry your bag up to your old room. Have you eaten?” Finally he paused, crossing his arms over his white shirt. “Why are you staring at me like that?”

“Because I’ve never heard you ask that many questions
in a row
in my life.” She chuckled and walked to the woodstove. “How is Meghan doing? She’s had a few days now with Joanna. Maybe she won’t need me after all.” Catherine moved near enough to the heat to singe her skirt.

Unexpectedly her father laughed. “That’s a good one, but no, I believe you are still needed. That teacher hasn’t let your
schwester
do much more than observe even after a full week in the classroom. That doesn’t sound promising. Except for on the playground. Meghan monitors the outdoor recess activities.”

Catherine closed her eyes to contemplate. “That’s not a good sign.”

“So, you’ll accept the position? You’ll take over for Joanna Kauffman and finish out the school year? That way Meghan can learn from you.” Her father sounded and looked desperate.

“Hold on. I said I would talk to the teacher and have a look-see. Thirty-five students are a handful. Remember, my experience has been with two or three
kinner
at a time. Maybe I wouldn’t fare any better than Meghan.”

Gideon slumped into a chair. “I know my girls. You’re better equipped to handle several things happening at once. And that’s what someone who instructs eight different grade levels must be able to do. Plus, you show stiff backbone when it’s called for. And you have your head firmly on your shoulders. Meghan can walk to the henhouse, become distracted by John in the lunging ring, and then return to the house without wondering why she carried an empty basket.”

“
Daed
!” Catherine admonished, but they both chuckled.

“And don’t you ever repeat that.” He settled back and sighed wearily. “The other ministerial brethren have questioned my choice of Meghan. The senior minister even brought up the outhouse incident after all these years. I assured them I would send for you to help out.”

Catherine stopped smiling. “Without waiting for my answer?” Her tone revealed her irritation.

“You’re a good girl, daughter. I knew you would come home if we needed you. And we do. Some of the elders weren’t happy about how I had handled matters with your older sister.”

She knew he referred to his willingness to mortgage the farm to raise bail money when Abigail had been arrested for an incident regarding her midwife duties. “I’m not a girl,
daed
. I’m a grown woman who has a home to prepare for when Isaiah returns.”

He met her gaze, his eyes pleading. “Your wedding is almost a year away. Please, Catherine, your
schwester
might learn how to be a good teacher under your supervision. You can’t believe how excited she is about this opportunity.”

How could she say no to the man who had sacrificed in countless ways to provide for his wife and five children? She released a sigh. “All right. As long as the class appears normal, instead of a herd of wild mustangs, I’ll take the job.”

He jumped to his feet. “
Danki
. Why don’t you drive the buggy to the school? You could see Meghan in action and talk to Joanna before she leaves for the day.”

“Right now? I haven’t unpacked my bag, washed my hands and face, or had a bite to eat.”

Ruth appeared in the doorway. “I fixed you a sandwich and threw some packets of hand wipes into the bag. James has brought the buggy around and heated up a lap robe.” She held the paper sack in her outstretched hand. “Plus, I’ll unpack your suitcase while you’re gone.”

Catherine shook her head and marched to where she’d hung up her coat and bonnet. “Why does it feel as though I’ve been ambushed?” she muttered, taking the sack from her
mamm
on her way by.

“Don’t fret. I put half a dozen of your favorite cookies in the bag too.” Ruth was grinning almost as broadly as her
ehemann.

Catherine barely had time to eat the sandwich before arriving at the schoolhouse. The oatmeal raisin cookies would have to wait for the trip home. Tying the horse at the hitching post, she didn’t bother to unharness because she wouldn’t be staying long. Fortunately, the students were outside at recess, and she immediately spotted Joanna Kauffman. A moment later the teacher approached holding the hands of two little girls. With her coat unbuttoned, she definitely looked thicker through the middle than the last time Catherine had seen her.

“Welcome, Catherine,” Joanna greeted. “I’m very glad to see you.”

“
Danki
, it’s good to see you looking in the pink of health. But where is my sister?” Catherine looked left and right. “I thought she was in training.”

“She’s over there, in the ball field. Meghan organized a game of kickball.” Joanna gestured her head toward the left.

“On such a damp and slushy day?” Catherine asked, focusing her eyes in the indicated direction. Sure enough, even at this distance, she spotted plenty of skirt hems and trouser legs among the students.

“
Jah
, I thought the same thing, but it’s been a week. I had to start allowing her to make decisions, even if she must live with the consequences of her choices.”

Catherine nodded in agreement. “How is she doing? And please don’t mince words.”

Joanna dropped the children’s hands. “You two run off and play,” she ordered. Once they headed to the swings, she continued. “Meghan has only had playground duty thus far. Although she’s good at finding interesting games to play, unfortunately she joins in the game with them. Yesterday she organized a boys-against-girls snowball fight. I must say, that worked out rather poorly for the girls.” Joanna arched one eyebrow. “I had to point out to her later that we don’t allow
combat
on school grounds.”

Catherine swallowed hard. “I wouldn’t think so.”

“She hasn’t yet grasped the idea that
all
the students are her responsibility. She must monitor every activity instead of involving herself in one. I’m monitoring the rest of the children during her kickball game, but she must prepare for solo duty if she wishes to become a teacher.”

The discussion had made Catherine feel disloyal to her sister. “Maybe she will excel with indoor subjects. I know for a fact Meghan is a gifted storyteller.”

Joanna pondered the new information. “In that case, this afternoon she’ll get her chance.” To a nearby child, she said, “Please tell Meghan I wish to speak with her. And try not to get muddy,” Joanna called after the girl.

“I’d love to see her in action,” said Catherine. “It will help me make up my mind.”

Joanna looked bewildered. “I thought an arrangement had already been reached. I’m starting to show. I can’t stay much longer.” She lovingly placed a hand on her belly. “Meghan isn’t ready, Catherine. Perhaps by the fall she will be, but she isn’t now.”

Catherine lifted her chin. “In that case, my mind is officially made up.”

“
Danki
. I’ll sleep easier tonight with that knowledge.”

Meghan darted across the playground with glowing pink cheeks and a dazzling smile. “Hi, Cat. You’ve come! Welcome.” She threw her arms around Catherine’s shoulders and hugged until the teacher cleared her throat.

“Meghan,” said Joanna, “I understand you enjoy telling stories. Are you familiar with Jesus’ parable of the Great Feast? It can be found in Luke 14.”

Meghan pondered for a moment. “
Jah
, sure. A man prepared a big feast and sent out many invitations. When the food was ready, he sent his servant to spread the word. But folks started making excuses as to why they couldn’t come, and the man became very angry.” She smoothed the wrinkles in her skirt.

“That’s right,” said Joanna. “What happened then? Do you fully understand the meaning, the lesson we’re to learn from the parable?”

Meghan nodded. “The man went out to gather the poor, the blind, the crippled, and the homeless from the streets until his house was full. He said none of those who were first invited would receive the smallest taste of the banquet.” She gazed from one woman to the other.

“Exactly, but what was Jesus trying to teach us?”

Meghan needed no time to consider. “That anybody who hears His Word but turns his back on God won’t be getting a second invite to heaven.”

Catherine relaxed and exhaled, while Joanna smiled. “Well said. Now, I would like you to blow the whistle. Recess is over. Take the students inside and read Luke 14:15-24 aloud to the entire class. Afterward, the middle grades, Group B, will retell the story in their own words. The oldest scholars, Group C, will do the same, but also write down the moral of the parable in their own words. With Group A, the youngest
kinner
, you will talk about the story and then practice reading up front. Do you understand my instructions?”

Meghan’s jaw dropped open. “By myself?”

“
Jah
, by yourself. I think you’re ready. Catherine and I will come inside in a little while. That way you won’t be as nervous the first time you take charge.”

All color had drained from Meghan’s face as Joanna handed over the whistle. “
Right now?
” Meghan squeaked.

“They can’t play all afternoon. It’s past time.” Joanna crossed her arms.

“We’ll be right here and will join you soon,” added Catherine, hoping to build confidence in her sister.

It took three blasts from the whistle, but Meghan finally got their attention. She herded them inside, single file. It was a shame that at least one-third of the
kinner
were Meghan’s size or taller.
Somehow size matters when a person assumes control,
Catherine thought as she whispered a silent prayer.

“Let’s give Meghan a little time,” said Joanna, after the students disappeared through the double doors. “It’s unnerving to be watched when you’re new on the job.”

The two women sat on the swings and enjoyed discussing baby names, the cabin addition, and Catherine’s sketchy wedding plans. After fifteen minutes, they toed off their outer boots in the hallway and entered the classroom

All vestiges of decorum had evaporated. It was amazing they hadn’t heard the cacophony out in the yard.

Clusters of girls stood talking by the window. Groups of boys were huddled on several benches, discussing who knew what. Several of the taller boys competed in a game of basketball using paper wads and the trash can. Most of their shots hadn’t been accurate. Meghan sat perched on the folding chair in front of the room with a primer on her lap. Primers were open on the little ones’ laps too, but most of those children were crying.

Joanna and Catherine exchanged a momentary glance and then flew in different directions.

“You boys pick up those paper wads immediately.” Joanna didn’t shout nor even raise her voice, yet her tone meant business. “Then take your seats and put your heads down. I don’t wish to see your faces for ten minutes.” She garnered immediate and total compliance.

Catherine marched to the group of girls chatting as though at a social event. “Sit down this instant and take out paper and pencil. Write out the parable in your own words instead of talking about it all afternoon.” The girls quickly obeyed, blushing with shame. With two calamities resolved and quiet restored, Catherine joined Joanna by the teacher’s desk.

Meghan glanced up at them. “I asked Group A to read silently and then tell me what they read, but they just stare at the page. And I don’t know why they’re so upset.” She also looked ready to cry.

Joanna’s expression turned remorseful. “I’m sorry, Meghan. I should have explained that the first graders can’t read on their own. They’re still learning the spoken English language. They follow along word by word while I read to help sight recognition. They’re crying because they want to do what you asked, but they cannot.”