Free Plain and Fancy by Wanda E. Brunstetter

to, when Eli turned toward his buggy and started walking away.
    “See you at church tomorrow,” he called over his shoulder. “Jah, see you then,” she muttered as she went back into the house. Will I ever get through to Eli? Will he ever see me as anything more than a friend?
    ***
    “I’m sorry I was late picking you up,” Eli said as he helped Laura into his buggy. “I had to make a delivery for my mamm.”
    “That’s okay. You’re here now, and that’s all that counts.” Laura drew in a deep breath. “It feels and smells like winter is coming, doesn’t it?”
    Eli nodded. “It’s a lot warmer inside my daed’s closed-in carriage, but I sure do miss my courting buggy.”
    “Don’t you use it in the winter months at all?”
    He shrugged. “Sometimes on the milder days, but it’s much nicer inside this buggy today, don’t you think?”
    “Jah.” She giggled and flipped the end of her ponytail.
    Eli grinned. “You look real schee today.”
    “Nice. You said I look nice today, right?”
    He nodded. “You’re catching on fast to the Deitsch.”
    Laura’s heart fluttered. “Thanks for the compliment.”
    Eli only nodded again and made the horse go a bit faster.
    “Where are you taking me today?” Laura asked.
    “I thought you might like to see one of our schoolhouses.” “Schoolhouses? You have school on Saturdays?”
    He chuckled. “No, but Saturday’s the best day for a tour of the schoolhouse. There won’t be any kinner about, and no teacher wearing a stern look or carrying a hickory switch.”
    “Eli Yoder, you’re such a tease.” Laura reached across the short span between them and touched his arm. “Maybe that’s why I like you so well.”
    “Because I like to kid around?”
    “Yes. I find your humor and wholesome view on life rather refreshing. It’s like a breeze on a sweltering summer day.”
    Eli scrunched up his nose. “I don’t believe I’ve ever been compared to a breeze before.”
    She withdrew her hand and leaned back. “I’ve learned a lot from you.”
    “Is that good or bad?”
    “It’s good, of course.” Her voice lowered to a whisper. “I could teach you a lot about English ways, if you’d let me. We could take in a movie sometime, or—”
    Eli held up his hand. “No, thanks. I think I know more than enough about the fancy life.”
    “How can you say that? Have you ever given yourself a chance to find out what the modern world really has to offer?”
    “I’m not blind, Laura,” he muttered. “I see what’s out there in the world, and even though I haven’t felt ready to join the church, I’m not all that interested in electrical gadgets, fancy clothes, or thinkin’ I don’t need God.”
    Laura’s mouth dropped open. “Who said anything about not needing God?”
    “I’m sure lots of English folks do love God,” Eli said. “But I’ve seen many people who seem too self-centered to give Him anything more than a few thoughts, and then it’s only when they’re in need of something.”
    “Where did you hear that?” she asked, her voice edged with irritation. Was this going to turn into a full-fledged disagreement? If so, she wasn’t sure it was a good idea to give her opinion. After all, she was trying to appease, not aggravate, Eli.
    He shrugged. “It doesn’t matter where I got the notion. The important thing is, I’m happy to be a child of God, and I don’t need any worldly things to make me complete.”
    “My father says religion is a crutch for weak men, and I’m inclined to believe him.” The words were out before Laura had time to think, and she could have bitten her tongue when she saw the look of irritation on Eli’s face.
    Eli pulled sharply on the reins and eased the horse and buggy to the shoulder of the road. “Are you saying I’m a weak man, Laura?”
    She turned to face him. “No, of course not. I just meant—”
    “Maybe we’ve come too far,” Eli said, his forehead wrinkling.
    “Too far? You mean we missed