Free Plain and Fancy by Wanda E. Brunstetter Page A

the schoolhouse?”
    He shook his head. “Too far with this friendship we probably shouldn’t be trying to build.”
    Laura’s heart began to pound, and her throat felt like she’d eaten a bunch of hot peppers. If Eli broke things off now, there would be no chance for them. She couldn’t let that happen. She would not allow him to stay angry with her for something so ridiculous as a difference of opinion on religious matters.
    She touched his arm and was glad when he didn’t pull away. “Eli, I respect your religious beliefs, but can’t we just agree to disagree on some things?”
    “It’s kind of hard to have a friendship with someone when we keep arguing.”
    She nodded. “I know, so let’s not argue anymore. In fact, if it would make you feel better, I’ll just sit here and listen to you narrate. How’s that sound?”
    He reached for the reins and gave her a sidelong glance. “You’re a hard one to say no to, you know that?”
    Laura smiled. “That’s what my father says, too.”
    ***
    “Your wife called five times while you were in court today and left messages for you to call her back as soon as you could,” Wesley’s secretary told him when he entered the reception area of his office.
    “Did she say what she wanted?”
    “No, just that it was important and she wanted you to call as soon as you could.”
    “I can imagine how important it was,” he grumbled as he headed to his office. “Probably some major crisis over a broken fingernail.”
    Wesley had no more than taken a seat behind his desk, when his phone rang. He picked it up on the second ring, recognizing the caller ID. “Hello, Irene. I heard you called a few times while I was in court.”
    “Yes, I did, and I’m very upset.”
    His gaze went to the ceiling. Irene was always upset about something it seemed. “What’s the problem?”
    “It’s Laura. I got an e-mail from her today, and she’s in real trouble.”
    Wesley’s heart began to race. “Is she sick? Has she been hurt?”
    “No, no. She’s all right physically, but I think she’s taken leave of her senses.”
    He shifted the receiver to his other ear. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    “Our daughter’s been seeing some Amish man. She’s gone out with him several times, and—”
    “Whoa! Hold on a minute, and calm down. You’re not making any sense.”
    “Laura’s e-mail said she’s involved with an Amish man named Eli. I think his last name is Yoder, or something like that. She said they’ve gone on a couple of picnics, to the farmers’ market, and for rides in his buggy.” After a brief pause, Irene released a shuddering sob. “We’ve got to put a stop to this right away, Wesley. Can you fly out to Pennsylvania and speak to her about this?”
    “Me? Why can’t you go? I’m tied up in court for at least another week, and then I’ve got—”
    “I can’t go, either. I’m involved with that benefit dinner I’m helping plan for the historical society, and then there’s the country club luncheon I’m in charge of.”
    “So you’re not that worried about Laura, are you?”
    “Of course I am.”
    “Well, you needn’t be. Our daughter is old enough to make her own choices about whom she sees and when. I think if we try to interfere, it will only make things worse.” Wesley reached for the cup of coffee his secretary had just placed on his desk and took a drink. “Besides, Laura will be home for Christmas in a few weeks. I’ll talk to her about this Amish fellow then, and if I think she’s in over her head, I’ll try to dissuade her.”
    “All right. I guess that would be best. Oh, I’ve got a call on the other line. I’ll see you when you get home.” Irene clicked off without saying good-bye.
    Wesley shook his head. “Like mother, like daughter.”

CHAPTER 8
    It was only the first week of December, but Lancaster County had been hit with a heavy blanket of snow. Laura figured it would mean the end of her enjoyable rides with Eli ...