Free Wanted by Shelley Shepard Gray Page A

inside. She’d been that way for a time.
    She and Winnie spent the majority of the day working side by side. Winnie had carefully written out the girls’ usual routine and had shown Katie where to find everything necessary for cleaning and cooking. They walked the large cellar where only a few fruits and vegetables had been canned.
    Katie bit her tongue rather than ask what in the world Winnie had been doing. Amish women were proud of their home and took great pains to see that it was pleasing to the eye and a comfortable haven for all. After all, the home was the heart of the family.
    In addition, most women busily canned from sunup to sunset several times a week at harvest time, carefully storing food for the winter and spring. If the job was too big for a woman to do on her own, neighbors and relatives were only too happy to help. Katie had accompanied her mother on many an occasion to help can or freeze necessities for the coming year.
    But, now that she thought of it, Katie couldn’t think of a time during their long friendship when Winnie had ever asked for help. She’d always tried to be self-sufficient as possible.
    Maybe she should have offered to help Winnie more?
    Katie noticed that there was little mention of Jonathan in Winnie’s notes. Because she wanted to please him, she said, “What about Jonathan? You’ve got nothing written about his needs. What time does he leave for work? When does he return? What do you make for his lunch?”
    Winnie frowned. “He’s a grown man, Katie. He can take care of himself.”
    That sounded surprising to Katie. All Amish women took pride in taking care of their families. Did Winnie never attempt to help Jonathan with his meals?
    She was prevented from saying anything more by the arrival of Mary and Hannah. “Hello, girls,” she said with a smile as she hurriedly tried to help them off with their cloaks and hang them on the hooks by the back door. “I’ve been eager all day to see you both.”
    Seven-year-old Mary stopped in her tracks. “Katie, you’re here already?”
    Winnie clucked. “Remember how I told you this morning that Katie would be comin’ to stay today?”
    Wordlessly, Mary grasped Hannah’s hand. They both nodded.
    Katie looked to Winnie with a smile. “I’ll be here for two months. Are you two ready to help me?”
    Mary looked at Hannah, then at Katie with a reproachful glare. “No.” She then walked away, leaving her lunch pail and satchel on the table.
    Katie waited for Winnie to chastise the girl. But instead of correcting the girl’s behavior, Winnie merely picked up Mary’s abandoned items and put them to rights.
    Yet more strange behavior followed. Dinner was a haphazard affair. No one waited for Jonathan. Instead, Winnie just put some food on a plate for him.
    After dinner, the girls went up to their room instead of gathering around the hearth like Katie’s family always did. Soon after, Winnie went to her room to finish packing.
    Finally, at almost seven o’clock, Jonathan entered. As soon as he noticed her presence, his steps slowed. “Katie. You came.”
    â€œOf course I did. I said I would.” When she smiled his way, Jonathan blinked and he dipped his chin, as if embarrassed.
    â€œWell, I’m…glad. The girls need you here.” He looked at her again, then turned away.
    â€œI had a busy day. Winnie showed me around your home.”
    â€œI hope you found everything to your liking.”
    Suddenly, she couldn’t have cared less about her bareroom or the unfamiliar surroundings. “Everything is most pleasing.”
    After removing his black coat and hanging his hat on a peg by the door, he walked quickly to the sink, washed his hands, then picked up the plate she’d set out for him. “Is this for me?”
    â€œOf course.” Taking a chance, she dared to tease him a bit. “Who else