Free Miriam and the Stranger by Jerry S. Eicher

with her. Only lately have I found the strength to look again for a woman to walk with me… mostly for my ministry’s sake, I guess. A minister needs a frau by his side. But if I may be so bold, Miriam, I must say that you have moved my heart deeply. I didn’t expect to find another woman like Rachel, whom I could both respect and love.”
    Miriam didn’t meet his gaze as she whispered, “I don’t know what to say about that. You praise me too highly, I’m afraid. But I’m glad to hear that things had gone well between Rachel and you.”
    Mose nodded solemnly. “That is a gut observation, and one I would expect from you. A bad first marriage would likely lead to a bad second marriage. I hope and pray this time that I can spend many long, happy years with my second frau .”
    Miriam held her breath for a moment. Mose hadn’t proposed outright, but he had come close. She would have said yah if he had asked, but thankfully the moment hadn’t arrived. She needed a little more time to prepare her heart.
    “Is there something else?” Mose’s voice was gentle.
    “You have a farm, I assume?” The words slipped out. Now she sounded like a financial concern was the second most important thing on her mind.
    Mose chuckled. “Women would think of such things. Can I afford a family, in other words?”
    Miriam began to protest, but Mose silenced her with a motion of his hand. “Your character has already been established when it comes to money, so don’t worry. You have a right to ask. Any woman would. So here goes. My farmhouse sits on more than one hundred acres. Not all of the mortgage is paid off, but enough that I’m comfortable with the payment. And Wayne County’sfarmland is known for its abundant production of crops. So unless the Lord has other plans, I should be able to raise a family with my next frau and not face starvation.”
    Will the Lord give you kinner this time? Miriam almost asked. Mose seemed so certain, but she had never borne children for a man. What if she failed him in this area?
    “You don’t object to kinner, do you?” Mose glanced at Miriam.
    “No, no, of course not,” Miriam sputtered.
    “Then you fear how many the Lord would give you?” Mose’s gaze pierced again.
    Miriam hid her face with both hands. “No, Mose,” she whispered. “I’m satisfied with what the Lord gives. But please, let’s speak of something else.”
    “That is well said.” Mose settled back into his chair. “You respond with shame like a virtuous woman should, and I am grateful.”
    Miriam clung to the sides of the chair and wished for dusk to fall completely. Yet Mose seemed to understand. He allowed long moments to pass before he spoke again, “Perhaps we should go inside and spend some time with your Uncle William and Aunt Fannie.”
    “As you wish,” Miriam heard her voice tremble.
    Mose smiled. “I hope I can see you again this week. Maybe on Thursday evening for supper?”
    “If Aunt Fannie will fix a meal.” Miriam tried to smile. “I can come home early from school to help, but…”
    “Your Aunt Fannie has already invited me, so the matter is settled,” Mose interrupted. He regarded her for a long moment. “I have enjoyed my time with you tonight, Miriam, and I hope you have also.”
    Mose didn’t wait for an answer as he led the way back inside the house.

Chapter Nine

    T wo days later Miriam hitched up Star and headed the buggy out of the driveway toward the schoolhouse. The brisk morning air stirred around her. The sun had risen only moments before and was now flooding the prairie with golden light. Long shadows stretched across the road in front of the buggy.
    Miriam had risen early as usual, even though classes didn’t begin until nine o’clock. She was accustomed to arriving at the schoolhouse early and spending quiet moments alone preparing for the day’s work and having some time of communion with the Lord. This morning she especially needed that time of prayer. Her next date