The Rescued Read Online Free Page A

anything at all . . .”
    â€œAch, I know that.” Rebecca leaned across the table to clasp Judith’s hands, her green eyes filled with laughter. “Who else would I call on but my dear cousins? I don’t want Mamm and Daad to do too much, especially with Daad still recovering from his heart attack. But I knew I could count on you. And I certain-sure want you to be the side-sitters for my wedding, you and Barbie.”
    Judith blinked back a tear or two. “I would be so happy. And Barbie, too, I’m sure.”
    Knowing their younger cousin as she did, she suspected she’d have to keep a close eye on Barbie to be certain she wasn’t planning any jokes. Pert, lively, and a bit of a rebel, Barbie delighted in introducing something different into the traditional. Judith would probably need to remind Barbie several times that the newehocker, or side-sitter, was there to support the bride, not to unnerve her.
    â€œWe’ve decided that Matthew will move in here,” Rebecca went on, her mind obviously on her intended, not on her cousins.“He’s not needed as much at his aunt and uncle’s now that his cousin has come home, and since his furniture business is here, that makes the most sense.”
    It had been the defection of Matt’s cousin to the Englisch world that had brought Matthew home to Brook Hill, Pennsylvania, from his life out west. In turn, Matt had gone after Isaiah and brought him back to those who loved him. And through Matt’s return, Rebecca had found a second chance to love and be loved. God did work in mysterious ways.
    Judith glanced at her grandmother to find her faded blue eyes reflecting back the shared happiness. Grossmammi, with her plump little figure and her face wrinkled like one of last season’s apples, always seemed to know what people were thinking.
    â€œAch, where is my mind?” Grossmammi exclaimed. “I brought something for you, Judith. And I don’t remember—”
    â€œIs this it?” Rebecca reached into the basket on the table and pulled out a small key, suspended from a faded cord.
    â€œThat’s it.” The worry on Grossmammi’s face smoothed out. “Here is the key to the drawers on the desk I gave you. Once I remembered whose desk it had been, I knew I had the key somewhere.”
    Judith took the small, tarnished key, and a little wave of anticipation moved through her. “Denke. Who did the study table belong to? Someone I know?”
    Grossmammi shook her head. “I don’t think so. Her name was Mattie Lapp, and that was back when the family hadn’t left Lancaster County yet. Her kinder would have done their schoolwork around that table.”
    Mattie Lapp. Judith turned the name over in her mind,trying to remember any story Grossmammi had told them about someone named Mattie. But nothing came to mind.
    â€œDo you remember her?” she asked.
    â€œA little,” Grossmammi said. “She was enough older than me that we didn’t meet often, and she was in a different church district.” Grossmammi’s forehead creased in a frown. “Those were difficult days for the Amish with children because of all the changes in the schools—that I do remember.”
    Judith’s thoughts slipped immediately to Joseph. “Sometimes I think all days are difficult when the kinder hit their teen years.”
    â€œBoys especially reach an age when they’re likely to cause problems.” Grossmammi’s wise gaze rested on Judith’s face. “Like Joseph, ain’t so?”
    As serious as it was, Judith couldn’t help but smile. “Is there anything you don’t know?”
    â€œAch, I can see the worry on your face no matter how you try to hide it. Since it’s not the younger boys, it must be Joseph.”
    â€œYou can tell us.” Rebecca’s green eyes clouded with concern. “He’s almost fourteen, isn’t