The Amish Nanny's Sweetheart. Jan Drexler

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      “Sure.” Guy frowned. He could understand that Judith didn’t want the others to think they were dating.

      “I wouldn’t worry about another fellow horning in,” Matthew said as he swept the straw into a pile. “You have the advantage of seeing her almost every day. When the other boys start buzzing around, she’ll remember who her friends are.”

      Guy waved a goodbye to Matthew as he started back toward the Mast farm and the chores waiting for him there. Matthew was right, as long as one of those friends didn’t end up being Luke Kaufman.

      * * *

      Judith was at the door to greet Esther as soon as Guy went out to the barn. Even though it had only been two weeks since they had seen each other, Judith felt like it had been forever. Esther must have felt the same way, from the strength of her hug. But they couldn’t linger, because Mary, Ida Mae and Aunt Sadie were right behind her.

      “How does it feel, taking care of those babies all day?” Esther asked as she untied her bonnet.

      “Annie has charge of the babies.” Judith took Mary’s cloak from her and put her hand out for Ida Mae’s.

      Ida Mae handed her shawl to Judith, then helped Sadie with her wraps. “I’m sure you get your turn at holding them and changing diapers, though.”

      Esther laughed. “I can just see Judith changing diapers.”

      “Then get ready to be surprised,” Judith said. “Eli still wears diapers, too. And all of those diapers need to be washed every day.”

      Sadie moved past the girls, leaning on her cane as she went. She patted Judith’s arm. “I know you’re a wonderful-gut help to Annie.”

      Judith and Esther carried the cloaks and bonnets into the bedroom while the others went into the front room where the quilting frame was set up.

      “Now that there’s just us,” Esther said, “you can tell me. How are you doing?”

      Esther’s eyes were fixed on Judith’s face, concerned.

      “You were right. It is a lot of work taking care of a house full of people and babies up to our ears.” Judith smiled to relieve Esther’s worries. “But Annie and I work together well, and we have a lot of fun in the midst of the work. I had forgotten how cheerful she is.”

      Esther smiled. “She’s much happier since she married Matthew.”

      “And the babies make her even happier, if that could be possible.”

      “So, who was that boy you were talking to?”

      Judith felt the blood rush to her cheeks. “What boy?”

      “That handsome young man who headed for the barn as soon as we walked toward the house.”

      It was just like Esther to jump to conclusions. “He’s the neighbor’s hired hand. He carried a basket over for Verna.”

      “I know I saw him talking to you.” Esther grinned. “I’d say you’re sweet on him, the way you’re blushing.”

      “He’s a friend.”

      “Is that all?”

      Judith looked straight into Esther’s eyes, dark blue, just like her own. “Ja, that’s all. I’m teaching him Deitsch, and so we’ve spent some time together. But I’m not ready to settle down to one boy. The Singing next week is only my second one, and I plan to have fun with the other girls.”

      Esther tapped a forefinger on her pursed lips as Judith’s face turned even warmer.

      “I think there’s more to him than you’re saying. Did he ask to take you to the Singing?”

      Judith sighed, giving up. “How can you always guess my secrets?”

      “Everything shows on your face.” Esther pushed the pile of cloaks aside and perched on the edge of the bed. “Tell me all about him. What is his name? Where is he from?” She covered her mouth as an idea struck her. “He isn’t one of those bachelors from Illinois or Ohio who has come to look for a wife, is he?”

      Sitting next to Esther, Judith was determined to answer her sister’s questions as quickly and simply as possible. “He’s not from anywhere. He lives right here in LaGrange County. His name is Guy Hoover, and he works for the Masts.”

      “He has family around here, then?”

      Judith shook her head. “He’s from the Orphan’s Home.”

      “What Amish family would allow a child to go to an—” Esther broke off, then whispered. “He isn’t Amish, is he? I didn’t think Hoover sounded like an Amish name.”

      Judith shook her head. “That’s why he wanted me to teach him how to speak Deitsch, so he would fit in better around here.”

      “Then he must be wanting to join church?”

      “Not from what he says, but who knows what will happen?”

      “Are you going to the Singing with him? He asked you, didn’t he?”

      Judith picked a bit of lint off the quilt they were sitting on. “He asked, and I told him we could walk together, but we’re not courting.”

      “Why not?”

      “Two reasons.” Judith ticked them off on her fingers. “One, he isn’t Amish.”

      “But he could be, right?”

      “I’m not going to keep company with anyone who isn’t Amish.”

      “I would, if he was part of the community. It isn’t much different than seeing an Amish boy who isn’t baptized yet, is it?”

      Judith shifted on the bed. She hadn’t thought of that.

      “Two, I’m not going to pay attention to only one boy. Not yet.”

      Esther nodded. “All right. I can understand that, because I feel the same way. I don’t want to tie myself down just yet. There will be plenty of time for that later.”

      Judith laced her fingers around one knee. “Unless the right boy comes along. How is Thomas Weaver?”

      “He still only has eyes for Ida Mae.”

      Ever since Ida Mae had moved from Ohio with Mary to live with Aunt Sadie, the most popular boy in the Shipshewana church had ignored all the girls except her.

      “Have you gone to any of the Singings in Shipshewana, yet?”

      Esther nodded. “We’ve had two since you moved, and both of them were a lot of fun.”

      “Does anyone special take you?”

      Esther grinned. “You know how protective our brother is. Samuel made me promise to only ride with him for the first few times.”

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