The Deception (Lindy's Story Book 2) Read online

  “Now you can see Rachel,” Lindy blurted. Robert’s expression froze, and she sucked in her breath. “I mean… I mean…” What did she mean?

  She meant, don’t take my hand in yours. Don’t look at me with eyes that make me want to fall into your arms. Don’t be so kind and appreciative and gentle with me. Just don’t… Don’t be yourself with me. It’s too dangerous, and I’m liking you too well. Too, too well.

  She swallowed.

  He cleared his throat. “I know what you meant.” He stepped back and his face turned almost business-like. “She ate two bites, so that’s something, isn’t it?”

  Lindy’s mind scuttled to switch gears. “Jah, it’s something. I, well, I didn’t think she’d eat anything today.”

  “Or ever again,” Robert voiced what she was thinking. “She’s rallied again, Lindy. She’s tough.”

  “That she is. I’ll try to get her to take a pain pill today.”

  “We can try.”

  “And I’ll be going home after the noon meal to fetch a book or two and my things.”

  “Your things?”

  She nodded. “I’m not going to argue about this, Robert. I’m moving in. At least, until she… Until she…”

  “Dies.”

  Lindy swallowed and nodded. “Jah. I’ll be living here until the end. Don’t try to talk me out of it. You won’t be able to, so you might as well just save your breath.”

  Robert tipped his head slightly and studied her face. “All right,” he said. “I can see that my words won’t change your mind.”

  She inhaled deeply with relief, having expected a bigger protest from him. “Gut. It’s settled then.”

  He smiled. “It’s settled.”

  “So, shall I tell Rachel that you’re back?”

  He looked out the window for a moment before answering. “Jah. Tell her I’m back. I’ll stop by tonight with the buggy.”

  Lindy wasn’t surprised at that, but it bothered her. And that did surprise her. Why should she be bothered because Robert wanted to go see his girlfriend? Her sister would be happy. Very happy. And now Lindy wouldn’t have to lie about it anymore. She should feel only a sense of relief.

  But that wasn’t what she was feeling at all. She was troubled. And … and jealous. She pressed her hand against her chest. Jealous? No. She’d have to nip that in the bud immediately. She walked to the refrigerator and opened the door.

  “I’ll get things ready for the noon meal,” she said stiffly.

  She heard Robert take a step behind her, but she kept her focus on the roast she was taking from the freezer section. And then he walked away, his retreating footsteps echoing in her ears.

  Chapter Seven

  Robert had already seen to the animals that morning, and he was going to put off his field work until the next day. He’d been serious when he’d told Lindy he wasn’t going to leave his mother’s side that day. So, he settled into the rocking chair in the front room and prepared to keep vigil.

  Berta was breathing softly. It was shallow breathing, but it was regular and rhythmic, so he knew she was sleeping. He closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the wooden back of the chair. Perhaps, he could catch a few winks himself.

  So, Lindy was moving in. It didn’t surprise him—she’d been hinting at it for the last few days. He’d discouraged it at first, but in truth, he was glad. He would welcome her help during the nights. Not that he wanted her to lose sleep along with him, but it was lonely trying to care for Berta by himself. And it unnerved him when he thought she was going to die—as if he had to check to see if every breath were her last.

  It unnerved him. Did that make him weak? He had no idea, but that was the way it was.

  Lindy had left almost an hour ago. He had no idea how long it would take her to pack and get back. He wondered if he should have gone with her and spoken with her father—made sure it was all right. But Berta couldn’t be left alone. He supposed he could speak with Jed when he went by to pick up Rachel, but Rachel probably wouldn’t be any too pleased by that. As far as he knew, her parents didn’t know they were courting, and most girls preferred it that way.

  So. He was taking Rachel for a buggy ride that night. He wasn’t sure how he felt about it, but he needed to go. They hadn’t seen each other much over the past couple weeks. Which was to be expected, considering all that was going on. In truth, he was still kind of peeved with Rachel for her rude comment the other week. She’d sputtered and apologized and tried to make him believe that she hadn’t meant Berta could sleep plenty when she was dead, but that was what she had said.

  And it stung.

  He sighed and shifted in the chair. He supposed everybody made mistakes, including himself. But that was a huge one. Lindy would never in a million years have said something like that. Never. She was too kind, and she loved his mother. He opened his eyes and gazed at Berta. Watched her chest rise almost imperceptibly as she slept.

  Rueben. Rueben. What aren’t you here?

  * * *

  “What are you doing back in the middle of the day?” Ellen questioned Lindy when she walked into the kitchen.

  Rachel turned from the sink. “Lindy? You’re here?” And then her face went white. “Has Berta…?”

  Lindy shook her head. “Nee. Berta is still with us. But she’s worse.” She looked at her mother. “I’m going to stay the nights.” She blew out her breath. “Until it’s over.”

  Ellen’s brow creased. “It’s as bad as that, is it?”

  “Jah, Mamm. It’s as bad as that.”

  “Ach, but I’m sorry.”

  “And Robert isn’t here!” Rachel cried. And then she seemed to realize the emotion behind her comment in front of her mother, and she smoothed her face. “I mean, won’t Berta want both her boys?”

  “Robert’s back,” Lindy said.

  Rachel’s eyes widened. “Is he?”

  Lindy saw the excitement in her sister’s gaze, and it gave her a sick feeling in her stomach. She bit her bottom lip against the thoughts rushing through her mind. Envy and yearning and confusion stormed through her. She leaned against the doorframe and tried to regain her equilibrium.

  “You all right, daughter?” Ellen asked. “You look peaked. Are you doing too much over there?”

  “Nee,” Lindy said quickly. “I wish I could do more.”

  “If you need a break, I’ll take over,” Rachel offered, stepping forward.

  “Berta is used to me,” Lindy said, trying to keep the possessiveness out of her voice. She looked at her mother. “Will Dat mind? Me staying over there to spend the nights?”

  “If Berta is that bad off, I don’t see how he could protest. He’s quite fond of Berta, like all of us.”

  “Thank you, Mamm. I need to go pack a few things.”

  Ellen looked around the kitchen. “I’ll pack up some food for you to take over there. I imagine you’re having quite a time keeping up with everything.”

  “I appreciate it, Mamm. I’m all right, though, really.”

  “Nevertheless, the food will be ready by the time you come downstairs.”

  Lindy hurried out of the room and up the stairs. She’d no sooner gotten in her bedroom than Rachel showed up.

  “Robert’s back?”

  “Jah.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “I did. Just now.”

  “So he just got back.”

  “Jah.” Lindy hated this lying. Hopefully, it was over now.

  “And Reuben? He went back to Ohio? I would have thought he would stay if Berta is that bad.”

  “He’s coming again. Soon.”

  Rachel smiled. “Gut. I’m sure that makes you happy.”

  Lindy nodded, not trusting herself to say anything. She just couldn’t bear all this lying.

  “I have a message for you from Robert,” she said. “He’ll come by tonight and take you for a buggy ride.”

  Rachel clapped her hands together. “Really? Ach, but that’s wond
erful gut!”

  Lindy looked away, not wanting to see her sister’s pleasure and excitement.

  “What time?”

  “I don’t know. I imagine around eight or so.”

  “I’ll be ready.” Rachel immediately pulled off her kapp and let down her hair.

  “What are you doing?”

  “I’m going to re-twist my hair. And perhaps I should change my dress. I think my blue one is prettier, don’t you?’

  Truly, Lindy didn’t think there was a bit of difference between the dress Rachel had on and her blue one—except the blue one was blue and not brown.

  Rachel didn’t wait for an answer. She rushed off to her own room, likely to change dresses. Lindy looked down at her dark green dress. It wasn’t very becoming. Perhaps, she should change, too. Her burgundy dress seemed to bring out the blue of her eyes…

  She gasped. What was she thinking? Robert wasn’t her beau. He wouldn’t even notice her dress. Ach, but she must be tired like her mother said. She pulled out her suitcase from under the bed and quickly packed her clothes. She ran to the bathroom and grabbed her toothbrush. When she returned, she stared at the burgundy dress which she’d left on its peg behind the door.

  And then, not allowing herself to think further, she snatched it off and quickly changed outfits. She smoothed down the fresh apron she’d also donned. There. She looked refreshed.

  She took up her suitcase and left her room, nearly bumping into Rachel.

  “Lindy … you changed, too.”

  “Um, jah. I felt a bit mussed from the day.”

  Rachel gave her a funny look but didn’t comment further. They went down the stairs together.

  “You all packed?” Ellen asked when they entered the kitchen.

  “Jah. I’m not taking much.”

  “I’m sending the casserole I just made. We can have something else for dinner here. Sandwiches, or something.”

  “Mamm, you don’t have to—”

  “I know I don’t have to,” Ellen interrupted her. “But I want to. You’re doing so much for Berta, and I want to help out, too.”

  “Will it fit into the basket on the back of the bike?”

  “You’re biking over?”

  “I don’t want to take the pony cart because then you won’t have it here.”

  “I can take you,” Rachel eagerly volunteered.

  “Nee,” Lindy said. “I’ll bike over. With the big basket in back and hanging the suitcase on the handlebars, I’ll be fine.” She wasn’t sure why she was being so adamant about it. Actually, it would be easier if Rachel did drive her over there.

  “It’s no problem…” Rachel said.

  “I’m fine,” Lindy insisted. “Is Dat out in the fields?”

  “I think he’s way out in the west corner.”

  “Do you think he’d mind it if I don’t run out to say gut-bye. I think I should be getting back right quick.”

  “I don’t think he’ll mind. Perhaps he’ll stop by soon and check on you and Robert. And you say Reuben’s coming back soon?”

  Lindy nodded.

  “Gut. I’m sure Berta will appreciate it.”

  Reuben coming back was going to be awkward at best, but Lindy wasn’t about to say so. She just nodded again, said good-bye, and left the house. The casserole dish fit into the back basket perfectly. Getting the suitcase to cooperate with the handlebars was a little trickier, but Lindy managed to do it and rode off down the road.

  She hoped both Berta and Robert were sleeping peacefully; they both needed it. And now, she wouldn’t have to prepare supper. And the casserole was big enough to last at least two meals, which was helpful.

  She turned into the Mast farm and rode straight to the side door. She braced the bicycle until she extracted the casserole from the basket. She’d go in as quietly as she could, so as not to wake anyone up.

  Chapter Eight

  Robert heard a faint crunch of gravel. It wasn’t enough to indicate a buggy or cart had driven in. He stood. It must be Lindy back on her bicycle. Funny. He’d hoped her dad might drop her off, which would have taken care of him talking to Jed about Lindy spending the nights. But, evidently, that hadn’t happened. He was heading toward the front door when he heard the side door slam.

  He hurried through the kitchen and saw Lindy balancing a baking dish and her suitcase. “Here,” he said, rushing forward and taking her suitcase from her, “let me help you.”

  “Thank you, Robert.”

  He looked at her. She looked different. The dress. She’d changed her dress. He didn’t remember ever seeing her in this one. It was pretty. And it looked like she’d freshened up in general. He realized he was staring and looked away.

  She brushed past him and went into the kitchen to set the baking dish on the counter.

  “This is from Mamm. It’s a tuna casserole.”

  “That was nice of her,” he said.

  “Jah.”

  They stood looking at each other for a moment and then Robert shook himself. “Uh, I’ll show you where you’ll sleep. I thought maybe the spare bedroom at the end of the hall.”

  “Nee, Robert. I’m going to sleep in the front room with Berta.”

  “But there’s no bed in there.”

  “I can sleep in a chair.”

  He made a face. “That won’t be comfortable.”

  “I’m not here for my own comfort,” she said briskly. “I’m here to try and comfort your mamm.”

  His throat tightened, and he had the sudden startling sensation that he was going to cry. He averted his eyes and cleared his throat. “I can… I can take the mattress off the bed upstairs and bring it down.”

  “That isn’t necessary, Robert. Thank you, though.”

  “But it is necessary.” He didn’t wait for her to argue further. He simply left her there and went straight upstairs. He pulled the sheets and quilt off the spare bed in the far bedroom and pulled the mattress down the hallway. When he got to the top of the steps, Lindy ran up to meet him.

  “If you insist on bringing it down, let me at least help you,” she said. She grabbed the front of the mattress and he took the back. They slid it down the stairs quite easily—him pulling on it gently so the bulk of the weight wasn’t on her.

  They got it into the front room. Berta stirred and opened her eyes.

  “What’s this?” she mumbled.

  Lindy let go of the mattress and hurried to her side. “Hello, Berta. We’re going to be having a slumber party from now on.”

  Her brow crinkled, and she looked confused.

  Lindy laughed. “I’m going to be sleeping here with you. Won’t that be nice?”

  “Huh? What?”

  Robert eased the mattress to the floor in the middle of the room. “Mamm, Lindy wants to spend the nights with you, too. That way if you need anything, she’ll be right here.”

  Berta seemed to consider this. “But… but Robert, you help me at night.”

  Robert looked at Lindy and then back at his mother. “That’s what I told her, but she is mighty stubborn, Mamm.”

  “Robert, go away,” Berta said.

  “What?” he asked. He stared at his mother. “Why?”

  Berta made a weak brushing gesture with her hand. “Go away.”

  Lindy raised her brow and then shrugged at him. He gave a disgruntled sigh and left the room.

  * * *

  “What is it, Berta? Do you need to go to the bathroom?” Lindy asked, bending close.

  “Nee.” Berta closed her eyes and took a few panting breaths. “I want … to talk to you.”

  Lindy took Berta’s cold hand in hers. “What is it?”

  “I want you to marry my Robert.”

  Lindy gasped. Of all the things Berta might have said, Lindy would never have guessed this. Berta squeezed Lindy’s hand.

  “You two are perfect for … each other.”

  “But Berta…” Lindy paused. Did she dare tell Berta that Robert was courting her sister? What good wo
uld that do? Berta would likely not live long enough to see him married. What would be kindest in this situation? Before Lindy could think what to say, Berta went on.

  “I see … you love him,” she whispered.

  Lindy bit her lip. What? No. No. That wasn’t right.

  “And … he loves you…” Berta went on.

  Lindy’s eyes stretched wide. “Nee, Berta—” she protested, but Berta cut her off.

  “I know … my boy.” She closed her eyes.

  Lindy waited for her to say something further, but it appeared that she’d worn herself out. Lindy fussed a bit with the quilt, tucking it under Berta’s chin. Then she tiptoed out and went to the kitchen. She assumed Robert had gone outside to catch up on the chores, but she was wrong. He was sitting at the kitchen table, waiting for her.

  “What did she want?” he asked immediately.

  “Ach, I thought you went outside.”

  “I told you earlier I wasn’t going to leave Mamm today.”

  “But I’m here now. You can go out if you like. I can take care of things.”

  “What did she want?” he repeated, standing now.

  “Uh…” Lindy’s mind swirled trying to think of what to say. She was tired of lying, but she could hardly tell him the truth, could she?

  “Was it about Reuben?”

  “Nee.” Why would he think that?

  “Me?”

  She hesitated.

  “I see,” he said. “Is she worried? What can I do to help?”

  “It wasn’t like that,” Lindy started. Robert had stepped close to her, close enough that she could reach out and touch him with no effort at all, and she found herself wanting to do just that. Reach out and touch him. Step forward and lay her head on his shoulder.

  Was Berta right? Did she love Robert?

  “Then what was it like?”

  “She thinks, well, she thinks…” Lindy’s cheeks went hot. It should be Rachel standing here, not her.

  “What? What does she think?”

  Lindy was done with fibbing. She laughed, attempting to put a comic thrust on things. “She thinks we love each other,” she said, forcing another laugh. “She thinks we should marry.”