Plain Proposal Read Online Free PDF Page B

the covers. “Blueberry French toast?” Then she sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes. “I love French toast.”
    “ Ya , well. . . this is probably different from what you’re used to, but it’s a favorite around here.” Miriam started to make her bed as she spoke. “ Mamm makes the toast the night before in a casserole. It’s got cream cheese, fresh blueberries, and all kinds of gut stuff. Then she refrigerates it so that on Sunday morning, she can just put it in the oven.”
    Shelby eased out of bed and also began straightening the covers on her bed. “Is there anything I should do while you are at church?”
    Miriam stopped smoothing the quilt, stood straight up, and faced her. “You don’t want to go to church with us?”
    Shelby turned to face her. “Should I?”
    “There are usually one or two Englisch folks there, friends or family of others in the community, so I don’t think you would feel out of place.” Miriam watched her cousin’s expression sour. “Did—did you attend church in your hometown?”
    “Not for. . . a while.”
    Miriam knew it was none of her business, so she didn’t press. “We don’t worship in churches. The gathering is always at someone’s house, or if the house isn’t big enough, we have the service in the barn. Today it’s at the Dienners’ home, and they have a large farmhouse, so it will be inside.”
    Shelby went back to making her bed and didn’t say anything, so Miriam did the same. When she was done, she turned to Shelby. “The church service is in High German, so you might not understand any of it, but other Englisch folks say they enjoy the sense of fellowship.”
    Shelby grimaced. “I don’t really have anything to wear.” She opened the smaller of her suitcases on the floor by her bed and pulled out a brush. “And I’m not on good terms with God right now.”
    Miriam watched her run the brush through her hair and knew it was not her place to minister to Shelby, but her cousin seemed so unhappy, and being in a place of worship with so many others might help. “There’s a wonderful offering of food following the church service.” She smiled teasingly at Shelby. “And we play volleyball and other games outside this time of year.”
    Shelby slowed the brush through her long hair and seemed to be considering the idea.
    “Better than staying here by yourself. You’ll meet lots of folks.” Miriam waited.
    “I still don’t have anything to wear.”
    “You can wear whatever you want. Did you bring a dress?”
    Shelby twisted her mouth to one side. “Yes. But it’s a short dress.”
    “How short?”
    Her cousin unzipped the other suitcase on the floor by the bed. She pulled out a floral print dress with tiny straps, which was, indeed, short. “ Ya , maybe too short.” Miriam edged closer to where Shelby was squatting beside her suitcase. “What else do you have?”
    Shelby held up two pairs of pants. “Which ones?”
    Miriam studied the choices, then pointed to the pair of darker blue jeans. They were shorter than regular breeches, but not as faded as the longer pants Shelby was also considering. “What about those shorter pants, with maybe a nice blouse?”
    Shelby held up a short-sleeved yellow pullover shirt. There was no fancy lace or low neckline. A little bright, but conservative.
    “That will be just fine. I’ll let you dress while I go help Mamm finish up breakfast.”
    Her cousin nodded, and Miriam closed the bedroom door behind her. When she returned to the kitchen, everyone was seated but her mother, who was placing a pitcher of orange juice on the table.
    “Is she coming down for breakfast?” Mamm wiped her hands on her apron.
    Miriam nodded as John propped his elbows on the table. “I bet she ain’t used to gettin’ up this early.”
    Mamm cut her eyes at him. “Elbows off the table, please.”
    They all turned when they heard footsteps coming through the den. Miriam thought Shelby was so beautiful. She didn’t wear