The Matchmaker Read Online Free PDF Page B

younger and intended to farm. However, he’s been letting it out to the Martins for almost twelve years. That’s what Ralph told me.”
    This news surprised Emma. She didn’t like being caught off guard. “Regardless, I’m quite certain that I have never met your friend before today!”
    “What did you think of him?” Hannah asked, a soft smile on her lips—one that Emma didn’t care for at all. She could read the message behind that smile. It was a smile that spoke of buggy rides home from singings and whispered promises in the dark. “He’s a rather kind-looking man, ja ?”
    Emma hesitated before responding, trying to carefully figure out her words before speaking. She certainly did not want to insult this man. Still, she was perplexed as to how she could point out the obvious flaw to her friend. “I think most people are, ain’t so?” she finally stammered. “There is certainly nothing unkind in his face.”
    The hesitant manner of Emma’s speech caused Hannah to pause and ponder her words. “Is there something wrong with Ralph, Emma?”
    “Nee , nee ,” she responded quickly . . . too quickly . . . as she resumed walking toward the buggy. She lifted her hand and waved to an older woman who walked down the sidewalk toward the store they had just left. “I’ve always admired farmers for their gentle mannerisms and simple ways.”
    “He is gentle,” Hannah admitted.
    “I suppose he doesn’t leave the farm very often,” Emma added. “It must be a lonely life, living on a farm. Most girls today work at market or clean unless they were raised on a farm. I’m rather thankful that my daed wasn’t a farmer.”
    “It is hard work,” Hannah agreed.
    “Ja vell ,” Emma smiled. “I’m sure he’ll be a right gut man for some woman who doesn’t mind the occupation that comes with him.”
    “You mean because he raises pigs?”
    Emma glanced at Hannah. “I had an onkel who raised a pig once and I could scarce stand the stench. I wonder how many pigs Ralph keeps?”
    A forlorn look of understanding crossed Hannah’s face. “He gets them on contract. There weren’t any there when I stayed with Elizabeth, but she told me he gets over a hundred at a time.”
    “A hundred!” Emma gasped at the number. “Why! You must thank the good Lord that you were there in between contracts! The smell of a hundred hogs would never have left your clothing!”
    Hannah wrinkled her nose. “I suppose there was a mild odor to the farm, I do reckon.”
    “Certainly nothing like a dairy farm or a home with a man of trade,” Emma added casually. “I’m more familiar with men like Gideon King and Paul Esh! Why, I’m sure that Paul Esh’s house never smells like pig!” She laughed lightly and was pleased that Hannah joined her. “And I can scarce imagine a pig farmer ever being nominated to lead the church! That’s such a great honor, you know,” she whispered before she opened the buggy door and placed her footon the metal step. “A true godly man leads the church, nominated by the people and chosen by God.”
    Hannah didn’t respond.
    “Consider how different your Ralph is when compared to Gideon or . . . ” She glanced at Hannah. “Paul.” She smiled. “Why, Paul was most delightful company the other night, and he’s a godly man, don’t you think?”
    “Paul did seem rather righteous the other evening,” Hannah said slowly. “In a good way, of course.”
    “Of course.” Emma pulled herself into the buggy and moved over, giving Hannah room to join her on the cloth-covered seat. “After all, Paul is the son of the bishop. I would expect nothing less than for him to be a role model of righteousness for the rest of us to emulate. Why, I wouldn’t be surprised if he was nominated to lead the church one day too!” She smiled at Hannah, who was now sitting beside her. “After he’s married, that is.”
    Without another word Emma released the brake to the buggy and urged the horse to back up a few