A Groom For Ruby. Emma Miller

      Ruby shivered with delight. A young girl. The matchmaker had called her a girl. Sara knew she was twenty-five but didn’t consider her over-the-hill. It was probably pride that made her take pleasure in hearing it, but she did. “Joseph really wants to marry me?” she asked, still unable to believe her ears. “He wasn’t joking?”

      “Not a joke,” Sara assured her. “And not a match, not yet. There’s much we need to discuss. Your parents made it clear to me that I was not to share your circumstances with any possible prospect. Now that Joseph has made his intentions clear, how do you feel about that? I’ve never counseled a would-be bride to keep such a big secret from her might-be groom.”

      She exhaled softly and considered. “I’ve worried about that. But I gave my word to Daddi and Mommi. They didn’t think it would be wise to tell and asked that I not say anything. But that was before—” She chewed hard on her lower lip. “I don’t want to be dishonest with Joseph, but I promised them. I feel as though I have to keep my word. What do you think?”

      “I agree that this is unusual, Ruby. Your father explained that he doesn’t want you judged for your circumstances. I don’t often condone misleading a suitor, but I understand your parents’ concern.”

      “My father is a wise man. And I know both he and Mommi want what’s best for me.”

      “Mmm, ya.” Sara picked a potato bug off a tomato leaf and dropped it into the dirt. She squashed it with the heel of her foot. “Nasty things,” she said. “I’ll never understand why the Lord created them, unless it was to teach us something I haven’t learned yet.” She met Ruby’s gaze. “You might as well know that I’m a woman who says what she thinks. And I have to tell you that the swiftness of Joseph’s proposal worries me.”

      Ruby made a sound but was able to keep herself from interrupting.

      “I’m sure he’s sincere, but these matters usually go at a much gentler pace. I had intended to introduce you to someone else.” Sara narrowed her gaze. “Are you certain you wouldn’t like to meet him before we proceed with Joseph’s suit?”

      Ruby shook her head. “Ne. I think Joseph is wonderful, perfect even.”

      Sara pursed her lips. “A perfect man I have yet to meet, although my former husbands all had excellent qualities. I’d be of an easier mind if you and Joseph would just date one another before you consider a formal courtship.”

      “Ne.” Ruby sighed. “I’ve been to enough taffy pulls and barn frolics. I’m tired of dating. If Joseph is willing, I am too. I would love to have him court me.”

      “Courtship is a serious matter. You’ll be strictly chaperoned and the community’s eyes will be on you. When you go out with Joseph, you’ll be in at a decent hour and you will not be alone with him in any private place. And there will be no physical shows of affection. Do you understand?”

      “Ya, ya,” Ruby replied, feeling herself blush. “I understand. That’s fine. So what happens next? When can I see him?”

      “Well...” Sara sighed as if resigned, though still not totally in agreement. “Joseph is coming to share supper with us tomorrow night. We’ll see how that goes. Fair enough?”

      “Fair enough.” Ruby grinned. Tomorrow night! How could she wait that long? What would she wear? What would she say to him? She clasped her hands together. “I can’t believe this is happening,” she managed.

      “Neither can I,” Sara admitted, coming to her feet.