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sprang from Jonas’s fancy convertible and access to his daett ’s money. This was a personal weakness she was well aware of and must one day overcome. But she hadn’t expected love— if this was love.
    â€œWhat is it?” Mamm ’s voice cut through her thoughts.
    â€œShirley’s in love with Jonas Beachy.” Miriam wasted no time getting to the heart of the matter, as usual.
    â€œJonas Beachy!” Mamm ’s voice was filled with horror.
    â€œIt’s not that bad,” Shirley protested. “ I didn’t say I was in love with him.” And yet perhaps she was. There was something special about Jonas. He had a confident air about him that she liked. And, she had to admit it, there was the wealth factor.
    â€œBut Jonas isn’t Amish!” Mamm exclaimed.
    â€œI told Miriam about Jonas so she could help me decide what to do. I made a mistake. I should have kept quiet. I’m not ready to talk about him.”
    Mamm stared at Shirley. “Perhaps we’d better start at the beginning.”
    Miriam looked away. “Shirley can tell the story.”
    Shirley took a deep breath. This wouldn’t be easy.
    â€œShirley!” Mamm ’s voice was impatient. “Tell me.”
    Shirley forced the words out. “Okay! I’ve met Jonas the past several Tuesdays in Berlin. We’ve talked, that’s all—well, mostly all. I’ve taken a few rides in his car. Now he wants to see me at home.” Shirley held up her hand. “But I said no, Mamm .”
    â€œExactly how long has this been going on?” Mamm ’s voice was subdued.
    Shirley bit her lip. “For a month or so. I’m sorry, Mamm . That’s why I finally told Miriam.”
    â€œBut you didn’t come to me,” Mamm said softly.
    â€œI’m sorry.” Shirley hung her head.
    â€œIt’s the money, isn’t it?” Mamm said.
    â€œShe’s in love,” Miriam spoke up. “It must be more than just money.”
    Mamm shook her head. “ Nee , it’s his access to money. Why is it always the money? Truly the love of money is the root of all evil, just as the Bible says.” Mamm wrung her hands. “I will not lose a daughter over money!” Mamm turned to face Shirley. “You must know that man will never make you happy.”
    â€œHe’s not just ‘that man’!” Shirley wished at once she hadn’t said the words. Defending Jonas revealed the affection that lay in her heart—a greater affection than even she dared admit.
    Sorrow crept over Mamm ’s face. “So you are in love with the man.”
    It was more statement than question, so Shirley kept silent.
    The sound of buggy wheels turning into the driveway ended the discussion. Mamm slowly rose to her feet. “That will be the kinner home from school. We’ll speak more on this tonight when Daett is home.”
    Shirley groaned silently. Daett would probably insist she never see Jonas again.
    Miriam welcomed the four scholars home—Naomi, Aaron, Dana, and Elizabeth. “How did school go today, Elizabeth?” she asked cheerily, greeting the first child through the door.
    First-grader Elizabeth’s face glowed. “I got to read my first word today. All by myself!”
    â€œThat’s wonderful!” Miriam exclaimed.
    Shirley forced herself to join the happy conversations. The last thing she wanted was for the younger children to find out what she’d done. She didn’t want to be a bad example for them. She’d have to keep her interest in Jonas a secret from younger ears. Oh oh. Already thoughts of Jonas and his fancy Englisha car were dancing in her mind again. She hurried into the kitchen. Thankfully no one but Mamm seemed to notice her abrupt departure. She’d gotten herself together by the time eighth-grader Naomi followed her and asked, “What’s for supper tonight?”
    â€œStill thinking on