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of course, but most stutterers can be helped by therapy. Even learning a few techniques might make it easier for you to express yourself.”
    His lips pressed firmly together. It was almost as if—
    “Don’t you want to speak more easily?” The question was out before she realized that some might consider it unfeeling.
    William shrugged, not looking at her. She recognized the gesture. When she and her classmates had helped in an after-school program at a community center, there’d been one teenager who’d reacted in just that way. They never had gotten through to him.
    She didn’t want that to happen with William. The depth of her feeling surprised her. She hardly knew him, and she’d tried to get out of offering assistance. But when it looked as if she’d get her wish, she knew just how much she wanted to help him.
    Hannah put her hand on his sleeve, feeling the warmth and strength of the muscles beneath the fabric.
    “I’m sorry, William. I shouldn’t have said that. Look, let’s leave it for now. If you decide you want my help, just let me know. Otherwise, I won’t bother you about it.”
    Still he didn’t speak. She turned away. That was that, it seemed. She hadn’t wanted to do it anyway. So why was she so upset?
    *   *   *
    When Hannah had gone, William lingered in the workshop. He’d have to face Caleb’s and Katie’s questions soon enough, but not yet.
    What was wrong with him? Why hadn’t he responded to Hannah’s offer? It was a simple matter to say yes or no. Even he could manage that.
    He hadn’t known what to say, and that was the truth. All this time he’d been pleased by her attention when he’d gone into the bakery. It looked as if what he’d thought was interest in him was actually interest in his stutter.
    Foolishness on his part anyway, to think an Englisch woman could be attracted to him. No good could come of that. He wasn’t one who could leave his faith behind because of a woman.
    The bell on the door downstairs rang, followed by a familiar voice. Isaac. Ready or not, he headed down the stairs.
    Isaac glanced at him as he greeted Caleb and Katie. Then he nodded toward the door. “I saw that Englisch woman, Hannah Conroy, leaving. Must be hard on Paula, having her close blood relative be a woman like that.”
    The careless words were like a slap. Before William could respond, Katie had planted herself in front of Isaac.
    “What exactly do you mean, Isaac? A woman like what?”
    Katie’s cheeks were flying red flags, and any smart man would know that meant danger. Katie wasn’t one to stand for what she would be sure to call foolishness, and unkind besides.
    Isaac looked startled at a female calling him to order. “Well, I just meant it’s obvious she’s not Mennonite anymore.”
    “That doesn’t mean she’s not a perfectly fine woman.” Katie’s voice was crisp.
    If William looked at Caleb, he’d probably see laughter in his eyes, so for the sake of family peace, he’d not risk it. Anyway, Katie was handling Isaac better than anyone had in a long time.
    “Ja, well, I wouldn’t know. Just seems to me that Paula must be feeling bad, her niece not being in the faith, and married to a soldier, too.” He shook his head. “Well, knowing Hannah’s parents, I’m not surprised.”
    “W-w-what about th-them?” William hadn’t realized his oldest brother would be of an age to remember Hannah’s parents.
    “Elizabeth was a pretty girl, for sure.” Isaac leaned on the counter, back to being sure of himself. “But spoiled. The baby of the family, the girl coming along after a bunch of boys. As for John Zercher—well, he was a fence-jumper from the day he was born.”
    “Amish, wasn’t he?” Caleb frowned, as if trying to remember. “Were they the family that moved out to Ohio after the parents died?”
    “Ja, that’s them. John was always trying to get away with things. His parents probably breathed a sigh of relief when he was safely married, even