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‘‘But you seem more like a Louisa to me.’’
    ‘‘Oh, that’s Annie’s and her brother’s idea. I doubt it’ll stick.’’
    ‘‘Well, I sure hope not. You’re much too perty for a tomboy name.’’
    She felt the flame of embarrassment in her cheeks. ‘‘Uh, I think Annie will wonder where I’ve disappeared to.’’
    ‘‘Oh, I’d say she’s smarter than that.’’
    ‘‘You know what?’’ she said suddenly, surprising even herself. ‘‘I think I might go to the singing tonight.’’
    His eyes lit up. ‘‘So I’ll be askin’ ya to ride home in my courting buggy, then?’’
    Not to let on . . . and not to be stupid, either, she said, ‘‘That’s very nice of you, Sam. I hope you won’t mind if I think about it, though.’’
    ‘‘If you’re coming to singing, you’ve gotta get home somehow, jah?’’ He smiled broadly.
    ‘‘I suppose that’s true.’’ She left it at that. One small problem, of course. Courtney would not be interested in attending a barn singing. Even if she surprised them and agreed to go, there was no way it could possibly work unless Louisa talked her into abandoning her fancy clothes and slipping on one of Annie’s cape dresses.
    Yeah, like that’ll happen!

Chapter 4
    N ot only was Courtney gone from the B&B when Louisa and Annie arrived back at the colonial inn later, but she had taped a note on her door.
    Hey, Louisa!
    All that sleeping made me hungry, so I’m out for a late lunch. I figured you and Annie had someplace to be, since it’s Sunday. I’ll catch you later.
    I’ve got wheels—I called for a cab!
    See ya!
    Courtney
    Louisa slipped the note deep into her dress pocket, and she and Annie made their way down the long staircase. They turned and waved to the smiling owner and headed back outside to the waiting horse and buggy.
    ‘‘She must’ve slept in really late,’’ Louisa said, checking her watch. ‘‘It’s already three-thirty. Guess it was my fault . . . that long walk with Sam.’’
    ‘‘You could ask to use the phone here, maybe.’’
    Louisa agreed it was a good idea. They hurried back up the walkway and into the house. After requesting permission, they were led into the large sitting room, near the open kitchen, where she dialed Courtney’s cell number. She got the voice mail, left a short message, and hung up. Courtney was probably talking to one of her college pals back home. But she has call waiting, Louisa remembered. So Courtney would have known Louisa was trying to get through. No, of course not . . . she wouldn’t have recognized the inn’s ID .
    Once they were outside again, Annie hopped into the driver’s seat. ‘‘You’ll see her later,’’ Annie said. ‘‘Don’t fret. Maybe she’ll try callin’ you soon.’’ She picked up the reins, smiling.
    ‘‘Well, I guess if I brought my Palm along sometimes that might help.’’ Louisa laughed at herself, realizing that on some level, at least, she had actually begun to dismiss the outside modern world—if only occasionally.
    They rode along, crows heckling overhead in the icy air as Louisa settled into the front seat of the enclosed gray buggy for the ride back to the Zooks’ farmhouse. Looking over the stretch of drifted white cornfields, she was aware once again of the way the fields literally ran up to the People’s front yards. As if the Plain and the fancy are somehow interwoven, in spite of their differences, she decided, realizing inwardly that she, too, was an odd part of this intermingling, at least for the present. A modern woman’s soul dressed in Amish garb. The strangest thing I’ve ever done . She recalled again Courtney’s reaction at the airport.
    ‘‘Are you planning to go to the singing tonight, Annie?’’ She hadn’t intended to ask quite so abruptly. The question was out, nevertheless.
    ‘‘Why, no. I just assumed Courtney was comin’ for supper.’’ Annie glanced at her, eyes revealing a surprised glint. ‘‘Any