Grace’s face turned red as she shrugged. “Just … uh … someone taking pictures of Amish buggies.”

“It looked like you were talking to him.”

“Jah, I said a few words.”

“Were you upset because he was trying to take your picture?”

Grace nodded.

“Some of the English tourists that come to Berlin and the other towns in Holmes County don’t seem to mind snapping pictures without our permission. Either they don’t realize we’re opposed to having our pictures taken, or they just don’t care.” Ruth wrinkled her nose. “I feel such aeryer when they do that.”

Not even Ruth’s comment about feeling vexed provoked a response from Grace.

“Guess it’s best if we just look the other way and try to ignore their cameras.”

“Uh-huh.”

As Ruth halted the horse at the second stoplight in town, she reached across the seat and touched Grace’s arm. “Are you okay? You look like you’re worried about something.”

“Just tired from being on my feet at the restaurant all day.”

“You sure? That frown you’re wearing makes me think you’re more than tired.”

“I’ll be fine once we get home.” Grace smiled, although the expression seemed forced. “Tell me about the bakeshop. What will you be doing there?”

Ruth held her breath as the smell of manure from a nearby dairy farm wafted through the buggy. “Mostly waiting on customers while Karen and Jake Clemons bake in the other room,” she said, clucking to the horse to get him moving again when the light turned green. “Some days, I’ll be working by myself, and others, I’ll be with my friend Sadie Esh.”

“Are you wishing you could help bake?”

Ruth shook her head and turned the horse and buggy down the back road heading toward their home. “Not really. I’ll be happy to keep waiting on customers until I get married some day. Raising a family is my life’s dream.” Ruth glanced over at Grace. “Of course, I’ll have to find a husband first.”

“What about Luke Friesen? You think things might get serious between the two of you?”

“I don’t know, maybe. For now I’m going to concentrate on my new job.” Ruth smacked her lips. “Just thinking about all those delicious pastries and pies at the bakeshop makes me hungry.”

“I’m sure Mom will have supper started by the time we get home, so you’ll be eating soon enough.”

“Speaking of Mom, I heard her mention the other day that she’d like for the two of you to get busy on your wedding dress soon.”

Grace nodded and turned toward the window. Was she staring at the vibrant fall colors on the trees lining the road, or was she trying to avoid conversation?