The Rebel by Marta Perry

else.
    The sound of wheels drew her attention to the lane outside. A buggy drew up to the back door, and her heart sank when she recognized the driver. Benuel Kauffmann.
    This was it, then. Ben had decided that his sermon wasn’t enough, probably because of her angry reaction to it. No doubt he had come as minister to inform her parents of her misdeeds.
    Barbie’s heart clenched. This would hurt them so much. Why, oh why, had she let herself get involved with Mary?
    â€œWho is it, Barbie?” Mamm was already picking up the coffeepot, weighing it in her hand to see if there was enough left from supper for visitors.
    Daad swept wood shavings from the table into his palm and dumped them into the trash can. “One of the kids, most likely.”
    â€œIt’s Ben Kauffmann,” she said reluctantly. “And his daad.”
    That was odd. If Ben had come on an official call, she’d expect him to have one of the other ministers with him, or even the bishop.
    â€œWell, let them in,” Mamm said impatiently. “Don’t stand there mooning, Barbie.”
    â€œRight.” She went to the door, opening it and surprising Ben with his fist raised to knock. She met his gaze with a pronounced glare, then stepped back from the door. “Komm in.”
    Nodding curtly, Ben walked into the kitchen, followed closely by his father, who had a smile for Barbie that took the edge off her mix of fear and anger.
    Moses’s friendliness argued against a confrontation, but why else would they be here? Taking a steadying breath, she closed the door and followed them, barely noticing Mamm and Daad’s greetings and Mamm’s inevitable insistence that they must be hungry and thirsty.
    â€œDenke, but just the coffee, please.” Moses settled himself at the table, folding gnarled hands in front of him. “We’re here to talk to Barbie, mostly, but to you as well.”
    Mamm looked startled, but she finished pouring the coffee and sat down while Daad laid aside his whittling knife.
    â€œWe’re listening, Moses. What can we do for you?” Daad glanced at Barbie, and she slid into a chair.
    â€œWell, it’s this way.” Moses stared at his hands. “Ach, this is difficult to say.”
    Barbie’s heart sank. So it would be Moses who would tell her parents. He’d been hurt by what his daughter had done, but now he’d cause her parents that same hurt.
    â€œJust take your time,” Mamm said, casting a swift glance at Daad. “We’re listening.”
    â€œIt’s our Mary.” Once the first words were out, Moses seemed to find it easier going. “The thing is, we’re having a lot of problems with her.”
    â€œIs the child ill?” Mamm asked with quick sympathy.
    â€œNo, no.” Moses shook his head. “Not ill. Just . . . rebellious. Ach, well, I suppose the truth is that she needs a woman to talk to. She’s a teenager now, and it seems all she can think about is arguing with the way things are and even breaking the rules.”
    Barbie’s stomach seemed to clench.
    â€œShe needs a woman to talk to, like I said. If her mamm were still with us . . . But try as we do, Benuel and I can’t seem to get through to her.” He glanced at Mamm. “I know you’re thinking that it ought to be her older sister she’s turning to, but the truth is that she and Sarah have never gotten on well.”
    Mamm nodded. “We’d be wonderful glad to do anything we can.” There was a note in her voice that seemed to ask what that might be.
    â€œI’ve thought about it and thought about it, and the thing is that our Mary has developed an admiration for Barbie.”
    â€œFor me?” Barbie’s voice came out in a squeak. “But I . . .” She stopped, not wanting to betray anything she didn’t have to.
    â€œSo I was thinking that maybe if Barbie would take Mary