Missy Jenkins Mysteries

Rachel Yost leaned back and relaxed in the buggy's seat. She closed her eyes, listening to the rhythmic clip-clop, clip-clop of the horse's hooves. Her husband, Daniel, held the reins as they made their way through the Pennsylvania countryside on this crisp October morning. Fog left over from last night's rainstorm slowed their travel and the buggy's headlamps gave only a dim glow on the road ahead. Daniel's parents, Amos and Elizabeth, followed in the early morning gloom.

     Rachel shivered in the cool autumn air, despite wearing her full Sunday attire--a long-sleeved purple dress, black cape, apron, kapp, bonnet, and shawl. She pulled her woolen shawl tightly around her shoulders and hoped by the time they reached the worship service at Lucas Fisher's house the weather would be more pleasant. Rachel had lived  in Lancaster County her entire life but had to force herself to endure the cold Pennsylvania winters. She didn't look forward to the prospect of another hard, snowy season.

     She glanced over at Daniel, so handsome in his britches, vest and "Mutze" coat. Rachel knew pride was a sin in the eyes of the Lord, but she couldn't help feeling blessed that Daniel had chosen her as his wife. Married less than a year, Rachel truly loved her husband, and knew he felt the same for her. She leaned closer to him, touching the soft warmth of his coat and breathing in the fresh clean scent of his body. She closed her eyes again, enjoying her good fortune to live in this quiet, peaceful community with a devoted, loving husband.

     The horse nickered and side-stepped, causing Daniel to pull on the reins and Rachel to open her eyes in surprise.

     "Whoa, Josie," Daniel said quietly. "What's the matter, girl?"

     The headlamps revealed a tipped-over buggy by the side of the road.

     Amos called from behind, "Vas ist letz, Daniel? What's wrong?"

     Daniel stepped down from the buggy and moved to the side of the road. "It looks like someone's in trouble, Pa. I'll check it out."

     Amos was by Daniel's side before the sentence ended. "I'll come with ye."

     Rachel leaned out, over the right side of the buggy. As the light of dawn broke through the fog, she could just make out the shape of an over turned buggy and a person lying nearby.