Grandmother's Namesake

by Cathy Bryant

  “Oh . . . please excuse me. I was not aware that anyone was there,” he groaned with embarrassment.

  “Susanna . . . John. Do come in,” called Madeline—or Maddie as she liked to be called—from the far side of the room. “Allow me to present my friend William Gage.”

  Taking little notice of John Jameson, William fixed his eyes upon the lovely, young woman standing before him. To his recollection, he had never before seen such an extraordinary creature. As a result, he found himself captivated. Oblivious to the fact that Mr. Jameson and Maddie had begun to grin at each other regarding his stunned expression, he continued to study Susanna—taking note of the wisps of long, golden hair jutting out from beneath her cap, her fair skin, and petite nose. However, as he looked intently into her beautiful blue eyes, he sensed a measure of sadness behind the rich lashes that fluttered as she averted her eyes from his.

  Regaining his composure, he said, “Delighted to make your acquaintance.” He then leaned back against the doorframe and hung his head—humiliated by the poor first impression he had made, what with his stumbling and staring.

  “Likewise,” smiled Mr. Jameson, endeavoring to distract William from his all-too-apparent embarrassment before it was detected by Susanna. “This is my daughter Susanna.”

  Nodding in his direction, the young woman began to feel her face flush at the sight of the handsome gentleman. Holding her gaze a moment, she observed the remarkable emerald eyes, which were now fixed upon her. Realizing that she had been staring, and that he was too, she again felt her face heat.

  Observing Susanna’s red face, William calmed a bit. Clearly, he was not the only one experiencing the awkwardness of the situation.

  “William, you must stay and become better acquainted,” insisted Maddie. “Nothing could possibly be so pressing that it cannot wait.”

  “Very well. I shall stay awhile.”

  “Susanna, come over to me, my girl,” beckoned Maddie. “Let me have a look at you. It has been far too long since our last visit.”

  Susanna moved nervously past William who, by that time, had taken a seat in the sitting room with Maddie and John Jameson. As she made her way in Maddie’s direction, she nearly tumbled at William’s feet.

  “There, that’s better,” said Maddie, while grasping Susanna’s hands. “My, you have quite grown up since our last visit.”

  Susanna was horrified at almost falling and that Maddie would speak so in front of a stranger, so she slipped swiftly past to take a seat on the far side of the room. Once seated, she quickly deflected the conversation away from herself and back to Maddie. With apparent agitation in her voice she asked, “How have you been, Maddie?”

  Grinning, she responded, “Just fine, my dear.” Maddie had known Susanna since her infancy. Therefore, she easily comprehended the reason for the young woman’s nervous demeanor.

  Mr. Jameson and William had taken seats on opposite sides of Maddie. Distracted for the moment, Susanna observed from her vantage point at the farthest side of the sitting room that as an accomplished quiltmaker, Maddie had adorned her rooms with many colorful quilts. In fact, she noticed one or two she had not seen before. She had always admired the warm and cheerful quality they brought to Maddie’s home. Additionally, the aroma of apple pie filled her mind with wonderful memories of her grandmother and Maddie attempting to instruct her in making such delights. Before long, Susanna was once again at ease in Maddie’s welcoming home.

  “Mr. Gage, how have you come to be in Haverhill?” inquired Mr. Jameson.

  “Please, do call me William.”

  “Very well,” replied Mr. Jameson, “and you may call me John.”

  “After a friend helped to scout out possible locations to purchase for farming, he found that the property adjacent to Mrs. Osgood’s was an excellent choice. As a consequence, I purchased the property and moved here not long after that,” he responded, hoping John would not inquire further.

  “Now, William, what have I told you about that Mrs. Osgood business?” asked Maddie with a scowl.

  “Oh, excuse me, Mrs. . . . oh . . . ah, Maddie.”

  “John, William has been a great help to me since coming here. He has been making use of my lands along with his own and partnering with me in the profits. As I have not been successful on my own, of late, even with part-time help, I am grateful to have his assistance.”

  “Well then, I am happy to hear it. It sounds as though you both shall benefit from such an arrangement.”

  With interest, Susanna sat quietly listening to the conversation. It was the first time in over a year she found herself thinking of anything other than the tragic events that had taken place. William, too, was enjoying himself with his newly formed acquaintances.

  “Well, I must be getting back to my lovely wife,” insisted John. “She and the children shall be wondering what has become of me.”

  Susanna felt a wave of panic at the thought of her father leaving her there alone with William and Maddie.

  “Father, must you go so soon?” countered Susanna, sounding very much the same as a little girl afraid to be without her father.

  Sensing her concern, William announced that he must take his leave as well. John and William said their goodbyes, and then walked out together. Susanna felt relieved as they left, knowing she would at last be alone with Maddie.

  With concern, Maddie observed, “Susanna, my dear, you seem a little distressed.”

  “Oh, I am all right, just a bit tired. I am happy to be here, though, Maddie. I have missed you.”

  “How did you like my new friend William?” she inquired, attempting to conceal her amusement. She still wanted to chuckle at the way the two young people had reacted to one another.

  “He seems a kind gentleman. Does he come to call very often?”

  “Indeed he does—generally every day. After all, he is managing my farm. I have so enjoyed his company. Truth be told, he has become quite dear to me in the short time I have known him.”

  Recalling how nervous she had been when William was present, Susanna was astounded at her own reaction. What was it that had elicited such emotion? As I shall see him nearly every day, I hope I make a better impression the next time we meet—hopefully, with my feet solidly planted on the floor.

  Maddie and Susanna enjoyed a full evening of catching up before turning in for the night. Once she had settled into bed, Maddie recalled the things that Esther Jameson had said with regard to Susanna’s melancholy state, and how it had lingered for many months. She had been aware, before speaking with Esther, that Susanna must have yet been suffering, or she would surely have been by to visit. Maddie then prayed that her time with Susanna, even if it turned out to be limited, would be a time of healing for her young friend.

  Chapter 3

  Early the next day, William reluctantly set off for Salem for supplies of which he had run short. The following day—late in the afternoon, desiring not to make it known he was in town—he hastily carried out the business for which he had come. However, William’s father, John Pressey, a rather large man with a commanding presence, happened by the store at the same time William was there to make his purchases.

  Surprised to see his son, John Pressey exclaimed, “William! I had not expected to see you in town. Have you been to see your mother?”

  “No, Father. I am here only briefly to purchase supplies. I shall be leaving early tomorrow morning.”

  The Presseys had temporarily removed to Salem, from Amesbury, during the time of the trials. Their son had already been living there for some time. Following the trials, they had stayed on at the former home of William Gage, Mary Pressey’s father. Upon his death, William’s grandfather had left the house to his grandson as a portion of a substantial inheritance.

  With his parents a constant presence in his home in Salem, William had felt a strong need to escape. The whole business with the trials and hangings had been too much for him, given that his parents had been two of Susanna Martin’s accusers
. Having heard from a friend about a lovely farm in the town of Haverhill, just over the border from Amesbury, William had procured the place and soon after had taken leave of Salem.

  Now that he was living in Haverhill, William was in no hurry to sell his home in Salem. To do so would require that his parents take leave of the place, which in turn would most assuredly necessitate for them a move back to the family home in Amesbury. For William, Salem was a comfortable distance from his parents. In his view, Amesbury would be much too close to Haverhill. Consequently, for as long as his parents wished to remain at his property in Salem, William had no intention of selling.

  Comforted by the distance he had placed between himself and his parents, William was yet unaware that he had become acquainted with any of Mrs. Martin’s family and that even in Haverhill, he may still face the effects of what his parents had done.

  “Your mother would be hurt to learn that you had come to town and that you had not been to see her. Have you not even a few minutes to spare for your own mother?”

  “Father, I am in no mood to go over all of this again. It has been my earnest prayer that you and Mother would come to understand the injustices you perpetrated against that innocent woman. I cannot be in your presence again until you repent of such an evil act. Having listened to the two of you, day in and day out, as you continually congratulated yourselves on such a despicable deed was more than I could endure.”

  “William, some folks have turned against us for our actions at the trials. As a result, we have decided to remove to Virginia for a time. For this reason, I am urging you to see your mother. You may not have another opportunity before we take leave of this town.”

  “When is this to take place?” questioned William, surprised and a bit relieved. It had been exceedingly difficult to be near his parents when he believed them to be so wrong. Moving to Haverhill had brought a sense of peace back into his life, albeit limited.

  “Soon, William, soon. We shall retain our home in Amesbury for the time being. However, we are not certain of ever returning there.”

  If he had thought to bring me sadness with his declaration, he is sorely mistaken. “I shall consider calling upon her,” he responded.

  “Very well,” he uttered with a frown at William’s lack of commitment at seeing his mother.

  When William had concluded with his business, he pondered whether or not to concede to his father’s wishes and call on his mother before leaving town the next morning.

  “Lord, what am I to do? I know that I should forgive them, and at times, I think that I have; however, at this moment, I realize that I have not been entirely successful. Having nearly two days’ travel to separate us has been quite comforting to me. Seeing my father again has simply stirred up all of the old emotions. If I called on Mother, I fear it would be much the same. Show me the way to forgive, short of sanctioning their sin, for they continue to believe they have done nothing wrong. To go on as though nothing has come between us simply allows them to feel justified in what they have done; consequently, they may never seek Your forgiveness.”

  After spending the night at the town ordinary, William reluctantly set off to see his mother for what might be the last time. As he approached the house, he observed, once again, the large timber-framed, saltbox-style home with its meticulously kept gardens. His mother had always gone to such lengths to keep up the faÇade of the perfect home and family. She continued to do so even now at his home in Salem. He then recalled the warmth of the central chimney in their family home in Amesbury, and how, at a very young age, he had become aware that it was simply physical warmth that emanated within the walls of the structure. Rarely had there been the warmth he had experienced at the home of David Fowler, his childhood friend. The warmth he had felt there had warmed him to his very soul, for it was in the Fowler’s home that he had learned of God’s genuine love for His children.

  The door to the house suddenly opened with his mother in view. He instantly took note of the transformation in her appearance since he last had seen her. Her normally brown hair had all but turned a silverish shade, and her eyes were now surrounded with lines. Had her hair been silver before, and were those lines already there? Maybe I had paid her so little attention that I never noticed the change. “Hello, Mother. I have come to say goodbye. Father has informed me of your plans to visit your family in Virginia, and that you are to be there for some time.”

  Mary Pressey was happy to see her son, but continued in her resolve to stand firm in her belief in the correctness of her actions. Having seen that expression many times before, he accurately interpreted the stubborn look upon his mother’s face. Thus, he determined to make it a short visit.

  “Indeed, I am looking forward to seeing my cousins. I am happy to see you, William. I had not thought to see you again with the way you made haste in leaving town. In fact, I have recently been informed that you have taken another name—Gage is it not? At least there is some consolation in that it was your grandfather’s name—and mine too before I married.”

  “Naturally. I could not very well detach myself from what has happened unless I took another name. And, yes, Mother, I could not get away from here fast enough.” He then heaved a sigh, for he had no desire to get into another confrontation. “I wish you well on your journey to Virginia. I must be going.” Before he turned to leave, he kissed his mother on the cheek.

  Her demeanor changed swiftly at the thought of him leaving. “Can you not stay for a little while? If we decide to stay on in Virginia, I may never see you again.”

  “Mother, I fear that if I were to stay, we would only argue. Let us leave things as they are—keeping our distance from each other. I do love you and will continue to pray for God’s will to be evident in your life.”

  Snapping quickly back to her initial attitude, she asked sarcastically, “And you are the only one who knows what that is. Am I right? Who made you an authority on such things? You should not presume to govern everyone else’s opinions and actions!”

  Having no desire to continue the discussion, turning to leave, he said with shoulders drooping, “Goodbye, Mother.”

  With an upraised chin, Mary Pressey turned and stormed back through the entrance to the house. She would not be humbled by anyone—not even her son.

  William then rode home in anguish as he played the scene with his mother over and over in his mind. “Lord, what will be her eternity? Can she truly be Your child? Her actions have never said as much, though her mouth has certainly boasted of her own worthiness. As for me, I am living under an assumed name. Can You be happy with that sort of deception? I believe You cannot, but I am at a loss as to how to go on with my life connected to such a family. Operating under the name of Gage has served to separate me from the whole ordeal.”

  William began to wonder what his grandfather would have thought about his mother’s actions. Would he have stopped her? Perhaps he would have saved poor Mrs. Martin and the others. All at once, he began to feel frustrated with himself for thinking his grandfather some sort of hero. I am now one and twenty. When will I ever cease from yearning for the man who was my grandfather? “God, You are the only perfect one. I leave this situation with Mother and Father in Your capable hands.”

  As it took approximately two days to travel between Salem and Haverhill, William arrived home late the next night. After climbing into his bed for some much-needed rest, he continued to think about his parents and how terrible their actions had been. He wondered if he would ever truly put it all behind him.

  The following afternoon, William wished he could remain at home. However, he had also purchased supplies for Maddie; thus, he reluctantly made his way over to the Osgood farm.

  As Maddie was coming out of the barn, she spied William approaching. “Good afternoon, William.”

  “And to you, Maddie. I have the purchases about which we had spoken.”

  “Come into the house when you have finished unloading the wagon.”

  Reasoning to himsel
f that to refuse might bring about further inquiry from a very perceptive Maddie, he muttered, “Very well. I shall be in directly.”

  Returning to the house, Maddie informed Susanna that William would be in straight away.

  Once again, Susanna found herself flustered as she attempted to calmly take a seat.

  Within a few minutes, they heard William softly knocking. Maddie called out, “Come in, William.” He then came in and seated himself beside Maddie in the sitting room. At which point she inquired, “Will you not stay for supper?”

  “I thank you, no. It has been a long couple of days, Maddie. I am afraid I would not be very good company.”

  Shifting in her seat as she listened to his response, Susanna hoped that Maddie would change his mind.

  “Oh, good day to you too, Susanna. I did not see you sitting there in the shadows.”

  Smiling, Susanna acknowledged him with a nod of her head.

  “You have to eat, William. If you stay, there shall be no need to prepare anything when you go home,” insisted Maddie.

  “Very well. I am incapable of refusing such a lovely and kindhearted lady,” he replied with a smile. After the cold reception he had received from his own mother, Maddie’s kind hospitality was heartening.

  “Now that we have that all settled—William, you may keep Susanna company here in the sitting room while I put the final touches on our supper,” insisted Maddie.

  Rising to her feet, Susanna quickly followed Maddie offering to help, but to no avail. Gently placing her hands on the back of Susanna’s shoulders, Maddie turned her around effectively sending her back into the sitting room. Susanna then sheepishly moved past William to reclaim her seat.

  “What have you ladies been up to today?” he then inquired. He was determined to set aside his feelings for now, regarding his visit with his mother, and enjoy his time with Susanna and Maddie.