Grandmother's Namesake

by Cathy Bryant

  At that point, Maddie sighed, for she was now acutely aware of the burden William had shouldered all alone. “Now let us return to the house or Susanna will wonder at the reason for our absence.”

  Turning to Maddie, William gave her a huge hug before grasping hold of her arm and helping her to her feet. Wiping his face on his sleeve, he strolled alongside of her as they made their way back to the yard where Susanna was impatiently waiting.

  “Where have you two been? I came out of the house and found that not a soul was around. Have you been eyeing the land together again?”

  “Yes, we have been down to the pond,” Maddie informed, as casually as possible.

  “I do declare; there were never more compatible partners than the two of you. It is obvious how much you both love the land.”

  “Let us get to work, my girl,” smiled Maddie, attempting to distract Susanna from too close an inspection of William, for his face clearly showed signs of strain.

  As Maddie took Susanna by the arm to lead her away, Susanna glanced back at William. “How are you feeling today, William?”

  “Much better, Susanna. Thank you for your concern. I must be getting out to the field. I shall speak with you later.”

  With that, William took his leave, and Susanna was left wishing she had more time to converse with him. She had thought of nothing else all night but his wellbeing. Maddie directed her into the barn to begin chores while silently praying that God would prepare her young friend’s heart for what William had to disclose.

  Chapter 7

  It had been a few weeks since William’s confession to Maddie. On this particular day, he decided to make another trip into Salem for supplies. He traveled late into the night and, after making camp, he rose early the next morning to make his way into town. Though he had no intention of visiting with his parents again, he dreaded the possibility of another chance meeting. Upon his arrival at the shop where he planned to purchase supplies, the owner inquired after his parents and when he thought to hear from them. Initially William was puzzled by the inquiry, but understanding soon began to dawn. They must have already set off for Virginia.

  Attempting to appear knowledgeable on the subject, William casually answered, “I am not at all sure when they shall arrive at their destination, as it is a rather long journey.” As I am no longer connected to the circles in which my parents had moved, I am not privy to such basic information concerning them. Ah, well—that was my wish. I have no one to blame but myself for the state of unawareness in which I now find myself.

  “Your father was uncertain how long they would be gone. You shall miss them very much I would imagine,” the man said sympathetically.

  Coming to himself, William answered, “Yes, well . . . I better get to my purchases.” He then hastily collected all that he required and paid the man before taking his leave.

  After departing the store, William felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders. His thoughts immediately went to Susanna and the possibility of a life with her now that his parents had removed to Virginia. He couldn’t be certain his parents would stay on in Virginia, but he hoped they would. As he continued to ponder the idea, his elation over their departure intensified.

  “Heavenly Father, I am not even sure of her feelings. However, if her feelings are similar to my own, perhaps she shall accept me now that my parents have gone.”

  Upon his return to the Osgood farm two days later, Maddie observed a change in his mood. With Susanna in the house and out of audible range, she decided to inquire about it. However before she had the chance to ask, he explained the reason his mood had improved.

  “Maddie, my parents have set off for Virginia. If they decide to remove there permanently, I shall never have to set eyes on them again. Thus, if my relationship with Susanna progresses, we shall be free from any interference from my parents—that is if they do not return.”

  Maddie was happy that the news of his parents’ departure had served to make him hopeful; however, she believed that deep down he must still love them and that some part of him was undoubtedly hurting over the loss.

  Sensing Maddie’s pensiveness, William assured her that he had no intention, as yet, of revealing his feelings to Susanna. Thinking this to be the reason for her concern, he went on to say he understood that Susanna still required a sufficient amount of time to recover before he could divulge such a secret. Additionally, to declare his intentions concerning her before she had time to digest such terrible news, he believed, would be a mistake.

  Maddie decided that now was not the time to broach the subject with regard to the full ramifications of his parents staying on—permanently— in Virginia. If that turned out to be the case, his parents may never again be present in his life. She believed him to be unaware that he may someday long for a relationship with his parents, so she let the matter drop.

  Suppertime came and Maddie, as usual, asked William to join them. William decided in the affirmative, for he longed to be with Susanna. Though his heart continued to ache with the knowledge that there would soon come a day he would have to reveal all, he was relieved that today was not that day.

  At supper, Susanna observed that William’s spirits seemed a bit lighter. As he conversed with them, she became conscious of the fact that, once again, her concern for him had helped her to forget her own worries.

  The following day, Maddie suggested that William and Susanna take the day off. She then suggested they take the horses out for a ride. Once they agreed, she began packing some food for their outing. Next, she suggested they visit her favorite spot by the pond. Considering the idea, William glanced over at Susanna to ascertain her opinion. Upon observing how her eyes lit up at Maddie’s suggestion, William smiled. He then offered to prepare the horses while Susanna put on the proper riding attire.

  “Susanna, I shall finish up with packing the food while you make yourself ready,” smiled Maddie.

  “Are you quite certain you can do without us for the day?” inquired Susanna.

  “These old bones still have some life left in them. I shall be fine.”

  Reassured, Susanna ran to her room joyful at the thought of spending time with William. Within a few moments, her blonde locks were hastily tucked up into her cap, and she had donned her most comfortable riding attire. She had always found that a loose-fitting frock was best for bouncing around on the back of a horse. Once she was ready, she made haste through the kitchen and over to the door. Looking back over her shoulder, she observed Maddie chuckling while holding a picnic basket out in front of her.

  Turning back to take the basket from Maddie, Susanna couldn’t hold back a giggle. “Oh, I am sorry, Maddie. I completely forgot about the food. You are too good to us.”

  After handing Susanna the basket, Maddie kissed her on the cheek and then gave her a little push toward the door.

  William’s eyes lit up upon observing the beauty moving in his direction. He sighed with delight at the thought of some time alone with Susanna. He was grateful Maddie trusted that he would be a gentleman, as there would be no one accompanying them. Then again, my farmhand shall be out working in the fields near the pond, so it is not as though we shall be completely alone.

  “Are we all set?” inquired Susanna, with excitement.

  “Almost,” he replied, having been distracted from the task at hand.

  Once he had finished preparing the horses, William motioned Susanna over that he might assist her onto the brown mare he had often observed her riding. As he placed his hands around her tiny waist—in preparation for lifting her, he glanced down into her deep, blue eyes and found himself entranced for a moment. All at once, the mare impatiently pressed her head against William’s side—effectively startling him out of his reverie. Gathering his wits about him, he averted his eyes from Susanna’s gaze, and then lifted her onto the mare. As soon as she was situated, he retrieved the picnic basket from her hand, smiled, and mounted his own horse. Taking the lead, William set off with Susan
na following close behind.

  Before long, they had arrived at the pretty little spot down by Maddie’s pond. As they gazed out over the pond, they observed the shimmering flecks of sunlight reflecting off the water. The pond was so beautiful this time of year, as it was clothed with white water lilies with brilliant yellow stamens. Surrounding the pond was lush, green vegetation betwixt the many shade trees. Taking it all in, the pair comprehended the reason this place held such special meaning for Maddie.

  Gripping the basket and gathering up an old quilt he had brought along, William dismounted. He then placed the quilt and basket on the ground before helping Susanna. His heart began to race when he felt her long, golden locks brush against his cheek on her way down from her gentle mare. Though he had observed her attempts at keeping her hair tucked up within her cap as they rode, to him it was distractingly apparent that she had been quite unsuccessful. Truth be told, he was delighted by the sight. Coming to himself, he quickly gathered up the basket and quilt; subsequently, he escorted Susanna over to the pond.

  Susanna, too, was a bit flustered by his nearness. “Th–Thank you, William,” she said, feeling the heat in her cheeks.

  Without Maddie, William and Susanna found themselves strangely silent. It was rare that they lacked for conversation; for this reason, the quiet made them both uneasy.

  Sensing the awkwardness between them, William was the first to initiate a conversation. “Well, this is a pleasant spot for a picnic. I am delighted that Maddie suggested it. Though I have been here before, it seems even lovelier today. It was also kind of Maddie to prepare the food for us.”

  “Indeed. She is too kind.”

  “There must be an advantageous location from which we might overlook the pond. In fact, I believe I see a fine spot right over there,” he said pointing. “I shall lay out this old quilt.”

  “Yes, I believe that is the best place to take in the view,” responded Susanna, struggling to further the conversation. Why is it so difficult, all of a sudden, to converse with William? I am all aflutter—much the same as the first day we met. Whatever is the matter with me?

  Once they had situated themselves for their picnic, William spoke, “Tell me more about Maddie. I have known her for so little a time.”

  Susanna smiled as she came to the realization that this was a topic she could go on about for hours. She had always loved and admired Maddie; thus, she was delighted to share her knowledge of her wonderful friend with William. Moreover, it would keep the awkward, silent moments at bay, at least for a time.

  “Maddie is the dearest person in the world to me,” expressed Susanna. “Are you aware of the tragic nature of her journey from England?”

  “No, I know little of her early years.”

  “It is a fascinating story. She left England during a very turbulent time. As I am sure you know, many Puritans were being persecuted at that time so they sought freedom here. She set sail . . . ah . . . I believe it was in 1635. However, during the first weeks of the journey her first husband, Oliver Pike, succumbed to smallpox.”

  “How terrible that must have been for her! I was not aware that she had been married before her marriage to Christopher.”

  “It was, to be sure, a trying time for Maddie, but there is more to the story. Just as land was in sight, a terrible hurricane wrecked the ship on which she had traveled—the Angel Gabriel. Christopher Osgood, who later became her second husband, pulled her to shore—effectively rescuing her from drowning.”

  At this point, William’s eyes were as wide as saucers. “She has certainly been through a great deal. As I had suspected, she is without a doubt one of the strongest ladies I have ever known. One would never imagine the many tragedies that have befallen her, for her countenance is always one of utter peace.”

  “I am in complete agreement. I have never known a more courageous lady than Maddie,” excepting my grandmother of course. But I must not think about her just now. Pushing that thought aside, she went on, “She has related to me countless times the details of her early years and God’s faithfulness to her during that time. For instance, are you acquainted with Henry Bleasdell?”

  “Yes, though we have only recently been introduced,” replied William. “What is his connection with Maddie?”

  “Well, after she was rescued by Christopher, she was taken in by Ralph and Elizabeth Bleasdell—Henry’s parents—to assist with Henry. She has said on numerous occasions that she doesn’t know what she would have done had they not allowed her to live with them. However, as you have said, she is a strong lady and a woman of great faith. I have no doubt that had it become necessary she would have made another way. I have always admired her courage and tenacity. Just being with her makes whatever difficulty I am facing somehow less frightening. If only I had strength such as hers,” Susanna responded, her countenance falling thus altering her hitherto joyful expression.

  It saddened William to observe the swift change in Susanna’s demeanor as she spoke, but he was compelled to hold his gaze. It became obvious to him when she directed her eyes away that she was attempting to regain her composure. Desiring to lighten the mood, he said, “Let us explore the picnic basket. There are sure to be sumptuous delights within.”

  Immediately, Susanna’s thoughts were directed back to the present. She did not wish to waste the day consumed with thoughts of the events of the previous year. As a result, she nodded in agreement.

  As they began to partake from the basket, Susanna continued, “Maddie does tend to spoil us. Never having children of her own she seems to enjoy doting on us.”

  “She most certainly does, though it is a shame that she never had any children.”

  “My grandmother . . . well, it is of no consequence.” Changing the subject before William could ask what she was about to say, she said, “This chicken is quite tasty. I must pay closer attention when she is preparing it. Mine has always been rather dry.”

  Perceiving that Susanna had diverted the conversation away from reminiscing about her grandmother, William decided to direct her back by asking what it was that she had wanted to say about her grandmother. Though it caused him pain, he hoped that remembering the good times with her grandmother might serve to diminish her sorrow.

  Though she wished he had not caught on that she had left off from speaking about her grandmother—appearing a bit vulnerable—Susanna responded, “Maddie and Grandmother had been friends since before they were married to Christopher Osgood and George Martin—my grandfather. Therefore, Grandmother’s children were, to Maddie, as though they were her own. Having held so long an acquaintance with each other, Maddie was present at all of our births and has been involved in our lives ever since.”

  “Yes, her love for you is quite evident,” he responded with a smile. I wonder if my feelings for you are as obvious.

  “You would have loved Grandmother, William. To hear her speak her mind was always rather amusing. However, she would inevitably be chastised for her direct manner. Each time she was confronted, she reasoned that circumventing the truth never did anyone the least bit of good. Nevertheless, as much as I loved her for her imperturbable poise, when confronted, I now believe that, for her, it may have resulted in acquiring dangerous enemies. Perhaps if she had deferred to someone else’s opinions from time to time—but how was a lone woman managing a farm supposed to keep silent when to do so might have meant her ruin? The men in town had often attempted to take advantage—supposing her to be so credulous as to believe them whenever they tried to cheat her. To their disadvantage, they were little acquainted with anyone such as Grandmother, for she never allowed herself to be fleeced.”

  Susanna ended her reminiscences about her grandmother with a smile at the thought of her grandmother’s tenacity.

  Though her words were a terrible reminder that someday he must reveal the truth regarding his parents, William was delighted to see the joy returning to Susanna’s face.

  As she spoke, she witnessed William’s countenance; his e
xpressions, to her, appeared fluid. She then began to wonder what he was thinking. Maybe I have chatted on too long. Concerned that she had monopolized the conversation, she decided to be silent for a while and allow William an opportunity to speak.

  William caught a look in her eye that said she had perceived his concern. As he did not wish to be questioned regarding his thoughts, he smiled and continued with his meal.

  Once they had finished eating, William and Susanna strolled around the edge of the pond for a time. Before long, the day was half spent. William then suggested they take a ride around his property before returning to Maddie’s. Seeing that the suggestion delighted Susanna, they soon set off in the direction of William’s farm.

  That night, tucked in her bed, Susanna felt warm all over as she recollected the events of the day. William seemed elated as he spoke about his dreams for his farm. How wonderful that he would share things of such a personal nature with me. She soon drifted off to sleep with ease. This was one night she would not be plagued with torturous thoughts of her grandmother’s death—thoughts that had frequently robbed her of her rest.

  Chapter 8

  It had been a week since William had set off on business to Ipswich. His farmhand, Charles Parker, a rugged man of nine and twenty, had been managing the properties while he was away. Susanna felt exceptionally gloomy part way through the week. Having William around had served to distract her from the horrible memories of her grandmother’s demise. Though her days had become a bit more peaceful in the weeks she had been at Maddie’s, she continued to suffer from occasional night terrors.

  In the middle of the final night of William’s absence, Maddie awakened to a shriek coming from Susanna’s room. Leaping from her bed as quickly as her elderly frame would allow, she rushed in to a terrified Susanna who was presently balled up in the corner of her room. Reaching down to touch her, she discovered that her young friend was dripping wet with perspiration.