Grandmother's Namesake

by Cathy Bryant

  “Please do not concern yourself over me. You take as long as you need. I shall be just fine here without you. I merely had a touch of something that lasted for a few weeks in the spring. It has long since been over.”

  Esther and John, as expected, arrived late that afternoon. Before their arrival, however, Susanna had kept to her room for the better part of the day in an attempt to avoid William. She had heard from Maddie that, as he had said, he arrived early that morning.

  Susanna’s parents stayed for a brief visit before setting off for home with their daughter. John and Esther’s hearts were burdened as they discerned that Susanna was not as much improved as they had hoped. Their last visit had been vastly different. Susanna had even asked to stay on for the rest of the summer. They wondered what brought about the change. As they rode along, in vain, they attempted to cheer her with uplifting news from home.

  Before long, they were at the Jameson homestead with Susanna quickly disappearing to her room. The following morning John inquired of Susanna the reason for her unexpected return. Not that he minded having his daughter at home, but he sensed there was more to it than simply a visit.

  “Father, I merely decided to come home to see my family for a few days.” Having no desire to explain further, she quickly moved past her father and out the door for a walk.

  As she meandered along, one of the neighbors greeted Susanna. “Good day to you, young lady. You have been away, have you not?”

  “I was on my usual summer holiday at Madeline Osgood’s farm,” frowned Susanna, angry that the busybody was poking her nose into things that were none of her business. She then turned her head away from the woman’s prying eyes so as not to encourage further conversation. At which point, the woman shrugged and moved on, leaving Susanna to question whether she should have come home, as peace of mind was sure to be elusive even here.

  “I have not missed that meddlesome sort,” she huffed aloud, not caring who might hear. “I should not have paid her the smallest attention. What was I thinking coming back here?”

  ***

  Back at the Osgood farm, William was preparing for a long day in the fields. However, before setting off, Maddie brought out his breakfast with the dual purpose of ascertaining whether he had overcome his uneasiness at being near Susanna. She hoped that whenever Susanna came back things might return to normal between her two young friends.

  “William, I am pleased to see you. Have you come to terms with being in Susanna’s company?”

  After thinking about her question a moment, he answered, “In truth, I am still unsure whether I can endure the pain I see in her eyes, but I could not stay away any longer. Maddie, I spotted Susanna heading off with her parents late yesterday. Is she to be away for long?”

  “She informed me, before she left, that she intends to stay but a few days.” Hesitating a moment to consider whether to say more, Maddie continued, “Actually, William, despite what she has said, I cannot say for sure that she shall return.”

  William’s expression quickly changed to one of concern. “I thought she was to stay with you for the entire summer?”

  “William, I dislike having to tell you this; I believe she was hurt by the distance she felt had come between you. When you stayed away upon your return from Ipswich, she took it as an indication that you did not wish to be near her. I realize that you were too stunned by the information I had revealed to you to realize the effect your mood was having on Susanna.”

  “Knowing the reason for her nightmares in addition to having seen her pained expressions when she thinks no one is watching was too much to bear. What is the most distressing is that I know I must tell her the truth before long. It bothers me to keep such news from her, but it grieves me even more to envision the effect that my inevitable disclosure shall have. When she learns who I am, things are apt to change between us. Just the same I did not intend to injure her by my absence.”

  “William, I dislike seeing you suffer so. Let us pray for God to shed His light on the best course of action to pursue when she returns.”

  “If she returns,” sighed William.

  Nodding so as to acknowledge his last remark, Maddie then said, “William, I must speak with you about another matter. I have recently asked Susanna to consider attending church with me. Surprisingly, she seemed agreeable to the idea; however, it remains to be seen whether she shall actually go. Truth be told, it being a different meetinghouse is most likely the reason for Susanna’s willingness to even consider the idea.”

  William listened intently wondering all the while where the conversation was leading.

  “I had been attending with a neighbor before Susanna arrived here this summer. However, if you would consent to join me, I would prefer your company. As it is now, my neighbor’s son conveys us to the meetinghouse. I am of the opinion that he would be delighted if I were to make other arrangements. Additionally, if—or should I say when—Susanna returns she might be persuaded to join us.”

  Once she had finished speaking, Maddie studied William’s face for any indication that he might be agreeable to the idea. She had wondered why he had not been attending before now.

  Before returning to the house to spend some time in prayer, Maddie patted William’s shoulder and suggested that he give the matter some thought. He responded by saying he would certainly think about it.

  On his way back to his own homestead, William prayed about what he and Maddie had discussed with regard to going with her to church. He had experienced his own struggles with church folk after having witnessed his parents’ actions. So far, since his move to Haverhill, he had avoided attending. He was fully aware that if he continued in his ‘neglect of worship,’ he would soon be called to account for his reasons for not attending. In fact, he wondered why it had not already happened.

  ***

  Back at the Jameson homestead, Susanna was growing more restless with each passing day. Being at home had not brought the calmness of heart she had hoped for with regard to William. Furthermore, it was apparent that Jane disliked having her back at home. She didn’t blame her sister, of course, for she knew that her melancholia was not at all conducive to a favorable environment within the home. In fact, knowing how her sister felt, as well as attempting to avoid the little room in which she and her grandmother had spent many hours together, kept Susanna in her bedchamber much of the time.

  In her solitude, she had begun to wonder whether William had learned of her connection to a supposed witch while he was away. If this be the case, he may now wish to end their friendship. This possibility angered as well as frustrated her. For the purpose of settling the matter, she decided to return to Maddie’s within the week to discover the truth about the source of William’s indifference. In addition, she could not endure another day in town under the watchful eye of the nosey neighbors.

  A few days later, William caught sight of Susanna as she was returning with her father to Maddie’s farm. Determined to clear up any misunderstanding and restore his friendship with her, as the wagon came to a halt, William decided to go out straight away to greet them.

  “Good day, Mr. Jameson . . . Susanna,” smiled William, as he made his way over to assist with Susanna’s belongings. “Did you have an enjoyable visit, Susanna?”

  “Very enjoyable, thank you,” she responded curtly. “If you will excuse me, I must go in and speak with Maddie.”

  Having observed Susanna’s strained expression, William understood the reason for her abruptness. Grabbing hold of her bundle, William followed John into the house.

  “It is good to see you, John,” expressed Maddie, motioning him to take a seat.

  “I really cannot stay,” insisted John, while hugging Susanna. “Goodbye all. I shall return to check on you in a couple of weeks, Susanna.”

  Susanna felt a panic sweep over her as she came to the realization that Maddie intended to accompany her father back out the door. As they left, she swiftly gathered up her bundle, and said, “Well, I must ge
t to my unpacking. Good day, William.”

  While attempting to speak, William’s heart raced, for he wished to set things right again. However, the words would not come. Head low, he turned and made his way to the door.

  Closing the door behind him as he left, he observed Maddie approaching. “Well, William. How did it go with Susanna?”

  “Not very well, I’m afraid. It seems she could not get away from me fast enough. I am at a loss as to how to approach her to make amends given that I cannot explain why I stayed away. That would require divulging the truth regarding my parents. Do you agree that Susanna is still not prepared for that kind of news?”

  “To be sure, as confirmed by her nightmares and fragile emotions. Give it time, William. She shall come around. I am sure of it.”

  “I shall simply make every effort to be attentive until she accepts my friendship once again.”

  Chapter 10

  On a midsummer afternoon, Elizabeth Howard, a beautiful woman the same age as Susanna, came to call. Given that she was the granddaughter of Jane Hall, one of Maddie’s dearest friends, Elizabeth was a regular visitor to the Osgood farm. Elizabeth’s mother, Mary Howard, had passed some years back, as had her grandmother, Jane. As a result, Elizabeth had a great attachment to Maddie—the only remaining female mentor in her life.

  In her younger years, Maddie had also been friends with Jane Hall’s mother, Emma Foster. In point of fact, Emma had been a wonderful mentor for Maddie as well as many of the other young ladies in the town of Salisbury. She often utilized her talent for instructing others in the art of quilt making by inviting the young ladies of the town into her home. While they were in her company, she never failed to pass on some facet of her faith, as this was an even greater passion for her than teaching the practical art of quilt making.

  Around the time of Susanna Martin’s trial and subsequent hanging, Elizabeth had taken ill with smallpox. At that time, the loathsome disease had broken out all around the town. As she was near death and her father was unsure as to how to care for her, he brought her to Maddie. He was sure that Maddie would not wish for her to be sent to the “pest-house.” It was there that the poor souls who had become infected were to be taken. Much the same as Susanna, Elizabeth was more like a granddaughter to Maddie, so she readily accepted the ailing Elizabeth into her home.

  Susanna Martin’s trial had forged ahead without Maddie there to lend support to her friend.

  As the proceedings dragged on, Maddie had become more and more concerned. In truth, at the start she had expected the nonsense to be quickly over with. In the past when her friend had been accused, nothing had ever come of it. As the trials progressed, however, things did not look good for her friend. Even so Maddie was helpless as to what to do about it. Elizabeth’s life was in jeopardy, leaving Maddie no choice but to remain with the young woman.

  At present, Elizabeth was delighted to find that Susanna Jameson was at the Osgood farm. Elizabeth had spent a few weeks each summer with Maddie; thus, she and Susanna had grown up seeing each other regularly.

  As for Susanna, she had always admired Elizabeth—with her exquisite brown eyes, long lashes, and elegantly arranged silky, brown hair. Truth be told, Susanna had attempted to imitate Elizabeth’s stylish manner on more than one occasion. Her approach to fashioning her hair by pinning it up at the sides with ribbons—thereby accentuating her oval-shaped face—was one of the ways in which Susanna had adopted her friend’s method of adorning herself. Though she had also greatly admired Elizabeth’s smart frocks, Susanna—with the more delicate figure—had never found it practical to borrow from her friend’s wardrobe. What Susanna valued most in Elizabeth, however, was that she had always been a loyal friend. Secondly was that their time together each summer had always proven to be adventuresome.

  “Susanna, I was so hoping to see you,” expressed Elizabeth. “Father thought you might not be staying with Maddie this summer. Otherwise, I surely would have come to see you before now—not that I wouldn’t have visited you at your own home, but—”

  “Well, in your father’s defense, it was not definite that I would visit this summer. Having the opportunity to see you as well as Maddie, I am delighted I decided to come. As for visiting at my home, I completely understand. I have not been fit for company for some time. Well, Elizabeth, as usual, Maddie has been a gracious host.”

  Smiling at Susanna, Maddie motioned Elizabeth into the sitting room. “No need to stand there by the door,” insisted Maddie. “How long shall we have the pleasure of your company?”

  “I had thought to visit but an hour or so. However, I believe I can extend that a bit.” Then, taking a seat, Elizabeth giggled over the good news she was most eager to share. Unable to hold it in any longer, she burst out, “I have happy news. I am to be married in the fall! What do you think of that?”

  With delight, Maddie and Susanna insisted she fill them in on every detail. Susanna then let loose with question after question. “Do we know the gentleman? Has your father given his consent? What day are you to be married?”

  “No, as I have only recently become acquainted with him myself, and yes, Father has consented; and no we have not settled on an exact date—just an approximate time, as there are details yet to be worked out,” chuckled Elizabeth at the barrage of questions coming from her friend. “I know I may be a bit impetuous in accepting him so soon, but once you meet him you shall surely understand. He is simply wonderful!”

  Maddie and Susanna smiled as they observed Elizabeth’s excitement while speaking of her intended. Susanna quickly blurted out two final questions. “What is his name, and when shall you post the banns?”

  “Fred Brown,” she replied, slumping further back in her chair feigning exhaustion. “As we are to be married in the fall, we shall most likely post the banns in September. I cannot wait for the two of you to meet him. How about you, Susanna? Is there anyone of particular interest?”

  Though she was reluctant to mention him to Elizabeth, as her friendship with the man had recently grown cold, Susanna’s mind had flown quickly to William. At one time, she might have confided in Elizabeth that she had hopes of her friendship with the man developing into something more. However, she no longer believed this to be true. Suddenly, she remembered that Elizabeth had always had an astonishing ability to know what she was thinking before she uttered a word. Therefore, having no desire to reveal anything by her expression, Susanna swiftly turned her head away, and said, “No, not really.”

  Changing the subject, Maddie offered to make some tea with Susanna and Elizabeth rising from their seats to assist in the endeavor. In a short while, with teacups in hand, they returned to the sitting room where they reminisced for much of the afternoon. Maddie was indeed happy that Elizabeth had come, for on her own she had been unsuccessful at lifting Susanna’s spirits.

  “Well, I believe I hear the wagon approaching. Father insisted that I be ready to take my leave upon his arrival, for he did not wish to tarry. And, as he graciously allowed me a lengthy visit, I best be on my way. However, I will come again very soon.”

  “It has been wonderful seeing you, Elizabeth. I shall escort you out to your father,” insisted Susanna, placing her arm around her friend.

  A few moments later, Susanna waved as Elizabeth disappeared from sight. As she turned to go back to the house, William quickly approached, hoping she would remain a moment to speak with him. “A friend of yours I presume.”

  “Yes, one of my dearest,” she replied, forgetting for a moment the strain that had been between them. Suddenly, coming to herself, her cheeks began to flush. Feeling the heat, which had arisen upon her face, she realized just how red her face must appear so she turned again for the house.

  Heaving a heavy sigh, William said, “Susanna, please wait.” Coming to a halt, she nervously glanced back over her shoulder. At which point, he gently took hold of her arm so as to prevent her from walking away.

  Taken by surprise by the hold he had on her arm, Susa
nna’s expression was one of uncertainty. Did she want to stay or should she escape his grasp before he could perceive her true feelings. “Yes, what is it?” she then asked in an almost inaudible voice.

  Sensing her hesitation, William gently turned her around to face him. “Susanna, something has changed between us, and I am afraid it is entirely my fault.”

  Gaining her attention, he quickly continued, “I regret the distance I have placed between us. Your friendship is the most important of my life.”

  Nervously, she studied him in an attempt to glean something by way of an explanation for what had transpired between them. Uncertain how to respond, she soon lowered her gaze and remained silent allowing him to continue.

  “The way that I have been conducting myself is not your fault. You have done nothing to warrant such behavior from me.”

  At last she spoke. “Then what, William? What has been the reason for the change?”

  “It is just that I have had a great deal on my mind.” Even though he was acutely aware that this was a paltry explanation, he hoped she would accept it without questioning him further.

  Her expression softening, she inquired, “Can you not tell me more?”

  William sensed the hurt Susanna had been feeling give way to concern for him. Having seen this, he realized, once again, what a treasure she was. So forgiving was she that his feelings mattered more to her than her own.

  Placing her hand in his, he concluded by saying, “Susanna, as yet, I am unprepared to say more except to repeat that it is nothing you have done. In time I shall explain everything.”

  Though he seemed all the more a mystery to her, she assured him that she could wait until such a time as he felt ready to divulge whatever it was that had been bothering him.

  As relief swept over him, William wished he could pull her into his arms and hug her. “Susanna, I am happy that you have allowed me to speak with you. You do not know the strain it has been to feel the distance between us.”