Grandmother's Namesake

by Cathy Bryant

  “I, too, have been miserable. Not knowing what had happened, I was beginning to imagine all sorts of things,” she grimaced as she remembered what she thought had been the problem. Why did I believe it had something to do with Grandmother?

  “What sort of things were you imagining?” he inquired.

  Still unsure whether she could trust him to be different than others she had encountered, regarding her grandmother’s supposed crime, Susanna decided it was best not to divulge what her fears had been. “I really cannot explain.”

  William decided not to press, but he felt he had to reassure her once again that the strain had not been her fault. “I hope you never believed that I held you in any way responsible.”

  “William, suffice it to say that I am happy things shall be as they once were between us.” William and Susanna then parted company for the night, each relieved that the strain between them was finally over.

  Chapter 11

  The following day, hoping to speak with William about Susanna, Maddie searched him out. As she approached the barn, she heard a male voice joyfully singing a familiar tune. Certain that it was William, she prepared herself for what she was about to disclose. “William, you seem to have a cheery disposition this morning. Susanna seems to be in a better mood as well. The two of you must have spoken.”

  “We did indeed, and you were right; it could not go on as it was. The strain I had observed upon her face, of late, told me that keeping my distance had not resolved a thing. Therefore, I explained to her that I simply had a lot on my mind and that my mood had nothing whatsoever to do with anything she had done. She seemed pleased to learn that my mood had nothing to do with her—or at least anything she had done. I couldn’t very well tell her it had everything to do with her.”

  “No you couldn’t, at least not yet; nevertheless, I am happy the two of you have talked. Did she tell you what she believed had been the problem?”

  “No, she said she couldn’t explain, and I did not press her for an answer,” he replied.

  “Just as I suspected. Well, that is why I came to inform you of what she had been thinking. On the other hand, I do not wish to diminish the relief you are feeling now that things are better between you.”

  With a quizzical expression, William inquired as to her meaning.

  “William, it is only right that I tell you that before yesterday Susanna had come to believe you had found out about her grandmother while you were away. She thought that you may think her tainted in some way given that she is the granddaughter of a supposed witch.”

  Dazed by such a revelation, he inquired, “How could she believe that I would think such a thing? I consider her grandmother one of the bravest of women. I have always felt this to be the case. As I observed her from a distance, last summer, being led into the court, I noticed that she held her head high and walked with dignity. Moreover, from what I had learned at the time, regarding the trial, she kept her composure to the end—not allowing anyone to get the best of her. Though others had confessed rather than be executed, she never yielded.”

  “William, as you have never spoken of any of this to her, how is she to understand what you feel concerning her grandmother?”

  “You are right of course. It is understandable, given the circumstances, that she might fear my reaction to the news. Maddie, I never revealed this to anyone before, but I met with Susanna Martin, in secret, to warn her of the forthcoming allegations by my parents.”

  “Oh, William, I never knew. She never said a thing to me about your visit. How brave of you to have risked yourself for her sake! Many who had attempted to defend the accused were themselves accused. What did my friend say by way of a response to such a shocking revelation?”

  “She assured me that she had been through it all before. She also instructed me not to worry and thanked me for coming. She even had tea with me before I left. I believe she was attempting to comfort me when all the while I was hoping to be of some benefit to her. She was truly an amazing lady.”

  Scarcely able to speak at this point, William continued. “Maddie, I should have done more. I should have tried harder to convince her of the danger.”

  “William, you did what you could, which was more than most, I might add. I am proud of you for endeavoring to protect her. Indeed, she had been through something similar—false accusations. However, when the accusations came before, her husband, George, was there to defend her.

  “William, it was not my intention to distress you further by revealing what Susanna’s concerns had been. But the next time you get it into your head to keep your distance, believing it to be for her protection, you should think again. As you see, you have only injured her by your actions, for to her, your friendship is exceedingly important.”

  William lowered his head, Maddie’s words troubled him. He knew what she said was true. He didn’t want to make the same mistake again. “I wish I knew how to tell Susanna about my parents without losing her friendship or causing her additional pain. However, I am in agreement with you that it is too late to back away now.”

  Following her conversation with William, Maddie returned to the house leaving him alone with his thoughts. Soon he heard Susanna whistling as she approached the barn. Once she entered, she glanced in his direction and smiled. It warmed William’s heart that, for now, there was peace between them once again.

  “Good morning, Susanna. Did you sleep well?”

  “Yes, thank you—better than I have in some time. And you?”

  “Much the same. What are your plans for the day?”

  “I thought I would lend you a hand as long as I am needed. Then I might go for a ride to the pond. It is so lovely there I thought I should enjoy it while I can. Soon it shall be autumn. Following that, the lovely fall colors and sparkling water shall be overtaken by ice and snow. Our warm season seems so very brief.”

  “The pond truly is a splendid place. Perhaps I might accompany you, that is, if you so desire.”

  “Very well, I shall be glad for the company.” How good it seems to have things back to normal.

  At midday, Susanna and William set off for the pond. Once again, they were each taken by its splendor. “We have quite a remarkable Creator,” expressed Susanna, with awe. “The vast array of colors intermingled within the diversity of flowers and shrubbery—set against the blue sky. Is it not breathtaking to behold?”

  William smiled as he guided her over to be seated on the old familiar log. After a few moments, feeling ill at ease, Susanna rose and moved toward the water. Reaching down she took off her shoes before inching her way into the pond. Before long, forgetting about William for a moment, she began to splash her feet around. All at once she remembered William and glanced back over her shoulder. Sitting there, as evidenced by the grin upon his face, he was clearly amused.

  “You are going to get your clothes wet if you are not careful,” he chuckled.

  She stepped back out of the water and wriggled her feet into the grass in an attempt to dry them. “The water is quite warm. I might just jump in all the way one of these days,” she laughed. “But of course, not when you are here with me.”

  William motioned for her to come back and sit. “Susanna, it is my desire that we should never again be uncomfortable in each other’s company.”

  She sheepishly looked down and away from his gaze. “I know, William. I am trying.”

  Eager to capture her attention, he reached over and took hold of her hand. He sensed, at times, that she continued to fear his finding out about her grandmother, so he quietly prayed that she would trust him enough to discuss it. As Susanna glanced over at him, she surmised that he was praying. His eyes were tightly closed and his lips were silently moving.

  Waiting a moment, she turned away and began to speak. “William, there is something of which you are not aware. I fear, once it becomes known to you, it may injure our friendship.”

  William’s heart jumped when he realized she might be prepared to speak about her
grandmother. Though he was aware that now was not the time for him to reveal his part in the secret between them, he was happy he might put some of her fears to rest. Filled with sadness for the burden she had been carrying, he reassured, “Nothing shall ever change the way I feel about you, Susanna.”

  “You believe that now, but if I tell you . . . well, you might feel differently.”

  William could see she was changing her mind. He was desperate for her to continue. “Susanna, you can trust me not to react badly. It may help to unburden yourself.”

  She considered his words for a moment while deciding whether she dared to go on. He waited patiently, not willing to move until she spoke.

  Timidly she began. “You came from Salem, did you not?”

  “Indeed, that was formerly my home, and before that Amesbury.”

  “Yes, I had heard from Maddie that you grew up in Amesbury. It is a wonder that I never saw you around town.”

  Hoping to redirect the conversation back before she changed her mind, he quickly answered, “Yes, well . . . I was with my grandparents in Salem a good deal of the time. After my grandmother passed on, I removed to Salem to be with my grandfather.”

  “You must have been living in Salem at the time of the trials, as you have not been here long.” She could not bring herself to attach the word “witch” as a descriptor for the sort of trials about which she was speaking.

  Hopeful that he might dispel her fears, he responded. “Indeed, what a travesty. My heart breaks for those who lost their lives. I cannot fathom that kind of superstition. It seems that those involved cared little about the torturous ends of their victims.”

  Upon hearing William’s response, Susanna dared glance in his direction. She then studied his face for a sign that she had heard him correctly. Hopeful, she inquired, “Then, you do not believe they were guilty?”

  “No, I most certainly do not!” Seeing how difficult this was for her to talk about, he longed to give her words of comfort.

  Smiling, Susanna heaved a sigh of relief. “It pleases me to know that you do not believe the lies perpetrated against those poor souls.”

  Gazing into her eyes, William observed the relief that had overtaken her. “Please continue, as there clearly is more you wish to tell me.”

  Looking away, Susanna nervously rubbed her hands together. Upon observing her apprehension, William placed his hand over hers, and quietly waited for her to continue.

  All at once, there were tears spilling from her eyes. “William, my grandmother was one of those who were murdered last year.”

  At this point, William slid over closer, put his arm around her, and pulled her against his chest. “I am sorry, Susanna. It must have been terrible for you. I am sure she was a wonderful woman.”

  Pressing her face further into William’s chest, Susanna cried, “Thank you, William. You don’t know what it means to me to hear you speak this way. Countless others have believed the terrible things that were said about my grandmother. That is why I kept myself hidden away in my parents’ home for so long.” That and I might have murdered anyone speaking against her if given half a chance.

  Though William dreaded more than ever the day he would have to reveal his secret, he was grateful to put Susanna’s fears regarding his reaction to such news—that he might reject her—to rest.

  Chapter 12

  It had been a couple of weeks since Elizabeth Howard had visited with Maddie and Susanna. Today she planned to return to the Osgood farm to stay for a few days. Susanna was looking forward to her arrival, for Elizabeth had always been a joy to be around, and her laughter was contagious. Additionally, Elizabeth had a knack for being an encouragement to others.

  Susanna busied herself for the better part of the morning preparing for their guest. As she was dusting and arranging things in the room in which Elizabeth was to stay, she came across a diary. Immediately she noticed familiar handwriting scrawled on a brief missive that was poking out from under the front cover. Could it be Grandmother’s? Though she felt a little guilty snooping through someone’s private diary, she was too curious to withstand the temptation. As she surreptitiously opened the front cover, her heart leaped at the sight of her grandmother’s name etched inside.

  With excitement, she immediately plopped herself down onto the bed and began to read. She was so captivated by what she was reading that a couple of hours elapsed without her notice. Startled by the sound of a rap on the door, Susanna quickly placed the diary back on the table from whence it came. The door then opened a crack and a familiar face appeared.

  “Oh, I am sorry. I did not hear you come or I should have come out to greet you,” explained Susanna.

  “Maddie thought as much,” replied Elizabeth. “What were you doing in here?”

  “Simply preparing the room,” she replied, with a flushed face. “How long can you stay?”

  “Perhaps three or four days. I am delighted that, this time, we shall have more time together. My last visit was so brief.”

  “I am so pleased you have come. Let me help you with your things. As you might recall, Grandmother used to stay in this room whenever she was here. In fact, while I was getting everything prepared for your arrival, I found this diary,” she said as she retrieved the diary.

  “And you were looking through it when I knocked, were you not?”

  Glancing at her friend, Susanna nodded.

  “It isn’t a wonder that you appeared guilty when I opened the door, Susanna. However, I am certain your grandmother would not have minded,” chuckled Elizabeth.

  At this point, Susanna had begun to giggle too. “You know me too well, Elizabeth. It is so riveting reading about her life. I could not help myself. Her entries are replete with detail.” Holding the diary out for her friend to look on, she continued. “For instance, this section tells all about her courtship with Grandfather.”

  “Let me see to my things. After that I should like to hear.”

  “Oh, excuse me,” replied Susanna, as she set the diary aside. Then, while assisting Elizabeth with putting her things away, Susanna asked, “Tell me more about Fred and how your plans are coming along.”

  Exuding contentment, Elizabeth stretched out onto the bed before responding. “Susanna, you shall just adore Fred. He is the kindest gentleman I have ever known. I am undoubtedly the happiest female in all of Amesbury.”

  As she sat down next to Elizabeth, Susanna grinned at the way her friend glowed while speaking about Fred. Clearly, she is pleased with her choice. “It is good to see you so happy.” The two friends chatted for another hour before Maddie called them to supper.

  As Maddie had always been an excellent cook, and the young ladies were eager to learn her techniques, dining together with Maddie had been and continued to be a rewarding experience.

  “What a toothsome meal,” expressed Elizabeth with delight. “There is nothing more delightful than fresh summer vegetables.”

  “The raspberries have ripened as well. As Susanna was good enough to fetch some, we shall have ‘raspberry fool’ to complete the meal,” Maddie said with a smile. Susanna and Elizabeth were quite accustomed to the tasty treat given that they were regular visitors to the Osgood farm during raspberry season.

  “I had thought that perhaps . . . well, William might have joined us for supper,” said Susanna, attempting to appear indifferent to his absence.

  “He did not wish to intrude on Elizabeth’s visit. I assured him that he would not be, but he was not convinced,” Maddie responded.

  “I should like to make his acquaintance before my visit comes to an end,” smiled Elizabeth.

  “He shall be here tomorrow,” assured Maddie. “There shall yet be time for introductions.”

  After supper, Susanna and Elizabeth quickly cleaned up from the meal and returned to the guest room. Once there, they were eager to read more of Susanna Martin’s diary. Susanna began again at the point of her grandmother’s courtship with George Martin.

  Today I met a
n amiable gentleman who came into the store. His name is George Martin. He has only just arrived from England. What a fine looking gentleman he is too. Father must have noticed my interest, for when I glanced over at him he was sporting a grin.

  “She seems smitten at their first introduction. Let us skip ahead a bit,” suggested Elizabeth. “We can come back and finish this part later.”

  “Very well.” As requested, Susanna scanned a little further and then paused at another point in the diary. She then held the diary so they could both look on. “This section takes us to her wedding day. It seems the diary spans many years.”

  Today George and I were married. This is the happiest day of my life. I shall miss living with Father; however, I shall continue to work with him at the store. Maddie and Jane are such dear friends. They both assisted me in preparing for this day.

  Jane did a marvelous job on my gown—it is so beautiful! George’s eyes displayed his pleasure at seeing me in it. I shall be forever grateful to my two friends.

  “How exciting! My grandmother made your grandmother’s wedding dress. She mentions Maddie as well. They were all good friends for ever so long a time. She sounds so happy to be marrying George. They must have loved each other very much,” sighed Elizabeth. “How wonderful it is that she kept a diary. I think we shall learn much of our grandmothers.”

  “Indeed we shall. Although it saddens me to think of her, I dare say it shall be beneficial for me to remember her life before—”

  Elizabeth grabbed her friend’s hand in understanding.

  At this point, Susanna skimmed ahead to the end and was surprised to learn from the final entry that the diary encompassed much of her grandmother’s adult life. It even included the time leading up to her grandmother’s trial.

  “Grandmother must have left her diary here on her last visit. I remember now; she had stayed a few days with Maddie shortly before she was taken away. I wonder if there is anything regarding the accusations? I am not sure if I am strong enough to read about it, if, in fact, there is.”