Grandmother's Namesake

by Cathy Bryant

  A little worried for her friend and what they might learn while reading the diary, Elizabeth insisted, “We have read enough for today. Let us put it away for now.”

  “Perhaps you are right. What would you like to do tomorrow?”

  “I think I should like to meet William,” giggled Elizabeth, studying Susanna’s face for a reaction. She had suspected that Susanna had feelings for the man by the way her face lit up at the mere mention of his name. She was not to be disappointed, for Susanna had the same expression upon her face as before.

  Though she was blushing, which revealed much to Elizabeth, Susanna feigned indifference. “Yes, well. I am sure that can be arranged. After all, he is here nearly every day assisting Maddie with the farm.”

  “Susanna, you cannot fool me. It is plain to see how you feel about him.”

  Susanna flopped herself backwards on the bed and giggled. “I have never been able to conceal anything from you. However, you must not let on to him when you are introduced. I would just die if he were to suspect my feelings before declaring his own. Moreover, it is entirely possible he doesn’t care for me in the same way.”

  “He would be daft not to,” smiled Elizabeth. “Not to worry. I am sure to discover what his feelings for you are as soon as we are introduced. You must have observed by now that men do not conceal things very well.”

  “Neither do I, apparently. Well, shall we have tea with Maddie before the evening is spent? She always looks forward to your visits. I should not keep you all to myself.”

  Chapter 13

  Early the next morning, Elizabeth and Susanna joined Maddie for breakfast. “Good morning, Maddie. Did you sleep well?” inquired Susanna.

  “Indeed, though I heard a lot of giggling coming from Elizabeth’s bedchamber.”

  “Yes, I decided to sleep in there with her so we could talk until we fell asleep,” grinned Susanna. “We never seem to get much sleep on these visits. There is always too much catching up to do.”

  “It is such a lovely day. The two of you should go off and enjoy yourselves,” insisted Maddie. “I can do without you for one day.”

  “There is a great deal left to do. I shall not allow you to do it all on your own. We can at least do the morning chores. There will be plenty of time after that to enjoy the day,” insisted Susanna.

  Elizabeth, too, was adamant about getting the morning chores out of the way before setting off for the day.

  With a scowl at their insistence, Maddie finally relented. “Well then, if you are sure, but do not tarry too long.”

  Once breakfast was over, Susanna and Elizabeth headed off to the barn leaving a grumbling Maddie behind.

  “Susanna did you hear Maddie as we were leaving? I am quite sure she didn’t know others could hear her mumbling to herself. I believe she said something about not being so old as to be confined to her bed, as yet, and something about taking care of things just fine before we came along.”

  Glancing at her friend, Susanna chuckled. “She has a habit of becoming a bit peevish when others assume she cannot manage things on her own.”

  As they continued on their way to the barn, Susanna hoped that William would arrive before the chores were done, for once they were done, they would be setting off for the day, and any opportunity to see William would be lost.

  In no time at all, as Susanna had hoped, William arrived. As she saw him approaching, Susanna quickly brushed her hands over her dress and then pushed her hair out of her eyes and back up into her cap. As Elizabeth caught a glimpse of her friend’s frantic attempt to compose herself, she put her hand to her mouth to cover a giggle.

  “Good morning, ladies,” smiled William.

  “And to you, William. This is my friend Elizabeth,” informed Susanna, motioning to her friend.

  “Delighted to make your acquaintance,” smiled Elizabeth, happy to have finally met the man.

  “I have been looking forward to meeting you. Susanna speaks so highly of you,” replied William.

  “Yes, well that is Susanna for you. She is never critical of me—I have faults enough. However, that is enough about me. It seems that our dear Maddie has been blessed to have secured your assistance with her farm.”

  “It is of mutual benefit to us both.” Then, glancing over at Susanna, he offered, “If you ladies wish, I can finish up here. There is no need for you to waste such a beautiful day.”

  “Thank you, William. If you are sure it is all right. Elizabeth and I would like to go riding.”

  “Yes, be off with you,” he said as he flashed a friendly smile her way.

  With that, Elizabeth and Susanna prepared the horses and set off on their ride. Before they had gone a few steps, William warned them to be careful.

  As they rode along, Susanna observed, “Elizabeth, I remember when I was young this road was not much more than a narrow path. Thankfully, it has much improved since then.”

  “Yes, I recall that as well. Was it not your grandfather who was on the committee for laying out the roads?”

  “I believe so; however, he died the year this particular road was sectioned off,” informed Susanna. “As one of the early settlers of Salisbury and Amesbury, Grandfather had a hand in most of the laying out of roads as well as the land divisions.”

  Susanna grimaced as she thought about a conversation she recently had with Maddie. “Elizabeth, Maddie has informed me that she wishes for me to consider attending church at the meetinghouse in Haverhill.”

  “You do not appear at all happy with the idea.”

  “No, indeed, for I have not been to church in quite some time. It was beyond torturous to attend with those responsible for my grandmother’s death. You see, Maddie believes I might well be pleased with the Haverhill church. She assures me that it is not at all like the one in Amesbury. I trust that she can speak to the differences between the two since she often attended the Amesbury church with us on our summer visits.”

  “She can at that. Your feelings are completely understandable, Susanna. In fact, the troubles at the Amesbury church extend even to the poor minister. Were you aware that the town takes a yearly vote about whether to continue to pay his meager salary of fifty pounds a year? They could just as easily have the matter settled once and for all, as is customary I might add. It is my opinion that he should not have to endure such scrutiny year after year.”

  “I am in complete agreement. It seems that Christian charity is far from the hearts of many of the members of the Amesbury church,” moaned Susanna. “It is my belief that God could not be pleased with the goings on in Amesbury, Salem, and a few other towns. Elizabeth, why can we not attend with any society of the faithful we wish?”

  “That is a good question,” replied Elizabeth. “It should not be expected that things should go on as before—with the townsfolk told where to attend. There has been too much heartache and discord in the wake of the trials for things to be expected to return to normal.”

  By now, the two friends had been riding for some time. For this reason Elizabeth asked, “Should we not start back? It may be dangerous to stray too far, what with the Indian troubles and wolves about.”

  “Perhaps we should. I should not wish to worry Maddie.”

  As they were heading back, Elizabeth thought about how delighted she had been to hear her friend say she had contemplated attending church with Maddie. She hid herself away in her parents’ home for far too long; this is indeed a sign that things might just be improving. “If you wish, I may stay on long enough to attend church with you and Maddie.”

  Just as Susanna was about to respond, a wolf scurried across their path, startling the horses. Frightened as it was by the animal, Susanna’s horse reared up, effectively sending her crashing to the ground. Turning to investigate the source of the commotion, Elizabeth spotted Susanna sprawled out on the road. Screaming her friend’s name, she quickly dismounted and rushed to Susanna’s side. As she dropped down onto the road beside her, she observed that Susanna—eyes closed—wa
s completely still. In fact, she appeared almost lifeless. To no avail, Elizabeth attempted to rouse her. Not knowing what else to do, she quickly mounted her horse and made haste for Maddie’s.

  As William was making his way from the barn, he observed Elizabeth hastening into the yard. His heart jolted at the sight of the young woman looking so frantic. What is more, Susanna was nowhere to be seen. He knew then that something must be terribly wrong. As he quickly moved in her direction, Elizabeth hastily dismounted and rushed toward him.

  “William, Susanna fell off her horse! You must come straight away!”

  William darted into the barn to fetch a horse. In a flash, he was beside Elizabeth who had, by this time, remounted her horse.

  Bolting out of the yard, William called out to Maddie who had come out of the house to the sound of Elizabeth’s panic-stricken voice. “Susanna has fallen off her horse.”

  With concern, she asked, “Shall I come too?”

  “No, there isn’t time to wait. I shall see to her. Wait here for our return. She may have need of you then,” he replied distractedly, for he was anxious to be on his way.

  Within a few minutes, William spied Susanna sprawled out on the road up ahead—with her horse standing near. Startled by the sight, he thrust his feet harder into his horse’s sides in an attempt to quicken his pace. As they approached, before his horse had even come to a full halt, William had dismounted and was racing to Susanna’s side.

  Dropping down onto the ground beside her, he attempted to assess the situation. Then, gently sliding his arm underneath Susanna’s head, he softly spoke her name. In but a moment, Elizabeth—wide eyed—was at his side while William tried to wake Susanna. Seeing no response, William decided he must get her back to Maddie’s as swiftly as possible. However, as he started to lift her he noticed that his shirtsleeve was stained with blood.

  “Elizabeth, blood is seeping out from the back of Susanna’s head! Perhaps it would be best if you hastened on ahead to inform Maddie. Furthermore, my hired man is out in the field behind Maddie’s barn. Ask him to fetch the surgeon as quickly as possible.”

  “Very well, William. Shouldn’t I help you move Susanna onto your horse before I go?”

  “Maybe that would be best,” he replied. “Once I place her onto my horse, you may assist in balancing her.” William then gently lifted Susanna up onto his horse while Elizabeth held her in place for him to mount behind her. When they were situated, Elizabeth hastened on ahead.

  William then pulled Susanna close, steadying her as he moved slowly so as not to cause her further injury. He suddenly felt dampness against his chest. He knew this to be coming from the wound at the back of Susanna’s head. Alarmed at the knowledge that she was losing a significant amount of blood, he began to pray that her injuries would not be life threatening.

  Before he reached Maddie’s, he noticed Charles, on horseback, hastening out of the yard. He felt a sense of relief at knowing that the surgeon would soon be informed. As he moved his horse along as slowly as possible, he continued speaking to Susanna hoping she would awaken.

  With concern emanating from her face, Maddie came out to William as he made his way into the yard.

  “Elizabeth and I shall steady her while you climb down.”

  Once he had alighted, he gently gathered up Susanna. Maddie then motioned for him to take her into the house; whereupon he carried her into her bedchamber and laid her on the bed. Then, Maddie quickly snatched up some clean cloths and began applying them to Susanna’s wound. William settled down into a chair beside her, holding her hand as Maddie struggled to stop the bleeding.

  “What do you think, Maddie, will she be all right?” he inquired, with a pained look upon his face.

  “William, I cannot say for sure. It appears by the bloodstains on the two of you that she has lost a lot of blood. Susanna is an excellent rider. How did such a thing happen?”

  “A wolf ran across our path,” Elizabeth chimed in. “Her horse must have reared up, causing her to fall off. I did not actually see it take place. She was already on the ground by the time I realized anything had happened. I should have seen the wretched thing coming toward us. If only I could have prevented it from startling her horse—it all happened so quickly! I was powerless to stop it.”

  “It is not your fault, Elizabeth,” insisted Maddie.

  “Be that as it may, I still wish I could have done something to prevent it. Maddie, you must allow me to help in some way. I shall go mad just waiting around for the surgeon to arrive.”

  “You may fetch some clean water and a few more clean cloths.”

  “I shall return in a moment,” answered Elizabeth, as she hastened out of the room to collect the things Maddie had requested.

  It was a little over an hour before the surgeon arrived with Charles; whereupon, Charles directed him into the house. Elizabeth greeted them at the door and then hastened the gentleman into the room where Susanna remained unconscious. William rose from his chair as the surgeon approached. With hope that something might now be done for Susanna, he backed out of the way to give the gentleman room. Maddie then explained what she had observed of Susanna’s injuries as well as the cause of the mishap.

  “Well, let me take a look,” spoke the surgeon. Joseph Brainard, an elderly white-haired gentleman, though gruff at times, was much loved by the townsfolk of Amesbury and Haverhill. As a good friend of Maddie’s late husband, Christopher, he and Maddie had held a long acquaintance with each other—in fact, since the time Mr. Brainard was a mere apprentice—therefore, she trusted him implicitly.

  Looking a bit pale, William leaned hard against the wall. It appeared to be the only thing standing between him and the floor—upon which he might collapse at any moment. Glancing in William’s direction, the surgeon was concerned that the young man may also have need of his assistance.

  “Young man, I suggest you take a seat before you find yourself with an injury of your own,” insisted the medical man with a twinkle in his eye. To him, William’s feelings for the young lady were quite apparent. “One person to tend to at a time—if that is quite all right with you.”

  William complied so as not to distract the surgeon from Susanna. After a time, Joseph Brainard turned to William and then to Maddie and Elizabeth. “May I have a word with the three of you?”

  Following him out, they each took a seat in the sitting room. As they listened intently, he began. “Her pale complexion suggests a great deal of blood loss. Additionally, her persistent unconscious state is a concern. We must get the bleeding to stop. Therefore, I shall have to suture the wound. If you would be so kind as to fetch some ice from the icehouse, young lady. It shall aid in bringing down the swelling.”

  Elizabeth left straight away to collect the ice. Upon her return, the surgeon had already begun stitching up the wound. She felt weak at the sight and decided to wait in another room until he had finished. “If you have need of me, I shall be in the sitting room.”

  Mr. Brainard then advised William to do the same. Reluctantly, William followed Elizabeth out of the room.

  “I cannot fathom this happening to Susanna,” groaned Elizabeth. “It all came about so suddenly.”

  “She shall be all right. The surgeon is sure to see to that,” William responded, unconvincingly.

  “You are worried, too, William, but I thank you just the same for attempting to console me.”

  “I am quite serious, Elizabeth. She has more spirit than anyone I have ever known. She is sure to be up and about in no time.”

  “She does, indeed, have a strong spirit. Still, her constitution is rather delicate. In fact, though she seems well enough now—other than at present, of course—she has been seriously ill many times. What is more, her frame tends to be all the more slight with illness which, as anyone can see, she cannot afford.”

  William continued to listen closely to Elizabeth. He had never heard any of this before.

  “Whenever we speak on the subject of her fragility, she r
eminds me of the time when I came close to losing my life to an illness. It is just her way of keeping the focus off of herself when I am cautioning her to take care.”

  “Indeed, she is rather delicate,” frowned William. “You say she has been ill a great deal?”

  “Yes, but it has been some time since her last bout with illness; thus, I had reasoned that she might have quite grown out of it,” replied Elizabeth. “This unfortunate accident is sure to put that notion to the test. I fear we shall learn whether she has grown up to be a strong woman after all.”

  William felt uneasy following his conversation with Elizabeth. He had not known of Susanna’s sickly nature, as there had been no sign of it in the short time they had been acquainted. He silently prayed that she would prove to be resilient.

  Maddie called to Elizabeth and William once the surgeon had finished suturing and had taken his leave. Hearing Maddie calling to them, they quickly returned to the room. At which point, Maddie informed them that the surgeon had left her with instructions regarding Susanna’s care.

  Once again, William took up vigil by Susanna’s bed. “What were his instructions?” he inquired, ready to do whatever was necessary.

  “Mr. Brainard has done what he can for now, and it is up to us to keep watch until she wakes. Her parents need to be informed, as I am sure they would wish to be here.”

  “Yes, I shall send Charles straight away,” responded William as he rose to go out and speak with his farmhand.

  Before too long, Susanna’s parents returned with Charles. They had left the care of Elizabeth and Hannah to their older sisters, Jane and Esther. Looking pale, Susanna’s mother slumped down beside her daughter on the bed, and asked, “Maddie, what is the surgeon’s opinion? Shall she recover?”

  “He seems hopeful that she shall be quite all right. His main concern, at the moment, is that someone is with her at all times to prevent her, if she wakes, from getting out of bed. However, there is no need for you and John to stay. As it is, there are three of us to keep watch over her. Your younger girls need you to be with them. You can depend on me to send for you should there be any need. And, I shall notify you the moment she stirs even a little.”