Grandmother's Namesake

by Cathy Bryant

  “It seems wrong for me to leave. However, I am satisfied that she is in the best of care,” responded Esther, “and she so dislikes me hovering.”

  Maddie then had a thought she believed would raise the spirits of the worried mother. “Once she wakes, she is sure to challenge the surgeon’s orders of complete bed rest.”

  “That she will,” chuckled Esther, knowing her daughter’s temperament. As Maddie had hoped, everyone in the room found this to be highly amusing.

  Preparing to leave, John Jameson kissed his daughter on her brow. He then escorted his worried wife out of the room. It was time they set off for home. “Do let us know when she wakes. I know you have said that you will, but we should like to know as soon as it happens.”

  “Of course. I shall send Charles immediately,” Maddie assured once again.

  Chapter 14

  Though Maddie and Elizabeth had tried, William could not be pried away from Susanna’s bedside. In fact, he remained with her throughout that first night. Sitting there, he spoke over and over to her, hoping she might hear his voice and open her eyes. However, when the sun peeked through the window the following morning, Susanna persisted in her unconscious state.

  “Good morning, William. Did she stir at all?” inquired Maddie, feeling somewhat rested. She knew William would have awakened her if there had been any change.

  “No . . . she is just the same,” he replied with concern. “When is the surgeon expected to return?”

  “He said he would come by and check on her again today. I expect him anytime. Now you should go and take a rest. You shall not be any good to her if you get sick. A body needs rest, my boy.”

  “Yes, I may allow Charles to tend to the work today while I do just that. If there is any change, send Charles for me.”

  “Of course. Thank you for sitting up with Susanna.”

  “No need to thank me. I am off for home then, but I shall return in a few hours.”

  Maddie and Elizabeth ate their breakfast in the room where Susanna lay. While they were all together, just as William had, they talked to Susanna hoping she might wake. Before long, the surgeon returned. Upon hearing the knock at the door, Elizabeth went to greet him.

  “Good morning, sir. It is good of you to come again so soon.”

  “Has there been any change since yesterday?” he inquired.

  “No change as yet,” she replied as she led him into Susanna’s bedchamber.

  “Good morning, Mr. Brainard,” said Maddie, while moving to one side.

  “And to you. Let me have a look,” he said, while leaning over Susanna and lifting her eyelids in turn. Shaking his head, he rotated her onto her side in order to view the wound he had sutured.

  “No seepage—that is good. However, I am concerned that she has not regained consciousness. The longer she remains like this, the more precarious it is for her.”

  He gently turned her onto her back once again, and said, “I was hoping to get some fluids into her today.”

  “Is there anything more we can do to wake her?” inquired Elizabeth.

  “No, just keep her bathed and supervised. And, as before, I would not want her to awaken and attempt getting out of the bed on her own. She may fall and reinjure her head.”

  “Then you believe she shall, indeed, awaken,” responded Elizabeth, encouraged.

  “Let us hope and pray. I shall return tomorrow. If there is any change, send for me right away.”

  “We certainly shall,” assured Maddie. “Thank you for coming, Mr. Brainard. Elizabeth shall see you out.”

  Maddie glanced around deciding whether to tidy up a bit. Upon Elizabeth’s return, Maddie inquired, “Elizabeth, will you sit with Susanna while I set the room in order? First, I shall collect a clean nightgown to change her into once she has had her bath, and a couple of cloths for washing and drying her.”

  “Yes, of course, Maddie. I shall sit with her for as long as you need.”

  Before she left, Maddie turned back the curtain to let in the sunlight. She then set off to get the things she would need for bathing Susanna. Within a few minutes, she returned and set to work on the room. After straightening up a little, she proceeded to dust the table beside the bed. Next, she filled the washbowl and placed it as well as the washing and drying cloths on the table.

  “Elizabeth, close the door and help me undress Susanna for her bath.”

  “Certainly, Maddie.”

  Once Maddie and Elizabeth had finished washing Susanna, Maddie took the washbowl out to dump it in the yard. William came along just as she was heading back in doors.

  “How is she, Maddie?”

  “William, there has been no change. The surgeon came to call. He said to continue looking after her so that she does not awaken and try to stand without assistance. William, if she does not awaken soon, I shall have to send Charles to inform Esther and John.”

  “Of course. If the need arises, I shall let Charles know. What do you suppose is the surgeon’s honest opinion regarding the likelihood of a full recovery?”

  “I believe he truly doesn’t know. Though he did say that the longer she remains as she is, the more precarious it is for her. I have just finished bathing her. Elizabeth is in with her now. You have not been gone long. Have you had any rest?”

  “A bit, yes. I can relieve Elizabeth.”

  “Do not weary yourself, William. We can take over for you when you feel the least bit tired.”

  William nodded and then went in to take over for Elizabeth. Elizabeth then joined Maddie in the sitting room for a cup of tea.

  “Maddie, there is no doubt that William cares deeply for Susanna. He has been most attentive to her these past couple of days.”

  “Indeed, I have noticed. Their affection for each other appears to have grown over the course of the summer.”

  “I am very happy for Susanna. He seems a kind and honorable gentleman,” smiled Elizabeth.

  William settled himself in the chair next to Susanna’s bed, and began stroking her hair back away from her brow. After a few minutes, Susanna’s eyes began to flutter a bit before finally opening. She glanced to the side of the bed to see whose hand was upon her brow.

  William’s eyes were closed in prayer when he felt movement beneath his hand. Turning to look at her, he exclaimed, “Susanna! You have awakened at last!”

  “What has happened?” she asked, groaning as she attempted to sit up.

  “Do you not remember falling off your horse?”

  “Oh, it is a bit woolly, but I think I do remember falling,” she replied, while raising her hand to her head.

  Explaining, he said, “The horse pitched when a wolf ran in front of him. You fell off and bumped your head. You have been unconscious for a couple of days.”

  Realizing she must look a fright, Susanna began to feel uneasy. Desiring to move away from William’s watchful eye, she attempted, once again, to rise, but before she could make her way out of the bed, she felt William’s strong hands grasping her shoulders.

  “Susanna, you must remain still. The surgeon does not want you attempting to stand. I shall send Charles to fetch him. If he says it is acceptable, then you may get up.”

  Nodding, Susanna leaned back against the pillow. “My head hurts. How badly did I injure myself?”

  “You had a bleeding wound on your head. The surgeon had to suture it. Let me step out to speak to Charles. He is not far; I shall only be a few moments.”

  Susanna smiled as William patted her shoulder. Upon leaving to speak with Charles, he told the ladies the good news. Elizabeth and Maddie hastened in and found that Susanna was, indeed, wide-awake.

  “Susanna, William said you had awakened. How do you feel?” inquired Maddie, still concerned for her young friend.

  “Other than a dreadful headache—reasonably well. William informed me that I have been insensible for a while.”

  “Yes, you gave us quite a fright. William has scarcely left your side,” smiled Elizabeth. “We could not pr
y him away.”

  “Is this true?” she asked, with astonishment.

  “Indeed it is. There is no doubt that he cares deeply for you,” answered Elizabeth, sincerely.

  Holding her head, Susanna pressed further into her pillow attempting to absorb everything. Maddie warned, “You must not move about so much. Let the surgeon have another look at you, and then some activity may be permissible.”

  William returned within a few minutes, assuring that Charles would send for the surgeon right away. “After that he shall call upon Susanna’s parents to inform them of the good news.”

  With Maddie and Elizabeth present, and Susanna awake, William began to feel a bit awkward so he excused himself, and went into the sitting room to wait for the surgeon to arrive.

  In a little while, upon hearing Brainard’s horse approaching, William jumped to his feet and made haste for the door. After greeting the elderly man, William ushered him toward Susanna’s bedchamber. At which point, William fixed himself against the door, listening intently as the surgeon spoke.

  “Well, young lady—you have finally come back to us.” Then, leaning over the bed, he said, “Let me have a better look at you.” Moving his hand over her head near the wound, he smiled. “Seems the swelling has gone down a great deal. How do you feel? Do you think you are strong enough to stand?” He wanted to assess her sense of balance.

  “I would like to try,” she replied hesitantly.

  While calling for William, grasping Susanna’s arm, the surgeon assisted her into a sitting position.

  Eager to help, William complied with the surgeon’s request for assistance. Gently taking hold of Susanna’s other arm, he helped her to the edge of the bed. Feeling her body shake beneath his grasp, William placed his arm around her waist for support. Susanna had always been rather slight, but after a couple of days without sustenance, it felt to him as if she might break.

  Maddie’s eyes lit up once Susanna stood and took a couple of steps. Soon, Mr. Brainard signaled to William that she had done enough for one day, and they shifted her back down onto the bed. Smiling as he turned to speak, he assured them that it seemed the worst was over and that he expected a full recovery. Next, he cautioned them that she would require plenty of rest for many days yet.

  Speaking directly to Susanna this time, the medical man said firmly, “You must take it slow, Susanna. You are rather weak and it shall take a while to regain your strength as well as your balance. No standing without assistance!”

  Now glancing at Maddie, he gave further instructions. “Give her plenty of fluids, and for the next couple of days prepare only soft foods for her to eat until she is accustomed to eating once again. Well, I am off. I shall check back in a couple of days.”

  Not long after Mr. Brainard had taken his leave, Susanna’s mother and father arrived. Relieved by the news that she was awake and able to speak, they hastened into Susanna’s room.

  “Maddie informed me that you were here before and that she had insisted you go home,” smiled Susanna. “I am quite all right now. There is no need to worry. How are Jane and the girls?”

  John and Esther settled in on opposite sides of Susanna. “They are well,” replied Esther. “Jane has been vexed with herself for her attitude toward you when you were last at home. She has asked that your father convey her here to you when you feel up to having company.”

  “I should like that. Do bring her soon, won’t you?”

  “To be sure, but not just yet,” her father then replied.

  Content that their daughter seemed just fine, John and Esther set off for home. When they had gone, Susanna felt somewhat done in. As a consequence, she spent the rest of the day napping.

  Chapter 15

  The second day of feeling weak as an infant, Susanna began to grow restless. In the rare moments she was left alone in her room, she had unsuccessfully attempted to stand without assistance. After one of her failed attempts, Elizabeth unexpectedly came into the room. Susanna had thought she had a sufficient amount of time to try standing once again. Her friend had said it would be at least an hour before she would return.

  Catching Susanna with her legs dangling over the side of her bed, Elizabeth scolded, “Susanna, the surgeon said not to attempt it on your own!”

  Startled by Elizabeth, Susanna pulled a face, “Yes, well . . . I . . . hate being such a bother. You and Maddie have enough to do without having to take care of me.”

  “Had I been the one injured, how would you feel if I said such a thing?” Elizabeth questioned with a frown. “You would gladly take care of me, would you not?”

  “Yes, but you had not planned on being here this long. You have wedding plans to attend to. Your father must be anxious for your return as well.”

  “My father shall have to get used to doing without me, as I am soon to be married. As for my wedding plans, all that is left to do is make my dress and post the banns. And Maddie has informed me that when the day of my wedding draws near, she shall assist me with the preparations for the wedding feast. We have already gone over what we shall serve to the guests. So you see, I can stay on as long as I like.”

  At that moment, there was a knock at Susanna’s bedchamber door. Upon opening it, Elizabeth saw William standing there clutching wild flowers in his hand. “Come in, William. I am glad you are here. Maybe you can talk some sense into this obstinate woman.” Elizabeth glanced back over her shoulder at Susanna, giggling as she left. Suddenly, Susanna realized that, after tattling on her, Elizabeth had left her alone with William.

  William moved over beside the bed and placed the colorful bouquet in Susanna’s hands. Without a word, she motioned to a vase that was on a small table by the window. William gathered up the flowers from Susanna’s hands and placed them into the vase. He then took up the pitcher of water next to the bed and filled the vase part of the way.

  “Thank you, William. They are lovely,” she said smiling. She hoped that he had not heard what Elizabeth had said.

  “Now, what was Elizabeth talking about? Have you been obstinate about following the surgeon’s orders?” he asked, while taking a seat next to the bed.

  Having no desire to endure any more lectures, she evaded the question. “Ah . . . well, oh it was nothing.”

  “There must have been a reason for Elizabeth to have said what she did.”

  Annoyed that he would not let the matter drop, she answered, “It was simply that I had been attempting to stand without assistance. I am not a child. I should be able to stand if I wish. Furthermore, I have already been enough of a nuisance. Elizabeth and Maddie . . . well and you, for that matter, have more important things to do than looking after me.”

  “Susanna, it is simply not wise. You may reinjure yourself. In fact, if you were to hurt yourself again, while you are still on the mend, you may not make a full recovery. Moreover, none of us feel you are a nuisance,” he said with a scowl. “Spending time sitting with you has been the highpoint of my days.”

  Blushing at his final remark, Susanna looked away. She then changed the subject by asking about his farm and how the new farmhand was getting along.

  William grinned at her obvious attempt at shifting the conversation away from herself. Allowing her to win for the moment, he addressed her question regarding his farm. In detail, he explained what accomplishments had been made, of late, as well as his approval of Charles and his abilities.

  Before long, William observed that Susanna appeared to be growing weary and suggested she shut her eyes and rest. As she was already half-asleep, she could only indicate her compliance by a slight nod. William stroked the back of her hand as she drifted off, considering how close he had come to losing her. Once again, he dreaded the day he would have to tell her about his parents’ involvement in her grandmother’s death.

  As evening approached, there was a definite chill in the air. William pulled the quilt, which was folded at the foot of Susanna’s bed, up over her shoulders. Feeling his hand brush against her cheek, Susanna
’s eyes opened. Pulling herself up on her elbows, she inquired, “How long have I been asleep?”

  “Perhaps a couple of hours,” he responded with a smile.

  Sighing, she laid back down against her pillow. “It seems that all I do is sleep.”

  “It is simply your body’s way of healing itself; therefore, you must not fight it. Whenever you feel the least bit tired, allow yourself to rest. Tomorrow, if you cannot walk far enough to make it out of doors, I shall carry you out. The fresh air shall do you good.”

  Susanna thought the idea of getting out in the fresh air sounded heavenly, for she felt as if she had been cooped up for ages. “Thank you, William. I shall be delighted to be out of this room.”

  An hour later, William finally took his leave, promising to return early the following day. Shortly after that, smiling, Elizabeth came into the room, and settled in by Susanna on the bed.

  “William has been showering you with attention again today. Maddie and I were scarcely needed the entire day.”

  Susanna’s cheeks flushed as she wriggled around in the bed, attempting to ignore Elizabeth. “I am bored out of my mind, Elizabeth. I shall go crazy if I have to stay in this bed much longer.”

  “Shall I fetch your grandmother’s diary? It is sure to lift your spirits.”

  “That is a wonderful idea. Please do.”

  “Very well. I shall return directly.”

  Within a few minutes, Elizabeth had returned—diary in hand. “Shall I read a while or would you like to do the honors?”

  “Yes, do. Begin wherever you like,” she responded while resting against her pillow.

  Opening to a random spot, Elizabeth informed, “This was the year 1667. Let us see what was going on at that time.”

  George returned from his meeting, excited that the town shall make a bridge over the swamp on our land. He was also informed that he and one other are to lay out the two hundred acres of land for the use of the ministry. It is plain to see that George is now highly esteemed by the town. God has been kind to me that He should allow such a one to be my husband. I am constantly amazed at His goodness.