Grandmother's Namesake

by Cathy Bryant

  “Thank you. I should like that very much.”

  “Well, let us go in, my girl,” said Mr. Jameson, while placing his arm around his daughter’s shoulders.

  “Goodbye, William,” said Jane, smiling over her shoulder at him.

  Seeing the kind face looking back at him, William responded warmly, “It has been a pleasure meeting you, Jane.”

  As they strolled in the direction of the house, Jane inquired about William and her sister’s relationship. “Did you not see the gleam in his eye when he mentioned Susanna’s name in connection with meeting me? Father, I think they may be forming an attachment.”

  “Yes . . . well, let us not speculate, Jane. We must allow your sister some privacy. I believe William to be an honorable man. He is sure to come to me if he wishes to court Susanna. Until then, let us cease from talking about them.”

  “Very well, Father,” she responded, gruffly. “But you must tell me if he does come to speak with you. It is too exciting to be left uninformed. Besides, I am sure that Susanna should wish for me to know.”

  “If that be the case, then she is sure to apprise you of any change in their relationship. Therefore, you need not pester me about it any longer,” he said, teasingly.

  “Oh, Father, you do enjoy keeping me in suspense.”

  Just then, Elizabeth joined the father and daughter as they entered the house. “Have you met William, Jane? As you are coming from the direction of the barn, and he is there working, I just assumed—”

  “Indeed, and what a fine gentleman he is.” Jane then gestured to Elizabeth to slow up and allow her father to go in ahead of them.

  “What is it, Jane?”

  “I was simply wondering what you might know of my sister and William. Well . . . are they fond of each other? It seemed as though there might be something between them when I caught a glimpse of William’s expression at the mention of her name.”

  “Jane, does anything get by you? You must ask your sister, as I am in her confidence regarding matters of this nature.”

  Giggling, Jane countered, “I take it by your reply that there is a need for keeping a confidence. I thought as much.”

  Shaking her head, Elizabeth responded, “Jane, I have not said a word. You must not—”

  Interrupting, she replied with a grin, “Do not worry. I shall not say a word about it to Susanna. I shall wait until she informs me herself of her feelings for William.”

  “Oh, let us go in before I get myself into any more trouble,” fussed Elizabeth.

  John Jameson waited in the kitchen for Jane and Elizabeth. “What are you two discussing—as if I didn’t know?”

  Feigning disgust, Elizabeth replied, “Jane is a tricky one, Mr. Jameson. Let us join Maddie and Susanna before this daughter of yours wheedles anything else out of me.”

  Jane had not been back with Susanna an hour, when she attempted to coax information out of her sister. She was dying to know what Susanna thought of William. However, Susanna would not take the bait and Jane was left wondering.

  It was soon time for Jane and John Jameson to set off for home. Elizabeth and Maddie escorted them out, leaving a tired Susanna behind to rest.

  Chapter 18

  A few days later, Mr. Jameson, accompanied by his wife, returned to the Osgood farm with distressing news. Finding Susanna alone in the sitting room, they came in and sat down. Then, Mr. Jameson broke the sad news. “Susanna, your dear uncle, John Martin, is very ill. In point of fact, it is said that he does not have long. We are intending a visit and wondered if you might wish to come along. As you have not yet fully recovered, the trip may be too much. What do you say? Shall you come, or simply send along your regards?”

  “Oh, Father . . . Mother. What terrible news. Of course I shall come along with you. Are you going to see him today?”

  “Yes, we shall be off as soon as you are ready to go.”

  “I shall inform Maddie and Elizabeth that you shall be away for the day,” said Mr. Jameson.

  “Thank you, Father. I shall not be long.”

  Soon after Mr. Jameson had gone to speak with Maddie and Elizabeth, he returned with the ladies at his side. While they discussed the situation, Susanna made haste to prepare for the trip. Within a few minutes, Susanna was ready to go.

  Maddie and Elizabeth offered their sympathies as the Jamesons were leaving, saying in unison, “We shall be praying.”

  “We are much obliged. We shall return with Susanna later tonight,” informed Mr. Jameson as he ushered his family toward the wagon.

  “Let us beseech the Lord on John Martin’s behalf, Elizabeth.” Elizabeth and Maddie then spent the next hour praying for John Martin and the entire Jameson family.

  When Susanna and her parents arrived at the home of John and Mary Martin, some of Susanna’s mother’s siblings were, even now, at their brother’s side.

  Upon entering the house, Esther quickly went to John Martin’s beloved wife, Mary. “How are you, my dear Mary?”

  “Oh, Esther, he has been through so much—what with your darling mother’s death and now this. Though he has not given up on his faith, I believe he has simply lost the will to live.”

  Esther understood a lot of what her brother was feeling, as she had observed much of the same in Susanna. “This has been an extremely difficult year for all of us, Mary. Watching a loved one suffer, as you have with John, can be the worst kind of pain. I am sure it was similar for my brother observing our dear mother with all that she went through.”

  “Indeed. And she would not allow your brother to offer any assistance for fear that some harm would come to him,” sighed Mary. “It tortured him day and night knowing she was languishing in that jail.”

  “I truly wish I had been aware that he suffered so. Each time we were together, during the months that Mother was imprisoned, he appeared so strong. It seemed he was coping with it much better than I. Apparently, I was mistaken about his seemingly unshakable demeanor. I guess it was just that I was so caught up in Susanna’s grief, as well as my own, that I failed to notice the depth of his pain. For that I am truly sorry.”

  “Do not be so severe on yourself. John has always been very reserved when it comes to any sort of emotional display. It is not likely that, had you been more available, he would have confided his feelings to you in this matter. Given that he is your elder brother, he has always put it upon himself to be your protector.”

  Finding that she had not accompanied them into the room to see John Martin, John Jameson went in search of Esther. Discovering her in the sitting room, he said, “Esther, there you are. Your brother is asking for you.” Taking note of her tears, he inquired, “Esther, are you all right?”

  Choking back sobs, she responded, “Yes, dear. I am fine. I am ready to see John now. Mary, it has been good talking with you.”

  Drying her eyes, Mary answered, “Yes, Esther. Now go in and see your brother. He is waiting.”

  As she entered her brother’s bedchamber, Esther was taken aback by how ill he looked. His skin was pale and his eyes—surrounded by dark circles—appeared hollow. “John, dear, I have come. Glancing around the room, Esther was warmed by the sight of many of her kinfolk seated by her brother’s bed. Each of them had been through a terrible ordeal with the loss of their mother under such terrible circumstances. To see them having to endure yet another tragedy, nearly broke her heart.

  All at once, the assembly of brothers and sisters stood as Esther joined them beside their dying brother’s bed. Susanna leaned against the wall—taking it all in. The next thing she saw brought tears to her eyes. She remained silent as she observed her mother, uncles, and aunts clasping each other’s hands while they beseeched the Lord on their brother’s behalf.

  In all of her young life, Susanna had never before felt so much love. It was apparent that the brothers and sisters had a strong bond with each other and with the Lord. After a time of prayer, she watched as they quietly sang to the Lord from the Bay Psalm Book.

 
; At that point, she began to question, How is it that there is such a peace about them? They have only recently lost their most beloved mother under horrendous circumstances, and now they are about to suffer yet another loss. “Heavenly Father, I desire to have a faith like what I am witnessing. Help me to find peace in the midst of the storms of life.”

  Standing close to his daughter, John Jameson listened as she prayed. Then, he gently placed his hand on her shoulder. “Susanna, the Lord hears you. Trust Him to give you the peace you so desire.”

  “Father in heaven, I do. I really do trust You. After seeing my mother, aunts, and uncles demonstrate this kind of peace, with all they have been through, I do believe that You have the power to transform my faith. You were simply waiting for me to cast all my cares upon You, as it says in I Peter.”

  During their return trip, Susanna felt a calm she had never known before. Upon her arrival back at Maddie’s, she climbed down from the wagon. She then waved goodbye as her parents started for home. Turning toward the house, Susanna was surprised to find that William, who was just now coming out the door, had awaited her return.

  As he escorted her in, he asked, “Susanna, how was your uncle?”

  She glanced around before answering. Catching sight of Maddie and Elizabeth, who were also eagerly awaiting news, she said in a soft voice, “I am afraid he is not well. Not well at all. To look at him, it seems he does not have very long.”

  “And, how are you, my dear?” inquired Maddie.

  “Surprisingly well, Maddie. I have amazing aunts and uncles. They all have incredibly strong faith, which was quite evident as they held hands, prayed, and sang around my uncle’s bed. They believe as well as accept that if the Lord chooses not to heal their brother, he shall be with Him. Even poor, sick Uncle John seemed at peace.”

  Maddie was delighted at the news that all were taking the tragic situation so well, but she was even more astonished at Susanna who also appeared to be managing quite well.

  “Maddie, God has truly done a work in my heart today. I am determined to spend my days seeking after His strength. I now understand that His power alone can carry us through any trial.”

  William’s heart was filled with joy as he observed the transformation taking place in Susanna. Could it be that when the time comes for her to learn of my parents’ involvement in her grandmother’s death, she shall be strong enough to handle the news?

  “Susanna, it seems you have a new perspective on many things. In addition to recognizing that there truly are genuine Christians in the world, such as the ladies from the Haverhill church, you have now come to understand the strength that can only be found in the Lord. What an enlightening summer you have had, my girl,” said Maddie, smiling warmly.

  “Indeed. God is so powerfully present in our lives when we allow Him to be,” expressed Susanna, with extreme gratitude.

  Elizabeth and William glanced at each other and smiled.

  Though Maddie was pleased to see the change in her young friend, she thought about the ultimate test that would come when William finally disclosed his connection to two of Susanna North Martin’s accusers.

  Chapter 19

  Susanna awoke early one morning to the sound of someone knocking. Her first thought was that it must be Elizabeth, but then she remembered that Elizabeth Howard had returned home with her father a few days earlier. Feeling a little guilty for neglecting her intended, as his plans to visit the Osgood farm had not come about, Elizabeth had decided it was best to return home.

  If it isn’t Elizabeth, then who—. All at once she heard voices. She decided to dress and then investigate. Within a few minutes, she had entered the sitting room where she discovered the source of the noise. It was Henry Bleasdell—a fine-looking older gentleman—his son Jonathan, and his new wife, Elizabeth.

  His first wife, Mary, had passed on a while back. At which point, many had prayed that he would find another to love. Not long after, Henry met his beautiful Elizabeth and they were soon wed.

  Susanna had admired Henry’s new wife since the day they first met. Her kind and rather large blue eyes were stunning to behold. She could understand how Henry had been taken with her. A few years her husband’s junior, Elizabeth continued to have a youthful look about her. With very little silver in her light brown hair, she might have been mistaken for Henry’s daughter by anyone not well acquainted with the couple.

  As Susanna remained fixed in her place, she recalled a story Maddie had shared about Henry and another Elizabeth Bleasdell—Henry’s mother. Henry’s parents, Ralph and Elizabeth Bleasdell, had taken Maddie in as a helper for Elizabeth when they arrived from England. Maddie had told Susanna more than once of her immense gratitude toward them; as a woman all alone, she had limited options for how to survive.

  Jonathan, Henry’s second youngest, was now fifteen. Susanna had been with all of the Bleasdell children on numerous occasions seeing as they often had come to the Osgood farm. Of the nine children, Jonathan had always been Susanna’s favorite. Just five years her junior, the spunky Jonathan had time and again enjoyed the out of doors with Susanna.

  On one particular day, while Jonathan and Susanna were riding about the grounds at the Osgood farm, Jonathan spied a group of Indians moving in their direction. As there had often been trouble with the Indians and even deaths attributed to the enmity between them and the settlers, Jonathan hastened Susanna back to the house. Thankfully, there were several people on the farm that day, so the Indians did not attempt any mischief.

  Truth be told, Jonathan had repeatedly spoken to Susanna of his desire to befriend the Indians. On that day, however, he realized that with the current situation between the settlers and the Indians, for now, making friends with them was not to be. Though she had always appreciated his soft heart for all living creatures—man and animal alike—Susanna was grateful that he had the good sense not to attempt it at that moment.

  Inasmuch as Susanna was through with her musings and ready to take a seat, she moved in Jonathan’s direction. He smiled as he observed her approaching. “How about going out to the barn with me to see the horses?”

  “Very well, Jonathan. Maddie, we shall not be gone too long.”

  Maddie turned to speak to Susanna and Jonathan as they were leaving. “Very well. You two go and have a good time.”

  Once they were out of doors, they made their way to the barn. Before long, Jonathan began to share his misgivings concerning Elizabeth. “She thinks she is my mother, Susanna—the audacity of the woman.”

  “I am truly sorry for you, Jonathan. I had hoped you would be happy that Elizabeth had married your father.”

  “Oh . . . I . . . I am happy for Father’s sake. She has been good for him. Losing Mother was very difficult for him. They loved each other so much. It is just that I simply cannot abide Elizabeth mothering me.”

  Susanna hesitated, not wanting to offend. “Well . . . Jonathan, have you considered speaking to her about your feelings?”

  “No, I would not know what to say. It isn’t that she speaks harshly to me or treats me ill. It is simply that she is not my mother and has no right to act as though she is. My mother is dead!”

  “Don’t be cross with me, Jonathan, for saying this, but I believe your quarrel is not just with Elizabeth. Could it be that you are angry that your mother is gone, and no matter whom your father married, you would find fault?”

  With his hands stuffed in his pockets, Jonathan kicked at the hay before responding. “Susanna, you may be right. I hate to admit it; I think I may actually be mad at Mother for leaving me.”

  Susanna smiled at the thought that Jonathan had always had such an open heart to correction. He has never truly been stubborn in his life. “Jonathan, I think your feelings are completely understandable in this case. You miss your mother. You and your brother Samuel had some growing up yet to do. Not having your mother for that . . . well, it must be hard on the two of you. Your older siblings had her until they were grown. I am sure they miss
her too, but it is different for you and Samuel. By the way, where is Samuel today?”

  “He has been at our sister Mary’s house for a few days.”

  “Oh. I wondered.” Susanna then thought about how many ladies she knew by the name of Mary or Elizabeth. In addition to Elizabeth Howard, there were two Elizabeth Bleasdells—Henry’s mother and new wife, and both she and Jonathan had elder sisters named Mary. Once more, glancing at her young friend, she wondered what he was thinking now that he understood his anger toward Elizabeth may be related to his mother. Though it was through no fault of her own, his mother was gone—never to be present in his life again.

  Thoughtful, Jonathan plopped down on a pile of hay to consider all that Susanna had said. “Susanna, you are very wise for your years.”

  Smiling, Susanna sat down beside him. Placing her arm around his shoulders, she said, “I do not seem to have any wisdom when it comes to my own affairs.”

  Jonathan became serious at this point. “I heard you had recently injured yourself.”

  A little embarrassed at having to explain, Susanna responded, “Yes . . . I fell off my horse and bumped my head.”

  “You are an excellent rider—how did you manage that?”

  “In my defense, a wolf scampered across our path—spooking my horse.”

  “That explains much. I am happy that you did not suffer any permanent injuries.”

  She smiled at his concern. “As am I.”

  All the while Jonathan and Susanna were conversing, William happened to be standing on the other side of the entrance, preparing to replace a board. As he became aware of the conversation taking place in the barn, he decided to hold off from hammering until they had finished speaking. He smiled when he heard Susanna’s response to the young man’s concerns about his father’s new bride, Elizabeth. They must be speaking of Henry Bleasdell and his wife, Elizabeth. Having met the man on more than one occasion, he recalled that Maddie had said something about Mr. Bleasdell’s remarriage to a woman named Elizabeth. This must be one of the Bleasdell children.