by Cathy Bryant
“Susanna, I have missed you so while you have been away. If you live with Maddie, I shall see you but rarely,” sobbed Jane.
Wrapping her arm around her sister’s shoulders, Susanna responded. “Jane, what is to keep you from coming to Maddie’s whenever you wish? With Esther and Hannah to help out with Elizabeth, Mama is sure to let you come.”
Wiping her eyes on her sleeve, Jane answered, “I hadn’t thought of that. Yes, I could come and stay. It would be fun—just the two of us. I love our little sisters, but they can be so bothersome at times.”
Laughing, Susanna nodded in agreement. “It is all set then—that is, if Father allows me to stay on with Maddie. Otherwise, I shall soon be returning home.”
Arm in arm, the Miss Jamesons then strolled back to the house just in time to see their father approaching. “Well . . . Susanna. When did you arrive?”
“Not long ago, Father. We have been here but an hour or so. Maddie and I have come about a matter we wish to discuss with you.”
“Very well. Let us go in.” Placing his arms around Jane and Susanna, he scooted them through the door. “Esther, our daughter wishes to speak with us,” he said as he strolled into the sitting room.
“Yes, I know, John. Come and sit. Jane, would you check on Elizabeth? She should be waking about now, and do take your sisters with you, won’t you, dear?”
“Yes, Mama. Come Esther and Hannah.” With Jane feeling better about her elder sister’s impending move, the three sisters took their leave.
“Now what is this all about?” asked Mr. Jameson.
Anxiously, Susanna began, “Father, Maddie has asked me to stay on with her. She is in need of my assistance with the daily work at the farm.” Surveying her father’s expression, she hoped to determine what his response might be.
“Esther, what is your opinion?” he then inquired.
“I believe it is a good idea. They get on so well together, and we cannot keep Susanna with us forever.”
Maddie spoke up at this point. “John, I know it is a big decision. You do not have to answer right away. Take all the time you need to think it over.”
“No . . . no. I shall not keep you in suspense. I, too, believe it is a good plan. As Maddie requires the assistance and Susanna is grown now, I shall leave it up to the two of you.” His expression full of sadness at this point, he continued, “If this is what you both truly desire, then, as far as I am concerned, it is settled. But I shall miss you, my girl.”
Smiling in Maddie’s direction, and then back at her father, Susanna said, “Oh, Father, thank you. I shall come to see you on a regular basis.”
Late in the day, after Susanna had gathered up a considerable amount of her belongings, John Jameson conveyed the ladies back to the Osgood farm. “I shall return in a couple of weeks,” he said as they approached the yard. With tears in his eyes at the thought of Susanna remaining at Maddie’s beyond the summer, he hugged his daughter and then set off for home.
The ladies carried Susanna’s belongings into the house, and then settled in for a cup of tea. Before long, Maddie asked her young friend if she thought she would inform her mother and father about William’s parents. Looking thoughtful, Susanna shook her head no, explaining that she needed time to process the news herself before telling her family. She then assured that in time she would make the situation known to them.
“I shan’t mention a word about it then,” assured Maddie.
“Maddie, I am extremely tired. I think I shall turn in.” As she stood, she said, “See you in the morning.”
Feeling quite exhausted herself, Maddie replied, “Good night, Susanna. I am turning in myself.”
Once she had settled into her bed, Susanna smiled with delight that she was now fixed at the Osgood farm with Maddie. She then began to wonder how difficult it was going be to think about something or someone other than William with him so near all of the time—not that he wasn’t before, but now she was settling there permanently. From the time they had first met, he had daily claimed a place in her thoughts. She had hoped to gain some relief from thinking about him upon her return home at the end of the summer, but now that she was staying on, that was not to be.
Chapter 25
It had been three days since Susanna had returned from her visit with her parents. On this day, to Susanna’s surprise, Elizabeth Howard and Fred Brown, Elizabeth’s intended, came to call.
Upon their arrival, Maddie happily greeted her guests and then showed them into the sitting room to visit with Susanna.
“Elizabeth, I had hoped you would come before your wedding day!” exclaimed Susanna exuberantly. Glancing over at the tall gentleman beside her friend, Susanna took note of his wavy, auburn hair and large, brown eyes, which, at that moment, were fixed upon her friend. “This must be Mr. Brown.”
“Indeed it is,” replied Elizabeth proudly. “Fred, this is my dearest friend Susanna.”
“Pleased to finally make your acquaintance,” he said, smiling warmly. “You may call me Fred if you like. Elizabeth speaks of you so often. In fact, I have heard many interesting stories about the adventures the two of you have had.”
“Yes, Elizabeth and I have many fond memories of our times together over the years. Actually, much of it was spent here at the Osgood farm. Maddie has always been truly wonderful to us. What is more, she has taught us many things. I believe it was here with you, Maddie, that we first learned to ride,” she said, glancing over at her elderly friend. “And much of our cooking skills were acquired by observation. No one can cook as well as our Maddie.”
Maddie smiled at the young ladies as she listened to them recount their experiences to Fred. She, too, had many fond memories of the times that Susanna and Elizabeth had been to the farm. Elizabeth agreed with all that Susanna had said to Fred. She then added, “Furthermore, Maddie was a great friend to our grandmothers. She came to their rescue more than once. Susanna, do you recall the story of that horrible Jarret Ormsby?”
Susanna’s eyes grew wide remembering that Maddie had just recently reminded her of that very story. She peeked over at Maddie to see if she would reveal the name of their new acquaintance Jacob Ormsby. As Maddie’s expression remained fixed, Susanna believed the news was not to be forthcoming.
All at once, Susanna realized that she had not answered Elizabeth, so she replied, “Yes, I do recall that story. I believe that must have been a trying time for everyone involved.”
Changing the subject, Maddie inquired as to how Elizabeth’s father was faring.
“Just fine, Maddie. Though I think he is a bit sad that I shall be leaving home once Fred and I are married. However, I guess that is to be expected when the love is so great between a father and daughter.”
At that moment, Susanna remembered the sadness in her own father’s eyes at the thought of his daughter leaving home. Though she would not be very far away, they would no longer be together every day. “Elizabeth, Maddie and I have news to share.”
“Do tell, Susanna,” she responded eagerly.
“I shall be staying on with Maddie after the summer. As the farm requires more than one set of hands to run properly, I shall be living here to assist Maddie.”
“William and Charles have been lending a hand as well, have they not?” inquired Elizabeth with a grin.
Just then, Susanna remembered that Elizabeth had not been informed about William’s parents. With a flushed face, she quickly turned away before her friend could make any further comment. The first opportunity I have to speak with her alone, I shall have to explain the situation.
At that point, Maddie interjected, “William and Charles have mostly been working the fields, as well as the overall management of the farm, while Susanna and I have been tending the animals, gardening, and such.”
“Is William about? I should like to introduce him to Fred,” inquired Elizabeth, eagerly.
Maddie sensed Susanna’s uneasiness so, once again, she changed the focus of the conversation. Though Elizabet
h was quick witted, Maddie hoped that she hadn’t noticed how many times she had been redirected. “Tell us about your wedding plans. Whom have you invited to your wedding feast?”
“Oh, Maddie, as there is to be a rather large crowd, that would take all day,” Elizabeth replied with a sigh. “Truth be told, I am quite nervous about how many people shall be attending. It is a good thing that at the wedding itself only a small number shall be present.”
Laughing, Fred squeezed her hand. “Yes, she imagines herself to be ill at ease with so large a crowd at the feast. It is beyond me how someone so unreserved could possibly believe such a thing.”
All at once, Susanna and Maddie broke out in laughter at Elizabeth, for they wholeheartedly agreed with Fred—Elizabeth had always been fine in a crowd. In fact, she loved crowds.
“When it comes right down to it you have always been very sociable, Elizabeth,” Maddie said with confidence. “Remember, we have had many opportunities to observe you in large gatherings.”
“Elizabeth, Maddie is right. Actually, you are often quite entertaining,” chuckled Susanna. “Do you not recall the time the entire Bleasdell clan came to Maddie’s for a visit? Each time anyone began to speak, you interrupted with another story. Though you were very young at the time, you kept everyone so completely occupied that by the time they were ready to go, not a bit of conversation had taken place—other than with you of course. When everyone realized what had happened, they all got quite a laugh out of it.”
Giggling, Elizabeth said, “You all seem to think you know me better than I know myself. But I have to say that it is comforting you believe I can do this. Just maybe I shall survive my wedding day after all.”
Elizabeth and Fred remained another hour before deciding it was time they took their leave. “We really should be on our way, Elizabeth—that is, if I am to get you home before dark. We do not want your father worrying,” insisted Fred.
“You are right; we best be off. Father shall be awaiting my return. Well, my dears. It has been wonderful being with you. I wish William had been here to meet Fred. Nevertheless, when they are finally introduced, I am sure they will become fast friends.”
“Yes . . . well, it was lovely seeing you as well,” smiled Susanna, as she hugged Elizabeth. “I suppose the next time we meet your wedding shall not be far off.”
“Indeed, and I had thought to elicit your help with my gown, Susanna; otherwise, I shall simply have to manage on my own.” She then reached over and hugged Maddie before turning to leave.
While walking her friend to the door, Susanna responded with excitement at the thought of assisting with the wedding gown. Quickly discussing the matter, they decided that Elizabeth would return so that they might work on it together.
“Elizabeth, don’t forget that I am here to help you with the preparations for your wedding feast,” assured Maddie. “Goodbye, my dear girl. And you, Fred, it was lovely to meet you.”
“The pleasure was all mine,” he responded graciously.
With that, the two were off, leaving Maddie and Susanna waving from the doorway. “I am happy that Elizabeth brought Fred to meet us, Maddie. They seem just perfect for each other.”
Realizing how hard it must have been for Susanna to see a happy, about-to-be-married couple, Maddie decided her young friend needed a distraction from thinking about William. “Let us go out to the flower garden for a while and simply sit and take in the beauty. There are so many flowers still in bloom you would never guess that summer is quickly coming to a close.”
“Indeed, the honeysuckle and daisies are my favorite of those that remain. I think I shall bring the basket along and cut a few for the table.”
The two ladies had been out in the garden for half an hour when Mr. Ormsby came strolling up. “I knocked on the door to the house but no one answered. I then followed the sound of voices. To my great delight, I found you. ”
“Mr. Ormsby, what are you doing here?” inquired Maddie coldly.
Seeing that Maddie was not impressed that he had come, Mr. Ormsby decided to distract her by engaging her in conversation. “I promised I would come again; consequently, here I am. This is a lovely garden, Mrs. Osgood. It isn’t a wonder that the two of you should be out here enjoying the splendor. I see you have collected a few of the flowers, Miss Jameson.”
Susanna felt tense as she witnessed the exchange between Maddie and Mr. Ormsby. “Mr. Ormsby, Maddie and I have much to do before the day slips completely by. We were simply taking a short respite from our work. ”
“I am free for the remainder of the day. Perhaps I can assist you in whatever it is that you have left to do.”
Frustrated that they were even having a conversation with the likes of Jacob Ormsby, Maddie insisted that she and Susanna would do just fine on their own.
Seeing that he could not persuade the ladies to change their minds, Jacob decided it was best that he left before he ruined any opportunity of returning. I can see that it would not do to get on the bad side of Mrs. Osgood. “Well, I shall be off, then. It was good seeing you, Miss Jameson,” he said, as he approached. As before, he lifted her hand to his lips.
Irritated, Susanna quickly pulled her hand away, and responded. “Goodbye, Mr. Ormsby!”
Once he was gone, Maddie said angrily, “The nerve of that man—kissing your hand like that.”
“He does seem to take his liberty in doing that very thing every time I see him,” she said, with a tremble in her voice.
Upon hearing Susanna’s shaky voice, Maddie perceived that the encounter with the man had upset her young friend. She then inquired, “Susanna, are you all right? You seem a bit shaken.”
“I am fine, Maddie. It is just that I feel uneasy when he is near.”
“And well you should,” scowled Maddie. “I know you admonished me concerning my judgment of the man, but I cannot force myself to think well of him.”
“Maddie, I didn’t say that you were wrong about him; only that, as you have always told me, one shouldn’t make rash judgments regarding a person’s motives. However, I am inclined to believe you may have been correct about Mr. Jacob Ormsby. He is too smooth talking for my liking. The minute he realized you were not happy that he was here, he complimented you on your garden.”
“Though I do not wish for Mr. Ormsby to come around here anymore, you are right—I must pray about my attitude. What is more, his soul is just as important to God as the next person’s.”
“Of course you are right, Maddie. Though we should not judge him concerning his motives, as only God knows what is in a person’s heart, we must care about his soul. However, is it not acceptable to care about a person’s soul without really liking or trusting the person?”
“That is a very good question and one that I have asked myself and God many times,” replied Maddie. “As long as we do not wish him harm, and we pray for his soul, I think it might be acceptable to care little for his company.”
Then, glancing over at Maddie, Susanna burst into laughter. “Are you sure about that, Maddie?”
“Well . . . no, actually I am not. But it sounds reasonable, does it not?” she replied with a chuckle.
“Oh, Maddie. You are too funny for words.”
Chapter 26
It was Sunday once again, and Susanna wondered whether William would be accompanying Maddie and her to the meetinghouse. She was yet unaware that Maddie had not felt at liberty to ask William to come along with them. Consequently, she decided to find Maddie to inquire. “Maddie, is William escorting us today?”
“Susanna, I have not asked him to, as I was unsure of your feelings regarding the matter.”
“Inasmuch as I am staying on with you indefinitely, and shall be attending the Haverhill meetinghouse— the same as William—it seems silly to avoid him. If he wishes, he can come along with us.”
Relieved, Maddie went straight out to the barn to inform William that he was welcome to come with them to church. On the Lord’s Day, very little work was done at ei
ther farm—only what was absolutely necessary. Therefore, she made haste to speak with him before he set off for home.
William was surprised at Maddie’s words. “Are you certain that Susanna is agreeable to the idea?” Secretly, he had been hoping to escort them, as it was not at all safe for two women to be traveling alone.
“Yes, she said it was silly for her to avoid you since she is staying on and you will be attending church at the same meetinghouse.”
Eyes wide, William asked, “Her parents gave their consent, then? She shall remain after the summer?”
“They certainly did.”
“Oh, Maddie. As you know, I had decided to tell her about my parents, but Jacob Ormsby divulged my secret before I had the opportunity. What is your opinion? Shall she ever forgive me? I know you keep saying to give it time, but—”
“She seems to be softening some. Just the fact that she is all right with you coming to church with us is a start, is it not?”
“Yes, it is that,” he replied with a sigh. “Truth be told, Maddie, I am not sure what I would have done if the two of you set off on your own to the meetinghouse. With the Indian troubles, I believe I would have followed after you regardless of Susanna’s feelings.”
“Perhaps Susanna thought of that when she said you could come with us. Well, William, if I dawdle any longer, we shall never make it there on time.”
“I shall hitch up the wagon,” he said, happy at the thought that he would be with Susanna for the ride to and from the meetinghouse.
A few moments later, Maddie and Susanna emerged from the house ready to set off. William attempted to remain calm as Susanna approached the wagon. He didn’t want to do anything that would cause her to regret having invited him along. “Good morning, ladies.” Even though William had already seen Maddie that morning, so as not to single Susanna out, he greeted them both.
Both Susanna and Maddie greeted William as they prepared to climb up onto the wagon. William hesitated a moment before assisting Susanna, but he reasoned with himself that even if it angered her, he would not allow her to climb up without assistance. Once he and the ladies were settled in, William prodded the horses on.