Grandmother's Namesake

by Cathy Bryant

  “Very well. If you are going to be stubborn about it,” Maddie answered with a grin. It was working out as she had hoped. Now all that was left to do was for William to join Susanna in the kitchen for some private conversation. If he did not think of it on his own, she would find an excuse to send him there. However, an excuse was not needed, for after helping her to her seat, he excused himself.

  Susanna spotted William as he approached. “William, you need not have come to help. There isn’t much to do in preparing the tea.”

  A little hesitant over what he had to say now that he finally had Susanna alone, William replied, “Susanna, when it is ready, I shall carry the tray into the sitting room. But while we wait for the water to heat, there is something I wish to discuss with you.”

  A bit nervous about what William had to say, Susanna turned back to the task at hand, and said, “Very well, William. What is it you wish to discuss?”

  “May we take a seat?”

  “Yes, certainly,” she answered with a curious expression.

  “I have sent a lengthy missive off to my parents concerning our relationship. I explained the quandary in which we have found ourselves, owing to the harm they inflicted upon your poor grandmother. I asked that they consider how you might feel with regard to marrying into such a family. I am not sure, at this point, what I had hoped to gain by writing to them, except to let you know that they have now been informed of our connection.”

  Stunned, Susanna stared at William. Before long, she became conscious of the fact that she didn’t know how to respond. As a result, she simply nodded and then glanced down at the drying cloth she was holding and began fiddling with it.

  With compassion for her, as she was obviously quite uneasy, William said softly, “Susanna, what are you feeling right now?”

  Swallowing hard to dislodge the lump that had arisen in her throat, Susanna whispered. “I am not quite sure.” She then rose to check on the status of the water, all the while keeping her eyes averted from William’s gaze. “Well, the tea is ready. Shall we go in with Maddie?”

  Seeing that Susanna wasn’t prepared to answer, William stood to assist her with the tea tray.

  “Very well. But there is one more thing I wish to say. You see, while I was writing to my parents, I realized something; apparently, God has been healing my heart, for the anger I had felt toward my parents simply was not there anymore. I believe I have finally forgiven them. That is not to say that I am any less horrified by what they have done or that I would ever expect you to associate with them.”

  Susanna listened intently as William spoke. To her amazement she began to believe that, just maybe, he wouldn’t always look at her with agony over what his parents had done. Perhaps now she would be able to express her feelings about losing her grandmother without the fear of causing him additional distress.

  William searched her face for any sign of what she might be thinking. He thought he detected a little less strain than had been there in times past when these types of conversations had arisen.

  “Susanna, can you not tell me what you are thinking?”

  “William, I am not sure how to put it into words. Allow me time to consider all that you have said. I shall discuss my feelings with you when I understand them myself.”

  Hopeful, William nodded as he gathered up the tea tray and followed her.

  Chapter 40

  Susanna did not sleep a wink all night as she pondered all that William had said while they were preparing the tea the night before. She had always observed a pained expression upon William’s face whenever matters concerning her grandmother or his parents were discussed. She had been surprised when the topic came up last evening that he seemed at peace.

  For Susanna, once she had forgiven William, the greatest obstacle to a future with him had been that she doubted he could bear up under the constant reminder of the terrible thing his parents had done. She feared causing him more pain by her continued presence in his life.

  However, she was beginning to hope that this need not be the case. And, if William had been successful through prayer at forgiving his parents, she might be as well. At times she thought she was almost there, but something always popped up to remind her that she had not yet been successful.

  The sun was peeking in her window just as she had decided it was time to rise. Coming into the kitchen to prepare breakfast, she found Maddie already up and dressed. “You are up early today, Maddie.”

  “I could say the same about you, my dear. Correct me if I am wrong, but did sleep elude you last night? I thought I heard you tossing about a few times.”

  “Yes, Maddie, it did. I kept thinking about all that William had said to me while we were preparing the tea.”

  “Is there anything you wish to share?”

  “Yes . . . well, as you know I have been concerned on many levels about a future with William. However, my greatest concern, of late, has been that I would be a constant reminder to him of his parents’ horrific deed. I had felt that any time I might be grieving the loss of my grandmother, as happens quite often, it would hurt him. However, last night he seemed at peace with everything. He believes he has come to a place where he can finally forgive his parents. Not that he believes any differently about what they had done, but he has truly forgiven them.”

  With tears in her eyes, Maddie responded softly, “I have been praying for him that he would do that very thing.”

  “Do you not see what this means, Maddie? I feel hope for the first time about marrying William. To constantly wound him for the remainder of our lives was not an option. I simply could not bring myself to do it. Now—”

  “I understand, and I am so very happy that you find yourself considering the possibility for the first time since learning the truth. Have you made him aware of your feelings?”

  Looking intently at Maddie, she responded, “No, for I cannot make my feelings known to him until I am sure. Otherwise, I might injure him even more if I were to change my mind after giving him hope. Nevertheless, I am encouraged and shall inform him as soon as I am prepared to follow through with marrying him.”

  An hour or so later, William came by the house before heading off to the barn to see to the animals. He had suggested that Maddie and Susanna take the day off. He and Charles would take care of everything for at least one additional day following the wedding. As he came into the kitchen, Maddie invited him to stay for breakfast. While sitting around the table together, the threesome fondly recounted the events of Elizabeth’s wedding day. They were each delighted that everything had gone so well.

  As she observed the ease with which the conversation was taking place between Susanna and William, Maddie believed it would not be long before the two, now sitting at her table, were preparing for their own wedding. While smiling at the thought, she rose to cleanup from breakfast.

  William remained a few moments seeking an opportunity to ask Susanna if he might have a word with her. Maddie indicated that she had some things requiring her attention. She then left the two young people alone.

  Once again, hope was rising up in William. Therefore, he had to know what Susanna thought about their recent conversation. “You must tell me, Susanna. Have you changed your mind regarding our future? I sensed something different about you after our conversation last night.”

  Having no desire to offer false hope, Susanna responded softly, “In truth, what you expressed last night—that you now have forgiveness in your heart for your parents—for me, has brought about a sense that all is not lost between us. However, I do not wish to offer you hope only to shatter it at a later point in time. I must continue on in prayer until I am sure about what to do.”

  In understanding, William responded, “I shall not press the issue any further. You may come to me whenever you are prepared to do so.”

  After rising from the table to go, William reached over and patted Susanna’s shoulder. “Take your time. There is no rush.”

  Feeling relieved, Susanna
thanked William for his kindness in waiting as well as for taking over the chores for the day.

  Later that afternoon, Jonathan and Henry Bleasdell came to call. With surprise, Maddie escorted them into the sitting room where Susanna was working on a bit of mending.

  Susanna jumped to her feet at the sight of Jonathan, and practically shouted his name. “Jonathan!”

  Then, grabbing hold of Susanna’s hands, Jonathan said, “Susanna, why not take a ride with me.” Jonathan knew that as her accident had been some time ago it would be quite safe for Susanna to go riding.

  She happily agreed to his suggestion. The pair then wasted no time in taking leave of Maddie and Henry Bleasdell. But as Susanna was about to pass by Mr. Bleasdell on her way out of the room, she said, “Oh, Mr. Bleasdell, forgive me for not greeting you properly.”

  Mr. Bleasdell smiled at the young lady and sent her on her way, all the while chuckling to himself.

  Once out of doors, Jonathan and Susanna set off for the barn. Jonathan was preparing the horses when William approached. “Good day to you, Jonathan. I take it you and Susanna plan to go for a ride. May I assist you with the horses?”

  Standing out of the way while the two gentlemen conversed, Susanna thought about how much she appreciated William’s kindness toward her young friend. Before long, the horses were ready. William then helped Susanna onto her horse. To give them privacy, Jonathan had prompted his mare in the direction of the yard to wait for Susanna.

  “Do be careful, Susanna. My heart couldn’t take it if you were injured again.”

  “I shall, William, thank you. We shall not be gone too long. I am sure that Jonathan and Mr. Bleasdell had intended only a short visit.”

  Staring after the two friends while they headed out into the field, William sighed. He wished it had been him riding with Susanna. When he could no longer see them, he went back into the barn. While he worked he thought about what it would be like to have Susanna for a wife. As his wife, he would protect her from the likes of those who had been unkind to her following the tragedy that happened last year. What is more, he would keep her from any harm that might befall her. All at once, he remembered that there was only One in whom we find our greatest shelter from harm. Then, as he thought about Jonathan and Susanna out on their ride, he prayed, “Keep them safe, Lord.”

  An hour had slipped by when Jonathan and Susanna, with flushed faces and windblown hair, came trotting back into the barn. “Did you have a good time?” inquired William, smiling at the sight of them.

  “The best! As always, Susanna is an excellent rider.” Then, with a twinkle in his eye, he said, “But I must say, it is a good thing she is so hard headed or she should not have recovered so well from falling off her horse a couple of months ago.”

  William glanced over at Susanna, and chuckled. “Oh, I don’t know, Jonathan. I think it more likely that her stubborn streak was her most advantageous attribute in bringing about her recovery. Or perhaps you were not speaking literally, Jonathan. If that be the case, we are in agreement.”

  “Precisely.”

  All three were belly laughing at this point until they caught a glimpse of Jonathan’s father approaching. “What is all of this laughter?”

  “Oh, Father. We were just having one over on Susanna. It is a good thing she is so good natured.”

  “Susanna, I thought I raised the boy better than to tease a young lady.” This was said with a wink in Jonathan’s direction.

  “You did indeed raise a fine young gentleman,” Susanna responded with sincerity. Jonathan had been a true friend to Susanna over the years, and she credited his loving father with his excellent character.

  Soon, Mr. Bleasdell and Jonathan set off for home, which left Susanna and William alone in the yard.

  “Thank you for your kindness to Jonathan. It means a lot to me. Ever since losing his mother, he has been somewhat at a loss. He was so very close to her.”

  “It really is no trouble. I like the young man, and it is clear that he greatly amuses you. Anyone who brings joy to that pretty face is all right with me.”

  Blushing at William’s words as well as at his intense gaze, Susanna stuttered, “Ah . . . I ah, better get back to Maddie. She may need me for something.”

  Then, smiling warmly at her reaction to his compliment, William stated, “Yes, I need to get back to work too. I am off to Salem for a few days. Perhaps we can speak again when I return.”

  A little surprised by the news of his impending departure, Susanna nodded and then started for the house. Coming into the sitting room, she thought about not seeing William for a while, and felt herself already missing him.

  Chapter 41

  William set off for Salem the following morning. With Susanna yet undecided about their future, he was looking forward to some time away. Having to see her around the farm had been torture, seeing as he had promised not to mention marriage again. As he rode along, he wondered how long it might be before she made up her mind one way or the other. Suddenly, he realized that for what had been put upon her, concerning his parents, he truly had not waited all that long for an answer.

  Upon his arrival at the town of Salem late the following day, he happened to see Jacob Ormsby standing by his wagon, which was presently in front of the store William was about to enter. Moving in his direction, he inquired, “Well, Jacob—what are you doing here?”

  With delight at seeing William, Jacob warmly replied, “I have come to visit my father. After all that has taken place in my life . . . well, I wanted to share it with him. I have a burden for him, William.”

  “That is as it should be, Jacob. When we genuinely care about someone, we long to see their eternity settled. You are a good son.”

  “William, my grandfather, Jarret Ormsby, was married in England before coming here. Taking leave of England, he abandoned his wife. After that, he lived as though he had never been married. Some years after having moved from Salisbury to Ipswich, he learned that his wife, Grace, had passed. My grandfather had, at one time, gotten into some trouble in Ipswich. But as it had been forgotten over time, he was at liberty to return to the town. At some point, he had learned that he and Grace had a daughter. Esther was her name. I am unsure as to whatever became of her. My grandfather never acquainted us with any additional information about her. I said all of that to give some background for why my father is the way that he is.”

  “It isn’t a wonder, then, that you were never acquainted with godly principles. However, as you know, we are not doomed to repeat our fathers’ mistakes. Anyone can be a new man in Christ. But the knowledge that you possess regarding your father’s upbringing does provide insight into how best to speak with him concerning the gospel. I shall be praying for you, Jacob.”

  “I greatly appreciate that, William. You are a true friend. Pray also that all will go well for me while I am here. In the past, I have caused a bit of trouble for some of the folks in this town. If I am presented with an opportunity, I hope to make amends.”

  “Well, I better be about my business,” smiled William. “Come out to my farm anytime, Jacob.”

  “Perhaps I shall,” Jacob responded.

  William took his leave, encouraged at Jacob’s interest in seeing his father come to faith.

  Late the following day, William had settled the business for which he had come to Salem. He had planned to be in town for a few days, but found that he no longer required the extra time to complete his business. Delighted to be on his way so soon, William was humming happily along.

  The following day, half a day’s ride from home, he came upon an injured man by the side of the road. Jumping down from his wagon, William rushed over to the man. With great concern, he swiftly knelt down beside him. “What has happened?”

  Groaning, the man replied, “My horse spooked and reared up. At which point I landed hard where you see me. As far as I can tell I have injured my left arm and the leg on the same side.”

  As the man was slight in stature, William
was confident that he could lift him. “Ease your good arm around my neck as I hoist you.”

  With little effort, William placed the man into his wagon. “Where shall I take you?”

  “My house is not far,” the man indicated with a hand gesture.

  William then set off in the direction of the man’s home. In less time than it took to stop and help the injured man, they had arrived. William observed that albeit a modest structure it was nicely situated.

  “You were nearly there,” William sighed, feeling bad for the gentleman that he had almost made it home before his horse had spooked. “Is there anyone at home to go for the surgeon?”

  The gentleman watched as William came around to the back of the wagon to assist him once again. “No, my wife passed on a few years back and my children are no longer at home. I run the farm by myself.”

  “I shall get you into the house. Then, if you will direct me to where I might find a surgeon, I shall set off at once to fetch him.”

  William carried the man into his home and placed him on his bed before setting off for the surgeon. It wasn’t long before William had returned with the town’s apothecary who, on occasion, had also functioned as surgeon. As they approached the house, William said, “I am sorry I never thought to inquire after the injured man’s name.”

  “Not to worry. I have been to this house many times. His name is Arthur Wingate. I used to look after his wife when she was alive. She had been sick for some time before she finally passed,” informed David Johnson—the apothecary-surgeon.

  “I see, so you know the man.”

  “Indeed. We are very well acquainted.”

  Then, Mr. Johnson went in to see the injured man while William waited patiently by the door. Before long, the medical man approached William with a request. “Mr. Gage, would it be possible for you to remain with Arthur for a few days while I send word for one of his children to come?”