by Cathy Bryant
For a moment, William just stood there scratching his head while he thought about the request. He knew he could not leave the man to fend for himself, but what of his and Maddie’s farms? “I suppose my man will look after things until I return. I am sure to be the cause of some concern, however, if I have not returned at the expected time.”
“Yes, that is unfortunate. I dislike having to put you out in this way, but until someone arrives, he is helpless to take care of himself or his animals.”
“Do not be concerned; I shall stay. How long do you suppose it shall take for help to arrive?”
“No more than a few days. As soon as I get back to town, I shall send word right away.”
At that point, William walked the man out and then settled his own horses in the barn. After that, he took some time to assess things. While he was out looking after the man’s livestock, a saddled and bridled horse came trotting into the yard. William guessed that it must be the injured man’s horse; therefore, he secured the animal in the barn.
In a short time, William was back watching over Mr. Wingate. He informed him that his horse had returned and that the animals were settled for the night. After some direction from Mr. Wingate, William prepared a meal. Following that, he turned in for the night.
Back at the Osgood farm, no one suspected that William would not be returning for several days. While he was gone, Susanna took the opportunity to spend a great deal of time in prayer. She hoped to be settled in her mind, concerning the future, by the time he returned from Salem.
All the while Susanna was struggling to find the right answer, Maddie was fasting and praying that God would give her young friend a peace about a future with William—if that was truly His will.
Chapter 42
Charles had been looking after things while William was away. Given that William had tarried a few days beyond his anticipated return, his farmhand was growing concerned. Unbeknownst to Charles, had William not been delayed by the injured man, he would have arrived earlier than either man had expected.
Maddie and Susanna had also thought to see William by now; thus, they approached Charles to inquire about William’s delay.
Seeing as Charles had been burdened with his own worries over William, he quickly expressed that he shared their concerns. He then asked Maddie’s advice regarding the situation.
“Well, Charles, I am not sure myself as to the best course of action. It may be that William had to remain a bit longer than he had planned.” Though Maddie appeared calm, she quietly prayed that William had indeed tarried for a good reason and that no harm had come to him.
“Perhaps you are right. But, if he has not returned by tomorrow night—I shall set off the following morning to investigate.”
“Very good, Charles. Do keep us informed.”
Charles went back to work while Maddie and Susanna turned in the direction of the house. “Susanna, you are very quiet.”
“Oh, pardon me, Maddie. I was just thinking about William. I hope nothing has happened to him. He may have encountered any number of dangers along the way.”
“Let us not borrow trouble, Susanna. Perhaps we should pray awhile for his safe return.”
“Yes, let’s do.”
The ladies then beseeched the Lord on William’s behalf. By the time they were ready to retire for the night, they felt a little more at peace. Snuggled in her bed, with William on her mind, Susanna drifted off to sleep. Her concern over his safety had made one thing clear—she wanted to marry him no matter the obstacles. Thus, she determined to tell him of her decision as soon as he returned.
While William had stayed on to await the arrival of one of Mr. Wingate’s family members, there was much that needed to be done with regard to the farm as well as taking care of the injured man. Growing impatient, William prayed as he worked. He wanted nothing more than to return to his own farm. He knew that Charles would tend to everything, but he was certain that his absence had caused some concern.
As he worked, he thought about the parable of the Good Samaritan in the Bible and the sacrifices he had made on behalf of an injured man. “Lord, help me to be as willing to sacrifice on behalf of Mr. Wingate. Give me patience as I wait for help to arrive. Help me to remember that You have everything under control.”
Before retiring for the night, Mr. Wingate and William talked for most of the evening. During which time, William learned much about the man. With a new appreciation for the gentleman, he was grateful that he had come along to help.
After all that had been required of him, William was exhausted by the time he fell into bed. As his eyelids grew heavy, he prayed for Susanna. He also prayed that he wouldn’t have to wait any longer to make her his wife. But as before, he left it in God’s capable hands—asking for strength whatever her decision.
Late the following day, Mr. Wingate’s son finally arrived—ready to take care of his father. He hastened into the house. As he had expected, he found his father in his bed. “Father, I came as fast as I could. The town’s apothecary man sent word that you had been injured.”
“Yes, I was a bit clumsy and fell off my horse. Had I been paying closer attention, I might have been prepared when he reared up.”
“I heard that someone had come along and found you and that he had stayed on until I could come.”
“Yes, Mr. William Gage. He has been looking after me and the farm. I am most grateful to him.”
“I would like to speak to the man to express my gratitude.”
Just then, William came into the room. “Ah, you must be Christopher Wingate, Mr. Wingate’s son. I am delighted to make your acquaintance. I was out in the barn when I heard you arrive. I finished up before coming in.”
Moving in William’s direction, Christopher Wingate smiled, and said, “I am much obliged to you for all that you have done on behalf of my father, Mr. Gage. I don’t know what we would have done without you. I hope it has not been too much of an inconvenience.”
“It was my pleasure. I have enjoyed your father’s company immensely, but I believe I should be setting off for home at first light. My farmhand is sure to have looked after things in my absence. However, by now, he may be growing concerned as to my whereabouts. I was expected a day or two ago.”
The three men became better acquainted while conversing over the evening meal. Following that, William retired early with plans to set off for home at daybreak.
Early the next morning, just as Charles was finishing up with the chores at the Osgood farm, Maddie approached with a bundle of food for him to take on his journey. “We appreciate all that you have done in William’s absence, Charles. Take along this food, won’t you? Let us pray that all is well and that he has simply been delayed.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Osgood. I shall be setting off momentarily.”
Maddie returned to the house for a time of beseeching the Lord for safe travels for Charles as well as success at locating William.
Chapter 43
William set off before the father and son were up and about. He was most anxious to be on his way. When the morning was half spent, he spotted Charles approaching. “Charles, I presume you have been searching for me. I was delayed along the way when I came upon an injured man. Subsequently, he was confined to his bed with a broken leg and arm and required my care until a family member could arrive.”
With relief written all over his face, Charles sighed, “William, you gave us all quite a fright. We hoped that your business had simply delayed your return. Since we were not sure that this was indeed the case, as you surmised, I came to investigate.”
“I thought my absence might have caused some concern, but it could not be helped. There was no one to stay with the man. It was clear he could not take care of himself—let alone his farm.”
“What happened to cause his injury?”
“The man’s horse was startled, and he was knocked off. He was sprawled out on the road when I found him. It reminded me of the parable of the Good Samaritan.”
“Und
erstandable, as the story is similar. However, the man in the parable had been injured by robbers, not by falling off of a horse.”
“Very true. This man’s injuries were not caused by some sinister plot to abscond with his belongings,” William responded with a smile.
As Charles trotted along on horseback, Charles and William talked over all that had gone on in his absence. Once again, William was grateful that God had led him to such a capable assistant.
Back at the Osgood farm, Maddie and Susanna had spent most of the morning praying for William’s safe return. Once they had concluded, Susanna made her way out to the barn. She decided it was best to keep busy, for she knew if she didn’t, she might be overcome with worry.
Late in the afternoon, she heard someone approaching. Hoping that it was William and Charles, after throwing down her broom, she ran out of the barn.
To her great delight, it was as she had hoped. Without a care for propriety, she rushed toward William. Having seen this, Charles smiled and dismounted. It was clear to him that he would be needed to tend to William’s horses and wagon.
With joy in his heart at the sight of Susanna hastily moving in his direction, William quickly climbed down from his wagon. Susanna began to slow her pace as she drew near. Taking note of this, William held his hands out to her. She moved forward once again and was soon enfolded in his arms. William’s heart melted at the sight of the woman he loved clinging to him.
Feeling a kiss against her brow, she said in a tearful voice, “I thought something had happened to you.”
Stroking her hair as she continued to lean against his chest, he explained what had happened and apologized for having scared her. After a few moments, feeling a little embarrassed for holding onto William so long, Susanna pulled away.
Smiling at Susanna’s flushed face, William grabbed hold of her hand. “You are not going to get away so easily.” Surmising that she must have settled things with regard to a future with him, or she would not have behaved in this way, William inquired, “Is there something you wish to tell me?”
Susanna had become uneasy at the thought of telling him. With her eyes averted, she responded, “Would it be all right with you if we talk about it later? Maddie is in the house and is sure to be anxious for news of your return.”
Though he desired to have the matter settled, William acquiesced. Hand in hand, they moved in the direction of the house. Just as they were about to open the door, Maddie thrust it wide open.
“William, where have you been?” she asked, while grabbing ahold of his hand and pulling him inside.
After they removed their warm outer clothing, Maddie quickly steered the two young people into the sitting room. She was anxious for William to explain.
“Maddie, I am sorry to have worried you, but it could not be helped.”
Susanna settled in beside William while he explained to Maddie all that had happened.
“Is the man all right?” inquired Maddie with concern. “What was it that startled his horse?”
“He wasn’t exactly sure—perhaps a small animal of some sort. He has a few broken bones, but he shall recover.”
Maddie nodded in understanding. “We have been praying for your safe return. Thankfully, God has graciously granted our request—you are home now.”
Rising to his feet, William said, “Well, Maddie. If you have no objections, I believe Susanna and I have some things to discuss.”
Taking Susanna by the hand, William helped her to her feet. He quickly assisted her in putting on her cape before grabbing his coat. After taking leave of Maddie, they made their way to the garden which, with autumn moving forward, had gone by. Once there, they settled onto the bench that Christopher Osgood had crafted and placed there for his dear wife.
With anticipation, William looked intently into Susanna’s eyes. Taking hold of her hand, he asked, “Susanna, have you come to a decision about us?”
With her nerves all a flutter, she whispered, “Yes, William. After you explained that you had forgiven your parents, I realized that even if I was sad at times, you would not be so easily wounded. God has been working on me as well. I believe my heart is now prepared to forgive your parents. Nevertheless, it shall be easier knowing that I shall not have to see them. As they have not seen the error of their ways, it would have been difficult being in their company. ”
With tears in his eyes, William gently stroked Susanna’s cheek. “Does that mean you are consenting to my proposal?”
With love in her eyes, Susanna whispered, “Well, I am not sure that you ever officially proposed but, yes, William, it does. However, there is one thing I must confess to you before we are married. For many months following the death of my grandmother, I had murder in my heart for your parents. I even believe that, had I the means, I might have acted on my feelings. You see, when I thought about my own sin, it became easier to forgive your parents.”
“I understand, Susanna. I may have felt the same had it been my beloved grandmother. Let us not talk about it anymore. All that matters to me right now is that we are finally to be married. You have made me the happiest man on earth. I love you so much, Susanna.”
“I feel the same, William. I cannot imagine my life without you.”
With excitement, Susanna and William talked over their future plans including when the wedding should take place.
“Susanna, I would like to post the first week of banns right away. If you are agreeable, I should like to be married as soon as the three weeks of banns have concluded.”
Blinking away tears at the thought that she would soon become William’s wife, Susanna, unable to find her voice, simply nodded. Regaining control, she said, “William, you need to post the banns under your real name—Pressey. It is time we both accepted that you are a Pressey.”
William pulled her close then, allowing her to rest her head against his shoulder. “Thank you, Susanna. You are right. I shall no longer live under such deception. With that settled, I should speak with your father as soon as possible.”
“I am sure he will give his consent.”
“Maddie is sure to have guessed what we have decided, but let us go in and tell her about our plans,” he said, full of joy.
Once they had shared their news with Maddie, she smiled from ear to ear. “It is about time. After a trip to town, Susanna, we shall set right to work on your gown. And then there is the wedding feast to plan. This is all so exciting!”
William suggested that he convey the ladies to town the following day. He had plans of his own. Once they had concluded with their shopping, he would call on Mr. Jameson.
Chapter 44
The following day, after finishing the morning chores, the threesome set off for town. Before long, Susanna and Maddie had selected the material for Susanna’s wedding gown.
Later the same afternoon, the couple and Maddie made their way to the Jameson’s; at which point, William spoke with Mr. Jameson regarding his desire to wed the gentleman’s daughter.
“William, I could not wish for a better husband for my girl. I heartily consent to the marriage,” he said with sincerity.
The whole house was in an uproar over the news. Jane in particular was delighted for her sister. She had witnessed, first hand, the love William and Susanna had for each other.
Esther Jameson and Maddie worked along with Susanna and Jane on the list of supplies for the wedding feast. Dividing the list between them, they settled on which items each would prepare. The wedding feast would be held at Maddie’s, as that was the couple’s wish.
As soon as Maddie and Susanna arrived back at the Osgood farm, they went right to work on the gown. Within a couple of days, they had finished it—just in time for a visit from the recently married Elizabeth Brown.
Upon her arrival, Elizabeth quickly read the expression on Susanna’s face. “You have agreed to marry William, have you not?”
With a wide grin, Susanna nodded. Elizabeth then grabbed ahold of her friend’s arms while jumping
up and down. “When, Susanna? When shall the wedding be?”
Giggling at her friend’s reaction, she exclaimed, “As soon as the three weeks of the posting of the banns has concluded! Can you believe it, Elizabeth? I had begun to believe it would never happen.”
“I knew it would,” cried Elizabeth. “You two love each other so very much. It would have been simply dreadful had you not accepted him.”
“You are right, Elizabeth. Whenever I considered his parents, I believed that obstacle to be more than we could withstand. Thankfully, I was wrong. In truth, it would have been more difficult to spend the rest of my life apart from William.”
Elizabeth remained for the better part of the day going over all of Susanna’s plans. She also offered her services to Maddie with regard to the wedding feast. Just as she was about to take her leave, Susanna exclaimed, “Oh, Elizabeth! You have not seen my gown!”
“Have you your gown already?” she inquired with surprise.
“Indeed, we finished it in just a couple of days. Come and see.”
Once they were in Susanna’s bedchamber, the young woman slipped into her gown. Similar to Elizabeth, Susanna had chosen royal blue for her dress along with white lace for the collar and for trimming the ruffled sleeves. The cinched waist just below the beautiful beaded bodice accentuated Susanna’s tiny waist. Taking it all in, Elizabeth was very pleased for her friend that everything had worked out so well.
Later, before setting off for home, Elizabeth promised to return a couple of days before the wedding to assist Maddie with the preparations for the wedding feast.
As Susanna waved goodbye to her friend, she was joined by William. “Good evening, my lady. Would you happen to have some time tomorrow for your future husband?”
Smiling with delight, Susanna responded, “For you, of course.”
William then told her of his desire to take her to the little pond they loved so much for a picnic and some time alone. He hoped that, while there, they could spend some time in prayer regarding their future. He desired to be the spiritual head of his home, and believed there was no time like the present to begin.