“Indeed. In fact, Mr. Bleasdell has just informed me,” replied Christopher. “Are Maddie and Elizabeth inside? I must speak with them and with you, Mr. Bleasdell.”
“Christopher, I am sorry but Maddie has accompanied Emma to Ipswich. Her daughter’s husband is not expected to live. He has an extremely bad case of pneumonia,” replied Mr. Bleasdell. “It is likely that they shall be away a few weeks.”
“Oh, I am sorry to have missed her,” lamented Christopher. “I am to be away for several months to England. Mr. Carr shall be journeying there in a few days and has asked me to accompany him. I should like to have seen Maddie before we set off.”
“She will be sorry to have missed you as well,” replied Mr. Bleasdell. “However, you must come in and see Elizabeth.”
“Very well, lead the way,” replied Christopher, trying to sound cheerful.
“Well, Christopher, it is so good to see you. Undoubtedly, Mr. Bleasdell has informed you of the happenings around here,” said Elizabeth.
“What happy news for the two of you and for Henry,” replied Christopher. “Elizabeth, I have come to tell you that I am to be away about seven months. Mr. Carr has asked me to accompany him to England.”
“Oh, that is a very long time,” replied Elizabeth. “You shall be greatly missed by each and every one of us.”
“I too, shall miss all of you. I so wish that I could have spoken with Maddie before we leave. Please convey to her my disappointment.”
“To be sure,” replied Mr. Bleasdell. “We will be praying for a safe journey for you and for Mr. Carr. Though things have improved somewhat for people who hold to our beliefs in England, you must take care whilst you are there.”
“I shall, and I am obliged to you for your prayers on our behalf. Let me now express my indebtedness to you and Elizabeth for all that you have done for me. I have felt myself to be a part of your family since the day we embarked on our first journey. Though it is my intention to return, at times our plans do not come to fruition, as the sea has swallowed up more than a few on the journey. We know all too well. Thus, I could not have left without expressing my feelings,” declared Christopher.
“Christopher, you must know that we look on you quite as our own son. Consequently, any help we have offered has been for no other reason than for your wellbeing and happiness,” responded Elizabeth affectionately.
“Yes, you are, indeed, a cherished member of this family,” expressed Mr. Bleasdell.
“I must be on my way. I have not even begun to prepare for the journey,” sighed Christopher. Knowing he would be away for so long a time without having seen Maddie was beginning to weigh heavily upon him.
“Goodbye, Christopher,” said Elizabeth, her voice cracking as she attempted to hold back her tears.
“Goodbye, young man,” said Mr. Bleasdell, as he walked Christopher to the door.
Chapter 17
An Unexpected Loss/A Move to Salisbury
* * *
Emma and Madeline arrived in Ipswich where they were greeted by a friend of Jane’s with distressing news. “You must be Emma. And who might this be?” the woman said, gesturing toward Madeline.
“I am Madeline, a friend of Emma’s.”
“I am happy to make your acquaintance? I am Sarah Stevens. Whilst you were yet on your journey, Nathan passed from this life to the next. Jane is doing tolerably well considering all that she has been through. However, as she has many visitors at the moment, I have come in her place.”
“What dreadful news. We are obliged to you for meeting us,” said Emma, sorrowfully. “Poor Jane! What she must have been through. But I am afraid that the next few months may be yet more difficult as she adjusts to the loss.”
Madeline spoke not a word as they walked on to Jane’s home, as the experience was all too familiar.
“As I am sure you know, Emma, Jane is settled about a mile from the body of the town. We should be there directly,” said Sarah. “She will be very happy to see you.”
The three ladies arrived at Jane’s, whereupon a crowd of somber faces greeted them.
“May I ask where Jane is at the moment? I am Emma, her mother, and this is my friend Madeline Pike.”
“We are delighted to make your acquaintance though it is under such unhappy circumstances,” spoke one of the neighbors who had come to offer her sympathies. “It was a very sudden and awful death for such a young man in the blossom of his youth. So tragic! Just so tragic!”
Madeline sensed that Emma wished to be done with the conversation and to be at Jane’s side, so she addressed the lady hoping to distract her while Emma moved by and into the house to find Jane.
“It was so nice of you to pay your respects, but I must excuse myself and see to Jane,” said Emma, as she went into the house.
“Certainly, we shall take our leave,” replied the woman. “Come, let us be off and let these ladies alone to comfort Jane.”
“I am much obliged to you,” said Madeline, as she moved her way to the door to follow after Emma.
“Come in, Madeline. This is my daughter, Jane.”
“It is nice to meet you,” said Madeline, with a look of sorrow.
“I am happy to make your acquaintance,” replied Jane. “It was so good of you to come with Mamma.”
“Jane dear, is there anything that we can do for you?” asked Emma. “Have you had anything to eat today?”
“Do not worry yourself over me, Mamma. I shall be all right. I was in great distress at the beginning of Nathan’s illness; however, God has given me added strength and a great sense of peace these past few days.”
“Madeline and I are so happy to find you in such a frame of mind. It often takes many months or even years to arrive at the place you now find yourself,” expressed Emma, with some relief.
Jane nodded and smiled at her mother’s comforting words. “I was thinking that I may accompany you and Madeline back to Salisbury for a visit. I have so much to consider with regard to the future. I feel that I need to be with my family while I make such weighty decisions.”
“I am so happy to hear that. Though, I had thought I should have a time convincing you of it, as I have been of the same mind,” replied Emma, with delight.
Though she bore it remarkably well, the next few days were difficult for Jane as she said goodbye to Nathan, for she knew that their lives together on this earth were over. However, it was comforting to her that he was now in God’s care, and that they would see each other again when it was her turn to take that final journey.
Madeline and Emma assisted Jane in packing up her belongings. “Have you everything that you wish to take with us?” asked Emma.
“Indeed, I am ready to be off,” replied Jane. “Getting away from the home that Nathan and I shared shall be good for me. I fear that in this place, the grief might be too overwhelming.”
The ladies were off to the shallop for their return trip to Salisbury. It was not long before they caught sight of their destination. They gave a sigh of relief knowing they would very soon be disembarking.
Mr. Foster met the ladies to carry them back to the homestead. “Dear Jane, how happy I am to see you. Let me help you with your things.”
“Oh, Morris, I am happy to see you too. I have missed you,” replied Jane.
“We were hopeful that you would decide to come to Salisbury,” said Mr. Foster, as he put his arm around Emma. “I have missed you too, Emma. It is good to have you home. And, Madeline, how was your trip?”
“In the company of two such wonderful ladies, how could I help but to have a pleasant trip,” replied Madeline with a smile, attempting to lighten the mood. For the trip had, indeed, been a sorrowful one for Jane.
“Let us be going. I am sure that Jane could do with a nap,” said Emma.
“You are so right, Mamma,” replied Jane. “I feel as if I have not slept for a month.”
As they approached the Bleasdell’s home, Madeline said her goodbyes as the others continued on to the Foste
r homestead.
“Well, Madeline, it is good to have you home,” said Elizabeth, as Madeline came in the door. “And how was your time away with Emma and Jane?”
“It was surprisingly uplifting, as Jane was in good spirits when we arrived. She is a most impressive young lady with a very strong faith,” replied Madeline. “I believe that she shall be quite all right.”
“Her character must be very similar to that of her mother’s, as Emma, too, is an extraordinary person,” replied Elizabeth.
“Well, let us speak about all of that later. Have you been quite well while I have been away?” asked Madeline.
“I could not have been otherwise with Bridget, Henry, and Rebecca looking after me,” replied Elizabeth. “They have scarcely let me lift a finger around here.”
“Good. That is what I like to hear,” replied Madeline. “And Mr. Bleasdell, is he well?”
“Indeed he is,” replied Elizabeth. “His feet have scarcely touched the ground since he learned of our happy news.”
“Where is Henry?” inquired Madeline.
“He is off with Bridget. I expect that they shall return very soon. She has been a blessing. Henry has enjoyed nights away at the Dudly home more than once whilst you have been away,” replied Elizabeth.
“That must have been a real adventure for him and a nice break for you I am sure,” replied Madeline.
“Has Christopher come to call while I have been away?” inquired Madeline.
“I have news that concerns Christopher. He has accompanied Mr. Carr to England for supplies,” replied Elizabeth. “They left soon after you had gone to Ipswich.”
“How long will they be away?” inquired Madeline, with a stunned expression.
“When he came to bid us farewell, he said he believed it to be no longer than seven months,” replied Elizabeth. “Madeline, he seemed exceedingly disappointed when he asked us to convey to you his regrets at not having seen you before he left.”
“I had no idea of his taking a journey. He had not mentioned anything about it,” said Madeline glumly.
“He was not aware of it until just a few days before they were to set off,” replied Elizabeth.
Just then, Bridget and Henry returned. “Madeline, what a surprise! It is so good to see you,” said Bridget.
“And you, dear Bridget. I have been informed of your extraordinary efforts on behalf of Elizabeth and Henry,” smiled Madeline. “I am obliged to you for being so dutiful to our fine lady. And, Henry, have you missed me?”
Henry came running over to Madeline to give her a hug. “Madeline, I am so happy you are home. I had hoped you would not be gone for long.”
“How is Jane?” inquired Bridget.
“She has come to Salisbury,” replied Madeline. “Oh, Bridget, she is so much like Emma—such a fine lady with a strong faith. I had thought to comfort her. However, her words spoke more comfort to me than any I might have had for her.”
“I shall be delighted to make her acquaintance, but only when the time is right,” replied Bridget, “as she will surely, for a spell, be in need of some rest and solitude.”
Chapter 18
New Friends and Bad Company
* * *
Emma and Mr. Foster were delighted to have Jane at the homestead. They thought to make her stay as comfortable as possible, for they hoped that she would make Salisbury her permanent home. Mr. Foster met Anthony in town one day when the idea came to him that an addition to his home would lend more space for Jane.
“Good day to you, Anthony,” said Mr. Foster, with a smile. “I would imagine that things are a little slow for you with Mr. Carr away.”
“Indeed they are,” replied Anthony. “He has asked me to oversee a lot of the goings on out on the island. However, things are a bit stalled while we wait for the supplies from England.”
“I could do with a bit of help on my homestead if you are in need of some additional work,” said Mr. Foster. “You see, our daughter, Jane, will be staying with us for a while.”
“I was informed of the unhappy news just this morning. Mr. Bleasdell was in town for a meeting and passed on the sad news. What a terrible loss to your family,” replied Anthony. “I shall be delighted to help out. If you would like, I shall come by tomorrow.”
“Until tomorrow then,” replied Mr. Foster.
Early the following day, Madeline came to call on Jane and Emma. Elizabeth had sent her off to Emma’s in hopes that she might spend some time with Jane. “Good morning, Emma and Jane. Are you all settled in, Jane?”
“Indeed, Madeline,” replied Jane. “Morris and Mamma have been so kind. Morris has even hired someone to help him build on to the homestead. He is of the opinion that I am in need of more space for my things. I have tried to reassure him that I am completely fine and that he need not go to any trouble. However, as is his way, he would have none of it. He has such a generous nature.”
“Indeed he does, but in this case, I believe that he is right,” replied Emma.
“Jane,” said Madeline. “I thought perhaps you might care for a walk?”
“Yes, Jane, go with Madeline and enjoy the fresh air,” insisted Emma.
“I see that the two of you have decided my plans for the day,” replied Jane, with a smile. “Very well, let us go.”
“Goodbye, Emma, I shall return with Jane in a few hours,” said Madeline, as the two set off.
Once outside, Jane lifted her face to the sun, determined to enjoy the day. “Thank you, Madeline. I do believe that a walk will do me good.”
“If you like, we could go down to the river and sit a while,” said Madeline. “It is always so beautiful and peaceful there.”
“Yes, I would like that,” replied Jane.
The new friends strolled along conversing about many things. Before long, they came to the realization that they had a good deal in common.
“Madeline, I am so pleased to have you for a friend. You truly understand my situation. I feel strong one moment, but the very next, I am overcome with emotion. I fear we shall never fully recover from the losses we have suffered. However, I am confident that God has not forsaken us as He has seen fit to provide for our needs,” said Jane, with a smile.
“Indeed he has,” replied Madeline.
They had finally reached the water’s edge when Madeline pointed out, “That island, out there, is Mr. Carr’s island. Bridget, another friend of mine, accompanied me on a full day of exploring the island. We had a grand time. I shall introduce you to Bridget one day very soon. She is truly a loyal and good friend. I am sure the two of you will get on famously.”
“I believe that coming home was a good decision,” replied Jane. “I can see that I shall not want for friendship.”
“Jane, there is Charles Banister’s canoe coming over from the island. He carries people over to the island and back. Soon there will be a ferry service as well. I believe I see Anthony Hall in the canoe with him.”
Soon after, the canoe pulled up to the water’s edge for Anthony to come ashore. “Good morning, Madeline,” said Anthony. “Thank you, Charles, I shall be ashore all day.”
“Very well,” replied Charles. “Good day, ladies,” said Charles, as he shoved off to return to the island.
“I shall have to introduce you to Charles at another time,” said Madeline to Jane. “However, this is Anthony Hall. Anthony, this is Jane Dickson, Emma’s daughter.”
“It is nice to make your acquaintance; I shall be working with Mr. Foster today. I am sorry for the unhappy circumstances that brought you to Salisbury.”
“Oh yes,” replied Jane. “He did mention your name and thank you.”
“And how are you, Madeline?” inquired Anthony. “I have not seen you in a few weeks.”
“I am well, and yes it has been a while since we have been in each other’s company. I accompanied Emma to Ipswich,” replied Madeline.
“Well, ladies, I shall be on my way, as Mr. Foster will be expecting me,” smiled Anthony.
<
br /> “Good day to you, Anthony,” replied Madeline.
“He seems a fine gentleman,” remarked Jane.”
“Indeed, though I have not been acquainted with him long. Shall we take a walk through town?” inquired Madeline.
“I should like that,” replied Jane. “I have heard that the new church has been in use.”
“Yes,” replied Madeline. “It is so grand to see how the town continues to take form. I have often thought, umm well . . . better not to speak of that just now.”
“You were thinking of Oliver, were you not?” inquired Jane. “Do not make yourself uneasy on my account. I would not wish for us to be silent on the subject of our dear husbands. Indeed, it makes the heart ache to remember them, but they are happy thoughts as well.”
“I know just what you mean,” replied Madeline. “They are bittersweet memories, to be sure.”
“Your dear mother is a shining example of God’s abiding love, as He has given her a second chance at happiness,” said Madeline.
“Yes, dear Morris. He has been a wonderful husband and father,” replied Jane. “We love him exceedingly.”
The two ladies were just coming into the center of town when Jarret Ormsby made haste to greet them. His attempts at winning Madeline had failed miserably, and as he had not seen her in quite some time, he was now searching for other prospects.
Now that his interest in me in waning, Jane is sure to attract his attention along with many of the other young ladies of the town, thought Madeline as he was approaching.
“Good day, ladies, and this must be, Jane Dickson. I was informed that you had come to Salisbury. I am Jarret Ormsby; happy to make your acquaintance.”
“I, too, am happy to make your acquaintance,” replied Jane. “We are on a walk through town. It is lovely to see how it has grown. We are headed in the direction of the new church. I so wished to see it, and Madeline was agreeable to the idea.”
“Well then, what a happy coincidence as I had hoped to speak with Reverend Worcester about a matter today,” replied Jarret. “I shall accompany you, if you like?”
Lost Love and Shipwrecked: Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land Page 10