By this time, Mr. Foster and Anthony were holding their sides from laughter. Seeing that Jane made light of the situation, regarding the news about Jarret, everyone felt relieved.
“Jane, to think we were concerned regarding your ability to manage such dismal news,” remarked Mr. Foster. “I hope you can forgive us for failing to recognize that you have become quite a strong and very grown up lady.”
“I may one day struggle with similar things with my own children, so I shall not hold it against you. If there is one thing I know to be true, what you did, you did out of love for me,” said Jane, with a smile. “I am privileged to have such wonderful parents.”
Anthony was happy to have stayed again for dinner, as he was blessed by the affection that the Fosters had for each other. Later that night, something that Jane said played over and over in his mind: “I know I shall one day struggle with similar things with my own children.”
Not knowing the truth about Jane’s condition, he was persuaded that, though her heart must still be grieving the loss of Nathan, she must not be opposed to marrying again. With each passing day, Anthony’s admiration for Jane continued to grow.
***
A few weeks had passed since Jane had learned of Jarret’s treachery. She had not been to town for anything other than Sunday services. Consequently, in all that time, Jarret had been unable to speak with her directly. Moreover, he had not, yet, felt himself bold enough to call at the Foster’s homestead knowing that it might provoke them to inform Jane of his shortcomings.
One particular sunny morning, Jarret thought, No matter how the Fosters react to my coming, I shall call on Jane today, as it has been weeks since last we met. I cannot wait any longer for a chance encounter to occur.
Jarret sauntered over to the Foster’s homestead whereupon he was met by Mr. Foster and Anthony. “Jarret, what may I ask are you doing here?” inquired Mr. Foster, with Anthony standing close by.
“I have come to call on Jane,” replied Jarret.
“Jane is not accepting visitors today, for that matter any day where you are concerned,” replied Mr. Foster.
“And do you presume to speak for her?” retorted Jarret, in a defiant tone.
“Indeed I do,” replied Mr. Foster. “You are not welcome here so I should not return if I were you, as you will not be permitted entrance.”
“I shall take my leave, but you cannot prevent me from speaking with her when she is in town,” Jarret demanded as he turned to leave, sputtering to himself.
Anthony expressed some concern to Mr. Foster over Jarret’s threat. “It is my opinion that we have not heard the last of Jarret on this matter, as he is not so easily dissuaded.”
“We shall just have to keep Jane close by whenever we are in town. He will eventually move on to some other poor unsuspecting soul,” replied Mr. Foster.
The following morning, Mr. Bleasdell stopped by to speak with Mr. Foster. “I am on my way to call on an old friend, Mr. Bailey, for I have not seen him in all of my time here in Salisbury. He moved here a short time before we came to Salisbury. He is a good man, though he has had his troubles since leaving England. Elizabeth has been insisting for quite some time that I locate the residence of Mr. Bailey. However, until just recently we had not heard tell of him by any of the townsfolk. Finally, just the other day as I happened to be in town, I overheard his name spoken in a conversation. I inquired after his whereabouts, and was told where he may be found. In truth, had I come right out and asked, someone could have told me where to find him. I am ashamed that I have neglected him for so long. If you have the time, would you be inclined to accompany me?”
“Very well, as he is a friend of yours it will be my pleasure to make his acquaintance,” replied Mr. Foster.
“Anthony, we will return in a few hours,” said Mr. Foster.
“I shall look after things around here today,” responded Anthony.
“Thank you, Anthony,” replied Mr. Foster, as he headed in to inform Emma that he would be away for a good part of the day.
Mr. Bailey had procured a plot of land from the town near the Merrimac River. He made his living as a fisherman, for he was one of only a few men supplying the surrounding towns. Mr. Bleasdell had been informed by the one who had disclosed Mr. Bailey’s whereabouts that he had yet been unsuccessful in convincing his wife to come over from England with their other children. Knowing this to be a great strain on Mr. Bailey, he wished to offer his support and any counsel of which he may have need, regarding his predicament.
Providentially, Mr. Bailey was just returning home when Mr. Foster and Mr. Bleasdell approached. “Good day to you, Mr. Bleasdell. It is very good to see you.”
“And you,” replied Mr. Bleasdell. “How have you been, my friend?”
“Oh, tolerably well,” replied Mr. Bailey.
“This is, Mr. Foster, another friend of mine,” said Mr. Bleasdell, motioning to Mr. Foster.
“So good to make your acquaintance,” replied Mr. Bailey. “As I am not often in town, I have not had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with many of the people.”
“Mr. Bailey, I should have been here to see you long ago,” said Mr. Bleasdell shamefacedly. “I was informed that your wife remains in England.”
“Yes and I am at a loss as to what to do,” replied Mr. Bailey. “I cannot fault my wife, as I too am frightened to, again, cross the ocean.”
“Mr. Bailey, this is a tragic situation to be sure,” replied Mr. Foster. “How hard it must have been for you out here alone missing your wife and children.”
“Well, thankfully, I have had two of my children here with me,” replied Mr. Bailey. “John Jr. and Joanna accompanied me over from England.”
“Oh, I was unaware of that,” replied Mr. Foster. “That is some comfort, then.”
“Joanna has recently married,” said Mr. Bailey. “However, John Jr. remains here with me, at present.”
“Is there any way that we can be of assistance to you in this matter?” inquired Mr. Foster.
“If I only knew in what way you might assist me,” replied Mr. Bailey, “but I fear that there is no remedy to be found for my quandary. If only I had remained in England.”
“John,” said Mr. Bleasdell softly. “We will pray on this matter for as long as it takes to find a solution; however, you must not stay out here alone, excepting your children of course, as there are folks in town who should enjoy becoming acquainted with you.”
“I am much obliged to you for your friendship,” replied Mr. Bailey. “I, too, should have sought you out before now; however, the next time I am in town I shall come to call.”
“We must take our leave now,” said Mr. Bleasdell. “We will call again, soon.”
“It was nice to make your acquaintance,” said Mr. Foster, with a smile and a pat on Mr. Bailey’s shoulder.
Mr. Bailey gave a nod as Mr. Bleasdell and Mr. Foster turned to leave. Mr. Foster spoke about the sorrowful situation most of the way back. He felt sure that there must be a way to reunite Mr. Bailey with his family. Mr. Bleasdell concurred, but neither had an immediate answer.
Later that night, when Mr. Bleasdell was at home with Elizabeth, he related Mr. Bailey’s situation and that it was not much improved since he had left Ipswich. Elizabeth assured that she would remember him in her prayers, as she understood that separation from his loved ones must be a terrible thing. She also insisted that they not allow a great deal of time to pass before calling again on Mr. Bailey.
Chapter 22
Rumors and Lies
* * *
It had been a few weeks since Jarret’s last attempt at visiting Jane. While in town one day, Mr. Foster heard a rumor that Jarret had been claiming to be courting Jane. He could not comprehend what benefit this could be to Jarret, as Jane was not likely to affirm his lie. Though he was certain that the rumors were not true, he decided he must inform Jane and Emma.
“I heard a strange rumor in town that Jarret is claiming to have been courting y
ou for many weeks, Jane,” stated Mr. Foster, with a scowl.
“Did I hear you correctly?” asked Jane, stunned.
“Yes, and I am sorry to say that it was from a reliable source,” replied Mr. Foster miserably, knowing he must accept that it must be true. “I am unsure as to why he would say such a thing, as he must surely know that you would set it straight.”
“I cannot imagine what he is up to this time,” replied Emma angrily.
“God alone knows what goes on in Jarret’s wretched mind,” replied Jane, as she was becoming distressed at the thought of her condition in relation to this terrible news. “How would you advise me with regard to putting an end to these rumors?”
“I shall discuss this with Mr. Bleasdell, as I have come to believe him to be a man of great wisdom,” replied Mr. Foster. “I shall go directly.”
“I agree, for we must take action soon,” replied Emma, “as Jarret has several powerful friends in town who will surely believe him.”
Mr. Foster made haste for the Bleasdell’s home, wishing that Anthony had been working with him today, as he would certainly have been of assistance in this situation. As he arrived at the Bleasdell’s, Madeline came out of the house to gather some vegetables from the garden with Henry ready to assist her.
“Mr. Foster, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?” she asked, with a smile.
“I must speak with you all on a matter of some delicacy,” replied Mr. Foster. “Are the Bleasdells inside?”
“Yes, they are,” replied Madeline. “Follow me; I shall show you in.”
“Mr. Bleasdell and Elizabeth, Mr. Foster desires to speak with us,” informed Madeline.
“Come in, Mr. Foster,” replied Elizabeth. “Do take a seat. May I offer you some tea?”
“No, but thank you, Elizabeth,” replied Mr. Foster. “I have just heard very distressing news. I must seek your advice, as I am unsure as to the best course of action.”
“Do go on,” replied Mr. Bleasdell.
“There has been a rumor circulated in town in which Jarret and Jane are courting. I believe that it has been initiated by Jarret, but for the life of me, I cannot comprehend what his motive might be.”
“What arrogance! Does he truly believe that starting such rumors would compel Jane to consent to such a thing? Are we never to be rid of Jarret Ormsby and his deception?” inquired Madeline furiously.
“I share your frustration Madeline; however, now is not the time to allow it to distract us from the problem. We must try and seek out the motive behind this, as it will surely help us to come up with a solution,” replied Mr. Bleasdell.
“You are right. I am sorry,” replied Madeline. “There has to be a reason behind this madness.”
“You decided in the last meeting of the selectmen what actions to take in instances where there had been fornication, did you not?” inquired Elizabeth.
“Yes, but what has that to do with this situation?” inquired Mr. Bleasdell.
She continued, “Was it not the opinion of the selectmen that our town would take a different course of action than it had on previous occasions regarding the punishment for such things? And was it not, also, decided that the couple should marry rather than be lashed or fined?”
“Indeed it was,” replied Mr. Foster, with a look of shock, as he was beginning to take Elizabeth’s meaning. “Clearly that must be the motive, as he has certainly been made aware of the decision. However, as yet, no accusation of fornication has been levied.”
“If she is right, you can expect just such an accusation to be secretly instigated by none other than Jarret. He only has to set in motion a little gossip among certain of the woman in town, to force the board of selectmen to take action,” replied Mr. Bleasdell, with a scowl.
“We must take steps to prevent him from going any further with this,” replied Madeline, aghast, as it occurred to her what people might think once Jane’s condition became known.
“I do not believe that we should alert anyone to this, as yet, for we may be mistaken. Moreover, if we are wrong, we might be planting ideas into Jarret’s head,” said Mr. Foster. “What is your opinion, Mr. Bleasdell?”
“Perhaps you are right,” replied Mr. Bleasdell. “When in town, let us keep our ears open for any news regarding this situation and whenever possible squelch any rumors regarding Jarret and Jane.”
“I am much obliged to all of you for your concern for Jane,” said Mr. Foster, with a sigh. “I must be off now, as Jane and Emma will be eager for my return.”
“Do not worry, my friend,” said Mr. Bleasdell, as Mr. Foster was leaving. “We will be in prayer for guidance.”
Mr. Foster returned home with a heavy heart, knowing that he must divulge what Elizabeth had wisely discerned to be Jarret’s motive for the lies he had been spreading. Emma and Jane were of the same opinion as Elizabeth upon learning of the conclusions at the last meeting of the selectmen, regarding fornication.
***
Two days had gone by, when Anthony returned to assist Mr. Foster with the house. He had been in town the day before whereupon he heard of the rumors concerning Jarret and Jane.
“Good day, Mr. Foster,” said Anthony. “I have disturbing news.”
“I may know of what you speak,” replied Mr. Foster. “It involves Jarret and Jane, does it not?”
“I venture to guess that you have already heard the despicable gossip,” replied Anthony.
Mr. Foster nodded in response to Anthony. He went on to explain what they had deduced with regard to Jarret’s motives. Anthony agreed with their conclusions as well as the course of action on which they had settled.
The following day, Emma and Jane came to call at the Bleasdell’s home to see how Elizabeth was getting along.
“Elizabeth, how are you feeling today?” inquired Emma.
“I am very well,” replied Elizabeth. “It will not be long now, and I shall be holding a new little one in my arms. And how are you, Jane?”
“I, too, am well, considering,” replied Jane. “Though the matter with Jarret did make me a bit low, I am determined not to allow the rumors to upset me any longer.”
“That is good, as I am sure this will all be settled very soon,” replied Elizabeth.
“Madeline, perhaps you would care for a walk,” said Jane. “Mamma will be here with Elizabeth.”
“I am happy to,” replied Madeline as she rose to go. “We will return in a little while.”
“Take your time; we are not in any hurry,” replied Emma.
Madeline and Jane decided in order to avoid Jarret, it was best if they walked away from town. They did not wish to add any credibility to his rumors by allowing Jane to be seen in his company.
“Jane, tell me the truth; how are you really?”
“Madeline, I must admit that this whole business is a bit disconcerting, especially under the circumstances. I am glad that I have taken you into my confidence, regarding the baby.”
“We may be wrong about Jarret’s motives and nothing will come of this,” assured Madeline.
“We can only pray that you are right,” replied Jane. “Is that not Anthony coming our way?”
“I believe you are right. He must be heading into town,” replied Madeline.
Anthony approached from the direction of the Merrimac, for he had been out on Carr’s Island.
“Good day, ladies. How are you this fine day?” asked Anthony, attempting to be cheerful.
“We are tolerably well considering that our walks will now be limited to this direction, as it is away from town,” replied Madeline.
“If you wish to walk into town, I shall be your escort,” replied Anthony. “Jarret would not dare show his face in my presence.”
“And why is that?” inquired Madeline, with a smile. She had always had a suspicion that Anthony held some bit of knowledge of which Jarret was afraid.
“Well, it is just that Jarret seems to come up amongst the missing whenever he sees me,” replied Anthony,
with a look that seemed to suggest that there was more to the story.
Madeline decided not to press Anthony on the subject any further, for she was just glad to have him escort them into town.
“We should be delighted to walk with you,” replied Jane, with a determined tone in her voice that demonstrated her defiance against Jarret’s rumors and the busybodies who believed them.
Thus, they set off where they eventually came upon Bridget who, out of concern for Jane, had been searching for them. “Oh, Jane, I hear that Jarret is up to his old tricks. Please do not be concerned over Jarret, as there are sure to be many who refuse to believe such rumors,” insisted Bridget.
Jarret emerged from Mr. North’s shop as Jane and her friends were outside conversing with one another. Without saying a word, he quickly turned away and went in the direction of his house.
“You were right,” said Jane to Anthony. “He surely would have come over to speak with us had you not been here.”
“Let us go in to Mr. North’s shop and have a look around while we are here,” said Madeline.
“Why not,” smiled Jane, heaving a sigh of relief that things seemed to be going well with Anthony along.
Once inside the store, Madeline went searching for Susanna North.
“Good day to you, Susanna,” said Madeline, with a smile. “It is very nice to see you again.”
“And you,” replied Susanna, happy that Madeline had come over to converse with her. “Have you come with Jane Dickson?” she inquired.
“Yes, she is with me. Do you wish to speak with her?” asked Madeline.
“No, but I must speak with you regarding Jane,” whispered Susanna, ushering Madeline over to a secluded corner. “A man by the name of Jarret Ormsby has just been in the store seeking out a gift for your friend. He said that they had been courting for some time and that they were soon to be married. I have to say that I believed this to be a falsehood owing to the facts with which I had been presented, regarding Mr. Ormsby. Facts that my father had divulged in an effort to protect me from being taken in by his attentions. Furthermore, as Jane is clearly still grieving the loss of her husband, I did not find his story to be credible.”
Lost Love and Shipwrecked: Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land Page 13