Lost Love and Shipwrecked: Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land
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At an opportune moment with Christopher, Mr. Carr divulged his feelings for Elizabeth. “I wish to ask for her hand in marriage before we reach the end of our crossing,” said Mr. Carr, with trepidation.
“Well, that is wonderful news,” replied Christopher. “But what is this mood of apprehension I am sensing?”
“Do you think it is too soon, as we have only known each other a short while?” inquired Mr. Carr.
“Ah, now I understand the source of it. You are concerned, are you not, that she may not accept you, as you have held such a short acquaintance?” inquired Christopher.
“Indeed, and as I am almost twenty years her senior, she may not think me a suitable husband,” replied Mr. Carr.
Christopher smiled and reassured Mr. Carr that from what he had observed of her countenance whenever she was in his presence, the chances of her accepting him were very much in his favor.
“I do not wish to let this opportunity pass, as she shall be living in Ipswich and not in Salisbury. Hence, continuing a courtship, though not impossible, would present some difficulty,” sighed Mr. Carr, as he was mustering up the nerve to approach Elizabeth. “As we are about halfway through our journey, tomorrow shall be the day that I inquire after her feelings with regard to marriage,” he said, resolutely.
“I shall beseech the Lord to steady you as you speak with her, for your nerves seem to be in great need of calming,” chuckled Christopher.
The following afternoon, Mr. Carr approached Elizabeth and requested an audience with her. “Elizabeth, we shall be disembarking in a few weeks; therefore, I believe this to be a fitting time to express to you my regard and admiration. Although there is a great deal of difference in our ages, if you will accept my hand, I shall endeavor to do my very best to make you happy. Furthermore, I shall provide very well for you, especially once the ferry service gets underway. Elizabeth, let me say it clearly; I love you and wish to marry you.”
“Mr. Carr, I need not be convinced of your worthiness, as I have found you to be one of the most worthy gentlemen in all my acquaintance,” replied Elizabeth, with a smile. “I shall be honored to accept your hand.”
“Elizabeth, you have made me a very happy man!” exclaimed Mr. Carr. “To think, I should never have met you had I not returned to England for supplies. We must share our news with Christopher, as he is sure to be very pleased.”
The joyful couple sought out Christopher to convey the happy news. Christopher was overjoyed, though, observing them together made him think of Maddie. He thought about the fact that he had never given her any indication that he wished to marry her, as he had held conflicting emotions for so long regarding that subject. He had even entertained thoughts of speaking with her before setting off for England, but he knew that he was, at that time, not altogether prepared to do so, and she was away at the time. However, the long separation from her had served to settle it for him. He now longed to explain the battle that had been raging within, and at long last request her hand in marriage.
But for now, a few weeks remained until the end of the journey. What is more, she may not even return my feelings, he thought.
Chapter 25
Jane’s Nightmare/Reputations Destroyed/Reassurances
* * *
Although the warm weather had come early that year and there had been very little snow, all the same it had been a hard winter for two of the ladies of Salisbury. Madeline had been growing more and more anxious for Christopher’s return and, for Jane, the constant worry over the situation with Jarret had become almost too much to bear.
Early one morning, Jane was awakened by a dreadful dream in which she saw herself married to Jarret and forced to live in his home. She sighed with immense relief upon waking to the reality that she had not married Jarret and was safely in her own home with her dear parents. She decided she had to get up quietly, so as not to wake anyone, and move to the door. She thought that the fresh air blowing on her face might serve to calm her.
She made her way out into the yard without disturbing any of the other sleeping occupants. Finding her favorite tree to recline under, she prayed for strength and for the truth to come out regarding Jarret’s lies. Before long, she heard someone coming up behind her. She turned with a start, only to find that it was Anthony.
“You scared me half out of my wits!” she exclaimed, grasping her chest as if to prevent her heart from flying out.
“Pray forgive me,” replied Anthony, gently touching her arm. “I did not expect to find you out here so early.”
Attempting to distract from being asked the reason she was out so early in the morning, she said, “Anthony, you are too good to us, coming here every day as you do. You have helped Morris immensely, what with adding on to the house amongst many other things. I shall miss you when you return to working for Mr. Carr full time.”
Anthony smiled upon hearing Jane say that she would miss him.
Realizing what she had just disclosed, Jane felt a bit embarrassed. “Well, you take my meaning, do you not? I um . . . I mean we are just very accustomed to having you here,” she said, trying to lessen the possible impact of her previous comment.
Averting her gaze away from Anthony, she felt her cheeks flush. “I must be going inside now,” she said, as she hastened away leaving Anthony standing there staring after her.
Anthony remained by the tree a while thinking about what Jane had said, wondering if she had truly meant it or if she was simply making conversation. She did appear to be caught off guard by her own words as though she had not intended to speak them, he thought. Whether she truly meant it, he knew not, but he was sure of his own feelings. He would miss her when he was not needed by Mr. Foster any longer.
I must get back to work and leave off from contemplating over this any longer, he decided. However, as he walked toward the barn, he continued to think about Jane. I wonder if she realizes that I am aware of the baby. When she was speaking the other night with regard to future children, she must have been referring to the baby that she is now carrying. However, she may well desire to be married again and have other children. Shaking his head so as to disrupt any further thoughts of Jane, he launched into his work.
Once inside, Jane began to wonder why she had said that to Anthony. Did she really feel that way? If only I had not said aloud that I shall miss him, she thought. Now I shall be uneasy whenever he is present.
Emma and Mr. Foster had awakened shortly after Jane returned to the house. “You are up bright and early today, my dear,” said Emma.
“Oh, I am sorry if I woke you,” replied Jane. “With all of this Jarret business, I was having a bit of trouble sleeping. In fact, I had a terrible nightmare in which I was married to him.”
“Oh, that is terrible to be sure. I should imagine it would be difficult to sleep with everything that has taken place,” replied Emma, with a sympathetic tone. “Perhaps a walk might take your mind off things. However, if you go, remember to go in the opposite direction from town.”
“No, I do not believe I shall take a walk just now, for I do not wish to run into Jarret. I am a bit fearful of being away from the house no matter the direction, as Jarret tends to pop up in the most unlikely places,” uttered Jane. She also felt uneasy about seeing Anthony, but could not mention that to Emma.
“In a short while I shall be setting off to call on one of our mothers. Perhaps you ought to accompany me, as it has always been a good distraction for you.”
“Indeed, that is precisely what I need to keep my mind more agreeably engaged.”
Mr. Foster joined Anthony outside just as he was finishing up some of the morning chores.
“Good morning, Anthony. I am indebted to you for all that you have done to assist me over the past few months.”
“It has been my pleasure. Being with you and your family has kept me from missing my relatives back in England,” replied Anthony. “Thus, it shall be difficult to do without the constant companionship that I have so enjoyed.”
“I must confess that, if she is agreeable, I should like to call on Jane when the time is right,” divulged Anthony. “I have come to greatly esteem her, as I have daily observed her character. I find her to be a caring and courageous young lady.”
“I could not wish for a better man for Jane,” replied Mr. Foster.
“In that case, have I your approval?”
“Certainly.”
“We need not mention any of this to Jane just now,” said Anthony, “for though I am eager to commence with courting, it is too soon for Jane.”
Emma and Jane came out of the house just as Anthony had finished speaking with Mr. Foster regarding his desire to court Jane.
“To where are you ladies off?” inquired Mr. Foster.
“We have an expectant mother who is in need of a visit, as it has been a few weeks since we last we saw her,” replied Emma. “From there, we shall walk over to call on Elizabeth.”
“Be sure to keep your distance from Jarret,” warned Mr. Foster.
“We shall,” replied Emma.
Jane and Anthony glanced at each other as Emma said goodbye. The easy manner with each other they had previously enjoyed seemed now to be far out of reach. To their dismay, it had been replaced by an unexpected awkwardness.
“Jane, you did not even speak to Anthony. Is there anything amiss with you today?” inquired Emma.
“Not a thing,” replied Jane, “I could not think of anything I wished to say.”
“You should have at least bid him goodbye,” replied Emma, with a sigh.
Emma wondered what could have happened to change the friendly way in which Jane and Anthony had always gotten along together, as it seemed apparent that neither wished to address the other.
Jane and Emma arrived at the home where they were to execute their usual duties, only to be turned away by the woman’s husband. He met them at the door with the following words: “In view of the fact that the most recent birth in which you assisted ended in the death of the child, we find that you are ill qualified to assist in the birth of our baby.”
“Am I to understand that you are blaming me for the death of the Haddon’s baby?” inquired Emma.
“Yes, that is precisely what I am saying,” he replied.
“May I inquire after your wife’s opinion on this matter, and whether she remains in good health?” asked Emma, concerned that it was getting close to the woman’s time. “She must not be left unattended, or you may indeed lose the baby, and then it shall be on your head.”
“It is no longer your concern. She is being cared for by another and is certainly receiving every possible attention,” replied the man.
“I shall not intrude any longer, as it is plain to see that we are unwelcome,” replied Emma, while walking away in utter disbelief at what had transpired.
“Oh, Mamma, Jarret is sure to be the ruin of us all if he is to be so easily believed,” cried Jane.
“It is by no means certain that Jarret is the cause of our having been turned away,” replied Emma. “Though I shall admit that it is highly probable that he is.”
“I feel quite unwell and wish to return home,” uttered Jane sadly.
“Very well. I shall see you home before I call on Elizabeth; I know I shall not be turned away from the Bleasdell’s,” replied Emma.
Jane and Emma hastened back home, as they had no desire to be stopped by anyone for conversation along the way. Once home, with tears spilling from her eyes, Jane made haste for the door.
Mr. Foster and Anthony inquired after the reason for the ladies’ swift return, as they had intended to be out most of the day. Emma explained what had taken place while endeavoring to remain composed.
“Jane is greatly troubled by this, is she not?” inquired Anthony, upon observing her countenance as she hastened inside.
“Indeed, and she is terribly concerned that Jarret shall be believed regarding anything he asserts about our family,” replied Emma.
“The man will stoop to any level to get Jane with no regard for her wellbeing or happiness,” said Mr. Foster.
“Mr. Foster, I am of the opinion that Emma and Jane are in need of the confidential information of which I am in possession, regarding Jarret,” expressed Anthony. “It is sure to ease their minds.”
“If that is your wish, Anthony,” replied Mr. Foster, with a nod. “You can be sure that they shall not disclose the news to anyone.”
Anthony explained everything to Emma regarding Jarret and his wife as well as his hopes upon Christopher’s return for obtaining proof to present to the town.
“Oh, Anthony, this information is certain to cheer Jane,” replied Emma, with a sigh. “She must be informed directly. Mr. Foster and I shall go inside and ask Jane to come out to speak with you. I am obliged to you for giving us this hope that all of this may soon be over.”
As Mr. Foster and Emma went in to speak with Jane, they found her sitting quietly in a corner gazing up at a wall as if it were some faraway place. Mr. Foster spoke softly to her explaining that Anthony had some news that was sure to encourage. Jane did not move or even acknowledge that she had heard him speaking; thus, Emma walked over to her and began stroking her hair while whispering that she must hear what Anthony had to say. She finally turned her eyes to Emma. Conceding to her request, she rose and moved toward the door.
As she stepped out in the yard, Anthony said, “Jane, I must speak with you.” Taking her by the arm, he led her over to sit under the tree he had seen her reclining under many times before. “I have information regarding Jarret that I hope shall set your mind more at ease. I have not spoken to you about it before now, as I had not the proof to support my claims.”
Jane sat emotionless as Anthony began to tell her everything regarding Grace, his hometown, his encounter with Jarret, and that he was hopeful that Christopher would return with the proof.
Upon hearing all that Anthony had disclosed, Jane finally spoke. “Anthony, can this be true? Jarret has a wife in England? I should not doubt it, as he is the kind of man that would be so horrible as to abandon a wife. Is it truly your belief that Christopher will have obtained proof?” she inquired, with a sense of relief slowly sweeping over her as she gazed into Anthony’s eyes.
Waiting for her to absorb all that he had divulged, Anthony replied to her questions, “Jane, I believe that Christopher shall make every effort to find Grace and secure proof of her existence. If, however, he is unsuccessful, I shall never allow Jarret to force you into marriage. If it should become necessary, I shall steal you away from here. Though, I believe that it shall not come to that, as there is every reason to hope that Christopher shall be successful.”
“You are too kind,” replied Jane. “However, there are things about me of which you are unaware.”
“If you are referring to the baby, I already know,” replied Anthony, while taking hold of Jane’s hand.
Stunned by all that Anthony had said, Jane dared to glance in his direction, whereupon she observed a gentleness in his expression. Seeing this, she felt a warmth come over her and, for the moment, all of her fears melted away. She knew that come what may Anthony would protect her from Jarret.
Chapter 26
The Return Voyage/Decisions and Confessions/New Acquaintances
* * *
Christopher looked intently out over the vast blue ocean deeply absorbed in his thoughts of Maddie. He was beginning to wonder what he might say to her upon his return to Salisbury. His recollection of how she had always conducted herself toward him whenever they were together suggested that her feelings must be similar to his own. Thus, he finally settled in his mind that upon his return he intended to ask for her hand.
Shaking his head, he thought, I must speak with Anthony concerning Jarret before I attend to my own wishes and desires. Heaven knows what disastrous events may have taken place in the time that we have been away.
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Just then, Mr. Carr approached. “Good morning, Christopher. Did you sleep well?”
“Tolerable, and you?” replied Christopher.
“Very well,” replied Mr. Carr, with a smile. “Christopher, as I was speaking with Mr. Winsley last night, I learned of his intention to settle in Salisbury. It is curious, but in all this time with him aboard ship, I was unaware that we shall be neighbors. George Martin shall be settling in Salisbury as well as work for Mr. Winsley. Given that they are great friends, Mr. Winsley desired to pay for George’s passage, free of obligation. However, George insisted on working for his fare. He insists that Mr. Winsley not pay for his services until such time as his debt for the passage is paid in full.”
“Mr. Winsley made him a very kind offer,” replied Christopher. “Were you aware that Mr. Winsley spoke with me just the other day regarding George Martin? He informed me that George’s parents, Christopher Martin and Marie, his stepmother, came across the ocean on the Mayflower only to die the very first winter. As George was still a small child, he remained in England with his aunt, Christopher’s sister. Upon her death, Mr. Winsley, being a friend of the family, took him in. It seems that he is more like a son, to him, than a servant.”
Just as Mr. Carr and Christopher were concluding their conversation, George Martin strolled up.
“Good day to you,” smiled George.
“And to you,” replied Mr. Carr. “We were just speaking of your parents and their voyage over on the Mayflower. Once settled, they were to send for you, were they not?”
“Indeed, they were,” replied George. “I was living with my aunt in England at the time. She was to allow me to come over to be with my father. My father and stepmother had a dream similar to many others who have journeyed to the ‘new land.’ My greatest desire is to carry on that dream.”
“They would have been proud, to be sure,” replied Christopher.