Emma was standing in the doorway to the Bleasdell’s house letting in some fresh air to cool Elizabeth as Christopher arrived. “Good day to you, Christopher,” said Emma gleefully. “We are so happy that you have returned safely. You must know how indebted we all are to you for your efforts on behalf of Jane.”
“It is good to be home,” replied Christopher. “Concerning Jane, I am happy to oblige. Anthony apprised me of all she has been through. To have this added injury at the hands of Jarret . . . well, I am just happy that it shall soon be over.”
“I must be on my way, so I shall let you get to your visit with Elizabeth,” said Emma.
Elizabeth welcomed Christopher warmly as he made his way over to sit down beside her. “Christopher, we are so happy that you have returned safely. You have been continually in our thoughts and prayers. Emma and I were just now conversing with regard to your success in discovering the truth as to Jarret’s forsaking of his poor wife.”
“I was all too happy to report that I had been successful at finding Grace. The town of Norwich was very willing to assist me in obtaining a signed affidavit in which the details of Jarret’s abandonment of his wife have been clearly stated.”
“You have been to your home, have you not?” inquired Elizabeth.
“Indeed I have,” replied Christopher.
“And were you not pleasantly surprised by what you found?” inquired Elizabeth.
“To be sure,” replied Christopher.
“Mr. Bleasdell has been by there many times overseeing and assessing the progress,” informed Elizabeth.
“That was good of him. I was in hopes of seeing Maddie and Henry. Are they to return, soon?” inquired Christopher.
“Oh my, yes,” replied Elizabeth. “In fact, you may see them now if you like. They are just out in the garden.”
“Thank you. I believe that I shall go directly,” replied Christopher. “Good day to you, Elizabeth. It is good to see you looking so well.”
Christopher hastened out the door. With his heart racing, he approached the garden. Henry spotted him as he was drawing close and yelled out his name. Upon hearing Henry yelling Christopher’s name, Madeline fought to regain her composure so as not to appear anxious.
“Well now, who is this young gentleman?” inquired Christopher, with a chuckle.
“It is me, Henry. Do you not recognize me?” he replied, with a quizzical expression.
“This could not be, Henry Bleasdell,” replied Christopher. “You are much too grown up to be little Henry.”
Madeline smiled at Christopher as he bantered back and forth with Henry. “Christopher, it is good to see you. Have you been in to see Elizabeth?”
“Yes, and she is looking very well. She directed me to where I might find you and Henry. Maddie, it has been so long since I have had the pleasure of seeing you. How are you?”
“Just fine, and you? Are you well?”
“I am,” replied Christopher. “I had intended to see you before I set off for England; however, you had already left for Ipswich.”
“I, too, wished to see you before I departed,” replied Maddie, nervously. “But we had to leave so quickly there was not the time to say goodbye.”
“Christopher, tell me about England and the voyage,” said Henry.
“I shall, Henry, but another time, all right?” asked Christopher, wishing to be alone with Maddie.
Just then, however, Mr. Bleasdell returned. Seeing Christopher in the garden, he made haste to greet him. “Christopher, how good it is to see you. We have been eager for your safe return.”
“It is equally good to see you, Mr. Bleasdell,” replied Christopher. “It seems that I have returned at a most opportune time, what with the meeting in a few days.”
“Indeed you have,” replied Mr. Bleasdell. “And from what Emma has conveyed to us, you have made some people very relieved by what you have learned whilst you were away.”
“What has he learned?” inquired Henry, as he had not been privy to any of the happenings in town.
“Henry, I shall tell you all about it later,” replied Christopher. “But for now I wish to speak with Maddie and Mr. Bleasdell. Mr. Bleasdell, there is another bit of pleasant news to share,” Christopher said with a smile. “John Bailey’s sister, Rebecca, has come to Salisbury. I conveyed her to town; at which point, one of the men accompanied her to her brother’s homestead. I should like to have been there when he first set eyes on her, for he was not aware that she was coming at this time.”
“That is good news to be sure,” replied Mr. Bleasdell, with a smile. “He has been exceedingly lonely. Elizabeth shall be delighted to hear that Rebecca has come and will likely wish to pay them a visit.”
Gazing up at Christopher, Madeline remained quiet for a moment. She could scarcely believe that he was actually standing there right in front of her after so many long months away.
Madeline and Christopher soon realized that they could not speak freely with Henry and Mr. Bleasdell there; thus, they would have to wait for another time when they might be alone to talk.
Chapter 31
Jane and Jarret Summoned to Appear/The Selectmen Reprimanded
* * *
It was a Thursday evening; the day of the meeting of the selectmen had arrived. Jarret Ormsby and Jane Dickson had been summoned to appear before the assembly. There was a gathering outside the meetinghouse anxiously awaiting the decision that was to come, regarding the compulsory marriage between Jarret and Jane.
Jarret Ormsby sat smugly at the front of the meeting hall in anticipation of Jane’s arrival. He was of the opinion that the board would vote in his favor. Most of the selectmen were unaware that it had been his intention all along to force their hand in this matter.
Jane finally arrived with Mr. Foster and Emma at her side escorting her to the front of the hall; at which point, they sat down in the row behind her. Mr. Carr had arrived in town the day before the meeting and had been informed of the proceedings. After having been so many months away, he reestablished his position as moderator prior to the commencement of the meeting.
Mr. Carr called the meeting to order, requesting that those involved be seated in the front. Anthony and Christopher rose from their seats and made their way to the front. Much to Jarret’s dismay, they sat down on either side of Jane blocking his view of her, just as the meeting was about to begin.
Mr. Carr began, “The board of selectmen have been called together to address the accusations that have been levied against Jane Dickson.” Pausing he added, “And Jarret Ormsby. Would those through whom the accusations have been made, kindly step forward?”
A couple of the women came forward, claiming to have witnessed inappropriate behavior between Jarret and Jane. They further stated that Jarret had taken them into his confidence, admitting to have committed fornication with Jane Dickson. They then made it apparent to the board that in their opinion, Jarret had been beguiled by Jane, who, by their estimation, was a woman of ill repute. They further explained that they believed his intentions to be admirable, as he wished to do what was required and marry Jane Dickson.
Mr. Carr subsequently addressed Jarret regarding the accusations. Jarret had all of the appearance of a humble man seeking absolution by means of a marriage to what seemed to some to be a wicked woman.
“Then, it is your desire to marry Jane Dickson that you might resolve this matter in accordance with the ordinances of the town,” stated Mr. Carr.
“Yes. That is my desire,” replied Jarret, with his head low attempting to look like a lamb being led to the slaughter.
Mr. Carr determined not to allow Jane to be subjected to any questioning; thus, he stated, “Anthony Hall shall now address the assembly prior to hearing from Jane Dickson.”
It was at this point that Jarret became suspicious, as he wondered what reason they might have for hearing from Anthony Hall. He could not possibly know of Grace, he reasoned, as it has been many years since I was in England. Regardless, he has n
o evidence that she exists.
“Anthony, when did you first become acquainted with Jarret Ormsby?” inquired Mr. Carr.
“My earliest acquaintance with Jarret Ormsby took place in Norwich, England, from whence we both came,” replied Anthony.
Jarret then blurted out, “It is a lie!”
Mr. Carr followed the outburst with a warning to Jarret that he would be escorted out and held secure until the meeting had concluded if he, again, made any such outbursts.
“Anthony, have you anything else to share regarding Jarret Ormsby from your prior acquaintance with him?” inquired Mr. Carr.
“I have,” replied Anthony. “Only this; that he is presently married to a lovely young lady by the name of Grace Ormsby.”
The meeting hall was all a buzz following Anthony’s declaration. Unaware that Christopher was in possession of the affidavit he had obtained in Norwich, Jarret attempted, once again, to call out that what Anthony stated was a lie. Mr. Carr overlooked his second outburst, as he had no desire to have Jarret escorted out before witnessing his reaction to the affidavit.
“Thank you, Anthony Hall. If it pleases the assembly, we shall now hear from Christopher Osgood,” stated Mr. Carr.
“Christopher, have you anything to add regarding Jarret Ormsby and the wife he purportedly has left behind in England?” inquired Mr. Carr.
“I have,” replied Christopher. “Many of you are aware that I have only just returned from England. I had occasion, while in England, to travel to Norwich.”
Jarret’s eyes widened as he came to the realization that Christopher must have met with Grace, though, he thought to himself, He cannot prove any of this. It shall be his word against mine.
Christopher went on to say, “I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of the young lady, Grace Ormsby. Furthermore, what Anthony has said is, indeed, true. Jarret did abandon a wife in England many years ago when he made his way across the ocean. She believed that he would send for her; however, her hopes were in vain as she never heard from him again.”
“What proof have you of this,” insisted Jarret. “Your dislike for me has motivated you to defend a lie!”
“You ask, what proof have I. Only this, the signed affidavit by the abandoned wife, her family members, as well as the leading officials of the town of Norwich,” he said, holding up the affidavit.
Anthony reached over to squeeze Jane’s hand, then smiled and said, “It is almost over now.”
The board of selectmen requested that Christopher present the affidavit for inspection, to which he happily complied. Mr. Carr called the meeting to order, as the room was once again filled with chatter. Within moments, the board unanimously agreed to drop the whole matter, requesting that Jarret remain in his seat following the meeting.
Mr. Carr addressed the members regarding the reputation of Jane Dickson. “It is my hope that the members of this board shall make inquiries regarding the false and malevolent statements made against the character of Jane Dickson. Many of you need to, first, look to your own homes to find those who have aided Jarret in his deception.”
The selectmen glanced sheepishly at each other, for it seemed that they had, once again, allowed rumors to harm the reputation of another of the members of their town. Once everything had settled a bit, and most had left, some of the board members moved forward to speak with Jarret. The room had cleared enough that they became aware that Jarret’s seat was now empty. One of the members questioned the others regarding the request for Jarret to remain. It was then confirmed that the request had been made but that it now appeared Jarret had not complied. Mr. Carr, then, spoke with the others about removing to Jarret’s house to determine his whereabouts. As it had been a repeated offense of making false accusations, on the part of Jarret, the board wished to discipline him for his actions.
Anthony grasped Christopher by the shoulders thanking him for his courage. Jane embraced Emma as the two ladies sank back into their seats. Elizabeth, now that the meeting was over, came in to the hall with Madeline. They had been anxiously waiting outside, with Henry, for news. Upon seeing the faces of everyone inside, they were relieved to see that all had gone well. They, too, sat down with the others, thankful that it was all over. Christopher, glancing back to where Maddie was seated, gave her a smile and a nod, which warmed her heart immensely.
Mr. Bleasdell finally came to where Elizabeth was seated to inquire after her comfort. Not wanting to draw attention to herself, Elizabeth explained quietly that her labor had begun.
Chapter 32
A Blessing for the Bleasdells/A Private Audience/ Mr. Bailey’s Comfort
* * *
The Bleasdell homestead was bustling with anticipation for the arrival of the newest Bleasdell. Each of the participants in this blessed event had hoped to be tucked into their beds after so wearisome a night. However, this was not to be the case, as the child seemed most eager to make its entrance.
Emma and Jane were in the house assisting Elizabeth as the others anxiously waited outside. It was nearly morning and there was not a hint of any noise resembling that of a little baby. Henry grew more and more impatient as the hours passed. Observing Henry’s restlessness, Christopher offered to take him for a walk, to which he responded most excitedly in the affirmative. Mr. Bleasdell was most grateful to Christopher, as he wished to remain close to the house.
Maddie glanced up at Christopher, as he was getting ready to go. He smiled at her vowing to return in a while.
“If the baby should come, send Anthony to fetch us,” said Christopher.
“Yes, of course, he shall come straight away,” replied Maddie.
Christopher and Henry set off in the direction of the river. Henry was delighted, for he desired to demonstrate his skill at skipping stones.
“Shall we skip stones across the top of the water?” inquired Henry enthusiastically.
“I have never been very good at getting them to skip very far,” said Christopher.
“I shall demonstrate it for you exactly as Maddie taught me,” replied Henry.
“Oh, this is a talent you acquired from Maddie,” replied Christopher, with a chuckle. “I might have known.”
Christopher thought this an opportune time to extol the virtues of God in creation, with a particular emphasis on the new life that was about to be born. Henry had many questions, to which Christopher happily responded.
Having this time with Henry reminded Christopher of his dream of teaching the scriptures to children here in the new land. He came to the realization, there with Henry, perhaps teaching opportunities had been there for him all along. All that was required was time—time to skip stones, go for walks or any number of other things, and a willingness to listen and respond. He also thought about little Zachary and how he would have been very much as Henry is now.
Back at the house, Emma remarked, “Elizabeth, it is good to know that you have remained confident in my abilities in spite of the rumors.”
Elizabeth smiled and said, “Emma, I should not wish for anyone other than you to be here with me. Oh, and Jane of course.”
Elizabeth’s labor progressed until, finally, the sound of a baby’s cry filled the air. Once the baby was born, Jane’s entire focus shifted to the child as Emma bestowed her attentions on Elizabeth. The mother and daughter made a great team as they fulfilled their duties to the mother and child.
Mr. Bleasdell and Madeline glanced joyfully at each other and back to the door in anticipation of Jane beckoning for them to come in.
Mr. Foster approached just as Anthony was about to set off to find Henry and Christopher to inform them of the arrival of the baby.
“Mr. Foster, the baby has come!” exclaimed Madeline.
“That is good news, indeed,” replied Mr. Foster.
“Good day, Mr. Foster,” said Anthony. “I am off to fetch Christopher and Henry.”
“Yes, no doubt Henry shall be overjoyed,” replied Mr. Foster. “Mr. Bleasdell, what a happy occasion this i
s.”
“Indeed, though I had not thought it possible after so long a time between Henry and the arrival of this little one,” replied Mr. Bleasdell.
At last, the door opened, and Jane quietly motioned them in to see the new baby. Mr. Bleasdell observed that Elizabeth, though quite at ease now, was visibly exhausted.
“You have a beautiful daughter,” said Elizabeth. “Come and see your little Mary.”
With tears streaming down his cheeks, Mr. Bleasdell drew near to Elizabeth and his new little daughter. “God has been good to grant us another child,” he cried, as he took the baby in his arms.
Anthony finally caught up with Henry and Christopher to give them the good news. “The baby has come.”
Excitedly, Henry and Christopher returned with Anthony to the house; at which point, Henry was overjoyed to see his new baby sister. “What shall we call her?” he inquired.
“Her name is Mary,” replied Elizabeth.
After a short visit with Elizabeth and Mary, Henry and Christopher joined the others outside to give the mother and baby a rest. Madeline and Jane fell back together onto the ground, giggling incessantly out of sheer exhaustion.
Aware that Mr. Foster had stayed in town to inquire after the whereabouts of Jarret, Mr. Bleasdell asked, “What has become of Jarret?”
“It appears that he has thrown some of his possessions together and made a hasty escape,” replied Mr. Foster. “I cannot say that I am unhappy to see him go; however, in so doing, he has avoided the consequences of his actions.”
A while later, to relieve Mr. Bleasdell of some of the chores, Anthony and Christopher worked around the Bleasdell homestead for a few hours. However, when Jane was finally ready to go home, Anthony took leave of his work to accompany her. In spite of the fact that they had been up all night and most of the day, they found themselves to be full of enthusiasm with regard to the new birth as well as their future plans to marry.
Lost Love and Shipwrecked: Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land Page 20