by Cathy Bryant
Susanna roared with laughter after listening to her husband. “I know all too well how irritable one can be from being ordered about. Our poor, dear Madeline Osgood bore the brunt of my bad humor, since I was staying with her at the time.”
With an innocent look upon his face, William gave his version of the story to Alexander. “It wasn’t so much that I ordered her about. I believe I simply suggested that she follow the apothecary’s orders. As for Madeline Osgood, in view of the fact that she also had a bit of a spirited side, she was greatly amused at seeing Susanna so cross.”
All three adults were laughing at this point, and as the young husband observed his friends, he was grateful to have two such wonderful people in his life.
“You have both spoken of this Madeline Osgood so often over the years, it is quite clear that you truly loved her,” Alexander said with a smile, for he felt much the same about Susanna and William.
“Yes, she was one of a kind. And if it had not been for her, Susanna and I would most likely never have met,” William responded as he looked devotedly at his wife.
As he observed the affection the couple had for one another, Alexander hoped that someday he and Sarah might share a similar kind of relationship. “Well, I hope you come to the house for a visit. Sarah is very fond of company, and I am certain the distraction would be much appreciated.”
“But of course,” smiled William. “We would be delighted to pay you both a visit.”
The Presseys left after that, with a promise to call very soon at the Swyndhurst estate. Alexander then made his way out of the church. As he passed by a gentleman fitting the description the reverend had given him of a man who had been paying his wife a little too much attention, he observed that the man was glaring at him. If he had any doubt about whether this was the man about whom they had spoken, after observing his expression he believed he must indeed be Mr. Raymond. Yes, I would describe his eyes as piercing. He appears none too happy to see me. He couldn’t possibly have thought that Sarah was pleased by his attentions. As Alexander approached his wagon to leave, missing Sarah, he was eager to get home.
A short time later, Alexander stabled his horses. After entering the house, he went in search of Sarah. Finding her in the parlor reading her Bible, he went over to inquire as to how she was feeling.
Looking a little downcast, she responded, “I am fine, Alexander. I just wish I could have gone with you.”
With compassion, he replied, “I am certain that in a few weeks you shall be able to come along with me. The Presseys send their regards. They are staying with their son’s children while he and his wife are away.”
“Oh, how nice. The Presseys are such lovely people. So kind.”
“They are indeed. They intend to visit in the near future. They want to see for themselves how you are getting along. In fact, William shared a story with me about a time when Susanna had been injured and had to convalesce for a time. It seems she didn’t take it very well.”
Smiling, Sarah inquired, “Did his account remind you of anyone in particular?”
Shaking his head, he answered, “If I am not careful how I answer that question, I might find myself in hot water.”
The couple had a good laugh over this. Martha happened to be passing by the parlor just then. Hearing the laughter, she stopped to listen. The elderly woman was delighted to hear the two young people getting on so well. Looking up, she beseeched, “Lord, I pray for the Swyndhursts. Let them grow to love each other as a husband and wife ought.”
Later that night, Alexander and Sarah were, once again, in Alexander’s bedchamber. Sarah, though not completely comfortable with the idea, was becoming accustomed to sharing her husband’s room. She was, however, grateful he never pressured her for anything more than conversation. Truth be told, she was beginning to enjoy their private times together. Being in her husband’s company, at first, had been a good distraction from what would have otherwise been unvarying days of rest. Now, spending time with him was quickly becoming the highlight of her days. To her, he always seemed so attentive and kind. He also told many interesting stories relating to his childhood. Still, she had a troubling feeling her marriage was moving in a direction she wasn’t yet ready for. Although she felt unprepared for such a change, she couldn’t help but be drawn to her husband a little more every day. Nonetheless, had she known how difficult it had been for her husband to behave like a gentleman with a beautiful woman in his bed every night, she may have been hesitant about continuing to share his bedchamber.
Alexander had also been enjoying their time together. He hoped that Sarah might be growing fond of him, for he had already—in so short a time—grown to love her more than he had ever thought possible.
It had been nearly four weeks since Sarah had fallen ill. After observing his wife growing stronger with every passing day, Alexander was beginning to worry less about her. Furthermore, as he had hoped and prayed, he sensed that she was more at ease around him, perhaps even appreciated his company.
As for Sarah, she was surprised to find that she was now happy to have Alexander home from England. At the start she was quite distressed about the idea, but he had been such a great source of comfort and strength since his arrival that she now felt quite differently. She also knew that if not for him, she would have been very lonesome during her recovery. Even so, there was one area, having to do with her husband, which still bothered her. In her opinion, Alexander had insisted she take it easy much longer than necessary. Left to herself, she knew she would most certainly have returned to her regular routine long ago.
On this particular morning, Alexander had been thinking about his business trip. It had been delayed due to his wife’s illness. He knew the time had come for him to go. Sarah was in considerably better health. As he would only be away a few days, to go at this time he didn’t believe would be a problem.
Deciding it was time to discuss the matter with Sarah, he went in the direction of the parlor. As expected, he found his wife sitting on one of the settees reading. “Sarah, would you care for a walk?”
Taking every opportunity to get out of the house, she responded happily, “Certainly! I would be delighted!”
While smiling at his wife’s eagerness, Alexander escorted her out the back door to the yard. As they strolled around the grounds, he stated, “Sarah, there is something I must discuss with you.”
Looking up at him, she responded, “Of course, Alexander. What is it?”
He then directed her over to the bench under a shade tree. Once she had taken a seat, Alexander took hold of her hand. “Sarah, I believe you are well enough for me to consider setting off on the business trip about which I had spoken.”
Not long ago, Sarah would have welcomed the news that she would be left to herself for a few days—out from under the watchful eye of her husband. At present, however, she felt a little sad at the prospect of her husband going away, albeit for only a few days. Not wanting him to feel that he couldn’t proceed with the trip he had been putting off for her sake, she replied, “Quite right…I am well now. There is no reason to delay any longer.”
Alexander heard the hesitation in her voice. He hoped it meant that she would miss him. He then grew concerned that in his absence his wife might not continue to convalesce. “You must promise me that you will rest and not overexert yourself whilst I am away. Even though you are feeling better, you have not fully recovered.”
At first, Sarah avoided a direct reply by changing the subject a few times. As this strategy was altogether unsuccessful, given that Alexander persisted in directing the conversation back, she reluctantly promised her husband she would continue to get plenty of rest. Nevertheless, getting rest to her meant something entirely different than it did to Alexander. She reasoned to herself that if she went with her definition of the matter, she could make such a promise. As she observed him, she felt that he needed further assurance, so she continued, “And, I shall try not to go beyond my limits, Alexander.”
&n
bsp; “That is not acceptable, Sarah. I would like your promise that you shall continue on as you have been these past few weeks; that is, not overdoing it.”
“Oh…very well.” Is it not enough that I promised to rest and “try” not to do more than I ought? “I promise,” she thought about her words carefully, “to take it slow.” Taking it slow, to her, was not the same as promising she would not go back to doing some of the things she had before. She was already formulating a plan for slipping away, without Martha’s notice, to see the Strout family once Alexander had gone.
Alexander smiled to show his satisfaction that she had yielded. Taking her by the arm, he assisted her to her feet and then guided her back to the house.
Later that night, after Sarah had fallen asleep, Alexander searched for Martha. Finding her in the kitchen, he said, “Martha, I am to be away for a few days. I shall be leaving Monday next. Even though Sarah has vastly improved, she is not to return to her usual routine whilst I am gone.”
“I am in complete agreement. As she isn’t likely to listen to me, what would you have me do if she attempts to do more than she ought?”
“I am going to explain to her that, during the time I am away, she is to listen to you regarding her health. If you have any trouble with her, you might explain that I have left instructions for you to call for the apothecary with any concerns.”
With a twinkle in her eye, Martha responded, “Oh…I see. If I tell her that she shall have to answer to the apothecary, she may just listen.”
“Precisely!” With a wink, Alexander turned and left the room.
Upon his return to his bedchamber, as he climbed into bed Sarah stirred. “Oh, Alexander, are you having trouble sleeping?”
Having no desire to explain where he had been—speaking to Martha about her—he let his wife assume that he had been there all along. “No, I am fine. Go back to sleep.”
Before he had even finished answering, he heard Sarah breathing heavily, as was often the case when she was in a sound sleep. Grateful she had not inquired further, he settled in for the night.
Over the next few days, Alexander and Sarah spent nearly every moment together. They had even had a meal together out of doors—on a quilt, where they might be alone, away from the servants. As Alexander was still reluctant to allow Sarah to venture too far from home, the meal had been on their property.
The time arrived for Alexander to set off on his trip. Although they had still not come together as husband and wife—in the traditional sense—the couple had grown very close. Alexander felt blessed to have his adorable Sarah, and Sarah was beginning to believe that having a husband was not so very bad after all.
Alexander was out of bed earlier than usual to make preparations for leaving after breakfasting with his wife. As the couple conversed over their meal, they discussed Alexander’s trip and all he hoped to accomplish with regard to his holdings in Boston. Besides owning a few properties in that town, he had shares in a shipbuilding company. As he had been away a long time, he intended to establish, personally, that things were going as all communications to England had implied.
As soon as Alexander had loaded up his wagon, he came to his wife, who had been waiting by the door to the house. As she observed her husband approaching, for a second time she felt a sense of sadness at his leaving. As before, she was surprised that she had grown such a deep affection for him.
Lifting her chin so that he might see her face, Alexander whispered, “I am going to miss you.” He then bent his head and placed a kiss upon her brow. Just now, he wished more than anything to pull her into a full husbandly embrace, where he might feel her lips pressing against his. But alas, as close as they had become, he still felt that it wasn’t yet time to demonstrate the full force of his feelings for her. He had no desire to scare her away just as she had begun to show signs that she was happy he had returned from England.
For a quick moment, Sarah leaned into his chest and answered, “I shall miss you as well. Do take care.”
“I shall. No need to worry.”
As Alexander turned to go, Sarah felt heaviness in her heart. She then prayed that God would keep him safe on his journey.
Alexander rode off praying for his wife that he would find her well upon his return.
Unbeknownst to Sarah and Alexander—since Matthew Raymond had been keeping a close eye on the Swyndhurst estate, after having heard that Mr. Swyndhurst was planning a trip—he had observed Sarah’s husband as he was leaving.
In the weeks that Sarah has been ill, she hasn’t been in church. I hope she has recovered enough to be out and about on her usual strolls while her husband is away. If I am ever going to have her, now is the time to put my plan into action. Her husband won’t be here keeping watch over her. I have to act now, or I may never be presented with another opportunity! Matthew Raymond told himself.
A few days later, when her maid entered her bedchamber, Sarah was dressing. Glancing over at her, she said, “Esther, there is something I must ask you to do for me.”
“What is it?” the servant inquired with curiosity, for Sarah rarely asked anything of her. Her mistress then explained that, as it had been some time since she had been to call on the Strout family, she planned to slip away to see them. Though Esther was concerned for her friend’s health, she quietly listened to Sarah’s plan.
“You see, I may need you to distract Martha while I make my way out of doors. I have no wish to deceive her, but I fear she would try and stop me.” Once Esther had agreed to the arrangement, Sarah explained that once she had gone, should Martha inquire, the maid was at liberty to answer truthfully any questions as to her whereabouts.
Having sent Esther down first to distract Martha, Sarah quietly made her way out the front door. Once she was on her way, she breathed a sigh of relief. As she ambled along, she recalled the night she had seen Matthew Raymond hiding in the shadows. That thought caused her to pick up her pace. She also made a mental note to return home before dark. She soon spotted the Strouts’ home, and all thoughts of Mr. Raymond flew out of her head. She was so excited at the prospect of seeing the children again that she nearly sprinted up to the front door. While grinning from ear to ear, she knocked, loudly.
After peeking out the window to see who was banging so forcefully, with surprise, Alice rushed over to the door and thrust it wide open. “Sarah! I had not thought to see you for some time yet. I was told at church that you suffered greatly. I felt dreadful when I heard the news, for your sickness was probably on account of your caring for us when we were ill. Nevertheless, here you are! But are you quite certain you should be out and about? Surely, your husband was not agreeable to the idea.”
While hugging Alice, Sarah contested the notion that the Strouts were in any way responsible for her illness. “And as for my coming to call so soon, my departure went unnoticed. You see, my husband is away on business; otherwise, as you supposed, he would not have allowed me to come. Martha was too preoccupied to take any notice.” Sarah chuckled as she offered her explanation of how she had successfully crept away. She was so happy that, at that moment, she little cared what anyone else thought about her coming to call on the Strouts.
Though she was grateful for Sarah’s reassurance that her illness had nothing to do with her, or her children, Alice didn’t quite believe it. And as she was a little hesitant over the news that her friend had slipped away from home to come and see them, she wanted to inquire further as to her friend’s health. She didn’t like the idea that Sarah may not be well enough to be out visiting; however, she remained silent while she continued to study the young woman. Looking into Sarah’s happy face, she wondered how things were going at her home now that Mr. Swyndhurst, her friend’s long lost husband, had returned. Sarah had never spoken much of him, thus Alice was surprised when she learned that he was back in Amesbury. In truth, she was glad that Sarah had come, regardless of how she had managed it, for Alice had so much she wanted to know.
As Sarah studied Alice, s
he noticed that she appeared troubled, for unbeknownst to Sarah, her friend had many questions to ask her. To set Alice’s mind at ease, Sarah assured her, “Oh, I can see by your expression that I have not convinced you. I am fine. Truly I am, Alice.” Sarah then took a seat, scooped up little Mary, and placed her on her lap. When Samuel and Elizabeth approached, she pulled them into an embrace as well. Young Mrs. Swyndhurst felt so content, she never wanted to leave.
Sarah was yet unaware that Matthew Raymond had been keeping an eye out for her and had seen her out walking, on her way to the Strouts’ home. While he waited for her to pass by again on her way home, he decided to stand in a different location than he had previously, for he was certain Sarah had seen him the last time he had secretly waited and watched for her. Before, all he was prepared to do was watch her. This time, however, he intended to act. He didn’t want her catching a glimpse of him and making her escape.
Sarah remained for most of the day. In fact, to her dismay, when she was finally prepared to set off for home, it was growing dark.
Back at the Swyndhurst estate, Martha had just become aware of Sarah’s absence. She had been too preoccupied with taking an inventory of the food stores to notice her mistress had gone out for the day. She had also assumed Esther, as she had been directed, was looking after Sarah.
“You say she has been gone all day?”
“Yes, M…Martha. She assured me that she would be gone but a short time,” Esther, answered with a downcast look. She knew it wasn’t in Sarah’s best interest to be out as yet, but as her employer’s friend, she had been reluctant to make her feelings known. Moreover, she was all too aware of Sarah’s love for the Strout children, and that she had been unable to see them for weeks. She also didn’t think Sarah would be gone long enough for any real harm to come to her. In fact, she thought it might just set her friend’s mind at ease if she were to see the children.