Sarah Anne's Faithful Friends (Unshakable Faith Book 4)

by Cathy Lynn Bryant

Daniel helped Sarah down from the wagon and then escorted her to the house, with Mr. Hoyt following close behind. However, as they approached the door, Mr. Hoyt decided to join the boys in the barn to allow Daniel and Sarah a few moments alone. “I shall be in shortly. My grandsons may need my assistance.”

  Glancing over his shoulder, Daniel responded, “Very well, Joseph. I am certain they’ll appreciate the help. They seemed rather anxious to be done.”

  Sarah gave a weary smile, and then continued toward the house. After making her way to her bedchamber to change into a work dress, she returned to the kitchen to prepare the evening meal.

  Daniel had also exchanged his Sunday best for everyday clothes. He then decided to join Sarah in the kitchen to see if he could be of any help. “Sarah, put me to work. Whatever you need, just say the word,” he stated, trying to lighten the mood.

  Forcing a smile, Sarah handed him a knife and a few potatoes to cut up for the pot of stew she was preparing. They had worked companionably for almost an hour when the boys returned to the house and made their way to the table.

  Their father spoke the moment he clasped eyes on them. “You boys know better than to be seated before cleaning yourselves up. Go and wash. The food is almost ready.”

  Mr. Hoyt came in next. After washing up, he returned to the kitchen, prepared to help set the table. As he looked over at the newly married couple, if their appearance gave away their true feelings, they had worked through whatever somber emotions the day had brought on; but he was certain there would be many more days ahead when one or both would be feeling precisely as they had earlier.

  Later that evening, when it was time for Dan and Joseph to turn in, they asked their father if it would be all right if Sarah read to them. She had done this on many occasions, both before and after Joanna’s death. Giving his consent, Daniel then turned his focus back to his work. He had been writing notes concerning one of the people he intended to call upon the following day. The visit was to be with a woman who was nearing her time. It had been a rather difficult confinement. Daniel hoped all would go well when the time came to deliver the child. Just the thought of ever delivering another lifeless child caused him to sigh from the grief that was still ever present.

  While in the boys’ bedchamber, Sarah beamed at the fact that, even at their ages, they still wished for her to read to them. Sitting on the edge of Joseph’s bed, she began reading from the Old Testament. The story about David and Goliath had always fascinated the young men, so she continued on from where she had left off the last time she had read to them.

  A short time later, Sarah quietly made her way out of the boys’ bedchamber. Mr. Hoyt happened to be passing by as she turned around after closing the door. While smiling at the young woman standing before him, he reached out and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. As he walked her to her bedchamber, he noticed that she wouldn’t look him in the eye.

  “Sarah, you mustn’t feel bad about marrying Daniel. If I have not already told you, just as Joanna had, I think this match is a good thing. You are like a daughter to me, Sarah. Knowing that you will be here under Daniel’s protection relieves my mind. And I am happy that you shall be here helping out with my grandsons.” He knew now was not the time to tell her he hoped she would grow to love Daniel, as she had his grandsons; otherwise—as had been on his mind for much of the day—once the boys were grown, his new daughter-in-law and Daniel would be left to themselves in a loveless marriage.

  Daring a quick look in his direction, Sarah softly replied, “Are you certain you truly feel this way?”

  Studying her face, he answered, “Yes, my girl. I am quite certain. And you would do well to put the words of those malicious women at church out of your mind. I caught what they said in your hearing. They are exactly the sort to stir up trouble.”

  With her eyes focused on the elderly gentleman who had correctly guessed her thoughts, she confided, “It is true; I hoped I hadn’t hurt you in marrying your daughter’s husband. And you are right; I was a little bothered by what those women said. I still am, in fact. What will they say now that I have gone and married Daniel?”

  Pulling her close, he replied, “Forget about those busy bodies. What they think should be of no consequence. And as for my feelings, Sarah, I loved my daughter exceedingly, but she is no longer here. You and Daniel must go on for the boys’ sakes, as well as your own. I am of the opinion that someone of my years sees things a little more clearly. We are all here but a short while. One by one we make our way to our final destination. My daughter made the decision to receive Christ’s sacrifice for her a long time ago. I know where she is. What is more, it shan’t be long before I join her there. So, as for how I feel about your marriage, allow me to state it plainly so there shall be no confusion from this time forward; I am delighted that you and Daniel have married. As I said before, you have been much the same as a daughter to me, almost from the first moment we met. And with Joanna gone, my life would be quite empty without you.”

  Reaching her bedchamber, Sarah hugged Mr. Hoyt’s neck. “It means a lot to me to hear you say that.”

  After kissing her forehead, Mr. Hoyt made his way to his own room. It had been a long day. His body was in need of rest. Before he went to sleep, he thanked the Lord that things had gone as his daughter had wanted. His grandsons would have a woman in their life to love them, and Daniel would not be going it alone. Even if he and Sarah remained only close friends throughout their lives, they would at least be companions for each other.

  Chapter 8

  The following day, Mr. Hoyt convinced Daniel to take Sarah along on a visit with an expectant mother. His daughter had often gone with the physician on just such visits. Sensing that Sarah was a little hesitant to go, he wondered at the reason. Perhaps it was her intention to avoid being alone with Daniel, even when it came to accompanying him on calls.

  As Daniel had always appreciated having a woman along on his calls with expectant mothers, he was delighted at the idea of having Sarah join him. “Sarah, I really could use your assistance with Muriel Shaw. Being as this case has been challenging, she tends to be anxious when I am there. With you present, it might set her mind at ease.”

  Sarah studied Daniel’s face for any sign that he was asking merely out of obligation, now that his father-in-law had made the suggestion. His countenance revealing a genuine interest, she reluctantly agreed. A short time later, they were on their way. Sarah positioned herself as far to the opposite side of the bench from Daniel as possible. The physician had noticed the space between them and could not hold back a grin. Thankfully, Sarah was purposefully studying the countryside, never chancing a look in his direction; otherwise, she may have detected the grin.

  After a few minutes, feeling that this was too ridiculous, Daniel spoke up. “Sarah, you seem a little uncomfortable with the idea of being alone with me.”

  With heat rising in her cheeks, looking straight ahead, she attempted a casual response. “Just a bit, yes.” Knowing he had noticed her discomfort, she decided to explain herself. “It is…well…this is something Joanna used to do with you. I feel akin to a usurper.”

  While smiling at her, he remarked, “Sarah, there are likely to be many things we do together that Joanna and I experienced. You shall have to get over feeling this way. Nothing has changed. We are friends who happen to be married.”

  “You are right, Daniel. I am being foolish. Pray forgive me.”

  “There is nothing to forgive. I completely understand how you feel. To be honest, I have had similar feelings. However, I have decided not to allow such sentiments to ruin things we might do together, as friends.” He smiled at her and then turned his attention back to the horses.

  The rest of the ride was made with the two conversing in a relaxed manner. By the time they arrived at Muriel Shaw’s house, Sarah was feeling completely at ease and ready to do whatever was needed.

  Once Daniel had helped her down from the wagon, they made their way to the door.


  Muriel’s husband, Michael, opened the door to the sound of someone knocking. As he had hoped, it was the physician. “Do come in. My wife has been having regular pains for nearly an hour. I was about to come and fetch you. But you are here now. I am glad for it, for she did not want to be left alone.”

  Daniel made his way in to see Muriel, with Sarah close behind. As soon as he clasped eyes on her, his mind went back to Joanna and his own child. Feeling ill, he made his way to a chair by the door.

  Sarah had witnessed Daniel’s face drain of all color the moment he saw Muriel. Though not experienced in these matters, she decided to go on as though nothing had happened. She quickly approached the bed and took Muriel by the hand. “How are you doing? It seems your pains have indeed begun. What a blessing it shall be when at last you see your child’s face.”

  Sarah’s demeanor served to put Muriel at ease. As she studied the young woman, Muriel thought she remembered seeing her at church not long ago, accompanied by Daniel Thompson and his family. “Sarah, is it not?”

  Smiling nervously, she responded, “Indeed it is.” Glancing over her shoulder to see if Daniel had regained his composure, she was delighted to see that he was coming toward her, his cheeks full of color once more.

  As Daniel approached the bed, he chided himself for making such a display. The vision of the woman lying in bed, about to give birth, was all too reminiscent of his wife and baby. Since it was only nearing two months since that tragic day, the sorrowful images were still fairly vivid. As he glanced down at Sarah, he whispered, “I am grateful to you.”

  While moving out of the way, his wife offered the expectant mother a reassuring look. The physician went right to work assessing the woman. He directed Sarah to fetch a cloth and then pointed to the washbowl next to the bed. Sarah understood that he wanted her to mop the woman’s brow.

  All the while, Mr. Shaw waited near the door, afraid to come too close. This was his first child. He had no idea what to do or expect. Thankfully, his mind had been so preoccupied he had not observed the physician taking a seat for a few minutes.

  If Daniel had thought the scene when he had first arrived was strangely similar to his last moments with Joanna, as the hours passed the comparisons between the two births had grown even more alike. Something was clearly wrong. A few hours later, though he and Sarah had given it their all, the child had died. Unlike Joanna, at least this time the mother had survived.

  It was Sarah’s turn to feel faint. Looking at the lifeless child reminded her of her own baby; the one she had lost. There were never two people with more understanding for the couple’s anguish than she and Daniel.

  A few hours later, Daniel and Sarah were on their way home. It had been a long day and night. The sun was beginning to rise. Once they arrived, Sarah made her way to the backyard and somberly strolled down to the stream. As she stood there gazing at the rippling water, her heart hurt for Muriel and her husband. With tears streaming down her face, she prayed for the grieving couple. A few moments later, Daniel found her. As distracted as she was, she had not heard him approaching. When he said her name, she started at the sound of his voice.

  Seeing Sarah’s alarmed reaction, he said softly, “I didn’t mean to frighten you. I thought you might be here, by the water.” He had put the horses in the barn and then gone into the house. When he could not locate Sarah, he knew right where to look.

  She peered back at him, and then fixed her eyes on the rippling water once again. “This must have been difficult for you as well.”

  Moving in close, he wrapped his arms around her from behind. “Indeed. I am much obliged to you for taking over when we first arrived at Muriel’s home. Hers was the first delivery I have had since—”

  Feeling Daniel’s arms holding her tight comforted Sarah. Ordinarily, she would have been uneasy at the thought of having him so near. But after all that had happened, she was not her usual self. Still facing forward, she grasped the arms that were holding her. “Yes. I wish you hadn’t had to go through this, so soon anyway.” The pair stood where they were for a few more minutes. When Sarah said she was ready to go in, they turned in the direction of the house.

  Mr. Hoyt had heard the sound of the wagon approaching. Not having seen Daniel when he briefly entered the house, Joseph wondered what was keeping the couple. With concern, he rose from his chair and peered out the window. Unable to see either of them in the front yard, he went to the kitchen to look out toward the yard behind the house. Spotting Daniel and Sarah coming from the direction of the stream, he surmised that something must have happened with the mother or her child. He was aware that when Sarah was bothered by something she had often sought solace down by the water. Taking a seat at the table, Joseph waited for them to come in.

  Before long, the pair found Mr. Hoyt sitting in the kitchen. With the boys still in their beds, the couple disclosed to Mr. Hoyt all that had happened. Since he was well aware of the losses Daniel and Sarah had each suffered, he understood how terribly the day must have affected them.

  Chapter 9

  Late summer, the year 1735, Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony

  Things had been going on unaltered for a few months. One morning as Mr. Hoyt observed Sarah and Daniel, he thought about their friendship and how it had grown a little wooden, given their situation. He was concerned that they were establishing a pattern that would be difficult to break. After thinking on it for a time, he decided that if he took his grandsons with him to Amesbury for the winter, leaving his son-in-law and Sarah alone, it might alter the couple’s daily routine. In his view, Daniel would be forced to see Sarah as more than merely a surrogate mother for his boys, and Sarah would be free of the distraction of caring for everyone else.

  When he felt the time was right, Mr. Hoyt suggested to Daniel that his grandsons come along with him to Amesbury for the winter. By his son-in-law’s reaction, Mr. Hoyt sensed that the younger man needed a little convincing; therefore, the next time he was alone with his grandsons, he encouraged them to do a good measure of pleading with their father. They could be very persuasive when it was something they really wanted to do.

  Reluctantly, Daniel agreed to the plan. Sarah had been listening to the entire exchange, hoping the boys’ father would frown upon the idea. But to her chagrin he had given his consent. Feeling panicked at the notion of being alone with Daniel, she suggested that she go along as well.

  Mr. Hoyt had privately cautioned his grandsons not to ask Sarah to go with them, stating that he did not want to leave their father alone. Although they had not fully comprehended their grandfather’s true intentions, they had agreed not to ask Sarah to join them. They would, of course, miss their father and Sarah, but spending the winter in Amesbury with their grandfather sounded like a great adventure to them.

  In hearing Sarah’s offer to go with his sons and father-in-law, Daniel suspected that Sarah was not happy with this arrangement. He couldn’t blame her; nonetheless, he kept silent.

  Mr. Hoyt answered, “Sarah, Daniel may need your assistance with his calls—especially since two of the ladies are near their time. Besides, the boys and I can manage fine on our own.”

  Not wanting to press the matter with the elderly gentleman, Sarah gave up trying to convince him. While fidgeting with her sleeve, as she often did, she inquired, “When will you go?”

  With compassion for the young woman, he took hold of her hand. “Sarah, I hope to be on our way in a few days. Not to worry, we shall return once spring arrives.”

  Offering a halfhearted smile, Sarah slipped her hand out of his, and turned in the direction of her bedchamber. She needed to be by herself to adjust to the idea. Things were going to feel very awkward once she and Daniel were left by themselves.

  For the remainder of the week, Daniel had second thoughts about allowing his sons to be away until spring. Not only would he miss them, but precisely as Sarah had been feeling, he believed that it would be strange to be alone for so many months with Sarah. After all, the chief
reason they had married was so that she might assist him with the boys.

  The week passed without Daniel disclosing that he had been having second thoughts. In the end, he allowed the boys to go with their grandfather. He knew his father-in-law was still hurting over the loss of his daughter, as was he, but he had his work to occupy him. Mr. Hoyt would be returning to an empty house with little to distract him unless Dan and Joseph were to go along.

  ◊◊◊

  Daniel and Sarah stood waving to the boys and Mr. Hoyt as they left. Sarah then hastened toward the house. Making her way to the kitchen, she began preparing food for later in the day. But as she worked, she thought about being alone at the table with Daniel when it came time to eat. With her mind racing for a reason to take her food to her room, she continued the meal preparations.

  Daniel had been busying himself in his study. Just now he wished someone would have need of his services. It was going to be uncomfortable conversing with only Sarah for the remainder of the day.

  When it was time for him to come to the table, Sarah peeked in to tell him the food was ready. After putting aside his work, he meandered toward the kitchen.

  As he entered, Sarah made an excuse to go to her bedchamber, advising him to start without her. When she didn’t return, he ate his meal alone. While he sat there, it occurred to him that Sarah had obviously felt as uneasy as he had about eating together without the others. He decided it would be a long autumn and winter if they didn’t move beyond feeling tense about being the only two in the house. When he finished his meal, he went to her bedchamber and knocked on the door.

  Startled, Sarah called out, “Just a moment.” Taking a deep breath, she made her way to the door. Opening it scarcely enough to peek out, she inquired, “Yes, what is it?”

  “Would you come to the parlor? I have something to discuss with you.”

  Wondering what it was that he wanted to speak to her about, she nervously replied, “Certainly. I shall be there directly.”