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

by Cathy Lynn Bryant

  Chapter 13

  As the couple entered Daniel’s bedchamber, Sarah’s stomach was in knots. She hadn’t been in this room since they had lost Joanna and the baby—not even when she was tidying up the house. Besides the feelings of loss the sad memories generated, she was also uneasy about sharing a room with Daniel—particularly this room.

  While observing his wife, Daniel perceived her hesitation. “Sarah, I know it is difficult for you, sharing my room, but it cannot be helped. Once you are settled in bed, I shall explain why I have moved you in here. Furthermore, you may have noticed the daybed over there by the window,” he said while pointing to it. “That is where I shall sleep.”

  As Daniel recalled the reason he had crafted the daybed and had it moved into his room—which was to allow Joanna more space in the bed for proper rest during her lying in phase—he felt a sadness passing through his entire being. Then, with great difficulty, he pushed aside all thoughts of Joanna and their child and escorted Sarah over to where she would be sleeping. “You see, my brother-in-law’s character is in question, where women are concerned.”

  As his wife listened, she merely nodded. In truth, after what she had observed of the younger Mr. Hoyt, she needed no further explanation for why she had to be moved. And with the man’s obvious contempt for her, she was quite certain he would not approach her, at least not in the way Daniel meant. After slowly lowering herself down on the edge of the bed with the aid of her crutch, she sighed, for though she was uncomfortable at being in her friend’s room with her friend’s husband, she also felt a little relieved; George couldn’t say or do anything to her without Daniel’s notice when she was in this room.

  As the couple sat on their respective beds, Daniel spoke more about his reasons for having Sarah moved to his bedchamber.

  This must be why Joanna did not want to name a child after him, she thought. Even though her husband had felt the need to share this information with her, she had no intention of revealing the mean things George had said.

  Over by his wardrobe now, with the door standing open to block Sarah’s view, Daniel hastily readied himself for bed. As he was setting his day clothes aside, he remembered Sarah having mentioned that she had experienced something similar with Alexander. On account of an illness, she had stayed in her first husband’s bedchamber even though, at the time, theirs was also a marriage of convenience. “Sarah, being moved into your husband’s room is something that happened when you were married before, was it not?”

  Feeling embarrassed by the question, she had no wish to discuss it; thus, she only nodded.

  While peering around the open door of the wardrobe, Daniel observed Sarah’s uneasiness. “I do apologize for this. If I felt that you were safe in your own bedchamber I certainly wouldn’t have moved you and your belongings to mine. The moment George is gone, we shall simply put everything back the way it was before.”

  Sarah’s eyes met Daniel’s. In seeing his apologetic expression, she replied, “It truly is all right, Daniel. And as you say, it shall not be for long.”

  Daniel had one concern that continued to weigh upon him. What was he to do when he had to go out on calls, leaving Sarah alone with George? He couldn’t take her with him, for bouncing around on a wagon, while injured, would be detrimental to her recovery. Not wanting to frighten her about being alone with his brother-in-law, he kept it to himself.

  Both Daniel and Sarah slept little that night. Sarah was worried over spending time alone with George when Daniel wasn’t home. And unbeknownst to her, her husband had similar worries.

  When morning came, Daniel awakened to find Sarah sitting on the edge of her bed, dressed and attempting to fasten her frock. As she had since she had been injured, she required his help. Though he knew she was still a bit uncomfortable about having him help her with such personal things, he was grateful that at least his having previously been her physician made it a little less awkward.

  A short time later, the couple made their way to the parlor. Once Daniel was certain that Sarah was settled, he began preparing something for everyone to eat. He would take his breakfast along with him when he left, for having several people to see before the day was over left little time for a leisurely meal.

  Before long, the physician was headed out the door. Calling back over his shoulder loud enough for Sarah to hear from where she was in the parlor, he stated that he would be stopping by Mrs. Findley’s to ask her to come by for a few hours. He hoped that, seeing as his brother-in-law was only a few steps behind him, in hearing this, he would behave himself.

  Sarah was feeling panicked at the thought of being alone with George. But as her husband had said a moment ago—as he was leaving, their neighbor would almost certainly be paying a visit. Knowing this caused her to calm a little.

  In an attempt to keep busy so that George would leave her be when he returned from walking her husband out, Sarah collected items from the table next to where she was sitting to write a missive to her head-servant. She had yet to tell her elderly friend that she had married Daniel Thompson. With Mr. Hoyt and the boys presently in Amesbury, however, she believed her servant-friend had most likely been made aware of the marriage; regardless, her missive would not contain such news, as she felt that it should be given in person.

  There was also one other she needed to inform, but she dreaded the thought of doing so. She and Mr. Swyndhurst, Alexander’s father, were very close. He had been at the Amesbury estate since before his son’s passing. She hoped that when he learned of her marriage, he would not be hurt by the news.

  Just as she had commenced with her writing, the very man she hoped to avoid came strutting into the room. Although she tried to stay focused on what she was doing, she was altogether unsuccessful. Hovering over her parchment, eyes down, she listened to every step he made in her direction.

  Suddenly, George began scornfully laughing at her. As nervous as she was, she jolted at the sound of his voice, which made him laugh all the more. Though she endeavored to ignore him, he would have none of it. Coming over to where she was sitting, he planted himself directly next to her.

  “Well, it seems we are alone. What shall we do for the remainder of the day?”

  Even though his words were spoken in an almost normal tone, Sarah did not answer. Eyes still focused on her parchment, she nonchalantly moved a little to her left, away from the tall figure sitting beside her.

  George detected the slight move of the tiny woman’s body and wondered if he was carrying things a bit too far, for he had no desire for his actions to be reported to Daniel before he had accomplished his goal.

  Deciding to bide his time and wait for the perfect opportunity to present itself, one in which Sarah would be gone so quickly Daniel would have little opportunity to prevent her departure, he rose to his feet, stating he needed to see to his horses.

  His brother-in-law had a farmhand that helped out, when needed, and had said as much to George, so there really was no need for him to go. He went anyway. He needed to think about how he was going to manage pushing Sarah hard enough to make her leave, but not so hard that she felt the need to tell his sister’s husband.

  Once she was alone, Sarah heaved a heavy sigh. “I do not know how I am going to stand this, Lord. I cannot tell Daniel, but George scares me, not a little.”

  Chapter 14

  On this day, while Daniel was away from the house, his mind remained fixed upon Sarah. He hoped the neighbor had been able to have a long stay with her. Wishing to get home as quickly as possible, the physician had not lingered at any of the homes he had visited.

  Glancing up at the sky, he realized he would make it home just after dark. Since Mrs. Findley had said she would prepare the meals whenever she visited, he was certain she had. As tired as he was from rushing around all day, he was happy to have the kind neighbor’s assistance while Sarah was on the mend.

  ◊◊◊

  Mrs. Findley had been a good distraction for Sarah that morning. More importantly, whi
le she was there, George hadn’t shown his face. It had now been a couple of hours since Mrs. Findley had taken her leave. Sarah reasoned that George must not have noticed for he had yet to return from the barn. She dreaded the thought of seeing him. To her chagrin, her time to be by herself soon ended.

  Coming into the parlor, George quickly resumed his taunting ways. “Well, my brother-in-law will be home soon. Owing to that old woman, this time there will be something prepared for him to eat, no thanks to you.”

  While attempting to conceal her fear of being alone with such a terrible man, Sarah remained silent. And she couldn’t argue with what he had said. She knew he was right; she had not been much help to Daniel of late.

  Not gaining the response he had hoped for, George sulked his way to the seat he had previously occupied, the one right beside Sarah.

  Sarah reached over to the table next to her and retrieved her Bible. Somehow just holding it brought her comfort.

  Observing her as she opened it to read, he sneered, “You do not fool me, little missy. Anyone can see that reading that book has done little to improve your character, given that you insinuated yourself into my sister’s family—a woman who, from what I have been told, was supposed to have been your friend.”

  As before, George had hit a nerve, for this was exactly how Sarah saw herself—as a usurper. With tears threatening, she turned her head away. All at once, the occupants of the parlor heard the front door opening.

  George hastily moved to the other end of the settee. Sighing with relief, Sarah quickly schooled her expression in order to appear relaxed.

  Upon entering the room, Daniel was reassured to find Sarah and George in the parlor together, which caused him to wonder if perhaps he had worried over nothing; however, as he took a closer look at Sarah, he thought she appeared troubled by something.

  Sarah noticed the questioning look upon Daniel’s face and forced herself to smile. Though she had tried to conceal the way she was feeling, her husband had noticed that something was wrong. She had to convince him otherwise. “You are home. What a long day you have had. Mrs. Findley left plenty of food for everyone. In fact, George and I were about to partake of some.”

  In hearing Sarah’s lighthearted tone, Daniel wondered whether he had indeed caught a glimpse of something amiss in her expression only a moment before. He now thought that perhaps he was mistaken.

  George was surprised at how well Sarah hid her feelings, for he was certain she was anything but calm. He smiled to himself as he comprehended that this was going to be easier than he had imagined—getting rid of Sarah without Daniel knowing he had done anything to her.

  When Daniel observed Sarah rising from her seat, he instructed, “Sarah, you remain where you are. I shall bring your dinner to you.”

  Knowing what George’s reaction would be to Daniel having to take care of her, Sarah couldn’t help but steal a look in his direction.

  Daniel had already turned toward the kitchen when, as she had expected, George gave her a look that aptly communicated his belief that she was worthless. She watched as the unpleasant man followed Daniel out of the parlor, wondering again how she was going to endure having him there for the next week or two.

  That evening, when Sarah and Daniel were alone in their bedchamber, Sarah’s resolve to keep him in the dark regarding George was put to the test.

  Once they were settled in their beds, with the candle still lit, Daniel said, “Sarah, I believe I may have given you the wrong impression of George. When I returned today, the two of you looked as if you were getting on marvelously. It seems I worried needlessly. My brother-in-law may not be as bad as I thought.”

  Fearing Daniel might read the truth in her expression, since he knew her so well, Sarah lowered her gaze. “Ye…yes, I am sure you are right. Everything has been satisfactory with George.” Not wanting to continue the conversation, as lying had never come very easy to her, she leaned over and blew out the candle.

  With satisfaction that he could now come and go from the house without worrying about Sarah being left alone with George, Daniel soon fell into a deep sleep. Sarah, however, lay awake for most of the night, dreading what the next day might bring, especially since Mrs. Findley, with too busy of a day ahead, would not be stopping by.

  The following morning, Daniel awakened, rested and ready to begin his day. Sarah, on the other hand, had no desire for the day to commence.

  Looking across the room at his wife, Daniel noticed she had dark circles under her eyes. He assumed her injuries had kept her awake. “Sarah, it looks as though you had a sleepless night. Were you in pain?”

  “No, no. I have trouble sleeping, on occasion.”

  In hearing his new wife say she occasionally had sleepless nights, Daniel felt her words seemed to suggest it had nothing to do with her recent injuries. He then wondered if Sarah had been thinking of Alexander and the accident, which would, of course, explain her inability to sleep.

  “Why not stay in bed for another hour or so? I will ask George to bring in something for you to eat later.”

  “I believe I shall. Actually, with my ankle a little tender from being up and about yesterday, to give it a rest, I may even stay in here for most of the day. And since I am not very hungry as yet, there really is no need to send George with food. Later, I shall go to the kitchen myself.”

  Daniel became suspicious. He quietly questioned whether George had been bothering Sarah, as he had originally feared. Before he could ask, she put his mind at ease by stating that she was merely tired.

  When Sarah saw the worried expression disappear from Daniel’s face, she knew she had settled his mind where she was concerned. She had no desire to raise suspicion by stating that she intended to stay where she was for the day, but neither could she force herself to face George. And she certainly didn’t want him coming to her room with food.

  When Daniel set off a short time later, he felt satisfied that Sarah would be well looked after, for their guest had reassured him he would see to her every need.

  Chapter 15

  Sarah was unable to sleep following Daniel’s departure. She was also beginning to grow hungry. While patting her stomach, she thought, I do not care how hungry I am. I would rather starve than go out there where George is lurking about. Though his sister was one of the kindest people I have ever known, in conduct and manners her brother is nothing like her.

  Just as she had finished that thought, she heard a knock on the door. With her heart racing, she called out, “Who is it?”

  Laughing, George responded while opening the door, “Who do you think it is—with only the two of us at home?”

  Alarmed, she asked sternly, “What are you doing in here?”

  Making his way over to her, he held out a tray of food. “Daniel asked me to be certain you had your meals. He informed me that you often go without food for various reasons, such as being overly busy, which is obviously not the case today.” Though George hated the thought of Sarah being a member of his sister’s family, he had no desire to see the woman starve. In his opinion, she was already too slender.

  Wanting the man out of her room as quickly as possible, in a shaky voice she responded, “You needn’t have gone to the trouble. I can make it to the kitchen just fine on my own.”

  Since George had caught on to Sarah’s intentions of hiding herself away, wanting to have the opportunity to continue pestering her, he stated, “No…no. I wouldn’t hear of it. Daniel asked me to look after you, and look after you I shall. More to the point, even though you concealed your feelings admirably yesterday, my sister’s husband still suspects that you are upset about something thus I shall do my best to have you looking well fed and rested when he returns.”

  Once George had set her tray down on the narrow table next to the bed, he took a seat on the other side of the room. From there, he closely watched Sarah for a few moments. Then, glancing next to him, he grinned when he noticed bedcoverings neatly folded at the foot of the daybed. The revelat
ion regarding the couple’s sleeping arrangements delighted him immensely. Though quite happy it would likely bother Sarah that he had grasped the situation, he decided to wait to use this bit of information until it would have its greatest effect.

  Sarah was oblivious to what George had detected concerning her relationship with Daniel. And as unsettled as she was at having him in the room with her, her hunger had completely subsided. She wasn’t about to let the detestable man know that he had shaken her, so she leaned over to the little table and began to eat the food he had prepared. With her heart racing, stomach in knots, each bite took great effort to swallow.

  George had learned enough about her to know she wouldn’t allow him to see how rattled she was by his presence. This made him chuckle to himself. He had to admire her stubbornness. And as he continued to survey her, not for the first time, he noted that she was actually quite attractive, which only caused him to wonder why she had attached herself to Daniel—a man who, naturally, still loved his sister, as evidenced by the fact that he wasn’t even sleeping in the same bed with his new wife. I am certain that tiny woman is nothing more than a live in maid. After all, someone has to look after the home and the boys while Daniel is out caring for the sick.

  Unable to force down another bite, Sarah leaned back against her pillow and closed her eyes, hoping that when she opened them again George would be gone.

  “What? Not even a thank you?”

  Sarah’s eyes popped open at the sound of his voice. Sitting up, but not really looking in his direction, she answered, “Oh, yes, I do thank you.” The way in which he had presented the food, in her opinion, was so ill-mannered it little warranted appreciation.

  “That is more like it. Well, I believe I shall return your tray to the kitchen.” As he stood, he noticed Sarah appeared relieved that he was going. Not wanting her to get too settled with the idea of being alone, he stated, “Do not be concerned. I will, of course, return momentarily.”