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

by Cathy Lynn Bryant

  George left the room with a satisfied look upon his face. Sarah, still shaking from the whole ordeal, rolled over and closed her eyes, thinking that maybe if she could actually fall asleep, he would leave her alone.

  Soon, George returned to the room in which Sarah was resting. As he entered, he was surprised when he observed that she had fallen asleep. He decided to see what he could do about the evening meal. As upset as he was at Daniel for remarrying so soon, he still cared about his brother-in-law and wanted to do what he could to help out.

  Throughout the remainder of the day, George checked on Sarah several times. Each time, she was still in a deep slumber. He had considered waking her in order to continue on with his badgering ways, but had thought better of it. If she was that tired, she must truly need the rest. It was not his desire that she should fall ill from lack of sleep.

  When Daniel returned late in the afternoon, George had fixed something for him to eat. He had also tidied up.

  After seeing that George had prepared the meal and the house looked in better shape than it had earlier, the tired physician smiled at his brother-in-law. “I am much obliged to you, George.”

  “That is what I am here for, to help you out now that my sister is—”

  Neither man wanted to finish that thought, so Daniel replied, “Yes, well, though Sarah is not at her best right now, she has been a great help to me and the boys.”

  Having no desire to acknowledge his brother-in-law’s comment concerning Sarah, George proceeded to set the table.

  Daniel went to look in on Sarah. She was waking when he poked his head in. “George has set the food on the table. Are you hungry?”

  Sarah was delighted to see the friendly face peeking in. While moving into a sitting position, she replied, “Oh, perhaps in a little while. How were your visits today?”

  Seeing that Sarah was now fully awake, Daniel made his way over to the bed. “Everyone I called on seemed to be doing well. As tired as you looked this morning, I am very glad you had a restful day.”

  It was true that she had been feeling tired early on, but a full day in bed had not really been necessary, and unbeknownst to George, more than once she had pretended to be sleeping when he had come to check on her. Sarah had no wish to divulge to her husband the real reason she had remained in bed, which was to stay clear of George. “Yes, I don’t seem to be worth much these days, so staying out of the way is probably best. I cannot wait until I have fully recovered.”

  “You shall be back to your old self in no time. Would you like for me to help you to the parlor before I go?”

  When she heard the word “go” her heart began to race. Before she had time to calm herself, she blurted out, “What? I thought you were home to stay!”

  Hearing the almost desperate tone in Sarah’s voice, Daniel quickly responded, “I simply meant that I would help you to the parlor before returning to the kitchen. As I said, George has prepared dinner.”

  With heat rising in her cheeks, Sarah lowered her eyes. “Oh, of course. No…no. I believe I shall stay right here. But you go and have your dinner.”

  Daniel felt that something was amiss. “Sarah, is there anything bothering you?”

  With her eyes still fixed on her lap, she replied, “Everything is fine. Go on. Your food must be getting cold.”

  “Very well. If you need anything, you only need to call out.” With that, Daniel turned to go. Once he was out of Sarah’s view, he paused to think a moment. Something is definitely wrong. I wonder if George has been up to his usual practices. If that be the case, why hasn’t she said anything?

  While the men ate together, Daniel asked a few questions regarding how the day had gone. George responded in such a cheerful manner that Daniel dismissed the idea that his brother-in-law was somehow responsible for Sarah’s strange demeanor.

  Chapter 16

  The following day, after Daniel had gone, Mrs. Findley came to call on Sarah. Although she was aware that Joanna’s brother was currently staying with the couple, she still came as often as time allowed, believing her injured friend would fare better with a woman’s attention.

  George opened the door and invited the neighbor in. Mrs. Findley went directly to see Sarah. Knowing the woman would be there for a few hours, to stay out of her way, he went to his bedchamber.

  As soon as Sarah saw her neighbor’s sweet face, she nearly cried. For at least part of the day she would not have to be alone with George. Once her neighbor had helped her dress, the ladies made their way to the parlor. After making sure that Sarah was comfortable, Mrs. Findley went to the kitchen to prepare something for Sarah and George to eat, as well as food for later.

  George eventually made his way to the parlor where Sarah was currently reclining, reading a book. While Mrs. Findley was in the house he had been conducting himself in a gentlemanly manner. Late in the afternoon, when the neighbor came to tell Sarah she would soon be leaving, George grinned at the expression on Sarah’s face. Though she had smiled at the lady, to him she appeared tense.

  The moment Mrs. Findley was out the door, George started in on Sarah, calling her pitiful for needing someone to look after her. Unbeknownst to the despicable man, however, Mrs. Findley had returned to fetch the gloves she had absent-mindedly left behind. As she entered the kitchen, she heard George’s wrathful words, which were directed at Sarah. Stunned, she quietly listened. For the next five minutes, George never let up. The kindly neighbor didn’t know whether to intervene or quietly take her leave. She decided on the latter, but she had every intention of questioning Sarah about what she had overheard at the first opportunity.

  When Daniel returned later that day, he searched around the house for Sarah, eventually finding her in his bedchamber. Coming to her, he asked about her day. As usual, she reported that everything had gone well. When Daniel offered to convey her to the parlor, she declined, stating that she was tired and would be turning in soon.

  “Sarah, Mrs. Findley prepared a meal for us. Have you already eaten?”

  To avoid having to offer an explanation for why she wasn’t hungry, even though she knew it would be a lie, Sarah nodded. Not having to speak the lie somehow made it easier.

  “Oh, very well. Perhaps George will join me. I shall leave you to yourself, then.”

  Sarah sighed with relief the moment Daniel left. It was becoming more and more difficult to make things appear as though she and George were getting on well together. And with every passing day, her apprehension at being alone with George intensified, making it difficult to eat much of anything.

  When the two men sat down together to eat, George asked where Sarah was, but the moment he had asked, he realized his mistake, for Daniel flashed a questioning look in his direction.

  “She told me she had already eaten. Is that not the case?”

  “Well…ah…she must have. I have been rather busy.”

  “I see. I wanted to be certain she did indeed have something. She cannot afford to miss a meal.”

  George looked down at his food. In truth, he knew Sarah had not been to the kitchen. He hoped she wouldn’t fall ill because of him.

  ◊◊◊

  Mrs. Findley tossed and turned all night. She could not get Sarah and what she had overheard off her mind, wondering if her young friend had been enduring that kind of ill-treatment ever since Daniel’s brother-in-law had come. She questioned what to do about it. Should she tell Sarah what she had heard George say, or go directly to Mr. Thompson concerning the matter?

  Upon Mrs. Findley’s arrival at the Thompson home the next morning, she felt ill at ease the moment she clasped eyes on George. Hastening past him, she went directly to Sarah’s bedchamber where, upon entering, all at once she was reluctant to address the situation between Sarah and George Hoyt. While observing Sarah, she detected dark circles under her eyes. She also noticed that her cheeks appeared rather hollow. Deciding to be direct, she flatly stated what she had overheard. “Sarah, shortly after leaving yesterday, I returned to r
etrieve the gloves I had forgotten. You see, I heard the terrible things Joanna’s brother said to you. Has this been going on like that the entire time he has been staying with you?”

  Sarah’s eyes darted in Mrs. Findley’s direction. She didn’t know how to answer. If she told the truth, Mrs. Findley would almost certainly tell Daniel. “Oh…ah…no! Of course not! I think he was simply in a foul mood yesterday. Not to worry, Mrs. Findley.”

  Mrs. Findley continued, “I little care about what kind of mood he was in, Sarah! There is no excuse for his behavior.”

  Sarah became flustered as she tried to convince her neighbor there was nothing about which to worry. “I do so appreciate your concern, Mrs. Findley, but there really isn’t any cause for concern.”

  It was beginning to dawn on the older woman that Sarah, for whatever reason, had no wish to hold George Hoyt accountable for his actions. She determined that if she saw any sign of George mistreating her young friend again, she would go immediately to the young woman’s husband.

  Knowing she might not be present if there was a repeat occurrence, she pleaded, “Sarah, I know what I heard. I will let it go for now, but if he ever speaks to you that way again, you must promise to tell me or your husband.”

  With relief that Mrs. Findley would allow the matter to drop for now, Sarah nodded and then changed the subject. The older woman began the task of helping her into her clothes. Once her kindly neighbor had brushed and pinned her hair, the two ladies went to the kitchen, each hoping George had gone off somewhere.

  George had noticed the cold manner in which the neighbor had greeted him upon her arrival. As he was mulling over the possible reasons for the change in the older woman’s attitude towards him, the ladies entered the room. He watched as Sarah was escorted through the kitchen to the parlor by Mrs. Findley, who then returned to the kitchen a moment later. As the woman entered, her countenance confirmed that she had indeed given him a reserved greeting.

  George observed her setting right to work, preparing food, without even a glance in his direction. He decided to go to the parlor to speak to Sarah, hoping to glean something about what she might have said to the neighbor for her to be acting this way towards him.

  Keeping her eyes focused on her book, the young woman never even looked up when he entered and made his way over next to her. Whispering, he asked, “What have you told that woman about me? Clearly, she is trying to avoid me.”

  Sarah felt her hands begin to shake. Not wanting George to notice, she set the book down and replied, “I have not said a word to Mrs. Findley about your rude behavior.”

  “I find that difficult to believe. She is angry with me about something.”

  Sarah wasn’t exactly sure why, but she had no wish to divulge that Mrs. Findley had overheard their conversation the night before.

  Mrs. Findley made excuses to return to the parlor every few minutes. With Sarah and George alone, she worried what the man might say to her young friend. When it came time for her to take her leave, she feared abandoning Sarah to the loathsome man.

  “Sarah, I must be on my way.” While scrutinizing Mr. Hoyt for a reaction to the news that he would be left alone with Sarah, she thought she detected a slight grin. “I’m certain Mr. Thompson shall be home very soon,” she informed in an attempt to compel the man to behave himself once she was gone.

  Sarah gave as bright a smile as she could muster to conceal her trepidation at being left alone with Joanna’s brother. “I am much obliged to you, Mrs. Findley.”

  Then George walked Mrs. Findley to the door. She left without saying a word to him.

  When George returned to the parlor, he observed Sarah endeavoring to stand on her bad ankle. While waiting to see what would happen, he noticed a satisfied look upon her face. Her ankle must be nearly healed. She shall not be requiring as much assistance. This thought delighted him.

  “I see you are able to stand. Your ankle must be well.”

  Sarah made no reply as she turned to go. When she entered Daniel’s bedchamber a few moments later, she resolved to remain there until her husband returned.

  Chapter 17

  Early winter, the year 1736, Boston, Massachusetts Bay Colony

  Two weeks had passed since George’s arrival at the Thompsons’ home. As much as he had pushed for Sarah to leave, the brave little woman had not seemed to waver in the least in her resolve to remain. Though it was time for him to go, he had every intention of returning to finish the job of ridding the Thompson home of Sarah’s presence.

  Watching Daniel wave to his brother-in-law, Sarah noted that his countenance revealed his joy at how well he believed the visit had gone. As he came toward her, her heart sank, for she knew she could never ask him to make a choice. And although she tried to appear calm, she knew in her heart that she couldn’t take another visit with George Hoyt. When Daniel had gone out to the barn for a few minutes that morning, the wicked man had grabbed hold of her, warning her to be gone before he returned or he would not be a part of his family’s lives any longer. In other words, it was either her or him.

  With some difficulty, she talked in a lighthearted manner so Daniel wouldn’t detect how troubled she was. She was convinced that if he knew what George had said before he left, as well as all that he had done to her while he was there, Daniel would refuse to allow him to return. Sarah couldn’t let that happen to Joanna’s brother. She forced a smile as Daniel took hold of her arm and directed her toward the house.

  As they entered, Daniel sighed. “George’s visit went quite well. If only he had been this agreeable when Joanna was—”

  Sarah sensed that Daniel was saddened at the thought of Joanna missing out on time with her brother, now that he seemed to have changed for the better, at least in Daniel’s view. Things had always been so strained between brother and sister, not by any fault of Joanna’s. Sarah also had noticed, of late, that Daniel had stopped talking about Joanna as much in her presence. She wished she could bring herself to let him know that he needn’t speak less of her friend on her account, but how to begin a conversation of that kind, she did not know.

  Changing the subject, she replied, “Yes. And as I now have use of both ankles, I am perfectly able to prepare something for us to eat.”

  Smiling at her, he responded, “Yes, I see that you are managing without the crutch. It won’t be long before your wrist is back to normal as well.”

  ◊◊◊

  Later that day, Daniel carried Sarah’s belongings back to her bedchamber. As he was finishing up, he felt a little saddened at the thought that he would be alone in his room from now on.

  With her one good arm, Sarah put her things away as Daniel brought them into her room. When he indicated that this was the last of it, she thanked him. Catching each other’s eye, for a moment they stood there, staring at one another. Suddenly feeling awkward, Sarah turned away.

  Clearing his throat, Daniel said, “Well, I will leave you to it, then.”

  Nodding, she continued on with the task of putting her things away. When she had finished, she sat down on the edge of her bed, her head was spinning with thoughts of George, Daniel, the boys, and even Alexander. If only Alexander had not died, I wouldn’t be here. I would be at home where I belong. What should I do? Should I return to Amesbury—allowing George to win, or should I stay? If I stay, how shall I tolerate another visit from that horrible man? If I go, I shall miss Dan…or rather the boys. She could not admit to herself that she would also miss Daniel.

  The following morning, Daniel inquired as to whether Sarah wished to accompany him on his calls. He watched as her countenance changed to one of joy. With her injuries, Sarah had not been able to make his visits with him in some time thus he was not surprised at her delight at the idea of being out and about again.

  “I take it by the look on your face that you will be coming along with me today.”

  “Yes, Daniel, I would dearly love to come with you.”

  “I thought as much,” he said with a
grin.

  A short time later, once Sarah had positioned herself atop the wagon, Daniel tucked a blanket around her. As he looked down, he chuckled at the large grin on her face.

  Sarah heard the little burst of laughter and looked up. “What is so amusing?”

  “You are. If you could but see yourself.”

  “What? Why? Do I have something on me?” she inquired while wiping at her face.

  “No…no, your face is perfectly clean. It is solely that I have not seen you smile very often lately. Today, however, you appear to be in good spirits.”

  Having no desire to discuss the reason for her recent somber mood, since it had everything to do with his brother-in-law, Sarah directed the conversation elsewhere by asking questions about the visits they would be making that day.

  Once Daniel had explained how he expected the day to proceed, he expressed his gratitude for her willingness to assist him.

  Sarah’s heart melted a little at the thought that, with her injuries almost healed, she was useful again. But she also silently cautioned herself not to get too attached to Daniel, for she believed that one day soon she would be returning to Amesbury—that is, unless George had a change of heart, which in her opinion was highly unlikely.

  Daniel and Sarah arrived at their first stop. As they made their way to the door, the physician began to quietly warn Sarah about the man who lived there; but just then the door opened, effectively cutting off their conversation before he had the chance to finish. A rather large man greeted them and ushered them in.

  As they entered, Sarah glanced around, hoping to learn something about the occupants of the home. Daniel went on without her to check on the man’s wife who had fallen a few days before and injured her leg.

  The physician felt the injury wasn’t all that serious and would heal in no time; however, the woman’s husband, an overly protective sort, had insisted that his wife take to her bed until her leg had fully healed. The concerned husband had become a widower at a very young age and had no desire to lose another wife. Daniel understood all too well what the man was feeling. If nothing else, losing Joanna had taught him a deep understanding for what the man had suffered and his need to keep his present wife safe.