Grandmother's Namesake

by Cathy Bryant

  Grandmother’s Namesake

  Jessica Marie Dorman

  Cathy Lynn Bryant

  Book 2 of the Unshakable Faith Series

  Published by

  Innovo Publishing, LLC.

  http://www.innovopublishing.com

  1-888-546-2111

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  GRANDMOTHER’S NAMESAKE

  Copyright © 2013 by Jessica Marie Dorman and Cathy Lynn Bryant

  All Rights Reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

  All scripture references are from the KJV.

  Library of Congress Control Number: 2013941975

  ISBN 13: 978-1-61314-157-1

  Cover Design & Interior Layout: Innovo Publishing, LLC

  Printed in the United States of America

  U.S. Printing History

  First Edition: June 2013

  Our characters include historical figures intermingled with fictional characters. The granddaughter of Susanna North Martin, portrayed in the story, is a fictionalized version of the real Susanna Jameson. In fact, much of the account contained within this book regarding both Susannas is fiction. Some of the factual information is listed at the back of the book.

  Acknowledgments

  We are grateful to the wonderful people at Innovo Publishing.

  We also would like to thank Charles Bryant, the world’s best husband and father. He meticulously read our manuscript—offering helpful edits and suggestions. One such suggestion captured the essence of Susanna Jameson’s state of mind in the book, namely the last line of the prologue. He took the photo in the back of the book as well.

  Nate Dorman, an exceptional son-in-law and husband, willingly offered his support for the time his wife devoted to writing the book. Additionally, his excitement over the series has been encouraging.

  Others on our list of people, to whom we are most grateful, are Kristie Pelletier, Stephen Harvey, and Lori Whitty. They willingly offered their time to a thorough read through, or two, of the manuscript offering helpful suggestions.

  We are also grateful for the encouragement we have received regarding the series from our family and friends.

  Last, but certainly not least, we are MOST grateful to God for teaching us through His Word about relationships and forgiveness. Not that any of us do this perfectly, but having a standard surely helps; otherwise, we would all be floundering.

  Prologue

  Amesbury, Massachusetts Bay Colony 1673

  Susanna North Martin was full of joy as she clasped eyes on her namesake, Susanna Jameson—the new addition to her daughter Esther’s family. Susanna Jameson was a beautiful child with eyes the color of the heavens and sprouts of golden hair atop her head. As time went on, everyone agreed the lovely child was appropriately named after her grandmother, given that her will and spirit were equal to hers in nearly every way.

  By age ten, Susanna was a handful by anyone’s standards. Not that she was ill behaved, but she had a tenacious spirit. To some, this could be trying at times. However, to her grandmother it was understandable as well as amusing, for as others regularly pointed out, she came by it quite naturally.

  Susanna North Martin—a God-fearing woman—was known to speak her mind. As a principled woman, she held a strong regard for speaking the plain unadulterated truth; therefore, she wasn’t likely to sugarcoat her words. First impressions of Susanna Martin often stirred negative feelings within a new acquaintance. However, if given a chance, Susanna had always proven herself to be a kindhearted and loyal friend. Nevertheless, not many took the time to look beyond the surface to her true character.

  Within the town of Amesbury, Susanna Martin had acquired a few adversaries throughout her years in residence. When superstition began to pervade the town, it wasn’t long before said adversaries seized upon the occasion to rid themselves of Susanna Martin. Some in particular thought to gain financially if her land were to become available; others sought to be rid of her influence within the church. She had always spoken out against the lofty attitudes as well as the lack of concern that prevailed against the less fortunate.

  While her husband was alive, he made it his business to defend his beloved wife. In one such case, he prevailed in court when a despicable neighbor brought a slander suit against her.

  In 1692, Mrs. Martin became a victim of the superstitions that, by that time, had spread far and wide. Outrageous accusations were levied against her and sundry others who were accused of acts of witchcraft. Her family was at a loss as to how things could have gone so far as to threaten to end the life of this godly woman.

  By this time, Susanna Jameson had reached the age of nineteen. Much of her time had been spent at the Martin farm assisting her widowed grandmother with the daily operations. Thus, on numerous occasions, she had witnessed the ill treatment some of the neighbors directed at her grandmother. In Susanna’s opinion, this was because her grandmother was a lone woman managing a farm. The young Miss Jameson had always admired her grandmother’s ability to put these haughty men in their place, given that her knowledge and skill was equal to, or even exceeded, theirs.

  When the witch hunt officially made its way to Susanna Martin’s front door, she was taken away to jail. After she and the other victims had languished there for months, the trials finally ended. The condemned were then loaded onto a wagon.

  Susanna Jameson could scarcely believe that her beloved grandmother was about to be executed. Though she had been forbidden to attend the hangings, in secrecy, she had procured a ride. Once there, she remained out of the sight of her parents by standing far off to one side. As her grandmother ascended the steps to the hanging tree, Susanna wanted to scream.

  In the weeks and months that followed, Susanna Jameson had a crisis of faith and fell into such despair that her parents feared for her soundness of mind as well as her very life. To them, Susanna viewed everything, from the time of the hangings forward, as though she were looking through a hangman’s noose.

  Chapter 1

  The Jamesons had moved to the Martin farm following the terrible tragedy that had taken place in Salem. On this particular day, an extremely distraught Susanna Jameson lay grief-stricken beside Susanna North Martin’s spinning wheel in a room that, though rather small and unadorned, held special meaning for her. Over the years, she had passed many hours in this little room relaxing and talking with her beloved grandmother. Today, like many other days, it seemed as if she could still see her grandmother sitting there spinning wool.

  It had been a year since her grandmother’s demise, yet she was still unable to process all that had happened. How could she ever trust again when it seemed that the whole world had betrayed her. Many of her neighbors and the people with whom she had attended church had been involved in the horrific goings-on in Amesbury and the surrounding towns. Gossip, dissension, and slander had brought death.

  Susanna’s mother, Esther Jameson, was a lovely, middle-aged woman. At present, she was waiting quietly by the entrance to the room where her daughter lay uncontrollably sobbing. She understood full well the range of emotions her daughter was experiencing, as she had also struggled with similar feelings.

  Esther had loved her high-spirited mother deeply. Thus, the previous year had taken a toll on her as well. Had it not been for the loving support of her husband, John, and her own deep faith, she too may yet be overcome with grief
. It pained her to see her daughter in such anguish, but she felt helpless as to what to do for her relief. She had prayed constantly and had always been available whenever Susanna needed an ear. Nothing seemed to lessen her daughter’s misery.

  “Susanna, may I come in and sit with you awhile?” Esther inquired softly, as she entered the room in which her daughter had passed much of her time since her grandmother’s death. In fact, similar to now, many a night Esther had found her daughter on the floor, in this very room—sobbing.

  “Oh, Mama, when will this pain end? I miss her so much. How could they have been so cruel?”

  Positioning herself onto the floor alongside her daughter, Esther then wrapped her arms around her mother’s namesake, and whispered, “I know, dearest. I wish I could take away the ache.”

  While stroking Susanna’s hair, Esther fell silent. She knew that now was not the time for lectures on prayer and seeking God’s help to alleviate one’s suffering. She had said it all before. Susanna had to understand her own need for the strength that can only come from God. Only He can help her prevail over her present sorrow, she thought as she attempted to comfort her daughter. For now, she would simply stay close and hold Susanna until her tears subsided.

  “Susanna, I have had something on my mind for some time now. May I share it with you?”

  Though she had little interest in discovering what her mother had to say, she felt obliged to ask. “Yes, Mama, what is it?”

  “As you have always looked upon Maddie as quite another grandmother, and she very much views you as the granddaughter she never had, I am sure she would welcome a visit. What is more, she is sure to have missed you, as you have not been to see her in over a year. After all, you and your grandmother had many happy summers together with Maddie out at the Osgood farm. Perhaps a visit with her would serve you both well.”

  Glancing at her daughter to observe her reaction to what she was suggesting, she continued. “Furthermore, it has come to my attention that she has not been well of late. Given that now she is rather advanced in years, she may appreciate an offer to lend a hand with the chores around the farm. As you know, summer is her busiest season, what with the gardening and putting up food for the winter.”

  Feeling a bit guilty, Susanna replied, “You are right; it has been quite some time since my last visit. However, I have had no desire to be out of the house where I might see any of those dreadful people who were responsible for—I know you do not wish for me to dwell on my feelings toward those awful people, but I cannot help it. I detest them! Besides, going to Maddie’s was just too painful a reminder of Grandmother.”

  She paused for a moment before heaving a sigh at the thought of Maddie having suffered the loss of her friend all alone. “Nevertheless, it was selfish of me not to consider Maddie’s feelings.”

  Esther kept quiet and waited patiently for Susanna to calm herself so that reason might prevail. She suspected that if given a moment to consider, her softhearted daughter would put Maddie’s feelings above any qualms she had about going for a visit.

  “Mama, I am sorry to have expressed myself in such a way a moment ago. However, I am not sorry for what my feelings have been toward those hateful people. As you have requested, I shall consider calling on Maddie. However, if I do decide to go, Father must be by my side as I travel through town. If I were to bump into one of those . . . well, I am sure you comprehend my meaning.” At this point, her chin went in the air as though practicing for the occasion.

  “What are my girls chattering on about?” inquired John Jameson—startling his wife and daughter as he joined them in conversation. They had not even noticed when he entered the room. Seeing the all-too-familiar signs of grief on his beloved daughter’s face, he too settled down onto the floor. He then stretched his strong arms around both his wife and daughter. Feeling his embrace, Esther moved aside to allow John to enfold Susanna alone.

  John Jameson, a tall, middle-aged gentleman, had always referred to his wife and daughters as “his girls.” He cherished his family more than anything and desired their happiness above all else. Susanna, his second eldest, was one of five remaining children in the Jameson home. In fact, up to that point, all of the Jameson children were daughters. The eldest was Mary; a year and a half later Susanna came along. The younger four were: Jane, Esther, Hannah, and Elizabeth. Susanna’s elder sister, Mary, had married and since moved into her own home. Now scarcely twenty, Susanna had always held a special place in Mr. Jameson’s heart. Though she had always had a fragile constitution, and had been ill on numerous occasions, her father was delighted that she continued to be the most spirited of any of his children. However, at the moment, it seemed that her typically exuberant nature had died along with her grandmother.

  As he thought about it, he realized that he too was still in a bit of shock over the events of the past year. It had been his belief that this young land would be a beacon to the rest of the world of God’s love and grace. However, the events of late had done little to sustain him in that belief.

  As he held his daughter in his arms, he wondered how things had gotten so out of hand. He also thought about how differently things might have been but for the events of the previous year. By now, Susanna might have chosen a mate from among her many admirers. With a slender build and long, golden hair, she could have had her pick.

  Looking over her father’s shoulder, Susanna sniffled, “Mama, I believe I have decided. I shall call on Maddie as you have suggested. Furthermore, if she will allow it, I should like to stay on with her for a few days.”

  “If you like, I shall convey you to Maddie’s tomorrow, and then come for you in a few days,” offered Mr. Jameson, delighted that his daughter would finally be braving a time away from the house. He had thought for some time that she had chosen to confine herself for far too long.

  “Should I not first inquire as to whether an extended visit would be welcomed before it is just assumed that I might stay?” asked Susanna, incredulously. “After all, Maddie may have other plans for the summer—plans that don’t include having a house guest.”

  “That is not necessary, Susanna. Only yesterday I happened to see Maddie while I was in town. She had some things she needed in Amesbury that the Haverhill shop did not possess. We spoke of you and the possibility that you might join her for a few days,” replied Esther sheepishly. “I hope you are not vexed with me for being so presumptuous. You see, I had hoped you might, at the very least, consider the idea.”

  “I suppose that is a reasonable assumption, as this is the time of year for my regular visit,” scowled Susanna. She was none too happy to have been the topic of conversation between her mother and Maddie.

  Rising to her feet, Susanna marched off to her room to pack while Esther and Mr. Jameson remained behind. They were equally relieved by Susanna’s response but, in their opinion, her attitude needed a little work.

  “Esther, I am very concerned that Susanna’s mood has not improved a jot in over a year,” grimaced Mr. Jameson. “I realize that she has just agreed to a visit with Maddie; however, judging by the frown upon her face, I would say she is not very happy about it. In my estimation, the guilt she carries over not having been out to see Maddie in so long is the only reason she has agreed to go.”

  “I, too, am troubled by Susanna’s disposition of late, as she has been rather irritable. However, it is her despondency that troubles me the most. This whole affair has been so shocking that I too can scarcely believe it has happened. Given that it has been difficult for us to come to terms with this, how is she, or any of the children for that matter, able to reconcile what has happened in their young minds?”

  “Indeed, for it seems as though many people have taken leave of their senses. Nonetheless, we must lead by example by demonstrating our faith in God’s power to see us through every trial. Furthermore, God can turn this around that something good may yet come of it; though I am at a loss, myself, as to what that might be,” insisted Mr. Jameson.

&nbs
p; Chapter 2

  The following morning, Mr. Jameson and Susanna were up bright and early to prepare for their departure. Before long, Esther was standing in the doorway holding Elizabeth, the youngest Jameson at just two years of age, waving to her husband and daughter. Once they were out of view, before entering the door to the house, she paused a moment to offer up a prayer that Susanna’s heart would begin to heal with the comfort of their old friend Madeline Osgood.

  Just then, Jane, an attractive girl of eighteen, and the third in line of the Jameson children, called to her mother, “Mama, I shall look after Elizabeth. You take a rest. I know you have scarcely slept for worry over Susanna.”

  “Thank you, dear, but do not be vexed with your sister. I am aware of the fact that you and your sisters loved your grandmother dearly; all the same, Susanna was the most devoted to her. Thus, the loss has been extremely difficult for her to accept.”

  “Mama, it is not that I cannot comprehend Susanna’s feelings. Nevertheless, she needs to move on as the rest of us have. The house has been in such an uproar with her tumultuous moods,” sulked Jane.

  “Give it time, dear. Give it time,” whispered Esther while patting Jane on the shoulder. Esther understood Jane, as she was the most similar to her of all of the Jameson children. Their temperaments were very much the same. On top of that, they had corresponding physical traits, such as a slight stature and long, chestnut hair, although Esther’s was now sprinkled with bits of silver. At one time, Esther also shared Jane and Susanna’s slim build. However, with age she had thickened about the middle a bit. All in all, the Jameson women were a very attractive lot.

  It wasn’t long before Susanna and Mr. Jameson caught sight of the Osgood’s homestead. Just as they were about to knock on the door, a tall, fine-looking gentleman of no more than one and twenty emerged from within. Startled by the two visitors standing before him, he stumbled backward.