Grandmother's Namesake

by Cathy Bryant

  “I am thankful for the wonderful and compassionate parents who raised us,” expressed Jane, with sympathy in her heart for William.

  “Well, enough of this talk,” smiled Susanna. “Tell us about all that has been going on at home.”

  The ladies chatted on for a couple of hours before Susanna and Jane decided to take the horses out for a ride. Shortly, they made their way to the barn. After preparing the horses, the sisters soon were off enjoying their ride.

  While they were out, they decided to head toward the pond—Susanna and Maddie’s favorite spot. Jane had also enjoyed swimming there as a child. They each took off their shoes and waded around as they conversed over many things.

  It was at this point, while the two were by themselves, Jane revealed that she, too, had feelings for someone. Though Jane had not been prepared to say more about the man, Susanna couldn’t remember having a better time with her sister.

  “Jane, you have grown into a lovely woman. I sometimes forget that you are not a child any longer. Can you forgive me for treating you like one on occasion?”

  Laughing, Jane replied, “Yes, Susanna. I often think of Esther as a child and she is almost as old as I. I guess it is simply in our nature to think of our younger siblings in that way.”

  “Jane, today has been a good day. I am delighted you are here. What is more, I now realize how truly blessed I am to have you for a sister. As much as I dislike having to say this—we should be getting back. Maddie will wonder what has become of us.”

  Just as they had started back, Jane caught sight of a band of Indians off in the distance. Motioning to her sister, Jane indicated that, as yet, they had not been seen. Consequently, they quietly nudged their horses behind some shrubbery to wait for the Indians to leave.

  As they restrained themselves from speaking or moving, they remained hidden, hoping they would not be detected. All at once, the sisters heard a gun blast. Their eyes suddenly flew in the direction of the noise. Spotting Charles with his long fowling piece reloaded and raised once again, relief swept over them. Glancing forward at the group of Indians to see their reaction at having been fired upon, they observed that they were swiftly scattering.

  Stunned by all that had taken place, the young ladies were unable to gather their wits about them enough to step out from behind the bushes. With Charles at their back, and the Indians having disappeared from before them, trembling, they clasped hold of each other.

  Charles quickly approached to ascertain whether the girls had been injured. Jumping down from his horse, he swiftly approached. Grasping each of the sisters by an arm, he inquired, “Are you ladies all right? I happened to be scouting out the area when I caught sight of you behind the shrubs. It wasn’t hard to figure out why. A neighbor came to call earlier today with the expressed purpose of warning us of various Indian sightings in the vicinity. I was out having a look around when I spotted you. Had I known you would be out riding today, I would surely have warned you before I left. I intended to do that very thing the moment I returned.”

  “Thank the Lord you came along when you did,” whispered Susanna, still a little afraid to speak very loud. “Though I do not believe they had seen us, as yet, it surely would not have been long before they did— what with the horses snorting and making noise.”

  Still shaking as Charles offered to escort them back to the house, Jane and Susanna moved forward with haste. Maddie observed the sisters and Charles as they approached. “You two look as if you have seen a ghost.”

  “In a way, they have, though it was not just one but several all dressed in animal skins,” replied Charles, seeing that the ladies were unable to speak.

  “Oh . . . no! Are either of you injured?”

  “No, Maddie. Thanks to Charles, we are just fine,” replied Susanna. At this point, Charles held his hand out for her reins. Gratefully, she passed them to him, and then slumped down onto the grass. Looking up at her sister, she sensed that God had just spared her from yet another terrible loss.

  Charles then moved over to take Jane’s reins. Her hands were still shaking as she placed them into his open hand. Then, glancing down at her sister, she dropped down beside her.

  Perplexed that Maddie had failed to notice the gun blast, Jane asked, “Did you not hear the gun blast, Maddie?”

  “Now that you mention it, I did. However, around these parts, that is not all that unusual.”

  Nodding in understanding, the sisters remained where they were for a few moments. They needed to settle their nerves a bit before returning to the house. Maddie warned that for the next few days it might be best if they stayed close to the house.

  When Charles returned to William’s farm, he filled him in on all that had taken place. Then he assured him that, as he had overheard Mrs. Osgood’s warning to Jane and Susanna to remain close to the house, they were sure to be safe for now. “After having observed how frightened they were, I am of the opinion they will be more cautious in the future.”

  Shocked by all that Charles had said, William expressed his desire that they be vigilant in watching out over the three ladies. He then thanked his farmhand for coming to the sisters’ aid.

  Early the next morning, Elizabeth Howard arrived while Susanna and Jane were in the barn tending the animals. Seeing that they were not in the house, she searched the barn. Finding them, she said excitedly, “Jane, I didn’t know you were here!”

  “I came to spend a few days with Susanna and Maddie,” she replied, equally delighted.

  “Elizabeth, I had not thought to see you again so soon,” questioned Susanna, while staring at her friend.

  “I know. I couldn’t stay away. I was anxious to find out what you thought about Fred.”

  “I should have known you would be anxious for a report. I think you two are very well suited,” Susanna giggled.

  “What is so amusing, Susanna?”

  “Oh, just that he seems to know you quite well. He called you unreserved, did he not?”

  “Well . . . yes, yes he did. And I questioned him about that when we were alone,” Elizabeth replied, with her dander rising.

  “Oh, come now, Elizabeth. I am only teasing,” laughed Susanna, with Jane attempting to hide a grin.

  All at once, the three ladies burst into laughter. Then, thinking back on her last visit, which was to what Susanna had been referring, Elizabeth realized how funny it must have seemed that she thought herself shy. In reality, she had always conversed quite easily in a crowd.

  Observing her friend, Susanna decided it was time to reveal all that had taken place with William regarding his parents. But first, she informed her of what had happened with the Indians.

  Elizabeth, with tears in her eyes, said, “You could have been killed.”

  “Elizabeth, God sent Charles along just when we needed him. I hadn’t planned on upsetting you. I simply thought you might take care if you were made aware of their presence in the area. Please, do put it out of your head for now. There is another matter I wish to discuss with you.”

  “I am obliged to you for the warning, and I shall try not to think about what might have happened. Now, what is it that is so important—more important than a near tragedy with you and your sister?”

  After explaining all, including that William had not been using his true name, Elizabeth was left speechless for a few moments. As soon as she could find her voice, she inquired, “How could your heart take such news, Susanna?”

  “Well . . . I didn’t take the news very well at all, especially considering that William was not the one who told me. I have since come to the realization that he was in a difficult situation, seeing as he was fully aware that I had not completely recovered from losing Grandmother. And, too, he had acted upon Maddie’s suggestion that he wait until they felt I was strong enough to take the news. In truth, I was quite angry for a time, but I have since apologized for my reaction.”

  With tears in her eyes for her friend, Elizabeth asked, “What are you going to do?”
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br />   Looking thoughtful, Susanna sighed. “Elizabeth, I truly do not know. I have committed the whole situation to prayer. I do love William, but sometimes love is not enough when there are too many obstacles to overcome—that is, when one is considering marriage. Once a person marries, it is for a lifetime. Therefore, I must be sure before accepting him. ”

  Jane and Elizabeth then remained quiet while Susanna, leaning against the entrance to the barn, stared off in the distance. It was as though she envisioned some faraway land to which she might escape—a place where none of what had happened would matter, a place where she and William might be together.

  Coming to herself, Susanna whispered, “It is in God’s hands now. I need to leave it there and wait for an answer. Let us go and find Maddie. She shall surely want to see you, Elizabeth.”

  After entering the house, Elizabeth remained for half the day discussing her wedding plans. She had steered away from the topic, at first, believing it to be too difficult for Susanna given the situation with William. However, Susanna continued to bring the topic up; thus, Elizabeth yielded to her friend’s wishes to discuss the matter.

  When it came time for Elizabeth to take her leave, as her father had come to collect her, Susanna, Jane, and Maddie followed her out into the yard to greet Mr. Howard. After the father and daughter had gone, the Miss Jamesons and Maddie returned to the house—exhausted and ready to turn in for the night.

  Jane and Susanna, though done in, decided to read from their grandmother’s diary for a while before going to sleep.

  “Susanna, when did you find this?” inquired Jane with delight.

  “Not long after I arrived this summer. I don’t know why I had never caught sight of Grandmother’s diary before. She most likely had it with her whenever we were together. There are so many interesting things in it, Jane. Where shall we read?”

  “You decide, Susanna.”

  “Very well. I shall let it fall open and we shall read where it lands. Some people take this approach to reading the scriptures. I think that unwise, for in so doing, they are sure to miss much of what the Bible has to say.”

  With that, Susanna let the diary drop onto the bed while guiding the cover with a finger so it would not simply close upon contact with the bed. Excitedly, the sisters began to read.

  Today a young man came to see me. He was in a terrible state, believing me to be in some danger. It seems his parents have begun to make accusations against me. He explained that he had attempted to dissuade them from speaking against me, but to no avail.

  At this point, Susanna and Jane, mouths open, stared at each other in disbelief.

  “Susanna, could she be speaking of William? The circumstances are so similar.”

  With a bewildered look, Susanna answered, “I do not know, Jane. We should continue. Maybe she has recorded his name.”

  I assured him that I have been down this road before and nothing had ever come of it. I then expressed my gratitude to him for his concern and asked him to stay for tea. He clearly could not be sent away until he had calmed down, for he was in such distress that he looked as though he should faint for want of air. Once the young gentleman had gone, his eyes continued to trouble me for the remainder of the day—such sad eyes, the poor fellow. I believe it is best that I do not disclose the young gentleman’s name, as it would surely give his parents away. As I believe this shall pass, I should not want him to suffer repercussions for their actions, should anyone ever read my diary.

  With their grandmother’s words coursing through their minds, the sisters looked intently at each other. They knew she had been wrong that nothing would ever come of it. They were also struck by her desire to protect the young man and his parents. She could have given their names but had decided against it. They thought again about the young man.

  “Jane. You may be right. She may well be speaking of William. The date of the entry is some months before she was taken away. To think I treated him the way that I—” Suddenly, Susanna collapsed down onto her pillow—sobbing. “I must find out. However, I cannot be swayed by this, Jane. I must wait for the Lord to reveal His will concerning His plans for the future. If I cannot overcome my struggles regarding William’s parents, it would surely destroy him. His heart is so tender.”

  At this point, Jane was sobbing too. Patting her sister’s back, Jane prayed aloud for God’s will to be done. Surveying her sister for a second time, Jane thought about Susanna’s response to the diary entry. It seems she is no longer concerned about her own reaction to becoming a part of William’s family. Now, all she is worried about is what her pain might do to William. Interesting!

  Tired as they were, the Miss Jamesons were finally ready to go to sleep.

  The following morning, as Susanna and Jane breakfasted with Maddie, they told her about their grandmother’s diary entry. Maddie, however, did not look at all surprised by the news regarding the young man. This detail was not lost on the sisters.

  Realizing that her expression might give away the fact that William had told her of this himself, Maddie attempted to appear riveted by the revelation. In her view, the story was William’s to tell—not hers.

  Feigning curiosity, Maddie inquired, “Does she give the gentleman’s name?”

  With this question, Susanna and Jane glanced at each other both rejecting the idea that Maddie had been aware of this before now.

  “No, Maddie. She even explains that it was her intention not to give the gentleman’s name or that of his parents in an effort to protect them. She believed nothing would come of it and didn’t want there to be repercussions if their names became known,” explained Susanna, with great admiration for her grandmother. “Is that not just like Grandmother? She was more concerned about the young man than she was for herself. If only people had comprehended the selfless side of Grandmother’s nature, perhaps things would have turned out differently.” At this, Jane and Maddie simply nodded.

  Jane finally had to ask if Maddie thought the story sounded very similar to William’s. The sisters then looked closely at Maddie to see if, just maybe, she had the same thought. However, Maddie only smiled and went on to another topic.

  Susanna, a little frustrated, allowed the conversation to shift to something else. Before long, Maddie felt the need to speak with William. She thought she had better warn him of what had been found in the diary.

  “Well, ladies. I am off to William’s this morning. He and I have some business to discuss. With suspicion, Susanna inquired as to the nature of the business.

  Thinking quickly, Maddie answered, “Susanna, you know that I always give my feed order to William, considering that he is the one who takes care of keeping us supplied.”

  Feeling a bit embarrassed for questioning Maddie about her personal business, Susanna’s face turned a deep red. “Excuse me, Maddie. It is really none of my concern.”

  It was quite obvious to Maddie, by Susanna’s red face, that she was ashamed of having asked the question. Smiling warmly, she replied, “Susanna, anything to do with the farm is, indeed, your business. You are helping me to run the place after all, are you not?”

  “Yes, Maddie, but I should not have been so inquisitive. What you and William discuss is your own affair.”

  Maddie decided it was best to take her leave before the conversation went any further. “I shall not be gone very long.”

  “Do be careful, Maddie. Remember there have been Indians about,” warned Jane.

  “I shall. In fact, I do believe Charles is handy. I shall ask him to escort me.”

  Chapter 29

  Stunned, William stared at Maddie. “Mrs. Martin had written about my visit in her diary?”

  “Yes, William, she had. Susanna suspects it is you. What are you going to do? Are you going to tell her?”

  Bewildered, he asked, “What do you think I should do? I am quite unsure as to how she shall react given that this is yet another secret I have kept from her. I should not wish to distress her further.”

 
; “My thoughts exactly. We should not upset Susanna more than she has been already with all of the news of late. However, this is not the same sort of secret. If anything, it demonstrates your belief, at the time, that your parents were wrong in what they were doing. I am sorry, William. I am at a loss as to how best to advise you.”

  “Perhaps she shall ask me directly. Then I would not have to find a way to broach the subject. What do you think? For the time being should I simply wait?”

  “William, as you may recall, my last advice to you did not turn out so well. It was I who suggested you wait to tell her about your parents. I believe I shall leave you to decide this one for yourself.”

  “Very well, Maddie. It is not fair of me to expect you to continually advise me concerning Susanna. I shall pray about this and allow the Lord to direct me.”

  “Very good, William. I shall be off now. Susanna and Jane shall be wondering what is keeping me. I told them I had a feed order for you,” she said chuckling, “so I have brought one along. There is no hurry, as I had not planned on giving it to you for another few weeks. We have plenty for at least another month.”

  William grinned, knowing Maddie was not a dishonest person. She had to give him the feed order regardless of whether or not it was needed. “Before you go, Maddie, Charles informed me of the incident with the Indians. You must take care and keep close to the house. You once told me a story in which there was mention of an old firearm of Christopher’s—did you not?”

  “Yes, William. What would you have me do? Shall I keep it with me?”

  “To be sure. And, if I am ever needed, fire one shot.”