Lost Love and Shipwrecked: Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land

by Cathy Lynn Bryant

  Madeline ecstatic, exclaimed excitedly, “I was so hoping to make the acquaintance of some of the ladies in town! I cannot think of a better way in which to accomplish it.”

  The most outspoken of the group, Mrs. Bridget Dudly, a stout, fine-looking, young woman, replied, “Good, we shall collect you this time tomorrow for a time of quilting instruction at Emma Foster’s.”

  Madeline, responding in the affirmative, in great anticipation took her leave.

  Emma Foster, a kind and handsome woman of forty-three, owing to her talents in quilt making had been teaching some of the younger ladies in town. This afforded her the opportunity to forge a mentoring style of friendship with many of the young wives and mothers. Being a woman of great character, she endeavored to also instruct in the art of service to others rather than allowing the time to be spent increasing the population of busybodies. Therefore, she did not tolerate a lot of gossip amongst the ladies who frequented her home.

  Madeline and Henry scurried on back to the Bleasdell homestead. Once there, Henry began to talk on and on, excitedly, as he described everything that he had seen. “We saw little houses, and... um... a meeting hut or a house.”

  Elizabeth said with a giggle, “Slow down Henry, you are getting ahead of yourself.”

  Just then, one of the men from town came sauntering up. “Good day to you, Mr. Bleasdell, thought I would come by to make the acquaintance of my new neighbors. Will you not introduce me to these lovely ladies and this cute little lad?”

  “Very well, Jarret,” said Mr. Bleasdell, with a grumble. “This is my wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Bleasdell,” he said, gesturing toward her, “and our friend, Mrs. Madeline Pike. My son’s name is Henry.”

  “Delighted to your acquaintance,” said Jarret. “Please allow me to introduce myself; I am Jarret Ormsby. Is your husband about, Mrs. Pike? I would be pleased to make his acquaintance as well.”

  “I lost my husband on our journey over from England,” replied Madeline somberly.

  “I am very sorry for you,” said Jarret disingenuously, as he was delighted that Madeline was unattached.

  I wish I had warned Elizabeth and Madeline about Jarret. He is a bit free with the ladies, thought Mr. Bleasdell.

  Madeline and Elizabeth decided to take Henry away for a little while to leave the two gentlemen alone to talk.

  Before too long, Madeline overheard Jarret saying, “I will take my leave. Good day to you, Mr. Bleasdell.” With that, he was on his way.

  Madeline asked Elizabeth, “Did you take note of Mr. Bleasdell’s countenance upon Jarret’s arrival?”

  “He did seem a little bothered,” replied Elizabeth, “which is a bit out of character for Mr. Bleasdell, as he is always so kind to everyone. It is not like him to be so dismissive. However, knowing him like I do, there must be a good reason.”

  Chapter 5

  Emma the Mentor a Woman of Character

  * * *

  The following day, Madeline put Henry down for a nap before setting off for an afternoon of quilting. She considered the fact that she did not have anything with which to work. However, she decided she might enjoy getting acquainted with more of the ladies in the town regardless of whether she could join in with the quilting.

  Just then, Bridget Dudly came strolling up beside Madeline. “Good day, Madeline, I am so happy that you have decided to come today. It is going to be a wonderful day.”

  “Thank you,” said Madeline. “I have been so looking forward to it.”

  As Bridget and Madeline were passing by the little meetinghouse, they heard someone call out, “Good day, Maddie.” Jarret Ormsby, having spied them as they were coming up the road, made haste to catch up.

  “And how are you ladies today?” he asked.

  The ladies turned to see who had called out to them. They soon discovered that it was Jarret Ormsby. Madeline-after hearing her pet name “Maddie” being uttered by a virtual stranger-felt a shiver run up her spine. She instantly thought about Oliver and Christopher. “They are the only people who have ever affectionately called me ‘Maddie.’ Moreover, I scarcely know him; what right has he to be so familiar?” she muttered.

  Bridget was becoming uneasy, as well, by all of the attention Jarret was lavishing on them. “After all, I am married woman,” she later remarked to Madeline.

  Bridget and Madeline made a quick escape as they approached Emma’s house.

  “Goodbye, Jarret,” they said in unison, as they disappeared behind a closed door.

  Once inside, Madeline and Bridget were affectionately greeted by their host. Emma had a way of making everyone feel comfortable in her lovely little home. The various colorful quilts she had strategically placed hither and thither added softness and warmth to the room.

  All of the ladies had finally arrived, prompting Emma to begin. “It is my custom to introduce anyone new to the group and the group to anyone new.” Each one in turn spoke out their name and a brief synopsis of themselves, such as I am the wife of so and so, or the mother to such and such.

  It was not long before Madeline had learned something about each of her new acquaintances. It may have taken me months on my own to learn this much about each of these ladies, she thought.

  The hours passed quickly, and it was soon time to leave. All of the others said their goodbyes and were on their way. However, Emma held Madeline back for a moment saying, “If you will remain, I should like to speak with you.”

  As Bridget, the last one to leave, was getting ready to set off, she asked, “Madeline, would you like for me to walk you part of the way home?”

  Madeline replied, “I thank you but no, I am going to stay a few moments and speak with Emma.” With that, Bridget was gone and Madeline was left alone with Emma.

  Emma said, “Have a seat over here by me, Madeline. I wish to tell you a little bit about myself that there was no need of divulging to the whole group. Looking intently into Madeline’s eyes, she began, “When I first arrived from England a few years ago I was married to a wonderful man by the name of Samuel Fletcher. He died of an illness our first winter here. I do not have to tell you how devastated I was. If it had not been for my trust in the Lord, I think that I should have gone mad with fear. I was left all alone not knowing what to do. Like you, I had acquired some wonderful friends on my journey that took me in for a couple of years.”

  She must have been informed of my circumstances, thought Madeline.

  Emma continued, “There were a few gentlemen during that time, some of whom paid me a great deal of attention. One in particular kept pursuing me until I had almost given in to his persistent attempts to marry me. If it had not been for a friend who cared enough to be honest with me regarding his duplicitous nature, I might be miserably married to him today. Once I heeded her warning, it was not long before I became acquainted with Morris. He is as kind and loving a man as I have ever known. He loves my daughter, Jane, for to him she is not unlike his own child.”

  “Oh, I was unaware that you have a daughter,” said Madeline.

  “Yes, she is now almost twenty and married to a young man by the name of Nathan Dickson. When they left Colechester, they moved to Salem. However, just recently they removed to Ipswich. So you see, my dear, God’s provision is never too late, as He provided a husband and father just when we needed him the most.”

  Madeline sat quietly fighting back the tears as she hung on every word of Emma’s story. “Emma, you too have had a great loss. I wish you could have known my Oliver,” she said, through the tears that, despite her attempts to stop them, were now flowing freely.

  However, she was beginning to wonder, Why is she sharing this with me? I understand the similarities with Samuel and Oliver, but why tell me about the scallywag she almost married?

  Emma, sensing that she had not conveyed the message within her story, decided to speak plainly so there would not be any misunderstanding. “Madeline, as I saw you and Bridget arrive here today, I observed Jarret Ormsby shadowing you. I am not one to
express ill feelings about another person, but I feel that I must leave you with one warning.” Then, in a stern tone, she said, “Suffice it to say, where Jarret Ormsby is concerned, be ever so cautious!”

  Madeline was beginning to believe that her instincts about Jarret might have been right. “I am obliged to you, Emma,” she said, as she got up to leave. “It means a lot to me that you care enough to give a warning. I will heed your advice; though, before I take my leave, I must say that I am glad to know that you have found, in Morris, another man to love.”

  ***

  Back at home with Mr. and Mrs. Bleasdell, Madeline recounted the events of her day; however, she left off telling them about her conversation with Emma, as she believed it to be a private matter.

  Little Henry was fast asleep for the night, when Elizabeth and Madeline began preparing food for Mr. Bleasdell and Captain Barnes’ trip the following day. They were planning to travel to Ipswich to collect a supply of victuals for Colechester.

  The next morning, Henry was up with the dawn. “No extra winks for us today,” said Elizabeth, as she proceeded to feed Henry his breakfast.

  Before long, Mr. Bleasdell was off to Ipswich, leaving Madeline, Elizabeth, and Henry with instructions to “beware of wolves,” as he had seen a pack of them just a few feet away from their land.

  Henry said, “Why do we have to beware of wolves, Mamma?”

  “Henry, though they may resemble a dog, they are, in fact, wild animals that may bring great harm to you. You must stay away from them, if you happen to see one,” replied Elizabeth.

  “All right,” replied Henry.

  “Madeline,” whispered Elizabeth. “You and Henry need to take care when you are out and about.”

  Later that afternoon, Mr. Morris Foster and Emma came to call on Madeline and Elizabeth. Madeline was filled with excitement upon seeing Emma. “Elizabeth, may I introduce you to Emma? And this must be Mr. Foster.”

  “So nice to make your acquaintance,” said Elizabeth, ushering them in. “Please take a seat over here by the fire.”

  “Elizabeth, my purpose in coming is to invite you to our next quilting gathering. The ladies so wish to make your acquaintance, and I could do with a companion at the event nearer to my own age,” chuckled Emma. “Do not misunderstand me, Madeline; I am very fond of you and all of the other young ladies.”

  Madeline and Elizabeth just smiled and gave each other an understanding nod as Emma continued, “Henry is always welcome to come too,” assured Emma, as she and Morris rose to leave. “We must be going, as we had not planned to stay long. It was lovely to have met you.”

  “I left Mr. Bleasdell in town the other day with the understanding that I would see to your needs whilst he is away,” said Mr. Foster. “Thus, if a need arises, please send for me.”

  “That is very kind of you, Mr. Foster,” said Elizabeth. “Thank you both for coming.”

  Once they had gone, Madeline and Elizabeth spoke with delight regarding the Fosters.

  “Madeline, Emma seems like such a lovely person. I am pleased to have met her. From what you have told me about her, I suspect we are very similar and might become quite good friends.”

  “Yes, you are very much alike. I believe you shall form a strong friendship,” replied Madeline in all sincerity.

  Elizabeth gave Madeline’s hand a squeeze and the two friends sat down on either side of little Henry, each feeling content that God’s plan had brought them to this place.

  Chapter 6

  Seeing Old Friends/Antinomian Accusations

  * * *

  Upon his arrival to Ipswich, Mr. Bleasdell was met with warm greetings by some of his old friends, many of whom had questions as to the reason for his visit. He explained that he had returned with the captain of the shallop that had carried him and his family to Colechester in order to assist him with a shipment that had arrived there.

  Once the transfer of goods from one vessel to the other had taken place, the captain released Mr. Bleasdell from any further obligations for the rest of day.

  “Mr. Bleasdell, you have been a great help. I shall see you early tomorrow for our return trip.”

  “Good enough, until the morning then,” called out Mr. Bleasdell, as he headed down the road.

  Once in town, Mr. Bleasdell went in search of Christopher. He happened upon his old friend and captain, Robert Andrews.

  “What are you doing back around these parts?” asked Robert.

  “I returned on Captain Barnes’ shallop to help him with a load of supplies for Colechester. It is good to see you, Robert. What have you been filling your time with these days?”

  “I was granted a license to open a tavern,” replied Robert. “You may know, my nephews are still with me. In addition to working with me, they are becoming quite the experts at shipbuilding.”

  “I am glad to know that all is well with you,” said Mr. Bleasdell. “Would you happen to know where I might find Christopher Osgood?”

  “He may be at his home. I happened to see him a while ago walking in that direction,” Mr. Andrews replied.

  “I hope to see you again before I set off for home tomorrow,” said Mr. Bleasdell.

  “To be sure,” replied Robert, with a wave goodbye as Mr. Bleasdell was leaving.

  To Mr. Bleasdell’s surprise, Christopher came ambling out the door just as he was approaching.

  “Christopher, it is so good to see you,” said Mr. Bleasdell excitedly.

  “Mr. Bleasdell, when did you arrive? I cannot tell you how good it is to see you. I have missed you all exceedingly. How is Miss Madd . . . er, ah I mean everyone?” asked Christopher, without taking a breath or giving Mr. Bleasdell a chance to answer his previous question.

  Not much ever slipped by Mr. Bleasdell, as he quickly took note of Christopher’s stammering and embarrassed expression. With a smile on his face, he commenced with encouraging Christopher to come to Colechester. “Christopher, why remain in Ipswich when there is so much opportunity in Colechester? There are still available land grants as well as prospects for work if you know where to look. In fact, I had just heard about something the other day you might find to be of interest.”

  “Indeed, do go on,” replied Christopher, with great curiosity.

  “There is an island in the Merrimac, directly across from Colechester, that has recently been granted to Mr. George Carr. It is his intention to start a ferry service between Colechester, Carr’s Island, and Newbury. Therefore, he is in need of some men to assist him in this endeavor,” stated Mr. Bleasdell.

  “Is it your opinion that Mr. Carr would look favorably upon me for the task?” asked Christopher.

  “I feel certain that he would,” replied Mr. Bleasdell. “He could not hope to employ a finer man.”

  “That is high praise,” said Christopher, with a smile.

  “In addition to the splendid opportunity that such a move would proffer, you would be closer to us, for Carr’s Island is an easy distance from the town of Colechester. In fact, it is only a few minutes out.”

  “That would truly be wonderful, as things have not been the same here without all of you,” replied Christopher.

  “Christopher, you have been greatly missed by all of us,” expressed Mr. Bleasdell.

  “Mr. Bleasdell, I first ought to inquire after the Lord’s will and direction in this matter before I make any decisions.”

  “You are right, Christopher,” answered Mr. Bleasdell.

  Following a time of prayer, the two friends conversed for hours before retiring for the night.

  ***

  Mr. Bleasdell rolled out of bed early the next morning. Rubbing his tired eyes, he whispered to Christopher, “I must take my leave. Captain Barnes will be wondering what has become of me. Thank you for allowing me the use of your quarters.”

  “You are always welcome,” replied Christopher, as he rose to say goodbye. “I shall continue to seek the Lord’s will for me with regard to a move. Perhaps you will see me again very soo
n,” he said, joyful at the thought of it.

  Back on board the shallop, Mr. Bleasdell discussed with Captain Barnes his conversation with Christopher and his hopes that he might come to Colechester. “He is very much alone without any real friends or family to speak of in Ipswich. What kind of a life is that for such a fine young man?” asked Mr. Bleasdell.

  “It is clear that you care a great deal about him,” replied Captain Barnes

  After conveying his thoughts on Christopher to the captain, Mr. Bleasdell decided to leave it in God’s hands. If He wills it, he thought, it will happen.

  Back in Colechester, the town selectmen were gearing up for a meeting while Mr. Bleasdell was away. As the construction of the church was finally nearing completion, the property owners who had taken the “Oath of a Freeman,” were ready to officially establish the First Congregational Church. The selectmen were church members first and town selectmen second, as matters of the church always ranked above any other business.

  Excitement was in the air as the meeting commenced with Reverend Nicolas Worcester presenting the opening speech. The reverend was a slender middle-aged man with a commanding presence. Everyone at the meeting listened intently as he spoke about the future of the church, the town, and the “new land.” His words impressed on them a deep sense of the importance of establishing the right atmosphere for the town to grow spiritually:

  Our town ought to be one in which there is a genuine worship of God! However, as I have observed, there are many who hold to the erroneous belief that salvation comes by our works. The scriptures declare something quite different, for it is clearly stated: “It is by grace that ye are saved, through faith and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast.” The scriptures also declare: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved,” and that, “faith without works is dead.” In the aforementioned passages, we observe the order in which we are to do good works. Upon having received salvation as the free gift of God, we must observe that works should follow if it is a genuine faith. Thus, our good works ought to be a response to our salvation rather than a means by which we gain salvation. Therefore, we are no longer to judge whether or not a person shall receive entry into our church based on an established list of prerequisite works. Someone new to the faith may not, yet, have fulfilled any good works. Ought they to be kept out until arbitrary decisions are made by the elders as to whether or not enough good works have transpired to prove an authentic faith? How are they to learn and grow in their faith unless they are received into the congregation to be mentored?