Madeline remained silent as Jane conversed with Jarret while they strolled along. She decided she must warn Jane about Jarret but realized that now was not the time.
Reverend Worcester was standing in the doorway of the church as Jane, Madeline, and Jarret approached.
“Good day, and this must be Jane. I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Jane. I am very sorry about your husband, my dear. If you ever have a need to speak with me, I am here for you anytime.”
“Thank you,” replied Jane, wiping away an unexpected tear. “Although, truly, I am all right.”
Reverend Worcester sensed that Jane was a young woman of great strength upon observing her countenance as she fought to regain her composure.
“Jarret, you expressed a desire to speak with Reverend Worcester so we shall leave you now,” said Madeline, believing that it had only been an excuse to walk with Jane.
“Oh, no, no. I shall speak with the reverend another time,” replied Jarret. “I would so much like to continue to be an escort for you lovely ladies.”
“Jarret, I am free to speak with you now if you wish,” insisted Reverend Worcester, desiring to be of assistance to Madeline in her obvious bid to be rid of Jarret.
“Another time, Reverend,” responded Jarret as he turned to follow behind Jane.
Madeline was becoming more frustrated by the minute with Jarret’s obvious advances toward Jane. Though, at the moment, she knew not how to deter him. If only Jane were aware of his treacherous nature, she would not treat him so kindly, she thought.
After what seemed to be a very long walk, Madeline was happy they had finally reached the Foster’s house. Mr. Foster and Anthony observed Madeline and Jane walking up in the company of Jarret. Glancing disgustedly at each other, they each wondered how Jarret had managed to become acquainted with Jane so quickly.
“Good day, Jarret,” said Madeline, with a stern tone.
“I am happy to have met you,” said Jane to Jarret.
“The pleasure was all mine,” replied Jarret, with his usual charm. “I am sure that we will see each other again very soon.”
Not if I have anything to say about it, thought Madeline. Jane must not remain uninformed regarding Jarret. However, I am confident that there is no immediate danger, as she has just lost her beloved Nathan. She would not be interested in anyone else for quite some time.
“Madeline, Jarret is such a kind gentleman. It was good of him to see us home,” remarked Jane.
“Jane, I must speak with you regarding Jarret,” replied Madeline. “However, now is not the time, as you have had a long day and must surely be in need of a rest.”
As Jane and Madeline were approaching, Mr. Foster inquired, “Jane, have you had a pleasant day?” He hoped to glean something that would explain the reason Jarret had been along on their walk.
“Indeed, it has been a very pleasant day, though, I am a little tired,” replied Jane.
After taking her leave of Madeline and Mr. Foster, Jane went into the house, leaving Madeline alone with Mr. Foster.
“Mr. Foster, I am sure that you observed Jarret as we were approaching.”
“Indeed I did,” scowled Mr. Foster. “How did he happen to join in on your walk?”
“He caught sight of us as we were walking toward the church,” replied Madeline.
“And, of course, he came right over. Once he saw the two of you, you were unable to be rid of him, were you not?” replied Mr. Foster.
“You are right. He was a real bother. Mr. Foster, I am very concerned that Jane is unaware of his true nature, and may be taken in by him. I know that she would not have a thought of any man, at present, but we would do well not to underestimate Jarret, as he is sure to ingratiate himself with her during this vulnerable time,” grimaced Madeline.
“You are quite right,” replied Mr. Foster. “It might be best if we warn her of his character, though, I dislike having to burden her with such a report at this time.”
“I agree that it is a shame to have to tell her now. She seems so happy to be in Salisbury, and I should hate to alter her favorable view of the town,” responded Madeline.
“Perhaps we should delay speaking with her whilst we observe Jarret to see if he makes any further advances. Besides, between the two of us, we should be able keep her otherwise occupied, and he may not have another opportunity,” said Mr. Foster.
“I am amenable to your suggestion,” replied Madeline with a sigh of relief.
“Then we are in agreement. We should wait until such a time as it becomes necessary to inform her about Jarret,” replied Mr. Foster.
“Yes. I shall be off for home now. Goodbye, Mr. Foster.”
“I am much obliged to you, Madeline, for taking such good care of our girl,” Mr. Foster called after her.
As Anthony was in earshot, he listened intently to the conversation between Mr. Foster and Madeline wishing he had news from Christopher to share. He could see now more than ever the importance of learning the truth regarding Jarret.
Chapter 19
Quilting Experts/Adjustments/Anthony’s Concern
* * *
Elizabeth and Emma met for tea one day without any of the younger ladies to join them. “It is rather nice having tea alone with you today, Elizabeth,” remarked Emma. “Not that I dislike the company of our young friends, but a little peace and quiet does the body good every now and then.”
“I know just how you feel,” replied Elizabeth, with a giggle. “Madeline may be almost ten years Jane’s senior, but she has not lost a bit of her energy. Emma, how is Jane really doing? She appears happy enough, but I suspect she suffers greatly.”
“I have been truly amazed at her strength. However, I have seen many sorrowful looks come upon her face when she thinks that no one is watching. I remember too well the loneliness that ensues during the first few months. I am so grateful to you and Madeline for your friendship to her, as I know that it has helped immensely.”
“I believe that her friendship has been good for Madeline too. Madeline suffered so over the loss of Oliver. In bringing comfort to Jane, I believe, she has healed a part of herself as well,” replied Elizabeth.
“Where is Henry today?” inquired Emma.
“He is with his father. It is Mr. Bleasdell’s desire that Henry work with him each day now that he is almost ten. Of course, this is to be after he does his schooling. Soon, Madeline and I shall have the new baby to contend with so it is good that Henry shall be spending more time with his father. Furthermore, there is so much he can learn from Mr. Bleasdell even beyond essential skills. His character, for instance—there is no one better than Mr. Bleasdell for Henry to pattern himself after.”
“Indeed, Henry could have no better guide than Mr. Bleasdell,” replied Emma.
Jane and Madeline were together at the Foster’s homestead while Emma spent a few hours with Elizabeth.
“Jane, your mamma had been instructing me in the art of quilt making when I had more time to lend to it. I do wish I had the talent to make a quilt to present to Elizabeth upon the birth of the child, but I am not, as yet, confident enough in my ability to attempt it on my own.”
“Madeline, if you like, I should be delighted to help. Mamma taught me as well, and at a very young age. Thus, I have been making quilts for many years,” replied Jane.
“Oh, thank you, Jane.”
“We will begin right now,” insisted Jane. “Mamma has a box of scraps. I am sure she would not object if we were to rummage through it. I shall go and fetch it.”
“Elizabeth will be so happy to have a warm quilt with which to swaddle the baby,” replied Madeline. “Jane, were you aware that Elizabeth lost two babies in their infancy?”
“No, I did not know. How awful that must have been for the Bleasdells,” replied Jane.
“Yes, it must have been a terrible time for them. However, this new little one is certain to bring great joy to their hearts,” remarked Madeline.
“Without a doubt.
But as time is short, let us get started on the quilt. You may search through this box for whatever scraps you like,” Jane insisted as she pushed the box over in front of Madeline.
Just then, a knock came at the door. “Oh, good day, Bridget. Come right in,” said Madeline, with delight. “Jane, this is my dear friend Bridget. Bridget, this is Jane.”
“I am happy to make your acquaintance,” replied Jane. “Madeline has spoken of you so many times, I feel as if I know you already.”
“I, too, am pleased to make your acquaintance,” replied Bridget, “though I am sorry for the circumstances for which you have come.”
“Thank you,” replied Jane, “but no more unhappy thoughts. Madeline desires to make a quilt for Elizabeth’s baby. She has informed me that, though she had commenced with her instruction, she has not followed through, owing to a lack of time. Would you be of a mind to aid us in this endeavor?”
“I shall be delighted. As a result of Emma’s instruction, I am happy to inform you both that I am quite the expert at quilt making,” laughed Bridget.
“With the two of you assisting, it shall be finished in no time,” remarked Madeline, with a smile.
“I had hoped you would not mind my unexpected visit,” said Bridget. “Elizabeth directed me to you insisting that I come.”
“No, no. We are happy that you have come,” replied Madeline, with Jane in agreement.
“Jane, have you had a tour of the town?” inquired Bridget.
“Indeed, we had a lovely walk through town just the other day,” replied Jane. “I had the happy occasion to meet a couple of the folks, the Reverend Worcester and Jarret something or other.”
“Jarret Ormsby,” scowled Bridget, glancing over at Madeline.
“Yes and Reverend Worcester,” replied Madeline, changing the subject while shaking her head to alert Bridget not to say anything about Jarret.
Bridget gave an inconspicuous nod, as she perceived that Madeline did not wish to discuss Jarret. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let us get started with the quilt.”
Jane and Bridget assisted Madeline, joyously chatting away the afternoon.
Mr. Foster and Anthony were busily working outside while the young ladies were conversing inside the house. Anthony could not help but chuckle, as he could hear the conversations taking place. Mr. Foster smiled at the thought of Jane having fun with her new friends.
“Anthony, I am delighted to hear Jane laughing. They must be having a good time in there,” remarked Mr. Foster.
“Yes, I daresay they are, as I have heard laughter many times this hour,” replied Anthony.
“With the loss of her father and now her husband, poor Jane has dealt with much for someone so young,” remarked Mr. Foster.
Upon hearing more of the sufferings of Jane, as Morris talked on, Anthony was even more determined that Jarret must be kept away.
“Anthony, Emma has instructed me to invite you to dinner, and it would make her very unhappy if you were to decline her invitation,” said Mr. Foster, with a smile.
“I should not wish to make Emma unhappy,” replied Anthony, “so I shall accept.”
Meanwhile, inside, the ladies concluded their quilting.
“Jane, I must be getting back to Elizabeth,” said Madeline.
“And I must be going too. John will be wondering what has kept me so long,” said Bridget.
“I am grateful to the two of you for such a joyous day,” said Jane. “I know we shall all be great friends. We will continue the work on the quilt whenever it is a convenient time for both of you.”
“To be sure,” replied Bridget as she and Madeline rose to leave.
“Goodbye, Jane,” said Madeline. “I am sure that Emma will be home soon.”
Just as Bridget and Madeline were on their way out, Emma strolled up.
“Well, Bridget, I see that you found them.”
“Indeed, and what a joyous time we have had,” she replied.
“I am much obliged to you both for spending the day with Jane. She is in need of companionship more than ever,” said Emma.
“Emma, it brings us pleasure as well,” replied Madeline. “Jane is a delight to be with. We must be going now. Goodbye, Emma.”
“Goodbye, ladies,” replied Emma.
Emma made her way to where Mr. Foster and Anthony were working. “So good to see you, Anthony. Has Mr. Foster invited you to dine with us tonight and for that matter any night that you are here?”
“Yes, he did. I am much obliged to you,” replied Anthony.
“Well then, I shall call for the two of you when supper is ready,” said Emma as she was entering the house.
“Well, Jane, and how are you?” inquired Emma. “I met your guests as they were leaving.”
“We had such a good day,” replied Jane. “Madeline wishes to make a quilt for the new baby. However, it is a secret so you must not let on to Elizabeth.”
“Oh, I shall not say a word about it,” whispered Emma, as if she might be overheard.
“I did not think you would mind if Madeline made use of some of your old scraps of material,” said Jane.
“I am happy that someone has a use for them,” replied Emma. “However, if she has need of something other than what is in the box, you might make a visit to Mr. North’s shop. He is a proprietor in town that, amongst other things, carries cloth. I believe he has a daughter about your age.”
“Very good,” replied Jane. “We may pay a visit to Mr. North’s shop, then.”
“I have invited Anthony to dine with us today and any day that he is here working. I hope that meets with your approval, as I do not wish to make you uncomfortable,” said Emma.
“Indeed, he should stay and dine with us,” replied Jane. “He seems to be a fine gentleman and I am happy to have so many new friends near to my age; what with Madeline, Bridget, Jarret, and now Anthony, I shall not be lacking.”
“Indeed, there are many fine young people in Salisbury. However, after so short an acquaintance, take heed not to trust in all so implicitly,” replied Emma, upon hearing Jarret’s name in the list of new friends and acquaintances.
Chapter 20
Midwifery/Jane Discovers the Truth
* * *
It had been a few weeks since Jane’s arrival to Salisbury. During which time, Emma had been called away several times to visit her expectant mothers. Whenever she returned home from a visit, Jane was very inquisitive as to how the mothers were getting along and how much longer before their babies might arrive. After a time, Jane decided to accompany Emma on many of her visits, as she found the whole thing to be extremely fascinating.
“Jane, it has been a joy for me that you have displayed such an interest in midwifery,” expressed Emma. “There is only one other midwife close by and she is getting along in years. Someday the town will be, again, in need of a midwife. As you have already learned most of the duties that are involved, you are sure to be accepted.”
“I have never known anything as wonderful as assisting you with the mothers,” replied Jane. “Our first delivery together ran through my mind for days. I can still see her little face as she entered the world. What a miracle of God.”
“I remember the excitement of my first delivery. I felt just as you do now. The joy of it all remains for some time,” replied Emma. “Oh Jane, do you think you could be happy here in Salisbury? You have seemed so in recent weeks.”
“Indeed, I believe that I shall be quite happy. Remaining in Ipswich would have been too much of a reminder of Nathan, though my lonely heart persists even here in Salisbury. However, God in His mercy has seen fit to keep me otherwise occupied with the midwifery and new friendships, so I have had little time for such thoughts,” replied Jane.
“Tomorrow I should like for you to take a day for yourself,” said Emma. “You and Madeline ought to work on her quilt, as it shall not be long before Elizabeth’s new little one will arrive.”
“Yes, and perhaps Bridget will be free to join us,�
� replied Jane.
***
The following day, Jane came to call on Madeline. “Good day, Madeline, and, Elizabeth. Mamma said you might be free today, Madeline.”
“Indeed she is,” replied Elizabeth. “Emma is going to call today. I shall be quite all right here until she comes. Off with you now, the two of you.”
“Very well. I do have some things I need to do today. Elizabeth, the chores are done, thus, all you need do is rest until Emma arrives,” insisted Madeline.
“I shall simply sit here with the mending. Now the two of you go and enjoy the day,” replied Elizabeth.
While Jane and Madeline were making their way to Bridget’s home, Jane confided that she had news she had not, as yet, shared with anyone. “You see, Madeline, my news is happy news in a way, but troubling as well.”
“Go on, I am listening.”
“Now that enough time has lapsed for me to be sure, I have to acknowledge the reality of my situation,” replied Jane, with her head low.
“To what are you referring?” inquired Madeline.
“Madeline, I believe that I carry within me a part of Nathan.”
“Are you telling me that you are with child?” inquired Madeline.
“Yes, I believe that I am.”
“You have not said a word about this before,” said Madeline, with a puzzled expression.
“I began to wonder about it a few weeks ago, but passed the signs off as relating to the strain of so many changes that have taken place in such a short time. However, of late I have become quite convinced and had to tell someone.”
Attempting to be cheerful regarding Jane’s situation, Madeline said, “This is good news, is it not?”
“It is, in that I shall always have a part of Nathan with me; however, I am concerned that I shall be placing an added burden on Mamma and Morris.”
“I am confident they would not wish for you to feel that a new baby would be a burden,” replied Madeline.
Lost Love and Shipwrecked: Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land Page 11
