“Susanna, you are a faithful friend,” whispered Madeline. “I must confirm that you are correct in your assumption regarding Jarret and Jane. Furthermore, I am persuaded more now than ever, Susanna, that our suspicions regarding his motives for such lies are closer to the truth than we knew. A final word for your benefit; as the town has not, as yet, bestowed on him the honorable title of ‘Mr.’ you may simply call him Jarret.”
Susanna laughed at Madeline’s last remark, but then became quite serious as she cautioned, “This is not the first I have heard of this. Whenever certain of the ladies in town are in the store, Mr. Ormsby, I mean Jarret, makes a point of speaking with them regarding Jane. It seems as if he is rallying people who will stand by his story. But what could he hope to gain from all of this?”
“I am indebted to you for making this known to me. As for what might be gained from instigating such rumors, our town has decided that the penalty for fornication is that the couple in question must marry,” grimaced Madeline. “Many of us are of the opinion that he intends to force Jane into marriage by stirring up the town with his lies regarding their relationship.”
“Oh, now I understand,” replied Susanna. “How desperate he must be to force a woman into marriage.”
“Indeed,” replied Madeline. “We know of no other reason for his lies. He must know that she shall never be prevailed upon to marry him unless forced to do so. In view of all of this, I shall say, again, how much I appreciate your willingness to involve yourself on behalf of Jane. We must not breathe a word about our suspicions.”
“You can depend on me to keep silent,” replied Susanna.
“I must go and speak with the others regarding all that you have disclosed,” replied Madeline. “We must get together for tea and happier conversation.”
“I should like that,” replied Susanna.
Madeline rushed Jane and the others out of the store so that she could reveal the information that she had acquired from Susanna. Upon hearing the news, they thought it best to return home and discuss it with Mr. Foster and Emma.
Chapter 23
Birth Anomalies/Jarret’s Wicked Scheme/Waiting for Proof
* * *
Jane accompanied Emma on a visit to an expectant mother by the name of Mary Haddon who lived just outside of town. As the ladies were approaching, Mary’s husband, Thomas Haddon, hastened them inside; she had commenced with her labor before they had arrived.
“Dear Mary, do not be anxious. Jane and I are here to assist you,” said Emma softly.
“Oh, Emma, you came in time,” replied Mary. “It has been going on a few hours now. I wished for Thomas to go and fetch you, but he did not want to leave my side.”
“It will be all right,” answered Emma.
Mary struggled for a few more hours before delivering a son. At first glance, the lad appeared to be robust and healthy, but upon closer inspection, Emma noticed that he had been born with anomalies that would surely mean his death. She ushered Jane aside and requested that she ask Thomas to come inside, as he had removed himself to the out of doors to wait upon the arrival of the child. Once Thomas had returned, Emma whispered to him the sorrowful news. She expressed her desire that he remain to bring comfort to Mary once she learned the truth.
Just as Emma had anticipated, the baby died within a few hours. The mother and father were left in despair at the loss of their firstborn son. Emma expressed her sorrow over the loss, and set off for home knowing that she could do little to comfort them at such a time.
Later that night, after Emma and Jane had returned home, they recounted the events of the day to Mr. Foster. He shared in their sadness and offered his assurance that there was nothing that could have been done to save the little lad.
“I know that all such things are in God’s hands; however, I felt extremely helpless as the baby lay dying in the arms of his mother,” cried Emma. “I know that this is not the first birth in which I have assisted that has ended in a loss, but one never gets used to it.”
“Jane, you have not spoken a word,” remarked Mr. Foster.
“I have been silently praying for the family.”
“That is good,” replied Emma. “Only God can mend their broken hearts.”
“It is not only the loss of the Haddon’s baby,” confessed Jane. “There is more on my mind I have not disclosed. I am carrying Nathan’s child.”
“Oh, Jane, I had hoped you would say something to us,” replied Emma. “I did not wish to inquire about it until you were ready to tell us.”
“What, you knew?” inquired Jane, stunned.
“Jane, after all, I am a midwife,” responded Emma, with a smile. “Are you not happy about the baby?”
“Yes, but I did not wish to burden you and Morris further than I already have in coming here.”
“Burden us!” exclaimed Morris. “You and your baby, my grandchild, could never be a burden. I am overjoyed. Never let me hear you say such a thing again. Do you hear me?”
“Yes, Morris, and I thank you for your kind words. But do you not see that the rumors could not have come at a worse time?” inquired Jane. “It shall only exacerbate the situation once it becomes obvious that I am heavy with child.”
“Try not to worry. I sincerely believe that he shall not prevail. The truth will be known, before long,” insisted Mr. Foster.
***
A few days had passed since the loss of the Haddon baby had taken place, when Susanna North came to call on Madeline. “Madeline, I must speak with you directly,” Susanna insisted with a solemn face.
“Elizabeth can hear whatever it is that you have to say,” assured Madeline.
“Very well,” replied Susanna. “I dislike having to always be the bearer of bad news.”
“Go on,” replied Madeline, with concern in her voice.
“When Mr. Haddon was in town to see the Reverend Worcester, Jarret approached him outside the church. I happened to be outside, myself, just as this was taking place; thus, I overheard Jarret consoling Mr. Haddon over the loss of his son. I thought this to be a kind deed until he implied that Emma was somehow responsible and that she had assisted in other births in which there were anomalies resulting in death.”
“This is the most vicious attack, yet, brought on by Jarret,” replied Elizabeth. “Is there no one who can put an end to the devastation that he continually brings upon this town?”
“Susanna, once more you have proven yourself a true friend,” said Madeline, with a sigh.
“I wish that, for once, I could demonstrate my friendship in some other way,” replied Susanna.
“Once again, I am puzzled as to what might be his motive,” insisted Madeline.
“I venture to guess that it is his intention to tarnish Emma’s reputation, therefore, rallying people to believe whatever he says with regard to her daughter,” replied Susanna.
“Jane and Emma must be told, at once,” insisted Elizabeth. “Susanna, are you willing to accompany Madeline to the Foster’s home to offer a firsthand account of what you have heard?”
“Certainly,” replied Susanna resolutely.
Once Madeline and Susanna reached the Foster’s home, they were greeted by Anthony and Mr. Foster who escorted them in to speak with Emma and Jane.
“Mr. Foster and Anthony it might be best if you remained to listen to what Susanna has discovered while she was in town,” requested Madeline.
Therefore, they remained listening intently to Susanna; after which, Mr. Foster and Anthony rose to their feet in anger. “I am going to speak with Reverend Worcester!” blurted Mr. Foster. “He must be informed of what has been taking place, as he is sure to give counsel regarding the situation.”
“If you like, I shall accompany you,” said Anthony.
“If you have a mind to, then come along,” replied Mr. Foster.
With that, the two men were on their way to seek counsel from Reverend Worcester while Madeline and Susanna remained for a time with Emma and Jane.
&n
bsp; Along the way, Mr. Foster filled Anthony in on Jane’s condition.
“That will surely add fuel to the fire,” cautioned Anthony. “And it causes me added concern for Jane’s health, as the stress is sure to be detrimental to her and the baby.”
As they approached their destination, Mr. Foster warned not to speak of the news regarding Jane.
“Of course, however, everyone will know soon enough,” warned Anthony.
“True, but let it not be today.”
A knock came at the door of Reverend Worcester’s home. He was surprised to find Mr. Foster and Anthony standing there. “Come in, gentlemen. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
May we speak with you regarding a very serious matter?” inquired Mr. Foster.
“Well certainly, and what might this be about?” replied Reverend Worcester.
“Surely you have heard the rumors in town regarding Jane and Jarret,” insisted Mr. Foster.
“No, I must admit that I have not,” replied Reverend Worcester. “What are the rumors of which you speak?”
Anthony sat quietly as the conversation went on, ready to assist Mr. Foster in the delivery if necessary.
“You are aware, are you not, of the decision at the last meeting of the selectmen regarding the penalty for fornication?” inquired Mr. Foster.
“Well yes, I was in attendance and had given some counsel on the matter before the meeting,” replied Reverend Worcester. “I believe this to be a more compassionate form of punishment than what had been done previously on such occasions. Why, is there some question as to whether we should have moved in this direction for such situations?”
“No, no. I share your opinion on the matter,” replied Mr. Foster.
“Very well then, I shall keep silent and let you explain,” responded Reverend Worcester.
“Thank you,” replied Mr. Foster. “What I have to say may come as a shock, though I am not sure why we should be shocked any longer by any of Jarret’s antics. We believe that Jarret is using the decision of the board to further his own interests. Despite the fact that he was rejected by Jane, he has been circulating around town a falsehood in which he claims to be courting her and that they intend to be married. Moreover, we believe that he intends to force her hand by way of the board of selectmen.”
“Is it your opinion then that he intends to say that fornication has taken place between the two of them?” inquired Reverend Worcester, shocked.
“That is precisely what we believe,” replied Mr. Foster.
“That is an extraordinary claim. Not that I disbelieve that he would do such a thing, but have you any proof?”
“Only that we have witnesses to the fact that he has made false claims regarding their courtship and intent to marry,” replied Mr. Foster. “As he has lain the groundwork, all that is left for him to do is make the final claim of fornication. Furthermore, we are sure of Jane’s disinterest in Jarret, as she has been with us every moment and has refused to allow Jarret to call.”
“This may, yet, be his most despicable act,” replied Reverend Worcester, with concern.
“There is more,” insisted Mr. Foster. “You are aware of the Haddon baby, are you not?”
“Of course, as I have been continually with the family ever since the tragedy occurred,” replied Reverend Worcester.
“Today, as Mr. Haddon was arriving to speak with you over at the church, Jarret approached him with the pretext of consoling him only to follow it with accusations against Emma. He claims that she is the cause of the death of their baby as well as the deaths of certain others born with peculiar anomalies!” exclaimed Mr. Foster.
“What is your opinion as to the reason for such claims against Emma?” inquired Reverend Worcester.
“If he can discredit Emma by exploiting the superstitious types, others may be apt to believe his lies against Jane,” replied Mr. Foster. “In fact, it was Susanna North who wisely pointed out that the discrediting of Emma might serve to besmirch Jane as well.”
“Susanna North, what has she to do with this?”
“She has been a witness to many of the events to which we are referring,” replied Mr. Foster.
“Reverend Worcester, Mr. Foster, I have news of which I had hoped to have obtained proof prior to making it known to anyone,” said Anthony.
“Of what nature is this news?” inquired Reverend Worcester. “And from where do you expect proof to come?”
“I shall explain,” replied Anthony. “Upon my arrival to Salisbury, I observed Jarret Ormsby in town one day. I recognized him right away as having come from Norwich, my hometown in England.”
“Oh, you came from the same town,” said Reverend Worcester, with surprise.
“Yes,” replied Anthony.
Continuing on, he explained that upon seeing him, Jarret had hastened away, and that he continues to do so every time they meet.
“Very interesting,” said Mr. Foster.
“There is more,” continued Anthony. “One day I caught up with him and inquired as to why he had not greeted me whenever he had seen me in town. I explained that, after all, we had come from the same town. At which point, a very peculiar thing happened; he denied ever having met me or that he had even come from Norwich. Well, I knew that there was something amiss, which was confirmed to me when I learned that he was presenting himself as never having been married. You see, he has a wife in Norwich that he was to send for once he was settled. That was many years ago. Unless I am mistaken, he has abandoned his marriage to Grace and never intended to send for her.”
“I am in utter and complete shock,” replied Mr. Foster. “He has pursued women, not only here, but in Salem, knowing full well that he has a wife in England. The poor dear soul, how she must be suffering. Can she even be aware of any of this? Or maybe she believes that he is dead.”
“Yes, I have also wondered about that, Mr. Foster. I have so longed to make this known to you; however, it would have been my word against his. As I am new to this town and have but few acquaintances, such an outlandish story might not have been believed,” insisted Anthony. “Furthermore, I did not wish to alert him that I was, even now, seeking proof of his marriage, but I cannot remain silent any longer.”
“You say you are seeking proof; from where do you expect this proof to come?” inquired Reverend Worcester.
“I am in hopes of substantiating my claims upon the return of Christopher Osgood,” replied Anthony.
“Oh, I see,” replied Reverend Worcester. “Is he to seek out the truth whilst he is in England?”
“Yes, upon their arrival in England, they shall be disembarking in Harwich. From there, Christopher plans to travel to Norwich while Mr. Carr sets off for London,” Anthony explained.
“You were wise to wait for proof before making this known to the town,” replied Mr. Foster. “However, I am pleased that you have decided to share this information with us. Rest assured, we will not divulge any of this unless it becomes absolutely necessary in the defense of Jane.”
“I am in complete agreement,” replied Reverend Worcester. “Anthony, it is good that you have made all of this known to us, as it shall surely help to direct our actions in the future.”
“I am happy that it is out, if only to the two of you,” sighed Anthony.
Chapter 24
Arriving in England during a Time of Unrest/Mr. Carr’s Wedding Plans
* * *
Mr. Carr and Christopher had finally reached the end of their long journey to England; at which point, they disembarked in Harwich where they were conveyed to their lodgings.
“Mr. Carr, thank the Lord, we have arrived at last,” said Christopher, utterly exhausted. I am happy that our lodgings are an easy distance, for I feel as if I might sleep for a week.”
“Christopher, we shall rest a day before traveling on, you to Norwich and I to London. Once my business is concluded there, I shall return to inquire after purchasing the implements of which I am in need. I shall be gone but a few
days,” said Mr. Carr.
“Very well. I could, indeed, do with a rest before setting off. I am in hopes that my business shall not require a great amount of time, and that I too shall arrive back here in a few days,” replied Christopher.
However, Mr. Carr and Christopher soon learned that there was much unrest in England that might interfere with their plans, as a conflict between King Charles and Parliament had been brewing for some time.
“Mr. Carr, there was a kindly gentleman who observed us as we disembarked from the ship. Knowing that we had only just arrived, he inquired as to whether we were aware of the danger not far off from Harwich. He disclosed to me that Parliament recently adopted something called ‘the Grand Remonstrance’ in which they recite the evils of the king’s reign and insist on church reform as well as parliamentary control over the army. The result of which split Parliament, as many of the moderates moved to the Royalists side. It appears that England may be headed for civil war,” informed Christopher.
“Yes, I had heard rumors before we took leave of Salisbury of the intensity of the power struggle between Parliament and the king,” replied Mr. Carr. “However, this ‘Grand Remonstrance’ must have been adopted whilst we were yet on our journey. It is sure to have heightened the tensions even further. It is my belief that many from the colony shall return to England to fight on the side of Parliament, should a war break out.”
“I truly hope it does not come to that,” replied Christopher.
“Agreed,” replied Mr. Carr in all sincerity, for though he had removed from England, he continued to be burdened for its people. “We shall need to take great care as we travel on to London and Norwich.”
As anticipated, after a day of rest, Mr. Carr set off for London with a warning to Christopher to be vigilant as he traveled to Norwich. Christopher procured a packhorse, and within two days, he reached his destination. Despite the fact that he was a bit uneasy over the unrest as well as the prospect of meeting Jarret’s abandoned wife, he was pleased that things were moving ahead as planned.
Lost Love and Shipwrecked: Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land Page 14
