What am I to say to a lady who has suffered so? he thought as he unburdened his horse at the stables. I do not wish to add to her distress by bringing to light this whole unhappy situation.
Later at the inn, he made the acquaintance of an elderly gentleman by the name of Henry Jacobs who had long been living in Norwich. After some conversation, mostly about the situation in England, Christopher ventured to ask whether Henry was acquainted with Jarret Ormsby, explaining that Jarret had once been a resident of Norwich.
“Indeed,” grimaced the old gentleman. “He has long been over across the ocean in New England. Are you acquainted with him?”
“Yes, I have had the misfortune I am sorry to say,” replied Christopher. “I am, in truth, here to find his wife.”
“The poor soul has been treated contemptibly by the scoundrel, as he abandoned her some years ago,” replied Henry. “She thought to join him over there once he sent for her. However, he never did, though she held out hope for ever so long.”
“My purpose in coming to Norwich is to speak with her regarding Jarret, and his misrepresentation of himself in Salisbury, the town from whence I came. Had it not been for another of your former townsman, who is presently residing in Salisbury, we should not have found out that he is presently married,” said Christopher. “It is not my intention to cause his wife additional pain, but I must set things right in my town. You see, Jarret has attempted to pursue more than one young lady, knowing all the while that he is not free to do so.”
“Perhaps I might accompany you,” replied Henry. “In as much as she is a friend and a neighbor of mine, it may not be quite so much of a shock if I am with you. I shall initiate the conversation by informing her of the reason for your visit; after which, you may make your inquiries.”
“I would be most grateful,” replied Christopher. “I have been uneasy about this whole business; thus, it would greatly ease my mind to have you with me when I speak with her. Henry, might you tell me her name? It escapes me at the moment, and it would not do for me to speak with her regarding something so personal without first addressing her properly?”
“Her name is Grace,” replied Henry. “She is a lovely young lady. She moved in with her sister and her sister’s husband once it became apparent that she had been abandoned.”
“As it is too late today, shall we meet tomorrow?” inquired Christopher.
“Yes, tomorrow would be best,” replied Henry. “I shall collect you in the morning.”
“Until tomorrow, then,” replied Christopher.
Christopher went to his room where he was to lodge for the night. He felt as if he should sleep for a week. However, knowing what he must do the following day, sleep did not come so easily.
Early the next morning, Henry came to the inn. “Are you prepared to go and speak with Grace?”
“Indeed, but I take no delight in it, as it is likely to cause her pain,” replied Christopher.
“It may, nevertheless, it appears to be necessary. We shall be there before long, as it is not a long distance. In fact, you can see the house at the top of that hill,” Henry pointed out.
The two men were quickly approaching, when they noticed a slender figure out in the yard. “Christopher, Grace is out in the front of the house,” said Henry. “I shall introduce you.”
Grace noticed the two men as they were coming into the yard; thus, she strolled over to greet them. Henry spoke up first. “Good day to you, Grace. I should like to introduce you to Christopher Osgood, a new acquaintance of mine. He wishes to speak with you on a matter of some delicacy.”
“How do you do. I am Grace Ormsby.” Grace had long desired to be rid of the name of “Ormsby,” as it was an unwelcome reminder that she was a married woman who had been abandoned.
“Delighted to make your acquaintance,” replied Christopher.
“Grace, may we find a quiet place in which to talk?” inquired Henry.
“If you will follow me, we may speak privately over there in the garden,” replied Grace directing them.
The two men followed after her until they came upon an exquisite little garden. She ushered them to the benches that were situated facing each other amongst a lovely well-groomed row of hedges.
“Do sit down,” said Grace.
“Grace, I must speak plainly, as I find that there is no easy way of commencing with this conversation,” said Henry. “What we have come to speak to you about concerns Jarret.”
Christopher was grateful that Henry had delivered the shocking nature of the visit before he made his inquiries.
“Grace, pray forgive me, but I must know some things, regarding Jarret, that only you can answer. I assure you that I would not have come were it not necessary for the protection of many a young lady in my town.”
“I believe that I know in which direction this conversation tends. Jarret has been living the life of a bachelor, has he not?”
Upon meeting such a sweet and lovely young lady, Christopher hesitated in answering the question put before him.
“Do not make yourself uneasy, for I have long wondered if this had been the reason for the forsaking of our marriage,” said Grace, with a smile so as to ease Christopher’s discomfort. “The only other possibility was that he had died, but I guess I did not really believe that to be so. You see, he was not like the others who journeyed to New England, as the largest part were motivated by their beliefs. Jarret saw it simply as an opportunity for gain. He was not, or should I say is not, a man of many principles.”
Seeing that Grace was not very much moved by the discussion, as yet, he continued, “You see, a man by the name of Anthony Hall, who had once lived amongst you in Norwich, moved to Salisbury whereupon he observed Jarret in town. When confronted, Jarret denied ever having met the man before or having come from Norwich. We had deemed it almost impossible to verify that he was, indeed, married until I was presented with an opportunity to return to England on business. Once we learned of this forthcoming trip, Anthony and I decided that there was now a possibility of setting things right. I would not have burdened you had there been another way.”
At this point, Christopher and Henry’s eyes were fixed upon Grace to observe whether she was becoming too distressed by the news to continue. They suspected that she might simply be putting forth a strong front.
Endeavoring to restrain her emotions, Grace entreated Christopher not to suffer regret for having confirmed her fears as she was now happily settled with her family. She went on to explain that she had been much happier living with her family than she had ever been with Jarret.
“I am convinced after knowing Jarret, you truly are in a more agreeable situation,” insisted Christopher.
Grace doubted that she could be of assistance, as she was in England and they were across the ocean in Salisbury. “Have you a way for me to verify, short of coming to Salisbury, that I am Jarret’s abandoned wife?”
“It is my belief that an affidavit comprised of your testimony, to be signed for verification by the officials of your town, would be enough to preclude any doubt,” replied Christopher. “You may think it strange, but we have had a similar experience, with Jarret, in which we had to obtain an affidavit. However, in that instance, I happened to be his victim of choice.”
Henry and Grace nodded in agreement that this was, indeed, a very odd situation in that twice an affidavit had been required with regard to Jarret.
“Perhaps I might be of additional assistance in this matter,” said Henry. “You see, I hold a position of influence in this town; thus, I shall have an affidavit drawn up and signed by those in authority; at which point, it shall be presented to Grace and her family for their signatures by this time tomorrow,” assured Henry, with satisfaction.
“I am indebted to you both,” replied Christopher, with a sigh of relief that things had gone so well. “Grace, it has been a delight to have made your acquaintance, though I wish it had been under happier circumstances. Moreover, I believe Jarret is a fool to ha
ve treated you so contemptibly. He is not worthy of such a respectable and lovely young lady.”
“My only hope in all of this is that he is not sent back to me, as I should not want him back for the world,” confessed Grace. “Will you send word of the outcome?”
“Indeed I shall,” replied Christopher. “Furthermore, whenever there is news, with regard to Jarret, I shall send word, as you are entitled to be informed of anything pertaining to Jarret.”
Just as their conversation came to a close, a lovely little girl came strolling up. With a look of distress, Grace quickly glanced over at Henry before confessing to Christopher that the child belonged to Jarret.
“Christopher, since all connection between Jarret and myself seemed dissolved, I did not wish for him to learn of Esther. Otherwise, he may have had a notion to take her away. Moreover, given that he is prone to stray, cheat, and lie, I thought better of allowing Esther any contact with him.”
“Mamma, I have been searching for you,” she said, as she climbed into her mother’s lap.
“I have been right here, Esther,” replied Grace, kissing her on the cheek. “Now run along and play. I shall be but a little while longer.” With that reassurance, she was off.
“Jarret was unaware, then, of your condition before departing from England,” said Christopher.
“It is doubtful that it would have deterred him from departing,” replied Grace.
“Henry, I see none of this is news to you, as you have been her confidant.”
“Yes, Grace speaks with me on such matters as one would speak with a father,” replied Henry. “It was my belief that Grace would not have wished for me to reveal to you the truth regarding Esther.”
Christopher hastened to assure Grace that her secret was safe and that there was no need for further explanation as to why she did not wish to inform Jarret. He understood Jarret’s character far too well.
“Grace, you are truly a brave soul, looking after your child without the assistance of a father,” expressed Christopher, with admiration.
“I am not so brave, for God in His mercy has seen fit to provide me with an extraordinary family from which I have a great deal of support,” replied Grace.
“We shall take leave of you now,” said Christopher. “Once more, allow me to say that I am grateful to you for your willingness to speak with me.”
Grace bid them farewell and they were on their way. However, Christopher could not cease from thinking about Grace and little Esther and the difficult position in which Jarret had left them. Though he knew not of Esther, there can be no excuse for his treatment of Grace, thought Christopher.
The following day, Henry met up with Christopher at the inn. “Good morning. Here is the affidavit. I am delighted that for Grace there is finally some bit of closure. However, having Esther she will forevermore be reminded of Jarret. I only wish that she were free to marry again, though she insists she has no such desire.”
“If you only knew the half of it, Henry, for there is more to be said with regard to Jarret. However, it is sufficient to say that it appears that Jarret has consistently been leaving pain in his wake,” replied Christopher.
“Well then, the good news in all of this is that this affidavit should squelch any of his further attempts to harm anyone else,” replied Henry.
“Indeed it shall,” acknowledged Christopher. “And, Henry, I am especially grateful to you, as I could not have accomplished any of this without your assistance.”
“You must take care as you return to Harwich. Rumors are that the king has been secretly securing some of the seaports. You may find it difficult to return to New England,” warned Henry.
“Thank you for alerting me, Henry,” replied Christopher.
Henry’s warning troubled Christopher throughout the night. However, with the dawning of a new day, Christopher decided to trust that all would be well. As he set off for Harwich to meet up with Mr. Carr, he said a prayer. “God, I thank You for granting me success in Norwich. I leave the details of the remainder of our journey in Your capable hands. As always, I entrust to You our safety,” whispered Christopher, as he loaded up his packhorse for the trip.
Along the way, Christopher could not help but think of Grace and Esther. In most situations for justice to be carried out, a wayward husband and father would be sent back to fulfill his duty to his family, he thought; however, with such a man as Jarret, it would be cruel to compel Grace to allow his return. Jarret would surely bring her additional anguish, as he is such a scoundrel. Although I dislike absolving him of the responsibility, I shall have to make the recommendation to the town that he not be sent back to England.
A few days after Christopher’s arrival in Harwich, Mr. Carr arrived back at the inn. They conversed about the events that had taken place in each other’s absence.
“Mr. Carr, I have been warned that the king may be surreptitiously securing certain seaports. It might be difficult to secure passage for our return trip,” cautioned Christopher.
“Yes, I too have heard the rumors,” replied Mr. Carr. “We shall need to be discreet regarding our plans. The ship on which I hope to travel, the New Englander, happens to be the one on which an emissary to the king shall be traveling. The rumor is that he is to repress any support for Parliament in the colonies if a war breaks out in England.”
“In that case, the ship shall be permitted to leave port,” said Christopher, with a hopeful tone.
“Precisely,” whispered Mr. Carr.
“Oh, I see,” replied Christopher, with a smile, realizing that Mr. Carr hoped to arrange their plans accordingly.
“And now let us keep silent on the subject, as it would not do for us to be overheard,” insisted Mr. Carr.
“You are right, besides there is so much to share with you regarding my trip to Norwich,” sighed Christopher.
“I did not think that you wished to divulge the nature of your business in Norwich, as you had never spoken of it,” replied Mr. Carr. “Let us go in and take food and rest and tomorrow we shall speak of your news.”
“That is most agreeable to me,” replied Christopher, “for I am as tired as an old dog.”
The following morning, Mr. Carr and Christopher met up early, at which time, Christopher commenced with the revelations regarding Jarret in relation to his secret mission to Norwich. However, as he had promised Grace, he determined that he would not share her secret concerning Esther, even with Mr. Carr.
He began, “I was not at liberty to speak on this before, as I had first to confirm the facts of the situation with which I had been presented,” insisted Christopher. “Anthony Hall shared with me a while back that while living in Norwich he had been acquainted with Jarret. It seems that it was from there that Jarret came. The most shocking bit of news he divulged was that Jarret is married.”
“That is extraordinary. Can you be sure of this?” replied Mr. Carr.
“We had not the proof until now,” replied Christopher. “This trip opened up an opportunity that Anthony and I had not thought possible. You see, Grace, Jarret’s wife, resides in Norwich. As we had hoped and prayed, I was able to meet with her while I was in Norwich. God truly granted me favor in that He brought a gentleman by the name of Henry Jacobs to assist me. He happened to be Grace’s neighbor and was all too happy to introduce me upon hearing the whole, sordid story. He believed that it might bring some closure for Grace to have some news of Jarret.”
“Is there no end to this man’s perfidy?” grimaced Mr. Carr. “This time, he will not be able to wriggle out of being publicly set down as he should have been long before now.”
“That is my earnest desire,” replied Christopher.
Mr. Carr and Christopher procured all of the needed supplies within a few days during which time they spoke openly regarding their plans to establish a ferry service. They also made it known that there would be a benefit to the Crown if travel in New England were to be less difficult.
In fact, their strategy was successf
ul, as they easily secured passage on the New Englander and were, once again, on the long journey across the ocean.
Their first night aboard the ship, Mr. Carr, once again, warned Christopher not to make known the presence of the emissary. “To do so may well put us all in peril, as he would surely know that the king’s secrets might be made known abroad,” insisted Mr. Carr. “Therefore, let us travel much as we did on our journey over, making new acquaintances and staying out of trouble.”
“Very well,” replied Christopher. “However, once we return home, we shall have to decide what is to be done.”
The second day aboard ship, Mr. Carr was introduced to a woman by the name of Elizabeth Oliver. Elizabeth was a slender pretty woman with blonde, silky hair, which she kept neatly pinned low at the back of her head. Since the death of his wife many years back, Mr. Carr had been disinterested in forming any new attachments. However, with each passing day aboard the ship, he found himself more and more looking forward to seeing and talking with Elizabeth. Their conversations were of great interest to him, as she had a vast array of knowledge on many subjects. Although she was many years his junior, at but five and twenty, she seemed to him a wise and courageous woman whom he grew to admire greatly in the short time he had known her aboard the ship.
Christopher was delighted to see the interest that Mr. Carr was taking in the young lady, as he knew full well the broken heart he had suffered with the loss of his first wife. Christopher was reminded as well of the young lady that held his interest, and their times together on his first voyage. He wondered what she might be doing this very minute so far away. He so wished he had been able to bid her farewell before embarking on his journey, and hoped she understood that he should never have rushed off without seeing her had it not been for the distance between them, as she had been in Ipswich when the time came for his departure.
Lost Love and Shipwrecked: Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land Page 15
