Mr. Carr, George Martin, and Christopher talked on for another hour; at which point, George was called away by Mr. Winsley.
“Pray excuse me, but I must speak with George,” said Mr. Winsley.
“That is quite all right,” said Mr. Carr, as Mr. Winsley and George walked off together.
Christopher thought about what George Martin had said regarding his parents’ dream and his desire to carry it forward. He thought, once again, about his first crossing and the dreams that had spurred him on. He decided that he should like becoming better acquainted with George Martin.
“Please excuse me, too, Christopher,” said Mr. Carr as he headed off to find Elizabeth.
Early the next morning, Christopher inquired of the captain his opinion as to how much longer before they would reach Ipswich. The captain reassured him that within a fortnight they should be arriving at their destination. Christopher could scarcely contain himself at the thought of seeing Maddie again. Moreover, he knew he would finally be able to address the matter of Jarret.
***
Back in Salisbury, while working out in the garden, Maddie’s thoughts went to Christopher. Growing more and more concerned over his wellbeing with each passing day, she longed for his return. She thought of the illness and the shipwreck that had robbed her of her Oliver and Christopher of his Hannah. She prayed that she would not suffer the loss of Christopher as well.
Even as Maddie was deep in thought about Christopher, Jane arrived with Emma. She observed Madeline out in the garden and hastened out to greet her.
“Good day, Madeline. Mamma has gone inside to Elizabeth.”
“And how are you today?” inquired Madeline. “You seem very cheerful.”
“I must confess that my mood has improved a bit since the other day when I went along with Mamma on one of her visits. Upon our arrival, the husband came out to send us away. He did not wish for Mamma to continue caring for his wife.”
“Why did he turn on Emma in such a dreadful way?” inquired Madeline.
“It seems they had heard about the Haddon baby and blamed Mamma for the death. However, I do believe that I see Jarret’s hand in this. Until now, they had always seemed confident in Mamma’s service to them.”
“Had I known that all of this had taken place, I would have come to comfort you,” replied Madeline, with concern.
“Mamma surely would have informed you of all of this had she come to call that day as she had intended. After we had returned to the house, she decided not to leave me, for I was in an awful state.”
“Anyone would have felt as you did under such dreadful circumstances. Even so, I am sure that you were more temperate than I should have been if confronted by such a man,” replied Madeline. “And how was Emma after such an ordeal?”
“A bit shaken, but she has a strong constitution,” smiled Jane. “She does not allow such things to remain on her mind for long. I, however, fret over things long after they have occurred.”
“Not so, for you are here today in a most cheerful mood,” replied Madeline.
“There is a reason for my improved mood,” whispered Jane, with a grin.
“Do tell.” She could sense that Jane had good news to share.
“Madeline, I am at a loss as to where to begin.”
“Well, you must begin somewhere as I am eager to hear,” laughed Madeline.
“Very well,” replied Jane. “When I returned home with Mamma following that terrible confrontation, I ran inside to avoid Morris and Anthony, for my eyes were swollen and red from weeping. Shortly thereafter, Morris and Mamma came into the house whereupon they shuffled me out to speak with Anthony, stating that he was eager to share a bit of news with me. Though I did not wish to go out, I eventually acquiesced. Once outside, Anthony ushered me over to sit under my favorite tree; at which point, he disclosed something regarding Jarret that he believed would set my mind at ease.”
“Do go on,” replied Madeline, with anticipation.
“I am not at liberty to share the whole of it with you; however, I will say that if what he disclosed can be proven, no one shall ever believe Jarret again, and I will no longer be in danger of falling prey to his schemes.”
“You have me intrigued beyond measure,” replied Madeline. “Can you not say more?”
“Only this—it involves Christopher and his trip to England,” whispered Jane. “Upon Christopher’s return, you shall understand all, that is, if he has been successful.”
“You must tell me more,” insisted Madeline.
“I cannot, for I have been told in confidence,” replied Jane. “However, I shall share something of my own news with you that you must not tell to anyone.”
Madeline nodded in agreement, thus, Jane continued, “After Anthony left off from telling me of the information he possessed, he went on to say that if he is unsuccessful in his endeavors regarding the proof he seeks, he shall not allow Jarret to force me into marriage. He said, to prevent Jarret he shall take me away from here.”
“Jane, he must love you,” insisted Madeline, with a look of surprise. “There can be no other reason for such a promise.”
“It appears to be the case. Even so, I could barely keep my countenance upon hearing his plan.”
“How did you respond?” inquired Madeline.
“I was at a loss for words, at first, for I was in such utter shock. I never suspected that Anthony might care for me. However, I knew I had to inform him of the baby, to which he replied that he already knew.”
“That is too wonderful. And do you care for him?” inquired Madeline.
“It is too soon,” replied Jane. “Would you not agree?”
“Jane, I caution you not to follow in my footsteps, for it is a lonely path I elected to take,” replied Madeline.
“You have regret, then?” inquired Jane.
“I do indeed,” uttered Madeline, knowing that Christopher could be lost to her forever.
“I have come to believe that it should not simply be a matter of time; it should also depend on the heart. If you love Anthony, do not wait for some arbitrary or proper time for your grieving to end. It shall never fully end, and you should not wish for it to be so, for contained within our grief are the treasured memories of our lost loves.”
Chapter 27
Jarret’s Scheme/Confessions
* * *
While in town one day to make a purchase at Mr. North’s store, Anthony overheard an elderly woman, known to be a gossip, speaking about the “appalling behavior of Jane Dickson,” and how she had “thrown herself at Jarret Ormsby who with so great a temptation could not help but surrender to it.” The woman in whom she was confiding was of the same opinion offering up still more details for the story. She claimed that she had heard tell of the news by two other people.
Anthony glared at them as he marched past, determined not to speak to two such condemnatory women. Susanna Martin quickly ran after Anthony hoping to catch him.
“Anthony, may I speak with you a moment?” inquired Susanna, calling after him as he hurried down the road.
Anthony stopped in his tracks. Whirling around in anger, he found that it was Susanna. “Oh, I am sorry I did not know that it was you calling,” said Anthony.
“That is quite all right,” replied Susanna. “I only wished to inquire as to whether or not you are going to the Foster’s home, as I believe that it is imperative that Jane be informed, immediately, of what is being said regarding her and Jarret.”
“You can be sure that I am about to do just that,” replied Anthony. “If I were not a Christian man, I would wring Jarret’s despicable neck.”
“Anthony, there shall come a day when he will answer to God for all of this,” remarked Susanna. “I should not wish to be in his shoes on that day.”
“If only he would end his deception,” insisted Anthony, in a calmer voice. “I thank you for reminding me that it is not for me to judge; however, I am going to do my very best to protect those he wishes to harm
.”
“Of course. That is as it should be. All I am saying is that you not wish him harm or you are no better than he. Do tell Jane that Father and I are on her side in this matter, and we will do whatever we can to defend her,” insisted Susanna.
“I am much obliged to you for cautionary words, and your defense of Jane is commendable. Please tell your father that we are grateful,” said Anthony. “I must be off to the Foster’s, though I take no pleasure in the task.”
“Goodbye, then. We shall continue to entreat the Lord on Jane’s behalf,” replied Susanna.
With a heavy heart, Anthony made his way to the Foster’s home to speak with Jane. Mr. Foster caught sight of him as he was approaching. “Well, Anthony, I am happy to see you, though, I thought you were to be out on Carr’s Island today?”
“I had a purchase I needed to make in town, so I went by Mr. North’s store. Mr. Foster, I have come with news of a most unpleasant nature.”
“Very well, Anthony. Is it for my ears alone, or shall I take you in to speak with Emma and Jane?” inquired Mr. Foster.
“I must speak with all of you,” replied Anthony.
Mr. Foster and Anthony went in to Jane and Emma who were surprised by the visit, as they had not thought to see Anthony until the following day.
“Good day, Anthony,” said Emma, with a quizzical look. “Were you not to be on the island today?”
“I have come from Mr. North’s store whereupon I had the misfortune of overhearing a conversation regarding Jarret and Jane. The lie we anticipated, from Jarret, regarding the extent to which his relationship with Jane has progressed, has come to pass.”
“Has he, now, made the claim that their relationship has become physical in nature?” inquired Emma.
“He has,” uttered Anthony somberly, glancing over at Jane.
“Oh, this is grave indeed,” replied Emma. “If only Christopher were here with the proof that Jarret is already married, he would surely not be so easily believed.”
Jane sat quietly as if in a state of shock while Anthony, Emma, and Mr. Foster fixed their eyes upon her, waiting for some kind of a response. She finally rose to her feet and moved slowly across the room to the door. She turned for a moment as if to say something before stepping outside. She then strode across the grass until she felt far enough away that she might be alone to weep.
Emma, Anthony, and Mr. Foster were unsure as to what to do so they waited awhile, vehemently discussing the matter.
“I am convinced that Christopher shall return very soon with the proof we need, and then Jarret shall at long last be publicly set down,” Anthony reassured.
“He is a devil of a man to be so cruel as to cause Jane to suffer so,” replied Mr. Foster.
“I can no longer just sit and wait for Jane to return,” stated Anthony, in an unsettled tone, “I must go and find her.”
“Do whatever you think is best,” replied Emma.
Anthony hastened out the door and across the yard hoping to find Jane sitting under her favorite tree. However, as Anthony surveyed the spot where he had thought to find her, she was not there. Feeling anxious, he quickly searched around the property to see if he might catch sight of her in some other location. At last, he spied Jane off in a far corner of the yard; at which point, he made haste to catch up with her. Jane glanced up with tear-filled eyes as Anthony approached. She quickly wiped away the tears and smiled, hoping to conceal her emotions. Anthony settled down beside her, placing his hand over hers.
Speaking softly to her, he said, “Jane, though it is difficult, you must not be so troubled by all of this. As I have already stated, I have every confidence that all will be set right very soon. Christopher shall return any day now, and Jarret will rue the day he decided to make such accusations.”
As before, Jane felt more at ease as Anthony spoke soothingly to her. “I am very grateful to you, Anthony. I know not how I should have stood another day of this had you not been here to speak words of comfort to me,” whispered Jane.
“It is my desire to be at hand whenever you have need of me. Jane, assisting Mr. Foster has made it possible for me to become well acquainted with your family. In that time, I have come to admire and respect all of you. You, most of all, Jane,” said Anthony. “You might have discerned by now that I possess feelings for you of a most tender and adoring nature. Do not misunderstand me; I do not expect that you should return such feelings, as this situation with Jarret, together with the loss of Nathan, is surely to have made such confessions displeasing to you at present.”
Jane’s heart was racing upon hearing Anthony’s revelations spoken so plainly. As she had suspected, given that he was willing to whisk her away from Jarret, he had feelings for her. However, she had not thought it possible that she would feel so strongly for another man so soon after the loss of Nathan. Nevertheless, she had become exceedingly fond of Anthony. She too had come to admire him over the weeks that he had been a constant at the Foster home. The care he took in looking after her, with regard to the Jarret situation, endeared him to her more with each passing day. Coming to herself, she realized that she had not spoken a word to him following his declaration.
“Anthony, I too have come to possess feelings for you, the nature of which I am, as yet, attempting to discover. You have been a constant friend. I depend on you, greatly. Simply being near to you brings me hope that, in time, all will be well,” replied Jane.
Anthony smiled as Jane spoke. “Jane, you must not believe that I require a response to what I have expressed. I only hoped to share my heart so that there would be no doubt but that I would always be here for you.”
Jane wished to say more to Anthony but knew not what more to say. Holding out his hand for Jane, they rose and strolled back across the yard to the house where Emma and Mr. Foster were anxiously awaiting their return.
Upon seeing Jane and Anthony entering the room, Emma said sadly, “Jane, your suffering has brought us much sorrow. Coming to Salisbury must seem to you to be a mistake after all that has happened.”
“I would not say that it has been a mistake,” uttered Jane. “It has been difficult to be sure; however, there have been many good things as well. Besides, with the baby coming, I should not wish to be anywhere else.”
Mr. Foster detected a change in Jane after she returned from the yard with Anthony. He wondered if Anthony had made his feelings known to Jane. The thought of the two of them together made him smile.
Later that day, Anthony and Mr. Foster set off for Mr. Bleasdell’s home to inform him of the latest gossip. After which, Mr. Bleasdell advised that a meeting with Reverend Worcester was in order.
“Very well. I shall speak with Reverend Worcester tomorrow as to the best time for a meeting,” replied Anthony.
Thus, the following day, Anthony made his way into town to speak with Reverend Worcester while Madeline came to call at the Foster’s home.
“Good day, Emma, Jane. I thought, perhaps, Jane could do with a walk as well as the company of a friend. If you like, we might walk over to Bridget’s. We have not called on her in a while.”
“I should enjoy a day with my two friends,” replied Jane, with a smile.
Jane and Madeline said their goodbyes to Emma with the promise to return in a few hours. After which, they made their way through town and over to Bridget’s.
“What a delightful surprise to see the two of you today,” said Bridget, ushering them inside. “I was just contemplating coming to call on you, Jane. I have been eager to find out how you are getting along, what with all of the rumors whirling around.”
“It has been a trial,” replied Jane. “However, I am blessed to have such wonderful friends to see me through.”
“I thought I might go over to Mr. North’s shop today,” said Bridget. “I need a few things. Would you care to come along?”
“Susanna North has proven herself a friend these past weeks,” remarked Jane. “I should like to see her.”
“It is all set, the
n,” replied Madeline. “Let us go, as it is sure to be a pleasant diversion. All of us together might quiet the gossips for at least today.”
Off they went, though Jane was a bit apprehensive as they strolled through town. She felt sure that Jarret must be close by. Just as they were in sight of the store, Jane observed a couple of the chief gossips in town entering the store. Her heart was beating so loudly she could scarcely hear a word that Madeline and Bridget were saying. As they reached the entrance to the store, Jane made an excuse to wait outside, insisting that they go in and she would soon follow. As Madeline and Bridget had seen the gossips going into the store, they were content to allow Jane to remain outside, cautioning her to hasten in at any sight of Jarret.
Unnoticed by the ladies, Jarret had been observing their exchange. Consequently, once Madeline and Bridget entered the store, he quickly moved toward Jane. Unaware that he was coming straight for her, Jane continued to stare off in another direction, vigilant for any glimpse of Jarret.
“Good afternoon, Jane,” came a very unwelcome voice. It was too late for Jane to make her escape as Jarret was, already, directly beside her.
“Jarret, what are you doing here?” inquired Jane, as she began to shake uncontrollably.
“I observed you over here at the store, and thought it only polite that I should come out to greet you,” replied Jarret snidely.
Jane began to move away from Jarret in the direction of the entrance to the store; at which point, the two women Jane had noticed earlier were coming out of the store. Jarret, placing his arm around Jane’s waist, pulled her to him. Without a word to Jane, the ladies hastened by whispering as they passed.
Just then, Anthony was approaching from the direction of the church. From a distance, he could see Jane struggling to get away from Jarret. Catching sight of Anthony, Jarret let go of Jane and swiftly made his escape. Unsure as to whether or not to chase after Jarret or go to Jane, Anthony decided that Jane was at that moment his main concern.
“Jane, are you all right?” inquired Anthony, with a worried look on his face.
Lost Love and Shipwrecked: Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land Page 17
