Jane was unable to respond as she was in a state of shock. Anthony led her by the arm into the North’s store whereupon Madeline, Bridget, and Susanna, seeing that she was as white as a ghost, rushed over to her.
“What has happened?” inquired Madeline, with a bewildered look.
“Jarret held Jane against her will as the two selfsame gossips, I had overheard speaking about Jane on a previous occasion, were coming out of the store. It must have appeared to them as if Jane and Jarret were in an embrace,” replied Anthony. “Jane is shaking and is in need of a place to rest.”
“Take her to the back of the store. You will find a spot there,” replied Susanna.
Madeline and Bridget stared at each other in disbelief as Anthony escorted Jane to the back of the store.
“Oh, why did we leave her out there all alone? This is sure to bolster Jarret’s claim regarding Jane,” insisted Bridget.
“I am afraid of myself and what I shall do to that reprobate,” thundered Anthony, as he sat down attempting to console Jane.
Observing Anthony’s anger, Jane finally spoke, concerned for what he might do. “Anthony, I could not bear it if something happened to you because of me. You must promise not to retaliate against Jarret, as he would surely make it look as if you were at fault in any confrontation.”
“Do not be anxious for me,” replied Anthony. “Though I have a strong desire to throttle Jarret, I shall not, as Christopher is soon to return and Jarret shall finally be seen for the scoundrel that he is.”
Just then, Jane began to experience severe pain; the kind she had observed so many times before on her visits with Emma to the homes of expectant mothers. She whispered to Anthony, “I need to return to the house. I feel unwell.”
Grabbing Madeline by the hand, Anthony said with concern, “Madeline, we must get Jane home as soon as possible. She is unwell. Though she has not said as much, I believe it has to do with the baby.”
Susanna overheard the conversation and offered to lend a wagon in which to transport Jane, to which they appreciatively agreed and were soon on their way.
As they approached the house, Emma came out to see who was approaching in a wagon.
“Jane, what is the trouble?” inquired Emma, with concern.
“The baby, something is wrong.”
Anthony carried Jane into the house and over to the bed to lie down. Then Emma asked Anthony and the others to wait outside while she saw to Jane.
After a few hours, Emma finally came out and informed them of the terrible news.
“Jane has lost the baby,” she said, with tears in her eyes.
Madeline and Bridget came up on both sides of Emma to console her, asking what could be done for Jane.
“She is resting at the moment. The ordeal has left her completely exhausted,” replied Emma.
“I did not know about the baby,” cried Bridget. “Poor Jane.”
Madeline and Anthony filled Emma in on what had taken place at the store. The more Anthony talked about it, the angrier he became. He began pacing back and forth, insisting that he must have it out with Jarret once and for all.
“Anthony, Jane would not wish for you to put yourself in jeopardy on her behalf. Nothing good can come of a confrontation with Jarret whilst you are feeling this way,” insisted Emma. “I too am angry, but we need to be here for Jane.”
Anthony agreed that being there for Jane was of more importance than anything else. For now, confronting Jarret would have to wait.
Susanna had closed the store the moment Jane was having difficulty and followed along after Jane and the others. “No one need know of this. I fear that if Jarret were to learn of it, he would surely see the advantage,” cautioned Susanna.
“I do not know if we should hide such a thing, for the baby shall need a burial,” cried Emma.
Just then Jane, in a weakened state, appeared in the doorway.
“I am aware that you are simply attempting to protect me, but we shall not keep silent about the baby.”
Anthony hastened to Jane, “Take care Jane; you must return to your bed.”
Observing the pain in Jane’s eyes, Emma said softly, “Whatever you wish.”
“The baby is worthy to be acknowledged,” she cried.
“We shall acknowledge the dear little one,” replied Emma, with the others in agreement.
With that, Jane was satisfied and returned to her bed to rest. However, Emma hoped that news of the baby would not be disclosed until after Jane had been cleared of any wrongdoing.
Chapter 28
Formal Accusation/Christopher’s Return/The Arrival of Rebecca Bailey
* * *
A few weeks had passed since Jane’s last confrontation with Jarret and the loss of her child. Once again, she demonstrated great strength while recovering from yet another tragedy.
Although she continued to grieve over the loss of the baby, she was beginning to feel somewhat at ease regarding the whole business with Jarret, for the rumors seemed to have subsided. To honor Jane’s wishes, no one intentionally kept the child a secret; however, as not a soul had spoken about it to anyone who had not been directly involved, the news had not spread. Even the little service that Reverend Worcester had performed went unnoticed by the town.
Anthony had been by, frequently, to call on the Fosters, though he and Mr. Foster had concluded their business regarding the work on the house a few weeks earlier. He had not spoken to Jane again regarding the sentiment he had previously expressed. Being acutely aware of the stress she had been under, he determined that, for now, what she needed most was time to recover. Nevertheless, their friendship continued to grow throughout the weeks following the heartbreaking loss.
One evening as Anthony was visiting the Foster’s home, Reverend Worcester came to call. “Good evening to you all,” said Reverend Worcester. “I am sorry to say, but I have come bearing bad news.”
Jane’s heart sank as he spoke, for she anticipated what he might disclose. Her fears were confirmed as he went on to explain that a meeting, regarding Jane and Jarret, had been called for the following week.
“It seems that some of the townsfolk are up in arms over Jane’s supposed involvement with Jarret, insisting that their relationship had become physical. I am convinced that Jarret is wholly unconcerned about Jane’s reputation as he spreads his wicked lies. I assure you that, to no avail, I have spoken on behalf of Jane and to the absurdity of these accusations,” insisted Reverend Worcester.
“Has there been any mention of the child?” inquired Mr. Foster.
“No, as the news has not spread beyond your most devoted friends,” replied Reverend Worcester. “That is a blessing, at least.”
“We have a week, have we not, in which to prepare ourselves for this meeting?” inquired Anthony.
“Yes, a week,” replied Reverend Worcester, regretfully.
“We shall beseech the Lord regarding Christopher’s safe return, and that it may come to pass before the event,” said Anthony.
Reverend Worcester made his apologies before bidding everyone farewell; whereupon Anthony requested that Jane walk with him a bit, as he wished to have a private audience with her.
After walking for a while, Anthony directed Jane over to sit on a fallen tree he had observed. “Jane, I want to reaffirm to you that I shall not allow Jarret to succeed. As I have vowed, if it becomes necessary, I shall whisk you away from here and out of his grasp. You must know that I love you and desire to have you for my wife, though the timing of this declaration is not of my choosing. I should like to have waited until such a time as you were fully recovered from all of this Jarret business. It may also be too soon following the devastating losses you have suffered. However, in light of the circumstances, I feel that I must speak now with regard to my feelings so there shall not be any doubt but that I shall, indeed, protect you.”
Jane replied, “I am honored by your declaration and do accept you, for you have proven your devotion to me over and over agai
n. Furthermore, I too have grown to love you more than words can express. Consequently, to be forced into a marriage with Jarret would have been an even greater torture.”
“You have made me exceedingly happy,” replied Anthony. “I had not dared to hope that your feelings would be thus. Well then, Jane, if it meets with your approval, we shall await the outcome of the meeting before setting our plan to depart from Salisbury, in motion. If the tide does, indeed, turn utterly against you, we shall not delay in removing from here in all haste. However, if reason prevails, or Christopher returns in time, we may not need to escape. If that turns out to be the case, we shall make plans to be wed in the usual fashion. Let us not breathe a word of this to anyone save for Mr. Foster and Emma, as it is too great a risk to our plan.”
Jane and Anthony returned to the house whereupon they informed Mr. Foster and Emma of their plans to be wed one way or the other. Jane’s parents were overjoyed at the news, but hoped that everything would work out for them to be married and remain in Salisbury. Anthony cautioned that their plans should not be revealed even to the Bleasdell’s or to Reverend Worcester, to which they all agreed.
The next day, Mr. Foster and Anthony spoke with Mr. Bleasdell regarding the upcoming meeting and all it entailed. After which, Mr. Bleasdell entreated the Lord with them that the truth would become known and that God would give everyone strength for whatever happens.
Later that afternoon, Jarret went by the North’s store whereupon he was met by a couple of the selectmen’s wives who had held him to be largely innocent in the whole situation with Jane.
As was the case with sundry others, they supposed her to have charmed him in such a way so as to prevent him from escaping. They reassured him that they would urge their husbands vote to insist that Jane marry him supposing that he desired to do the right thing. Jarret, seemingly humble, thanked them for their understanding of his transgression declaring that he desired to do the honorable thing and be married to Jane as soon as possible.
Having overheard the whole conversation, Susanna - mumbling angrily about Jarret - was approached by a young man. “Are you all right, my dear?” he inquired.
“Oh yes, please excuse me,” she replied. “May I help you with something?”
“Forgive me for not introducing myself. My name is George Martin. I have only just arrived from England.”
Mr. North was smiling from behind the counter as he witnessed the awkward exchange between his daughter and her new acquaintance. George Martin, a young widower of just three and twenty, was instantly taken with Susanna and her beautiful smile.
“Did you say that you have just arrived from England?” inquired Susanna.
“Yes.”
“Well, let me be the first to welcome you. Welcome to Salisbury.”
“Much obliged,” replied George. “I must be off now as Samuel Winsley, an acquaintance of mine, shall be expecting my return.”
Susanna was unaware that Jane and the others were awaiting the very ship on which George had arrived. Samuel Winsley and George Martin came on ahead of Mr. Carr and Christopher, for they had remained in Ipswich for Mr. Carr’s wedding to be held in a couple of days.
***
Back in Ipswich, Mr. Carr was eagerly awaiting his marriage to Elizabeth. He and Christopher had followed behind Elizabeth to the home to which she was expected to arrive. The family was unaware that the ship had come into the harbor on this very day.
Upon Elizabeth’s arrival to the family home, she was happily greeted by loved ones who had been praying for her safety throughout her journey from England. They were pleasantly surprised by the additional guests Elizabeth had brought along, particularly when they heard the news of the proposal. Mr. Carr could not have been more cheerfully received than he was by Elizabeth’s parents.
Christopher, too, was greeted warmly by all of Elizabeth’s relatives. He was happy to have the opportunity to see his friend married, though he longed to be in Salisbury. He was aware that Anthony had been awaiting news of his mission to find Grace, for many months. Moreover, he wondered whether Maddie had thought of him while he was away or had she become attached to another in his absence.
The following day, Mr. Carr and Elizabeth went before the magistrate to affirm their vows. They were wed in the presence of Elizabeth’s family and Christopher. As they were to remain in Ipswich for a few days, Christopher hastened on alone to Salisbury.
Once aboard the shallop, Christopher was surprised to see one of the passengers that had been aboard the ship traveling back from England. She was a kindly middle-aged woman by the name of Rebecca Bailey, whom he had become very little acquainted with in the weeks at sea. He inquired after her reason for traveling to Salisbury, whereupon he learned of her connection to Mr. Bailey. She informed him that Mr. Bailey was her brother and that she had come to live with him.
Rebecca was astonished to learn that Christopher was an acquaintance of Mr. Bailey’s from the time of his first journey across the ocean.
“When last I saw Mr. Bailey, he was living with two of his children in Ipswich,” replied Christopher. “I had been informed of his move to Salisbury; however, I have not had occasion to see him there.”
“You are aware, then, that his wife remains in England,” said Rebecca, with a sigh.
“Yes, I am aware of the unhappy situation,” replied Christopher, in a sorrowful tone. “However, you shall cheer him considerably, I am sure.”
“I am in hopes of that, for he is the kindest of brothers,” replied Rebecca.
“When we disembark, I shall convey you to town where you may be directed to him,” said Christopher.
“I am much obliged,” replied Rebecca. “Though, I must tell you that he is unaware of my coming, for I had hoped to surprise him. We had spoken of the possibility of my coming, but I had never actually confirmed if or when I might come.”
“Then, what a joy it shall be for him to find you here,” replied Christopher, with a grin.
***
Mr. Foster stopped in at Mr. North’s store to speak with Susanna regarding Jarret and Jane. “Susanna, there is to be a meeting of the selectmen in less than a week. I came to request that if it becomes necessary you speak as a witness on Jane’s behalf as to all that you have seen and heard.”
“I should be all too happy to do so, as I dislike all that has taken place with regard to Jane.”
“I am grateful to you,” replied Mr. Foster.
“On a happier note. I would be obliged if you would inform Emma that we have a shipment of cloth that has only just arrived from England,” informed Susanna.
“Has a ship arrived from England?” inquired Mr. Foster, with a look of surprise.
“Yes, it disembarked in Ipswich whereupon some of the passengers as well as our shipment were put on a shallop for Salisbury.”
“Oh, what wonderful news!” exclaimed Mr. Foster. “I must take my leave and go directly to Jane. Good day to you, dear girl.”
Mr. Foster made haste for home, knowing this was sure to be Christopher’s ship.
Anthony was rounding the corner to the house just as Mr. Foster hastily approached from the opposite direction. Mr. Foster called out to him that he had good news to share.
“What news?” inquired Anthony.
“Christopher must have returned; a ship from England has arrived,” replied Mr. Foster happily.
“Are you certain?” inquired Anthony, while grabbing Mr. Foster by the shoulders.
“Susanna North, over at the store, has just informed me that they have a shipment of cloth in from England,” replied Mr. Foster. “It landed in Ipswich where some of the passengers boarded a shallop for Salisbury.”
“It must be Christopher,” said Anthony, as he turned hastily toward the house. “We must make haste to tell Jane and Emma.”
Anthony ran all the way before bursting into the house, startling the ladies half to death.
“Anthony, what has come over you?” inquired Emma, with a chuckle. “You
gave us quite a fright.”
“Jane,” said Anthony, while clutching her hands. “A ship has arrived from England. Christopher must have been on it.”
Jane, with a great sigh, sat down as Emma rushed over to embrace her. “You see, my dear, God has not abandoned you in your time of need. Christopher is here,” Emma assured.
Mr. Foster cautioned that they knew not whether Christopher had been successful in finding Grace.
“You are right. We must wait upon Christopher’s news,” replied Anthony.
“I shall go directly to Carr’s Island to inquire after him,” said Mr. Foster, “Christopher is unaware of the urgency owing to the events that have taken place whilst he has been away.”
“And I shall make my way over to his place to see if he stopped there,” replied Anthony. “He is sure to be curious regarding the progress of Mr. Carr’s men on his house.”
“Jane and I shall call on the Bleasdells,” replied Emma. “He would certainly call there after so many months away. Regardless, they should be informed of the arrival of the ship from England.”
Chapter 29
Waiting for Christopher/Decision to Conceal a Secret
* * *
Elizabeth and Madeline were overjoyed by the news of the arrival of the ship from England. “It must be the ship on which Christopher journeyed,” insisted Madeline. “There is not likely to be another for many months. And what of Mr. Carr? Has anyone seen him?”
“No one has mentioned seeing him,” replied Elizabeth, but I shall be very much surprised if Christopher has not come to call by nightfall,” insisted Elizabeth, in a reassuring tone. “As for Mr. Carr, after such a long journey, he may have remained in Ipswich for a few days; for that matter, Christopher may have as well.”
As she had intended, Elizabeth’s words served to calm everyone. Jane and Madeline decided to take Henry out for a walk while Emma inquired after Elizabeth regarding the baby. Elizabeth admitted to having some discomfort of late but nothing to point toward an imminent delivery.
Lost Love and Shipwrecked: Madeline Pike Finds Hope in the New Land Page 18
