“I am well, Martha. I have been having a wonderful visit with the Bleasdells.”
“That is very good to hear.”
Esther kept silent for a time for fear of saying something she shouldn’t.
Before long, Hannah returned with tea. Once everyone was served, she took a seat next to Sarah and quietly listened to her younger friend conversing with their guests.
“How is everything at home, Martha?”
“It has been rather busy with Mr. Swyndhurst making preparations for returning to England.”
“What? So soon? It cannot be. I must come home, then.” Sarah was nearly frantic over the news of Mr. Swyndhurst’s forthcoming departure.
Martha was glad to hear Sarah intended to come home, which was exactly what she had expected once Sarah learned of Mr. Swyndhurst’s plans. Looking over at Esther, she gave a slight grin. The maidservant returned the pleased expression.
“When shall you go, Sarah?” Hannah inquired.
“I should like to go along with Martha and Esther, if that meets with everyone’s approval.”
Martha quickly responded, “But of course, dear. Why don’t you go and gather up your things? In the meantime, Esther and I shall visit with Hannah.”
As Sarah stood, she looked over at Hannah. “I do apologize, Hannah. You have been such a wonderful hostess, and here I am, running off without warning.”
“You mustn’t worry about that. Now go and collect your belongings.”
Hannah’s daughters came into the room a few minutes after Sarah had gone. They questioned their mother about the reason Sarah was packing up her things. Their mother explained that Sarah would be going home with her friends, when it came time to leave. Elizabeth then reminded her mother about the blanket Sarah had made, wondering if she might like to take it along. Before her mother could stop her, Hannah’s other daughter and namesake went to fetch the little blanket from the kitchen. When she returned, blanket in hand, Esther’s eyes nearly popped out of her head.
Endeavoring to distract Martha, almost choking out the words, she said, “Martha, should we inform Peter we will be leaving soon? I am sure he has not gone very far. He said something about going to the barn.”
Martha knew in an instant Esther was attempting to draw her attention away from the baby quilt, but she would have none of it. “Well, is that not the most precious thing you ever saw?” She reached out to the young girl, who then placed the little treasure in her hand.
Sarah came into the room in time to see Martha admiring her handiwork. “Oh…ah…I…thought I would try my hand at something small. My knowledge of needlework is so lacking, Hannah and I thought something this size would be best.”
Sensing now was the time for Martha to be told, Hannah sent her daughters to the barn to inform Peter the ladies would soon be ready to go. With only the adults in the room, Hannah gave Sarah a look to convey her belief that it was time. She then said, “Sarah, Martha is much too clever for that questionable story.”
Feeling ashamed for having lied, with her head low, Sarah revealed the truth to Martha.
Martha simply said, “Well, it’s about time. I have been waiting for you to tell me.”
Stunned, Sarah’s head popped up and her eyes darted in Martha’s direction. “What did you say?”
“I said that I have been waiting for you to tell me.”
“You knew, then.”
“I was quite certain, yes.”
Hannah and Esther began to snigger at the exchange between Sarah and Martha.
Sarah and her head-servant looked over at the other two women in the room, and seeing the amusement on their faces, they began to laugh as well.
Sarah was glad for the lighthearted moment; however, she and the other women in the room knew it really was not a laughing matter.
Martha’s mood had changed as quickly as Sarah’s. “Once we get you home, I want to hear the whole story, including why you are in Amesbury instead of with your husband in Boston.”
Hannah stood to walk her guests out. At the door, she hugged Sarah and told her she was always welcome.
Sarah thanked Hannah and then followed after the other two ladies. As she approached the wagon, she noticed that Peter, having already been informed that the time had come to take their leave, was seated on the bench, reins in hand. Jonathan assisted all three ladies, in turn, onto the back of the wagon, where they made themselves comfortable on two large blankets. The occupants of the wagon waved to Jonathan, Hannah, and their two daughters—who were now standing next to their parents. Peter then set the wagon in motion and they were off.
Jonathan and Hannah were sorry to see Sarah leaving so soon. But now that Martha had been made aware of Sarah’s situation, they were certain she would manage everything well.
Back at the Swyndhurst estate, Mr. Swyndhurst was finishing up his last bit of packing. Although he knew he would miss everyone, especially Sarah, he felt it was best that he take his leave, for he had come to believe that Sarah might be hanging on to her past with his son even more with him there as a reminder. As for Sarah and seeing her before he left, he was also certain that once Martha made his plans known, she was sure to come. Since it was likely to be the last time he would see her, he would not leave until she returned, even if it took some time for her to come home.
He soon heard a wagon arriving. Assuming it was Martha, the others, and he hoped Sarah, the older man made his way down to greet them.
As soon as Sarah entered, she fell into her father-in-law’s arms, weeping. Pulling her close, he said, “Now, it is not as bad as all of that. Perhaps you and Daniel will make a journey to England one day.”
Sarah cried all the more as he spoke. “You cannot go. We would all miss you too much. We are your family. There is no one there for you to return to.”
Weakening a little in his resolve to be gone from Sarah’s life, Mr. Swyndhurst fell silent for a moment. Am I doing the right thing? Yes, yes, I must do this if Sarah is to ever move on with her life. “Sarah, I have been in Amesbury much too long. My home is in England.”
As he led Sarah to the parlor to continue their conversation, Martha and Esther, looking sorrowful, dried their eyes and went about their business.
Later, without having had to disclose the primary reason he was returning to England, Mr. Swyndhurst felt satisfied he had settled Sarah down and she now seemed to accept the idea that he would no longer be living there; however, his heart’s desire would be to have seen her back in Boston before taking his leave. He also knew he was leaving the whole business of Sarah’s brother unresolved. Since he hadn’t a clue where her brother was, all he could do was hand over the wooden box Mr. Goodwin had left for his daughter and hope the news did not come as too much of a shock.
Chapter 37
Mr. Swyndhurst had been gone for two days. Sarah had yet to accept that she may never see him again. She had put on a brave front that had not lasted beyond seeing the door close behind him the day he left.
As she moped around the house, she thought about the last conversation she had with the man who had been like a father to her. She had revealed that there was a child on the way and he had all but told her to go back to Boston to be with her husband. She knew he was right, but she remained perplexed with regard to what to do about George. And then there was Daniel. She knew it would feel strange being around him after what had happened, as it had been before she left.
Sarah was mindful of the fact that Martha had been waiting to speak to her about the child. As she was not prepared for yet another person telling her to go back to Boston, she had been avoiding her friend. On this day she sensed that she would not be let off so easily as Martha came toward her with a determined look on her face.
“Sarah, it is time we had a conversation about your plans. I poured us some tea. Let us go to the kitchen.”
As her elderly friend led her to the kitchen, Sarah swallowed hard. What could she say? She had yet to sort out all that had transpired in Boston with George as
well as her relationship with Daniel. How could she return, knowing what had happened between them? Though she knew there was nothing wrong with a married couple sharing an intimate night, in her view, this was still her friend’s husband. This train of thought was never far from her thoughts. She also wondered what the boys would think of her if they knew, for she had promised the marriage would be in name only.
After taking a seat, Sarah observed Martha studying her from across the table. “Martha, I can guess what is on your mind. Very soon I shall be prepared to answer your questions, but not today.”
Not wanting to press her, Martha responded, “Very well, Sarah, but you have me greatly concerned. I have seen you do this before.”
“This is not at all the same.” She had no desire to disclose all that had occurred.
“What is more, I cannot fathom a man not following after his wife.”
“Do not think poorly of him, Martha. He has his reasons.”
Martha softly muttered something unfavorable about Daniel. She could not help herself. The man knew where her mistress was and yet had not come to fetch her.
“Martha, there is no need to place the blame for my being here on Daniel. It is not his fault! Do you hear?”
Though she was angry with Sarah’s husband, Martha was delighted the younger woman was so forceful about defending him. That must mean that she truly does care about him, she concluded.
“Let us talk of something else,” Sarah said with great annoyance at her friend’s complaints about Daniel. At times like this it might have been better to have kept my relationship with the servants at a distance. If I had, Martha would not have felt so free to involve herself in my affairs. But in thinking on it a little longer, she knew her life would have been very lonely without Martha’s friendship.
“Yes, let’s do. How are you feeling about becoming a mother?”
This Sarah could answer. “Martha, I am beside myself with joy. I never thought it possible.” No matter what happens with Daniel, she would love this child.
“God be praised that He has seen fit to allow this. Just think, in a few months we shall be greeting a new life in this home, or better yet, in Boston.”
The younger woman scowled at Martha, causing her to close her lips tightly and gesture with her hand that she would not take the conversation in that direction.
Sarah could not help but smile at the sight of her friend biting her lip to keep from speaking things she oughtn’t.
“Tomorrow I will begin making your little one some clothes. You did a marvelous job on the baby blanket.”
Sarah beamed at Martha’s approval of her handiwork. “I cannot quite believe I managed it mostly by myself. I hope to make two or three more before the baby arrives.”
Esther came sauntering into the room in time to hear the conversation about making things for the baby. “This baby shall want for nothing with all of us seeing to its needs.”
Sarah was grateful for her friends. They had seen her through some difficult times, and the current situation, though joyous, had also proven to be yet another trial.
“Sarah, have you any plans of returning to the Bleasdell home now that Mr. Swyndhurst has gone?” Martha secretly hoped Sarah would stay there with her, for she planned to try and persuade her younger friend to return to Boston. She could not be certain the Bleasdells were of the same mind.
“As yet, I have not decided, Martha. It was comforting, being there with Hannah and away from…well, there are sure to be questions as time goes by.”
Martha understood that with Sarah living apart from her husband there would be inquiries, particularly the closer the time came for the birth of the child.
The older woman, rising from the table, silently motioned to the younger maid that it was time they go, leaving Sarah to herself to think over what to do about whether to return to the Bleasdell home. On her way out, she placed her hand on Sarah’s shoulder for a moment.
Once her servant-friends had gone, Sarah sat there, mulling over the situation. By the time she was ready to turn in for the night, she had decided against returning to the Bleasdell home. She would remain at home and send her servants to town for her needs, which would keep her away from inquisitive eyes.
Chapter 38
Early autumn, the year 1736, Amesbury, Massachusetts Bay Colony
Daniel had not set eyes on Sarah for nearly five months. He was more certain than ever she would not be returning. At times, he wondered if he should have gone after her; but uncertain as to whether his wife would receive him, he had decided against it.
Later that day, without having had to make any house calls, as Daniel worked at home finishing up the preparations for winter, Simon Findley arrived. He had one more trip to make, and as providence would have it, it was to Amesbury he would be traveling.
Slapping Daniel on the back when he came out from the barn to greet him, he asked, “Daniel, my friend, how are you?” With the hollow eyes staring back at him, he could guess the answer.
Daniel attempted to appear cheerful as he strolled, along with Simon, back to the barn, but with Sarah’s absence weighing heavily upon him, he could not quite manage it. “Truth be told, Simon, Sarah is on my mind a great deal.”
“Well then, my friend, you may be pleased to learn that I am off for Amesbury in a couple of days. While there, I shall call upon Sarah.”
Daniel’s eyes lit up at the mention of Sarah and the possibility of his friend paying her a visit. “Would you tell her for me that we miss her terribly?”
“You may depend upon it. And if my powers of persuasion are as good as ever they were, I may just convince her to come back to Boston.”
◊◊◊
Daniel’s mood seemed lighter than it had been in weeks after his visit with Simon. The boys even took notice of the transformation in their father’s countenance. They both wondered what had brought about the change.
Daniel’s farmhand, Zechariah, had overheard part of the conversation between Simon and Daniel, so he had no doubts as to the reason for Daniel’s improved mood. He hoped and prayed the concerned husband would not be disappointed by distressing news when Mr. Findley returned from seeing Sarah. If only the young lady would come home. If she could but see what her absence is doing to her husband, I am certain she would.
Mrs. Findley called at the Thompson home several days after her son had visited there. She was aware that Simon would be seeing Sarah while in Amesbury. Neither she nor her son had disclosed to Daniel his brother-in-law’s ill treatment of his wife. Simon had tried but had been interrupted thus she decided it was now her responsibility. If Sarah returned with her son, as was his hope, Mrs. Findley had no desire for her to face the dreadful man again.
Upon Mrs. Findley’s arrival, Mr. Thompson ushered her into the parlor where his sons were presently sitting, chatting with each other. Once she was seated, she asked if they might speak privately. Mr. Thompson then sent his sons out to the barn to get an early start on their afternoon chores.
“What is it, Mrs. Findley?”
“I really should have told you about this long ago, but Sarah would not allow it.”
Daniel felt uneasy at the tone of the conversation. “Do go on, Mrs. Findley.”
“I truly dislike speaking ill of anyone but, in this case, it seems I have no choice. Mr. Thompson, your brother-in-law used Sarah very ill whilst visiting with your family.”
Daniel’s heart sank. Had Sarah had yet another man force himself upon her? Hoping he was wrong about the nature of the offense, he questioned her further. “Please tell me what you know, Mrs. Findley.”
The woman felt awful about upsetting Mr. Thompson, considering all that he had suffered, but she forced herself to go on. “One day, after setting off for home, forgetting something, I had to turn back. As I came into the kitchen, I heard Mr. Hoyt speaking appallingly to Sarah. Though she tried to deny it, I am of the opinion that your brother-in-law had been treating her terribly all along. From what I overhea
rd, it seemed the root of it was that he resented her for marrying his sister’s husband.”
Daniel could not believe what he was hearing, for George had seemed so cordial toward Sarah whenever he was present. Rubbing the back of his neck, his heart racing, he asked why Sarah had refused to allow her to tell him.
“I heard him say that as long as she was living in his sister’s house, he would not be coming to see his family. You know how tenderhearted she is. It is my belief that she must have felt it was more important for George to be a part of your family than it was for her to be. She dearly loved Joanna, and I am certain that, in leaving, she thought she was doing right by her friend as well as you and the boys.”
After listening to all that had happened to Sarah, Daniel had grown so angry at his brother-in-law he could scarcely contain himself. Bolting from his chair for the third time, he sighed several times while pacing around the room. When at last he returned to his seat, no less upset, he said, “I am much obliged to you, Mrs. Findley. Despite Sarah’s wishes to the contrary, you may be sure that you did the right thing in telling me.”
When Mrs. Findley had taken her leave, Daniel began pacing around the room yet again, grumbling to himself about his brother-in-law. He was also angry at himself for trusting that George would have been good to Sarah while he was out on his calls.
What was he to do now? With this new information he began to doubt Sarah had left merely because of the change in their relationship. It now seemed more likely his brother-in-law played a major role in her decision to leave. If that be the case, should he go after her, or should he first go and have it out with George? The more he paced, the more upset he became.
When he had calmed down a little, he realized this was something he needed to take to God. After he had prayed to be rid of his rage toward George, with a clearer head he decided to wait until Simon returned before setting off after Sarah. No matter what, he would not allow George anywhere near his wife until the duplicitous man had a change of heart and apologized.
Sarah Anne's Faithful Friends (Unshakable Faith Book 4) Page 16
