Grandmother's Namesake by Cathy Bryant & Jessica Dorman

Author:Cathy Bryant & Jessica Dorman [Bryant, Cathy]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
ISBN: 9781613141571
Publisher: Innovo Publsihing LLC
Published: 2013-07-17T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

Susanna stayed in her room for the remainder of the day—weeping. It seemed the pain of losing her grandmother had returned with a vengeance. Maddie decided it was best not to disturb her; therefore, she went about her business all the while praying for her young friend.

Meanwhile, back at the Haverhill meetinghouse, Jacob Ormsby took note of their absence from the afternoon service. It seems that Miss Jameson has not returned. It must be that, as I had suspected, Mr. Pressey had not told her of his parents and their connection to her grandmother’s death—all the better for my chances. I wonder if I should tell her that I saw her on the day of the hangings—best not to, I suppose. How fortunate that I spotted Mr. Pressey. I had not expected to find him in Haverhill and with Miss Jameson no less. It wasn’t too difficult to drive a wedge in there. What could the man have been thinking, keeping such a thing from the young woman? And, yet, what choice did he have? He didn’t stand a chance aside from concealing it from her.

Once the service had concluded, Mr. Ormsby approached Deacon Smythe to offer to make a visit to Madeline Osgood’s farm to check on the ladies, as they had not returned for the afternoon service. He let the deacon know of his concern given that it was the young lady’s first time there.

“Whatever I learn regarding their absence, I shall be sure to inform you.”

“As Mr. Sawyer, the man who usually takes care of these matters, is otherwise occupied at the moment, I shall allow you to go in his stead. If you learn of any difficulty—requiring our immediate attention—come at once to inform me.”

After learning the location of the Osgood farm, Mr. Ormsby set off for home. The following day, knowing just where to go, he made haste for Madeline Osgood’s.

Upon his arrival, Madeline greeted him coldly. “Mr. Ormsby, what are you doing here?”

Seeing that he was not welcome, Mr. Ormsby decided that if he stood a chance with Susanna, he must earn Mrs. Osgood’s favor. From the time when he first set eyes on the beautiful young woman in Salem, he had been taken with her. In fact, at the time he had even inquired as to her identity. “Mrs. Osgood, it has been put upon me to inquire after the reason for the absence of you and your charge at the afternoon service yesterday.”

“I wonder that they should have chosen to send you on such an assignment? Does it not usually fall to Deacon Smythe or whoever has taken on the duties of the tithingman?” she answered suspiciously.

“Indeed. But it seems that I happened along just as the matter was being discussed. The man who usually handles these matters could not come. Furthermore, having been seen in your company after the morning service, it was assumed that, as I am acquainted with you, I should be the one to pay you a visit.

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