“I could not hate him and leave him for good. We would go on for better or for worse.”
“I know, being a mother myself, that people who love their children will do all in their power to protect them.”
Darcy thought a moment and then nodded. “I understand.”
“Do you? You have no children yet, my dear. When you do, that is when you will know what lengths you will go to shield them from harm. But you will not always be able to do so. Your heart will break many times over, and you will cry a river of tears—as I have.”
Struck by Madeline’s confession to have felt such sorrow over her sons convicted Darcy. She moved from the chair and wrapped her arms around her grandmother’s shoulders. “Oh, I am sorry.”
“Do not be. God has comforted me through it. I have prayed for Hayward and William since the days they were born. At least William’s life has been good. An excellent wife and all those daughters … and he raised you, Darcy.”
Darcy made no comment, but leaned down to stroke Maxwell’s ears. Life promised sorrow and joy, she knew, and children would be a blessing from the Lord. She hoped she and Ethan would someday have their quiver full, but with that blessing would come trials.
“Uncle Will has been a father to me, Grandmother. You would be proud to see his home, how his girls have turned out, and the life he leads. His career is well-respected.”
“He told me so in a letter. William never gave me a moment’s grief, except when he left for America. It has been difficult not seeing him all these years.” Madeline tugged at the blanket and her eyes grew misty. “I knew Hayward was stealing away that night with Eliza. I could have tried to stop him. But I did not, knowing it would make no difference.”
“Why?”
“Because I knew he needed a wife, wanted a wife. Eliza was not afraid to follow him to America. I remained silent until my husband argued with me over Hayward’s choice. I urged him to accept it, but he followed them, enraged that Hayward would defy him. Your father stood up to him and refused to annul his new bride.”
“But he denounced her later. She believed he had died, and I have thought she must have wallowed in such deep grief that is why she fell prey to another man. Papa could have gone on loving her.”
“Yes. And you see how he loves her still.” Madeline touched Darcy’s hand. “I am content now. My prayers were answered. I have seen you and Hayward. Tell me you will not grieve if God takes me home.”
Darcy breathed out. “I will not be able to help myself. But that is long in coming. We must all go back to America together. You could be with both your sons that way, and all your grandchildren.”
“No, Darcy. It is not meant to be.”
“Why not, Grandmother?”
“I can sense my time is near. Do you know the hymn by Mr. Charles Wesley, ‘Father, I Stretch My Hands to Thee’? ”
“I know it well.”
“Then you must sing it to me.” Madeline leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “It will comfort me, Darcy. Go on.”
Pausing a moment, Darcy gathered the beginning words in her mind. Then she took her grandmother’s hand in hers and sang:
Father, I stretch my hands to thee;
No other help I know;
If thou withdraw thyself from me,
Ah! whither shall I go?
What did thine only Son endure,
Before I drew my breath!
What pain, what labor, to secure
My soul from endless death!
Surely thou canst not let me die;
O speak, and I shall live;
And here I will unwearied lie,
Till thou thy Spirit give.
Author of faith! to thee I lift
My weary, longing eyes;
O let me now receive that gift!
My soul without it dies.
It surprised her to see tears form in the corners of Madeline’s eyes. And when she opened them, she blinked them away and smiled. “You have a beautiful voice, my girl. Thank you for comforting an old woman.”
“I would do anything to give you ease, Grandmother.”
“Good. Then you do realize what you must do for your parents?”
“I am not sure. My mind is torn.”
“You must do what is right. I expect Langbourne to return soon. He despises Hayward and if he knows he is here under this roof, he will cast him out and you with him. Not only that, but Hayward must see Eliza. You must see to it that