Elizabeth Marie Colfer stepped off the wagon and looked around. Her two younger brothers and her sister stood beside her nervously. There was a series of thuds as their luggage was unloaded. “Are you sure this is the right place?”
“That it is missy. The parsonage should be a little further up the road. Now if you pardon me I have to get on to the next town before night fall.” The wagon driver clucked to his mules and soon was out of sight.
“Where is she?” asked Edward. He bent down and picked up little Sarah. She leaned her head on his shoulder with her thumb in her mouth.
“Did she forget about us?” whined Benjamin. “Are we lost, Lizzie?”
Smiling comfortingly, Elizabeth shook her head. “We’ve just arrived in Salem; we know exactly where we are. We’re not lost.” She looked around again. “Maybe god-mother has forgotten that we were arriving today.” She doubted this because the voyage here wasn’t scheduled, but she must keep up the hopes of her siblings. “We’ll just have to ask someone where to find her.”
She took Sarah from Edward and put her down, keeping hold of one tiny hand. “Ed, you stay here with the things. We’ll go find someone to help us.”
They didn’t have far to walk before they met someone walking up the road. “Excuse me, good sir,” Elizabeth began.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t stop now.” He continued without a second glance.
Another man came up the road. “Excuse me, Sir, but my . . .”
“Not now.”
Elizabeth watched him go in hurt confusion. What on earth is going on? She thought. They watched two other men go by in the same manner, each refusing to stop and listening to their pleas for assistances.
“Why are people here so mean?”
“I’m sure that there is a proper explanation for this, Ben.” She sighed and picked up Sarah. “Let’s go find out what it is.”
* * * *
“She afflicts me!”
“She comes to me at night and torments me!”
“She’s a Witch!” The shouts, accompanied by wails and screams, could be heard outside the church. Elizabeth stopped at the door and looked over the shoulder of the man in front of her.
“What’s goin’ on, Lizzie?” Benjamin asked while tugging on her skirts. She just shook her head. What was said next was lost among the noise coming from the girls in the front of the room, but Elizabeth could see clearly. There was a woman on a platform with her hands tied in front. Men sat on benches looking severe and grave. Girls were in front of the men on the floor screaming and pointing at the woman.
“Excuse me,” she timidly tapped the shoulder in front of her to get the man’s attention. “What’s happening?”
“It’s a witch trial, missy.”
“Witch?”
“Aye, where have you been?” He turned to look at her and stopped as another women came into view. “Elizabeth. You shouldn’t be here.”
“I had to see, John,” the woman said. “What happened to Goodie Cory?”
“More of the same. Where are the children?”
“Home. Supper should be ready by the time we get back.”
“Excuse me?” They both turned to look at the children before them. “I’m sorry to interrupt,” put in Elizabeth. “But my siblings and I are in need of help. Do you know the way to Edith Howard’s place?”
“Widow Howard lives at the edge of town,” replied John. “Not far from the woods to the north. Who might you be?”
“Her godchildren,” put in Benjamin with a shy smile.
“Ben, hush.” scolded Elizabeth, and then added to the adults, “We just arrived in Salem today, and my other brother is waiting for us to bring a wagon so we can get our things. Our names are; Elizabeth, Edward, Benjamin, and Sarah Colfer.”
John looked at his wife with a slight smile. “I don’t suppose we have enough food to go around?”
“John Procter, I’m surprised at you! Of course we have enough to go around.” She smiled at the children. “My husband will go get your brother, if Ben wants to show him the way back. We’re just a quarter mile up the road here, about half way to your god-mother’s.”
“Thank you, but we really must let her know we’re here.”
“Nonsense. She would have to set up places for you and make everything ready. It will be dark in few hours.”
Sarah started to whimper and Benjamin’s stomach growled loudly. Both the Procter’s tried to hide smiles. Elizabeth was at a loss to think of a polite way to refuse. “Thank you, kindly. We are in your dept.”
They followed the Procter’s home where they were given warm stew and fresh made bread. Edward came as night fell and they all lay down on the floor to sleep with the Proctor children. Elizabeth sat up thinking. What will life be like here? Will these people accept us? She couldn’t help but think of what had been going on at the church. Witch trials? Is every strange and new thing going to be considered evil? She wished her parents were there to comfort her. Being the head of her small family felt too great a burden for her fifteen-year-old shoulders. I may be old enough to marry soon, but I didn’t expect to be raising my siblings.
“Are you alright?” Goodie Procter leaned close to the fire to light a stick for a candle. “You’re warm enough aren’t you?”
“Yes, thank you. I was just thinking,” wiping her eyes, Elizabeth found that she had been crying. “I just miss our parents very much right now.”
“I understand. You’re a far way from home and in a new place. It would be frightening for anyone.”
“I’m not afraid --- just worried.”
Goodie Procter nodded. “If you need help for anything, be sure to ask. Mr. Procter and I will be always willing to help.”
“Thank you.”
“Now get some sleep. You must be exhausted.”
Elizabeth nodded and lay down next to Sarah. She was asleep by the time Mr. Procter had returned from telling Goodie Howard where her godchildren were staying.
* * * *
News soon traveled about the village that there were four children staying with Goodie Howard. “Who are they?”
“Where are they from?”
“Her god-children from England I hear.”
“Well I shall love to see them at church this week.”
“Do you think they go to church?”
“Of course, don’t be silly!”
“There’s one of them now!”
“Where?”
“The young girl across the street. Well she is certainly a young thing.”
“She a bit tall for fifteen though. Are you sure that’s what age she is?”
“Of course I’m sure. I got it from Goodie Procter. They stayed there first you know.”
These whispers followed Elizabeth up the street as she made her way into town. She had no way to know someone else was talking about her. Two men stood next to the church, watching her. “She’s quite pretty actually. I don’t suppose you’ll just leave her alone. You’ve had all the pretty ones around and leave none for the rest of the boys.”
“She is pretty, yes, but it is personality as well that is required to suit me. If she has to put up with that old woman all the time, the personality can’t be much.”
“You are unkind, Thomas. I’m sure she is a good, strong-minded girl.”
“That, my friend, is exactly the problem. Good, strong-minded girls are too independent. But like a strong-minded horse, she may just need to be broken.”
“Don’t speak too loudly; your father may hear you!”
“Jacob, you worry too much. Who would ever think badly of the son of the minister? To them I am a saint.”
“Yes and whoever saw you with a wagon driver like me would probably think you were calling me to repentance.”
“Go in peace, my brother, and don’t forget to be there to meet me in Boston.” Jacob left before Thomas’s father came out.
* * * *
Elizabeth knelt to take the thyme she had found beneath the late snow and inhaled its scent. The smell comforted her, as she knew it would. Lavender would’ve been better but this was . . . had been her mother’s favorite herb.
She sighed and placed the sprig in her apron. Godmother had just had another coughing fit this morning; her health was not improving. She had told the children that she had had a bad cough all winter and that it just wasn’t going away. Elizabeth hoped to make a tea to stop the cough. Her siblings were too young, she thought, to face another death.
They had landed in Boston at the end of the previous summer only to bury their parents and winter with some friends from the ship. They even went through the expected amount of time for mourning. The friends had been kind but the plan to continue north to Salem had firmly stayed in Elizabeth’s mind. So after the first sign of thaw they had said good-bye to Boston and traveled on. Now with godmother ill it looked as if they might have to move again. Elizabeth hoped not. She would use the skills that her mother and father had taught her since her cradle. Being the daughter of a doctor and a… well, she knew the ways of herbs and other medicinal plants.
She finished picking what she would need for a tea and stood up to go, but stopped with a gasp.
“I’m sorry if I startled you,” said the young man. He was leaning against a nearby tree. He was a tall broad shouldered man, fair skinned, and wore clothes with gray brown colors. There was an aura about him that demanded respect and something else. Elizabeth shivered. “I didn’t want to disturb you. You looked as if you were concentrating.” His dark eyes traveled over the hand on her apron and her other hand holding the last of the herb she had just picked.
“No, I was thinking,” bowed Elizabeth. “Remembering, really. We used to live near woods like these back in England. I’m sorry, but I really must get back to my godmother, mister…”
“Thomas. Thomas Parris. My father is the Minister here. I had seen you in town and meant to introduce myself. I’m hoping to get to know all the new people in town. I hadn’t seen you in church.” He took a step closer but she stepped back.
“I’m Elizabeth Colfer. I’m sorry, but I must get back.” She kept her eyes down and stepped around him. He touched her hand as if to stop her and she pulled away. “Sir, this is not the time or the place for such conversations. I beg your pardon, but I must go.” She ran into the woods again before he could say another word.
Thomas stood there for a while longer then he too left with a smile.
* * * *
The next time Elizabeth saw Thomas was in town more then a week latter. She had little Sarah with her. Her brothers were out with Mr. Procter to help with the planting. Goodie Procter had offered to take Sarah while Elizabeth was in town, but Elizabeth felt the need to keep her close.
Today the shy two-year-old clung to her sister’s skirts like a lifeline as they went from one place to another. They had just come from a shop into the chill afternoon when Elizabeth heard her name being called.
“Elizabeth Colfer, I’d like you to meet my sister Elizabeth Parris.” Thomas said as he and two girls walked up. “And this is her friend, Abigail Williams.” Both the girls curtsied.
“Pleased to meet you,” Elizabeth curtsied as well. “This is my younger sister, Sarah.”
“We wanted to meet you to hear the news from England.” one of the girls said. “We don’t get much in the way of news.”
“I’m afraid what news I would have would be over a year old. My family stayed in Boston last winter before coming here.”
“Oh that’s even better!” the other girl nodded in agreement with her friend. “Boston is the very center of news.”
“Don’t be silly, Betty,” put in Thomas. “I’m down to Boston every few months and you never care for the news I bring home.”
“That is because you don’t pay attention to the kind of news young girls would want to know.” This must be Abigail. Thomas rolled his eyes and looked back at his sister.
“I’m really sorry but I have no news…” Elizabeth was cut short as two other girls came running up to them.
“They’re taking her to the church,” said one girl.
“Deputy Brabrook has just arrested her,” said the other.
Elizabeth looked on in surprise. “Who?” The newcomers seemed to just then realize that they had a stranger among them.”
“I’m sorry,” Abigail started. “Elizabeth Colfer, these are our friends Ann Putnam and Mary Warren. Elizabeth was just about to tell us some news from England and Boston.”
“No, really,” Elizabeth protested. “What news I have is not of much interest. It’s old news. We really didn’t get that kind of news.”
“That’s too bad,” crooned Ann, although her attitude said she didn’t care at all. “Anyway, Abby, you have to come and see. The others are all at the church.”
“But she’s only four!” exclaimed Mary. “How could she be accused?”
“You can never be too sure what these people are like.” Betty explained. She then turned back to Elizabeth. “It was nice to meet you. Maybe you can come by and visit sometime.”
“Thank you but that depends on how well godmother is feeling. She has been ill lately.”
“Please send our regards,” added Thomas with a look of disappointment. “We pray she will feel better soon.” With that he bowed and the girls gave quick curtsies before they turned toward the church.
“Now that was strange,” Elizabeth murmured before turning towards home with a very tired Sarah in tow.
* * * *
She was with Goodie Proctor when they came. They all were. It was just after the noon meal. John and her brothers had just come in from the fields. Elizabeth was there to see if Goodie Proctor would take her sister while Elizabeth tended to her godmother. Three men came in to the house and John stood quickly. “What is the meaning of this?”
“Goodie Elizabeth Proctor,” proclaimed one of the men. “You are charged with Witchcraft and ordered to accompany us back to the meeting house to await your trail and examination. If you refuse, we will use force.”
“I don’t believe this!” John was beside himself with furry. Elizabeth and the children watched as one of the men stepped forward to take Goodie Procter. Sarah and the Proctor’s youngest began to cry as John stood between the man and his wife.
“John, don’t.” pleaded the man. “Don’t make this any harder for me then it already is. If, God willing, your wife is not a witch then she will go free.”
“What proof do you have? Where is the warrant? My wife goes nowhere until I see these things!”
One of the other men held out a paper and John snatched it away. As he read it, he seemed to deflate with disbelief and defeat. Goodie Proctor put a hand on his shoulder and nodded quietly. “John, I will go if I must. Do not worry. We and God know that I am innocent.”
As the men led Goodie Proctor away, Elizabeth and her siblings headed home. “What are we going to do, Lizzie?” whispered Ben. “I thought that we could be-“
“Ben! Hold your tongue! This is not the time to speak of this. We’ll speak with godmother.” Elizabeth took his hand. “We’ll not be afraid of these events.”
They reached the house with a surprise waiting for them. Goodie Edith Howard was standing in the doorway waiting for them. Her stooped figure watched them approach. Her blue eyes searched Elizabeth’s face. “Another one?” Elizabeth nodded. “Then we had best prepare, just in case.”
* * * *
That night, Elizabeth followed her godmother into the woods at the back of the house. The sun was just setting, casting an orange glow into the sky. Most of the trees had yet to sprout their leaves and made skeletal silhouettes. “Are you sure we can’t do this at any other time?” Elizabeth was nervous. “What if someone sees us?”
“Normally I wouldn’t do anything like this, but when circumstances require it, we had best do it. Do you still have that trowel? Good. Now remember where we go.” Goodie Howard led the way with quiet steps. “The road is just to the right there; if trouble breaks loose you head south to Virginia. Now this seems to be the place, that tall birch over there. Bury the chest between those big roots and mark it so you’ll find it again. Then come help me with these herbs. It’s a wonder that I didn’t run out sooner. Thank the Father that spring is here again.”
Elizabeth finished digging the hole and placed the small chest inside. It was covered with canvas and rope. She hoped to see it again soon. “What herbs are we getting?” she asked as she covered the chest and stood up again.
“There’s some thyme by that bush; come summer there should be some good berries on it. The bush I mean. But you shouldn’t be out and about in the woods till this has blown over.” Goodie Howard had a good amount of herbs in her apron by then and turned to go. “Now let’s get back to the little’uns.”
Edward waited for them at the door. “I couldn’t stop him,” he whispered to Elizabeth as she came up to him. “He said he had to see you and would wait.”
“Who?” she began, but saw Thomas waiting inside at their small table. She glanced back at her godmother.
Goodie Howard merely nodded and started bossing her forward. “Get inside girl. First you don’t get the right herbs for the stew but now you block the doorway into my home!” Seeming not to notice Thomas at that moment she continued to berate the children. “Now Edward, is that wood chopped? Well, get it done then! If you had gotten it done when I asked I wouldn’t have to tell you twice. Now why is everyone standing about? Lizzie, get that water boiling for my tea.”
“Godmother,” whispered Ben from the floor where he was tending Sarah. “There’s a man here-“
“What? What’s that? Speak up boy! Oh, why didn’t anyone say we had a guest?” Thomas had just stood up and bowed to the old woman. “Lizzie, where’s that tea? I’m sorry for the slight confusion.” She added to Thomas. “I’m afraid this girl didn’t get the right herb for the stew, or the tea for that matter. Now what can I do for you kind sir. I’m sure it’s rather late for social calls.”
Sarah decided at that moment to start crying and Elizabeth rushed forward to quiet her. As she passed him, she noticed Thomas looked uncomfortable. “I had thought to speak with Elizabeth, but if it is a bad time I shall return later.” He took his hat from where it rested on the table and bowed to go.
“Oh, nonsense,” assured Goodie Howard. “Why don’t you both step out for a bit, but not too long, mind you. I need her to get the children ready for bed.”
“I can do it by myself!” protested Ben.
“Prove it then,” suggested Elizabeth. “If you’re ready for bed by the time I come back, maybe you can stay up a little longer.” They all smiled as he ran to the back of the house where there was a curtain hanging to change behind. After handing Sarah to Edward, Elizabeth led the way outside with Thomas behind her.
“I haven’t seen you at church.” was his first comment. She hid a scowl in the growing darkness.
“Godmother has not been feeling well. It was a surprise when she told me she needed to go get herbs tonight.” Elizabeth looked behind her to make sure the door to the house was open. She didn’t want it said she would go without an escort. She relaxed as she could make out Edward’s outline near the door.
“I see.” Thomas wasn’t looking at her but out into the night as if to find an answer to something. “I would have liked to see you. My sister would have as well. We know you must be lonely with so few acquaintances here in Salem. I’ve been worried about you and your family.”
Elizabeth looked up in surprise. This was not what she was expecting at all. But Thomas went on. “I know you’re new to the village and you don’t know anyone yet, especially me. But I thought we might try. You’re lovely and smart, and I would get to know you better if…if… if you would marry me.”
Elizabeth stood there in shock. She hardly knew this man and he wanted her to marry him? Edward was listening, she could tell. She felt his shock as well as her own. She struggled to get her mind in order. She hated to think she was breaking any hearts but she knew that he wasn’t the man for her.
“Mr. Parris…”
“Please, call me Thom.”
She closed her eyes and took a calming breath. “Mr. Parris, I’m sorry but I can not accept your offer. I am flattered by your high praise and compliments, but it would be impossible for me to say yes.” She looked at her shoes. She could not see them in the dark but it was the only place to look. She didn’t want to look in the doorway where Edward was, she could feel him beaconing her godmother to him. She had to get rid of Thomas fast.
“Are you saying you won’t have me?” Thomas said quietly. He had a different tone of voice now, one of disbelief. As if he had not expected to be refused.
“Yes,” she whispered. “We barely know each other. Even if we were given time, however, I’d still be unable to accept.” She didn’t like the feelings she was reading off of him. This could be dangerous. “I’m sorry, Mr. Parris. I have to go in now.” She turned to go, but as she did, he grabbed her arm.
“No one refuses me!” His voice was a hiss through his teeth. It frightened her.
“Mr. Parris, you’re hurting my arm.” She fought to keep her voice calm as she sent thoughts toward Edward. Tell Godmother that there is trouble.
Thomas released her arm but stepped in front of her to prevent her entering the house. “Tell me why,” he whispered. “Why refuse me?”
“Because her father had already made a marriage agreement.” Goodie Howard stood in the door way with a candle lit. “Her parents may be dead, God rest their souls, but it is her duty as the eldest to fulfill that agreement. Now I’m sorry, dear boy, but you’ll have to leave. Ben is ready for bed as he promised and wants his sister to tell him a story.” Thomas looked from one woman to the other his face smooth. Nodding, he placed his hat on his head and left without another word.
* * * *
Thomas paced back and forth across the small room, the three girls watching him. “She refused me and the old hag gave her excuse for her,” he muttered. “Her family is dead. What contract can hold her? None; she has just spurned me out of spite.”
“Cousin, calm yourself.” Abigail sat beside her friend Mary on the couch with some stitching in hand. “From what I have seen, she is a shy and frightened girl with no wit about her.” She seemed to focus on the bird pattern in her hand as she held the needle ready.
“That’s right. Now, Abby on the other hand is quite witty and bright.” Betty looked up from the dress she was working on. “Why can’t you go after one of my friends, brother? They’d all be very willing.” Mary ducked her head to hide her blush as Abby gave a protest.
“I’d not have him! Even if you are my cousins, you’re too much like siblings for me to marry him. Besides, I will have John one way or the other.”
“Thanks ever so, Abby.” Thomas scowled at the girls. “But the girl who marries me will be the one I chose and none other.”
