by Marian Wells
“Matt, I have a feeling the movement is causing more alarm in the South than any other single factor. Certainly it’s bleeding their resources; how much we’ll never know. Also the rise of the Republican party is seen as a threat. You know that.”
Matthew nodded. “Events in Boston gave us the clue. Since then their presidential candidate has been defeated.” In a moment he added, “But that won’t go on forever, and that worries the South.” He took a deep breath. “Secession is getting to sound better all the time.”
“The North had the same idea for a time,” Alex said dryly.
“But the South has some feasible reasons for considering secession.”
“Give them to me.”
“You’ve heard them all. But basically, we would be free to maintain our way of life. Tariff problems would be gone. The slave problem would no longer exist.”
“You mean the abolition of slavery?”
“Alex, you’ve forgotten how passionately committed the Southern people are to their way of life. There’s the cry for preservation—our forefathers established this culture; do we give up on it so easily? What is to replace it? The North is industrial; that isn’t our forte. But you’re putting me on the defensive. We don’t need to justify our culture. We need to fight for it.
“Every man of us needs to accept that challenge. If the North has their way, we’ll become paupers, stripped of voice and rights. The North’s poor folk. Alex, we must have what we need to exist, as we have in the past, or it’s the end for us, economically and politically.”
“I don’t think that’s true. Granted, change will be necessary, and it might be painful. But Matt, the present direction of the South is disaster for everyone.”
“You’re mistaken. Do you realize France and Britain are nearly committed to our side right now? If it comes down to a fight, they’ll help us.”
Alex jumped to his feet and paced the floor.
“Don’t get me wrong,” Matthew continued. “I’m not in favor of either secession or war. It has scared me nearly to death for several years, but Tristram’s changed my thinking on that too.”
“Well, then, reassure me.”
“The primary consideration is that the North will never allow it to happen. We threaten, and the North will come bowing and begging for our favor. They can’t get along without our products any more than we can exist without their factories.
“I think Buchanan will be a help. He’s a strong Union man, and he’ll do everything necessary to hold it together.” He turned to Alex. “We have weak sisters in the South. They don’t want to secede, but we’ll manage to convince them. After all, it’s a paper secession—Alex, it’ll never happen in reality. Nullification worked in 1832; Congress backed down on their stand on tariffs. Doesn’t that make you think we have hope now?”
Alex stood up. “I hope you are correct. Now, let’s go see if those dear ladies are still scrubbing.”
Chapter 44
Matthew’s plan worked. After digging the paddles free, they felled trees to use as levers and inched the Awl back into mid-stream. Wiping the perspiration from his brow, Alex came to the bank where Olivia and Crystal waited. “Would you ladies care for a cruise down the Ohio—as soon as we scrape a ton of mud off our boots?”
“Was there damage?” asked Olivia.
“Doesn’t appear to be. We’ll know as soon as we put power to the rudders. How about a piggyback ride before I clean my boots?”
“I’ll clean your boots if you will deposit me on the deck—with more dignity than piggyback,” Olivia promised. Alex took her up on her offer, using a lifeboat to bring Olivia out to the Awl. A short while later they were all heading back down the Ohio, the boat apparently free of damage.
The next morning the Golden Awl tied onto the wharf. “Home again,” Alex said with a grin as he patted the bow.
“This did make me wish we could be on the river again,” Olivia said wistfully.
“I’d like it, too. If Caleb comes before the end of the month, we could take a short trip.”
Matthew and Crystal started up the hill together. Olivia watched them and asked, “What have you and Matthew been talking about—or is it a secret?”
“I don’t think it is. Tristram has been pressuring Matt to return to the South. He’s hit Matt right where it hurts—responsibility to the home acres.”
“Does that thinking disturb you?”
“No, my obligation is to God first of all. You know that.”
“I just wanted to hear you say so.” He bent to nuzzle her neck and she whispered, “Alex, we’re so happy I’m nearly afraid.”
“Don’t be; remember your dream—me, you, and God.”
Finally she sighed and backed out of his arms. “Are you going to stay down here and tighten that paddle?”
“Yes. Matthew is going to return and help me. It will take most of the afternoon. I want to check the pistons, too.”
****
It was a late November morning when Lucas Tristram returned to the Coopers’. For nearly an hour Crystal had been standing by the window facing the road, watching for Matthew. When Olivia came into the room. Crystal glanced at her and turned back to the window.
“Let me guess,” Olivia said slowly. “You and Matthew have quarreled again. Crystal, it’s obvious you two are having problems. Even Alex has noticed and asked. I think you need his counsel. I wish you would give me permission to tell my brother about Joseph.” Crystal shook her head.
“Olivia, now isn’t a good time to tell Matthew about Joseph. Besides, Joseph isn’t the problem. It’s this conflict about whether or not he should return home. You know Tristram is responsible for this upheaval.”
“Don’t blame Tristram,” Olivia stated. “Matthew’s too high-spirited to be content with the pace your life has taken on. I just wish you two had come with us this fall when we went down the Mississippi. A new pilot—Mike Clancy—made the trip possible.” When Crystal didn’t answer, Olivia added, “We had a fine time getting acquainted with him. He’s a good pilot—has his commercial pilot license. It was disappointing to not have Caleb, but certainly Mike is the Lord’s answer to the need for another pilot.”
“I suppose it’s my fault,” Crystal admitted. “I don’t like that boat any more than Amelia does. I think it’s related to being nearly killed in the explosion.” She sighed. “But I would have forced myself to go had I guessed the result would have been this.”
She faced Olivia. “Matthew was so angry at me this morning. I can’t remember how it started, but soon everything was wrong. You may think this ridiculous, but I sense the change in him began at the time of Lucas Tristram’s visit. Matthew keeps talking about his responsibility to the South.
“At times I think I should quit fighting and just urge him to follow Tristram, but somehow I feel that man’s ideas are so wrong.” She stared at the floor. “Perhaps because of Joseph I understand in a different way.” Her eyes begged for reassurance as she looked at Olivia.
“You are my dear sister-in-law; don’t ever forget that. And please, about Matthew, be patient with him. Your marriage is the best thing that has ever happened to him.”
Crystal watched Olivia walk to the hall tree and put on the heavy jacket hanging there. “Going out?”
“Alex is working down on the Awl. I thought I’d go help him and prepare his noon meal down there. We’ll be back in several hours.”
Crystal watched Olivia disappear out of sight. As she turned away from the window, a carriage came down the road. She eyed the smart rig as it stopped in front of the house. The driver, a gentleman dressed in white, jumped out, tied the horse to the hitching post, strode purposefully toward the house, and knocked on the door. “Lucas Tristram,” she said in dismay.
Slowly she went to the door. Reluctantly she admitted him, nearly hating his confident air and assured smile.
“My dear,” he hung his hat on the hall tree and followed her to the parlor. “Is Matthew at home?”
“Well, I shall wait for a short period of time. Perhaps we can entertain each other. Tell me about your home. I know you’ve mentioned being from New Orleans. And what is your father’s name?”
“Cabet is our family name,” she snapped, getting to her feet. “Mr. Tristram, may I offer you coffee or tea?”
“Tea. I’ll come help you prepare it.”
“It isn’t necessary. Perhaps you would like to read the newspaper. Alex was deeply disappointed to read Lincoln lost his bid for the Senate.” She hurried out of the room.
When she returned with the tea tray, he put down the newspaper and came to assist her. “That is an interesting article; however, I do not suffer along with Alex.”
“What do you mean?
“Douglas is the hope of the South right now. We’ll be anxious to see him contend for the presidency next election. He has the best interests of the South at heart.”
“Is that so? I thought Buchanan came nearer being that man. Didn’t he try to push the Lecompton Constitution on Kansas, and wouldn’t that have forced slavery on the territory? I understand his actions caused Douglas a good deal of displeasure, which makes me wonder if Douglas is all bad. He must have some moral standard. I appreciate people who can forcefully take a stand for the right.”
Tristram placed his cup on the tray and chuckled. “My dear, you will be a smashing hit in Washington.”
“Will be? What are you referring to?”
“I’ve every intention of seeing your husband elected to Congress.”
“Because you must stuff every possible seat with a man who is a willing slave to the South’s interests, regardless of his own convictions in the matter?”
“For a person only one step removed from being a slave herself, you are remarkably well educated in politics—or perhaps you echo beautifully the voices clustered around you. My dear Crystal, you might as well resign yourself to being friends with me.” His voice dropped, and as he hesitated, his eyes began to twinkle. “Because I can make you or break you according to my whim.”
Crystal’s face flushed. He knows! she thought. Somehow, he’s found out!
“Right now I want your husband to leave this organization and return South,” Tristram continued. “The sooner, the better.” He got to his feet and picked up his gold-headed cane. “Have you seen Joseph recently? I find myself very intrigued with that relationship. I must bid you farewell. Tell Matthew I’ll make it a point to visit the next time I’m in the area.” He paused as he pulled on his gloves. “My dear Crystal, I can’t believe that you lack the power to convince Matthew to return South. In fact, I suggest you do it, or I shall be forced to do so.”
“And how do you intend to do that?”
“Never mind. We’ll handle that situation when it arises. Right now I see you as an asset in Washington. That impression could change.”
From her seat beside the fire, Crystal watched Lucas pick up his hat and let himself out the door. Her hands were trembling. Pushing them hard against the pit of her stomach, she fought for calmness. “Oh, Olivia, help me!” she murmured.
****
That evening in their bedroom, Olivia faced her husband and said, “Alex, I must beg you, talk sense into Matthew. He is tearing Crystal to pieces.”
Alex pulled off his shirt and came to sit beside Olivia, “What do you mean by that?”
She shook her head. “I can’t tell you. She’s taken me into her confidence, and I’d give anything to break that confidence. In fact, this afternoon I begged for permission to tell you the whole story, and she wouldn’t hear of it.”
“Yet she expects me to help her?” He studied Olivia’s face, ran his finger lightly down her jaw and said, “I don’t know where to start. Matthew needs to make a commitment of his life to the Lord. He won’t be straight in his thinking until he gets his thoughts from the right source, and that’s the Lord Jesus.
“But in addition to that, we don’t see eye to eye on the issue of slavery. I suspect he’s moving closer to being in sympathy with the South. He knows how I feel, but I can’t make him change his mind.”
“Not even to save his marriage?”
“Dear wife, I think you are overwrought. Come to bed now, and see if a good night’s sleep doesn’t give you a better perspective.”
****
The line of pink and purple asters marching beside the stone path leading to the Coopers’ front door was a herald of approaching autumn. After a brief rain the air was soft and the sunshine bright. To Olivia, who was seated on the front steps, it seemed the whole world was waiting for that plunge toward autumn. Sadie came out and sat beside her. “Where has the summer gone? It’s been a year since thee was married to Alex. Outrageous wedding it was, but guess it’s good enough. Thee both seem happy.”
Olivia squeezed her hand. “We are; oh, Sadie, I don’t understand why I was so fearful.”
“Better to settle the questions first, not later.” She sighed heavily. In a moment she shaded her eyes and looked at Olivia. “Don’t like to think of winter this early. Winter gets so common a body expects it forever. Only one thing worse, that’s letting life get us down so we forget to expect a difference.”
“The winter of the soul?” Sadie nodded. Slowly Olivia added, “I think that’s what Crystal and Matthew have.”
“I know. I’ve been talking to the Lord about it. There’s not much else a person can do when they don’t know where to begin.” She looked at Olivia curiously and waited.
Amelia came out the door. “Is this a secret session or are you open to comment?”
“If you have a comment on the weather,” Olivia said, smiling up at her. “Sadie’s full of talk about winter of the soul.”
“I guess that’s what I have.” Amelia dropped heavily on the step. “At least I’m out of sorts with my world.”
“Is your world different than ours?” Olivia asked.
“Well it isn’t so full of young love that it’s nearly sickening. And you needn’t look offended, Olivia. I’m talking about Matthew and Crystal. One minute they’re at each other’s throats, and then they’re all lovely.” She sighed heavily. “Keeps me up half the night.”
“We could move thee to the other end of the hall,” Sadie said delicately.
Alex walked up the hill and sat down beside Olivia as Amelia began to laugh. “I wasn’t talking about their late-night activities. I meant worrying about them. But my situation, I don’t regret.”
“Leaving thy husband?” Sadie’s eyebrows lifted. “That’s what thee meant?”
“That, and all the rest.” Her voice was harsh as she added, “I did what needed to be done.”
“He was unfaithful?” Alex probed gently.
“No, I was.” She paused and moved restlessly. “Unfaithfulness can’t be undone. I know that, but I’m working at getting on with life.” There was a bitter twist to her lips as she said, “Can’t change the past.”
“But it can be forgiven,” Alex stated. “Amelia, several times we’ve talked this way. I can’t understand why I sense this bitterness in you. Don’t you want God’s forgiveness?”
“Of course, and I’m working at getting it.”
“You mean all this—” The sweep of his hand indicated the boat and the house. “I’ve seen you working for these people until you were ready to drop. Are you telling me it’s an attempt to gain God’s favor?”
For a moment she hesitated. “Of course. Being sinful doesn’t mean I’m unfit to do this.”
“Well, certainly not. But work for God’s kingdom comes after we accept God’s salvation. Are you doing this under the impression that you’re winning favor with God? Earning your place in the Kingdom of God?”
Watching Amelia, Olivia began to see the fatigue etched on her face. “Of course. Do you think I’d do this for myself—taking care of the slaves, sittin’ with sick people, caring for children—just for the fun of it?”
&n
bsp; “But for salvation?”
She got to her feet. “I tried the other way—down on my face crying out for forgiveness. It doesn’t work. This is the only other thing I know to do.”
“What is there in your life that is making you believe the great Creator God is unwilling to give you the same kind of forgiveness He has given each one of us?”
Slowly Amelia got up off the step. “Guess I need to think about that for a while.”
That night the people came. Olivia and Alex were in the kitchen when they heard the knock and Amos’ response. With a quick glance at her, Alex walked rapidly down the hall with Olivia following.
There were three men, a woman, and a small child. Alex faced them and asked, “Did I hear you ask for me?”
The timid man with the hat in his hands said, “Yes, suh. De man tell me to ask for Mister Alexander Duncan. He tole me you would see that we got into Canada?”
Olivia stepped forward and Alex blocked her way. “Help you into Canada. Sorry, but you have the wrong information. I won’t help you into Canada. I suggest you move on. The constable would be inclined to help you more quickly than I.”
There was a muttered protest from the man. For a moment the group of people looked at each other, and then turned and silently filed out.
“Alex!” Olivia turned to look at her husband. “What—”
He touched her lips. “Did you notice? They had my name. And, did they look like the usual people?”
She shook her head. “I’m not certain what you mean.”
“That man was wearing a black suit—old, most certainly, but there wasn’t a sign of dust on it. Now, you know as well as I do, that the people don’t stop to change their clothing before they pound on the door.”
Olivia nodded. “They arrive looking frightened nearly to death.” She threw her arms around him. “It was a trap, wasn’t it?”
He nodded. “I’ve been expecting this since the advent of Lucas Tristram on our doorstep. Didn’t any of you wonder what information he had besides my name?”