The Underground Railroad Brides Collection: 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom Before the Civil War
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Over the next three weeks, Matthias found himself looking forward to seeing Annalise Van Houten at church. They had decided to call each other by their given names and had spoken about a variety of topics during their few precious moments while Annalise waited to be retrieved by the Thorns.
The Thorns.
While Matthias had grown fond of Annalise, the realization of her relationship with Phineas Thorn concerned him. Surely someone as likable, smart, and lovely as Annalise wouldn’t betray him and the Faith Train. Would she?
And beautiful she was. There was no doubt that Matthias was drawn to her. If only he could trust her.
Chapter 6
Over the next few weeks, Annalise and Betsy grew closer, and Annalise began to see more of Matthias. At times he would assist Adam on the small farm where the house was located. At other times, Matthias mentioned taking deliveries or visiting those who needed his assistance. Annalise knew what that meant because of her accidental eavesdropping. If only the reverend would trust her to help with the runaways.
Then maybe she could make a difference in the lives of others.
And be part of the Faith Train.
What would he say if she asked him?
Annalise wandered out to the porch when she heard Matthias’s wagon approach. Perhaps if she caught the reverend after one of his “deliveries,” he might be amenable to granting her request.
“Good afternoon, Annalise.” Matthias flashed her a handsome smile, and she did her best to maintain her composure. Goodness if the man wasn’t dapper! There was something about him that caused a pleasant jittery sensation deep within her stomach.
With a struggle, Annalise reminded herself of the task she wished to undertake. “Good afternoon, Matthias.”
“Reckon I’ve been on my feet most of the day. Care to sit a spell?” Matthias pointed to the two chairs on the porch. He gazed about the property from left to right.
Annalise nodded. “Thank you.”
“I want to thank you for not telling the bounty hunters about the cargo in the wagon.” He paused. “Betsy told me.”
The admiration in his voice touched her. “You are welcome. Was the man a runaway?”
“Annalise, your parents owned slaves, correct?”
Matthias must have discussed this with Betsy, for other than Annalise’s aunt and uncle, only Betsy knew. “Yes, but—”
“Then it’s possible that you might have the same opinion about owning slaves.”
“My parents were quite different than Uncle Phineas.” Annalise struggled to keep her voice low. How dare Matthias insinuate that her parents were evil like her uncle!
“Truth is truth, Annalise. You live at the plantation and see the treatment that the slaves receive. Phineas Thorn is known for being one of the most brutal slave masters in the state, and you are his niece.”
Annalise felt the color rising in her cheeks. “I do not know how to convince you that I am nothing like Uncle Phineas. My parents owned slaves, yes. But they treated them kindly and with dignity. I grew up with the friendship of two of them—Jinny and Tandey. Who, by the way, I would love to see escape. To suggest that I am like my uncle is the worst misrepresentation of the truth I have ever known—a complete falsehood!” She stood. “I’d best be gathering my sewing items. Nehemiah will be here soon.”
Matthias stood and reached for her arm. “Annalise, please understand. I must be cautious. So many lives are at stake.”
“If only you knew how I detest the prospect of slavery. While I am not a slave, I do know a thing or two about lack of freedom, for I experience it every day. Mind you, it is nothing like the slavery you seek to eradicate, but it is a form of bondage I shall endeavor to escape from. They even intend to tell me whom I shall marry.” The thought of Dale Hiram disturbed her.
Her pulse raced and her mouth grew dry. Matthias’s insinuation brought about a range of emotions from anger and sadness to frustration and anguish.
“Annalise.” He fixed his gaze on hers. “I’m sorry if I offended you. You must understand.”
“While I am not usually prone to temper, I’ll not understand your position in accusing me of being someone I am not.”
Matthias took a deep breath. “All right then. Yes. The man you saw was a runaway.”
His remark caught her unawares. Did he finally believe her? Feeling guilty that it took nothing short of a tirade to convince him, Annalise offered a prayer seeking forgiveness—combined with a prayer of gratitude. “And is the runaway—the cargo—is he safe now?”
“That I don’t know. My role is only to transport them to the next place and pray. God takes care of it from there.”
“So you do not know the other people aiding the runaways?”
“No. It’s safer that way.”
“Might you have a position for me within the organization?”
A flicker of something crossed his face. Uncertainty perhaps? Lingering fragments of mistrust and doubt? “Annalise, you need to understand that the Underground Railroad can be dangerous. If someone is caught aiding a slave’s escape, they can be jailed, flogged, hanged, or worse.”
“I’m willing to take that chance. I desire to serve the Lord in this way and make a difference.”
“There aren’t any open positions.”
“Surely, Matthias, there must be something I can do.”
Matthias rubbed his chin. “You can assist by continuing to sew clothes for the runaways. But you cannot tell anyone, Annalise. I’m taking a risk just by telling—and involving—you.”
“I won’t tell a soul.” She paused, grateful for the change in his opinion of her. It mattered for more than fulfilling her desire to make a difference. It was important because she truly wanted him to think well of her.
“But are you sure there isn’t something more I can do? It seems so insignificant.”
His kind eyes searched hers. “It is far from insignificant. Each part done to aid this cause is important. Each person on the Underground Railroad has a different role to perform. If one role remained unfilled, the entire plan would fail.” He paused. “Are you familiar with 1 Corinthians 12:12–27? It discusses how each part of the body is important and no less critical than any other part—just as each person in the body of Christ. So it is with the Faith Train. Sewing clothes for the runaways is as important as transporting them. It’s just a different role.”
“I only want to make a difference in the lives of others.”
“And you are, Annalise. You are.”
Matthias’s words meant more to her than she could ever explain.
Chapter 7
Over the following weeks, Annalise spent more time at Betsy’s house sewing clothes for the runaways. Aunt Lavinia continued to believe it was a sewing circle, and Annalise prayed the Lord would forgive her for omitting the complete truth.
And lying about the man in the wagon.
Matthias had given a sermon last Sunday about how, while God does not excuse lying, it can be necessary to save a life as did Miriam and Rahab in the Old Testament.
Not only was Annalise aiding the Faith Train, but she was also coming to know a great deal more about the man who was winning her heart.
A man of the cloth named Matthias Sorenson.
“Care for a walk?” Matthias asked one afternoon.
Annalise set down her sewing needle and fabric. Today had been productive. “I would love a walk.”
Together they strolled through the privacy of Betsy and Adam’s property. The birds chirped, and the air smelled of pine. “Thank you for your hard work on the clothing.”
“I’m thrilled to be putting my skills to good use. My mother would be proud.”
“You miss your parents.”
“I do. They were dear people who loved the Lord and were taken home far too soon. What about you? Where are your parents?”
“They are in Ohio.”
“And do they work for the Faith Train as well?”
Matthias shot her one
of his grins. “Yes, they do. But again—”
“It’s a secret. I know. Have I ever in the two months I’ve been assisting shared any information with anyone?”
“Reckon you haven’t.” He offered his elbow, and she placed her hand through it. It felt natural to be walking through the forest with him. She had grown to appreciate his wisdom, his sense of humor, and his passion for assisting the downtrodden.
They stopped a short distance in front of the river. “They say that when the runaways cross the Ohio River, they are crossing the Jordan River,” he said, watching the clear water trickle over the rocks.
“I can see the parallel.”
“As can I.” He turned toward her and took both of her hands in his.
Annalise figured her heart stopped right then and there.
“Annalise, I know we come from different stations in life, but I reckon I enjoy spending time with you.”
“I do too, Matthias.”
“If we are ever caught in what we do…”
“God will protect us.”
“Annalise, if we are ever caught in what we do…if it’s God’s will that we are caught, promise me something.” He rubbed his thumb on her hand.
Her knees felt weak from his touch. How could she even speak at a moment like this? “All right,” she whispered.
“Promise me you will not come forward and state your role on the Faith Train. Act as though you know nothing. Promise me.”
“But what if you go to jail…or worse?”
“Promise me you won’t tell of your involvement. I need your word, Annalise.”
“I—”
“Promise me.”
“All right, Matthias, I promise you, but…” I’ve grown quite fond of you and wouldn’t want to see anything happen to you.
“Thank you.”
They stood facing each other. Annalise wished he would kiss her. Wished they could court each other and plan a future.
For he was the man she was quickly growing to love.
Matthias wished he could kiss her. Not a tiny peck, but a true kiss telling of his affection for her. During the many hours spent with her at Betsy and Adam’s house and those times spent after church services while she awaited her ride home, Matthias had grown fond of her company. She amused him with her sense of humor. Tugged at his heart with her tenderness toward the slaves. And her beauty was an added benefit.
If only they could court. But it wasn’t possible. He was a poor preacher who didn’t even own a home. And she was a wealthy Southern belle whose aunt and uncle expected her to marry well.
Still, he would dream…and pray about such an opportunity with the woman of his affection.
Without a second thought, Matthias reached over and stroked her cheek. Her blue eyes gazing back at him were almost his undoing. What would it be like to spend every moment with her? To love her and care for her? To have her as his mate, not only in marriage, but also in his work on the Faith Train?
Don’t be a cad, Matthias. Such thoughts are too unlikely for you to even consider. “Matthias, what will I do if they make me marry Dale Hiram?”
“Dale Hiram?” Matthias shook from his daydream of loving Annalise forever to the unpleasant thought of one of his biggest nemeses.
“I fear Aunt Lavinia is pushing for us to court. I cannot court him, Matthias. I cannot.”
“Surely they would not force you to marry someone you do not love.”
“You don’t know them.” A tear glistened in her blue eyes, making them twinkle even more than usual.
That couldn’t happen. Not when he wanted to court her and someday make her his wife.
Whoa. Marriage? Matthias shook his head. Too soon for such thoughts. But didn’t a man sometimes know—truly know—that God had picked someone just for him, even after a short while?
Annalise shifted, and without another thought, he took her into his arms. He knew not what to say to alleviate her fears of having to marry Dale Hiram. He knew not how to solve what could become a horrible life sentence for Annalise.
So instead, he held her close, never wanting to let her go.
Chapter 8
Annalise heard voices downstairs and cringed. She always detested it when Percy Hiram, Dale Hiram, Edgar Oret, and her uncle had their “secret” meetings. Coarse words and copious imbibing always took place. Slaves, especially the women, were even more mistreated by Uncle Phineas and his cronies during these “secret” meetings. Annalise dared not be in their presence during these times. Even Aunt Lavinia found somewhere else to be. Annalise cocked her ear toward the conversations and thought she heard an additional voice.
She tried to identify the voice. She hadn’t heard it often, but it seemed familiar.
Then it came to her.
Sheriff Bleyer.
The thought of the lawman participating in the evil Uncle Phineas and his friends concocted made Annalise’s heart race. She had always suspected there was something not quite right about Sheriff Bleyer, even more so after his interrogation about her church attendance.
Annalise crept down the staircase as quietly as she could manage. Her stockinged feet padded on the wood steps as she gripped the handrail.
As if it could protect her.
She remained on the alert, glancing frequently to and fro as she proceeded toward the library, where the men were.
“I know there’s somethin’ goin’ on with that Reverend Matthias,” said Sheriff Bleyer. Then a pause. “Pour me another drink, Phineas.”
“Good thing your deputy is handling matters tonight, Bleyer. Wouldn’t do you any good to get caught drunk,” chortled Percy Hiram.
Annalise heard the chink of a bottle hitting a glass. She kept her head pressed back against the wall, even though the temptation to jut her neck forward a bit and see what was going on was almost impossible to resist.
“I agree with you on the good reverend,” snarled Uncle Phineas. “He’s too friendly toward slaves. Even saw him helping one who had dropped her load of parcels from the mercantile once. I say we do something about it.”
Sheriff Bleyer’s voice seemed too eager when he answered, “Like what?”
“You’re the corrupt sheriff, you think of something,” snapped Percy Hiram. “If we get him out of the way, the church will no longer be a problem. I reckon others in that place of worship should be hung for assisting slaves.”
“Don’t your niece go there?” Edgar Oret asked.
“Yah, I seen her there ’afore,” said Sheriff Bleyer. “Asked her about it once. She didn’t give no indication she thought somethin’ was amiss. But then, she don’t seem like the most intelligent woman.”
Annalise narrowed her eyes. She was indeed an intelligent woman! For just that comment, she ought to let Sheriff Bleyer know her opinion. But she stuffed down the pride that reared within her and continued to listen to the conversation.
Dale Hiram slurred his words. Too much whiskey perhaps? From the odor floating up the stairs, it would appear the men had overindulged in cigars as well. “Why don’t y’all do something about that niece of yours, Phineas? Make her stop going to church or something?”
Annalise bristled. No one, not even the tyrannical and dictatorial Uncle Phineas, would stop her from attending church and worshipping God.
“Don’t you see, Dale? Having her there can help us.”
“How so?”
“She can be a spy of sorts.”
Never.
Sheriff Bleyer let loose a mean laugh. “No way is she gonna agree to that. She ain’t like you, Phineas.”
“True. She is too much like Lavinia’s brother.” Uncle Phineas’s voice rang harsh in Annalise’s ears. “A pathetic coward if there ever was one.”
How dare you!
In preparation of spitting, Percy Hiram hawked, a gross sound that made Annalise cringe. Pity the slave who would have to spend an inordinate amount of time scrubbing the hardened sputum from the wood floor. “Can’t believe you don’t make that gi
rl mind you better. If you’d force her to marry Dale, all this would be solved. She would finally be controlled the way she ought to be.”
The thought of marrying Dale Hiram sent shivers of nausea from Annalise’s head to her toes.
A sound made Annalise jump, causing her to smack her head against the wall.
“What was that noise?” Percy Hiram asked.
“I’ll go take a look-see,” offered Sheriff Bleyer.
Annalise sucked in her breath. If she thought marrying Dale Hiram a nightmare, she could only imagine what Uncle Phineas and his cronies would do to her if they discovered her eavesdropping on the stairs.
With the swiftness of a doe, Annalise retreated upstairs to her room. She was certain everyone on the plantation heard her pounding heart, especially Uncle Phineas.
Loud footsteps barged up the stairs. Would they find her? Realize she was the one they heard? Punish her?
Lord, please, I beg of You to protect me.
“Don’t see no one,” announced Sheriff Bleyer.
Annalise let out the breath she had been holding and prayed for calmness.
Moments later, she opened the door and poked her head into the hallway. No sign of Aunt Lavinia. Good. The woman was still reclining in her room.
The sounds of the men had grown louder. Annalise took a step into the hallway, keeping her hand on the doorknob of her room. For what? Security perhaps?
“Since we believe the good reverend is to blame for these most recent escapes, there is only one solution.” Annalise shuddered at the cruelty in Uncle Phineas’s voice.
Percy Hiram cleared his throat. “What’s that?”
“We hang him for his crimes.”
The men joined in a chorus of vile laughter.
“Let’s enjoy the rest of our evening, shall we? Tomorrow night, we’ll discuss plans to rid ourselves of that gutless namby-pamby once and for all.”
“Hear, hear!”
Annalise froze. She must, no matter what the cost, listen to the men’s conversation tomorrow. Then she would tell Matthias what she had learned.