“Thank you, Annalise. Thank you for telling me. But it will be difficult for me to turn away a slave in need.”
“You must. There is no other choice. It could be the very slave Uncle Phineas uses to trap you. I must go.” Her voice took on a sarcastic tone Matthias had never heard from her, and her eyes narrowed. “I’m sorry if you believe I am to blame for their knowledge of your role in the Faith Train.”
Before he or Betsy could respond, Annalise marched toward the door. “Goodbye, Matthias. Betsy.”
Matthias wanted to go after her. He wanted to explain his error and seek her forgiveness. But she rode through the woods away from the house before he could convince his own two lethargic feet to move from where he stood.
What have I done? Lord, please forgive me.
Chapter 12
Tears flowed, spilling over her cheeks and down her neck. How could Matthias believe she had led Uncle Phineas and the others to him? Hadn’t she proven herself? What more must she do to convince him?
And to think she had entertained the fanciful thought of courtship with Matthias. What a fool she had been.
Annalise continued through the woods toward home. She swiveled her head to and fro to be sure no one had seen her. That no one had followed her. Thankfully, she saw no one, save the creatures that made the woods their home. And Annalise heard no one except the birds chirping on the humid July day.
When she reached the place where she had hidden the saddle, Annalise stopped Eclipse and dismounted. Digging through the brush to uncover the sidesaddle, she placed it on her horse then started toward home. Glancing at the sun’s position, Annalise knew she had little time before Uncle Phineas or Aunt Lavinia began to wonder where she had ventured.
Freedom did not exist in the Thorn household. Not for the slaves and certainly not for Annalise.
Annalise forced herself to now ride at a much slower pace sidesaddle than she had astride. To not do so would surely end in disaster when she was inadvertently bucked from the horse. As she rode at a sluggish speed, Annalise’s mind reverted to Matthias and his accusation. Would her dried tears be evident to Aunt Lavinia? All the more reason to hurry home and into her room to wash her face before being called to the noonday meal.
Her heart broke into a thousand pieces. How could Matthias think she would ever lead Uncle Phineas or any of his cohorts to him? How could Matthias believe that Annalise would be so daft as to not ensure that no one knew of the covert operation of which she was now a part?
“Annalise, it’s just that you may have unknowingly…” His words kept ringing in her ears.
“I only meant that such a mishap is possible given your uncle’s suspicions of you and Sheriff Bleyer’s constant observations of your comings and goings.” Annalise’s heart beat even faster at the thought. Had she done something to make the sheriff suspicious? She recounted her actions from the past days and weeks.
No. She could not think of a thing that would have made Sheriff Bleyer wary of her actions.
And then the audacity… Annalise almost said those words aloud as she recounted Matthias’s other words during their conversation: “Thank you for telling me. But it will be difficult for me to turn away a slave in need.” So Annalise had risked her life in eavesdropping, further risked her life in riding a great distance—scandalously astride, no less—and risked her life going to tell Matthias what she had overheard.
All for naught.
Annalise gritted her teeth. Had it all been in vain? It would be if Matthias decided to help the slave posing as a potential runaway in need. Why could Matthias not heed her advice? Why was the man so obstinate?
Because he has a compassionate heart.
The words impressed on her heart, but Annalise chose to ignore them. Compassionate heart or not, Matthias was downright foolish to not take seriously her words of warning.
And then to suspect her of leading Uncle Phineas and Sheriff Bleyer to the organization.
A combination of anger, irritation, and self-pity rose within Annalise. She never should have become involved in the Faith Train.
Had she even been of help?
Annalise added self-doubt to her list of emotions.
She never should have allowed her heart to be stolen by the handsome man with broad shoulders who preached the Word of God Sunday after Sunday.
Chapter 13
The stable came into view after what seemed like a lengthy trip. Annalise allowed a sigh to escape her lips. At least she was no longer crying, for the moment anyhow.
The acres and acres of plantation worked by dozens of slaves reminded her of how important her job was—even if Matthias’s comment had diminished that importance in her mind.
“Annalise!”
At the sharp mention of her name, Annalise nearly fell back off Eclipse. She turned her head to see Uncle Phineas on horseback. Had he followed her? Did he know where she had gone?
Fear rippled through her.
Uncle Phineas would not show mercy, even to a relative, if she were caught helping runaways.
Annalise willed her voice not to tremble. “Hello, Uncle Phineas.”
“Where have you been?” His harsh voice stirred panic in every part of Annalise’s being.
So much for pleasantries.
“I said, ‘Where have you been?’”
Think quickly, Annalise.
“I have been out for a ride. Such a lovely day.”
Uncle Phineas stopped his horse in front of Eclipse. “Out riding where?” His evil dark eyes bored through her.
“Out yonder.”
“Yonder?”
“Yes, Uncle Phineas. Is everything quite all right?”
“That depends on you, Annalise.” He practically spat her name.
No surprise there. Annalise knew Uncle Phineas’s feelings for her. She pondered his response. Should she feign innocence? Reply with a syrupy retort? However Annalise responded, she feared she would stir up more wrath in her volatile uncle. Lord, please give me the words to speak.
“It appears there is something going on that you’re not telling me.”
“Uncle Phineas, I merely went for a ride through your lovely property.”
“Be assured, Annalise, that I will discover whatever it is that you are scheming. You are not beyond the law, no matter who you are. If you are, as Sheriff Bleyer suspects, doing something to assist slaves, not only will you be punished to the fullest extent possible, but I will see to it that every slave on the plantation takes a beating for your poor choices.”
Annalise bit back her trepidation. Uncle Phineas had already punished Jinny, Tandey, and the others for her wrongdoings.
“Speaking of which, I gave Tandey a good beating today for allowing you to ride by your lonesome.”
“No—”
“What is it about the slaves that concerns you so, Annalise? If you think for a moment they deserve freedom, you are sorely mistaken.” He waved his hand at her. A hand that Annalise feared was about to connect with her cheek. A hand that had waved many a whip toward the backs of slaves.
She jolted back, nearly falling out of the saddle.
“Get to the house, Annalise. And no more riding without a chaperone.”
Panic infused her at Uncle Phineas’s condemnation. “Yes, sir.”
Uncle Phineas had certainly whipped Tandey. The young man groaned as he mucked the stables. Annalise’s heart broke at the sight of the lacerations and dried blood that crusted on his arms. She could only imagine what his back must look like.
Annalise breathed in with relief to see that Uncle Phineas had not followed her. She must be careful. Speaking to Tandey would only cause another whipping.
“Oh, Tandey,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry.”
Tandey smiled at her, his eyes kind, and nodded. “Don’t worry about me none, Miss Annalise.” His voice was low as well. For he knew—knew all too well—what would happen if Uncle Phineas heard him speak to Annalise.
“Someday, Tande
y, I promise, I will see to it that you are freed.”
Tandey assisted Annalise from the horse. “Don’t speak of that, Annalise. It could put you in danger.”
“I know that, Tandey, but I promise. Both you and Jinny. Then you’ll be free to marry and start your own family in freedom.”
A smile lit Tandey’s ebony face. “If only it could be so.”
“It will be, one day.”
A sudden flicker in Tandey’s eyes told Annalise that he dared to believe her words. Honestly, she shouldn’t be making such promises. But she meant what she said. Someday her dear friends would be free.
And hopefully so would she.
Chapter 14
If Annalise had hoped to slip unnoticed into her room, she was mistaken. Aunt Lavinia lurked just inside the parlor. “Is that you, Annalise?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Goodness, but your face looks atrocious. All red and burned from the sun. Do you not know you will cause freckling from being so irresponsible?”
Annalise reached a hand up to her face. Could Aunt Lavinia see the dried tears that scarred her cheeks? “Yes, ma’am.”
“Where were you anyhow? Your uncle Phineas has the mind to punish you for taking off like that without telling a soul.”
“I went on a ride about the plantation.” Sorry, Lord. I know I went beyond the plantation. Please forgive me for that minor falsehood.
“A ride about the plantation, indeed. Does it take so long for you to do so? You do realize that your insensitive actions caused a slave to be beaten. Was it worth it, Annalise?”
Aunt Lavinia knew full well Annalise’s compassion for all people, slave or free, and she chose often to use it against her niece. “It was a mere ride about the plantation. It reminded me of the times I did so with my father. Your brother, who was a kind and godly man.”
The words came out harsher than Annalise intended, and Aunt Lavinia recoiled ever so slightly before regaining her composure.
Blame it on the dreadful day. What with the urgency of meeting with Matthias without being caught, his suspicions of her, Tandey’s beating and knowing it was all her fault, and the entire ordeal of assisting runaway slaves, it was enough to thrust Annalise into a deep melancholy.
“You will not speak to me in that manner, Annalise. Remember that your uncle and I gave you a home when you were orphaned. Who else would be so patient and gracious? Your antics deserve nothing less than vagrancy. Where would you be then? Your words and your actions are drawing you ever closer to being ousted from this home. And if you are indeed contemplating assisting runaway slaves, as Phineas believes you are, you will be punished for your shenanigans. Believe you me, neither your uncle nor I will be there to rescue you from the clutches of Sheriff Bleyer.”
Annalise knew that even her sun-reddened face blanched at Aunt Lavinia’s words. It was one thing to be punished for her disrespect of her aunt, but quite another to be accused of assisting runaway slaves. At least Aunt Lavinia had said the word contemplating. Perhaps that meant that Uncle Phineas was not sure of Annalise’s role in the Faith Train, but only assumed it.
Aunt Lavinia looked Annalise square in the eye. If she was awaiting an apology, it would not be forthcoming. For it wouldn’t be honest, nor made with a pure heart. She bit her lip. Lord, help me control my anger.
“Yes, ma’am,” she finally said, proud of herself that she had avoided gritting her teeth while doing so. “May I go to my room to freshen up?”
Aunt Lavinia narrowed her eyes. “Yes, you may.”
Annalise plodded up the stairs, careful not to make any additional noise. Not only were her steps heavy, but her heart also. When she entered her room, she collapsed on the bed.
She grasped her feather pillow and mourned. Mourned the loss of her beloved parents. Grieved that she must reside with her aunt and uncle. Lamented over Matthias’s suspicions and lack of trust. Sorrowed over the punishment Tandey had received because of her choice to go for a ride. Bemoaned her own lack of freedom.
Pushing her face into the pillow, Annalise willed the tears to stop. But they wouldn’t. Sobs choked her body, and her shoulders shook.
“Miss Annalise?”
Annalise hadn’t heard a knock at the door. When she turned her face, she saw Jinny standing in the doorway. “Do you want that I should bring supper to your room?”
Supper sounded about as appetizing as eating a dirt clod, even if it was one of Henrietta’s delicious meals. “Yes. Thank you, Jinny.”
Jinny softly closed the door behind her. Taking a risk that could get her beaten or worse, Jinny sat on the edge of the bed and patted Annalise’s arm. “I’m sorry, Miss Annalise.”
Annalise leaned her head on Jinny’s shoulder, and Jinny wrapped a thin arm around her. “Now, now. Let those tears fall.”
“I’m so sorry, Jinny.”
“For what?”
“Tandey was beaten because of me. Because of my choice to go for a ride. I’m so sorry.”
“Now, now. Don’t fret. You’ve been a good mistress. Always caring for us and looking out for us from the time your parents done owned us. It wasn’t your fault none, but the master’s.”
“Thank you, Jinny, but I am sorry, and I will make it up to both of you someday.”
Annalise made sure her voice was lowered. If Aunt Lavinia heard her speaking to Jinny, there was no telling what Uncle Phineas would do to Jinny. “Matthias doesn’t trust me,” she croaked in a hoarse whisper, forgetting for a moment that Jinny had no idea who Matthias was. “Maybe I should just marry that hideous Dale Hiram.”
“Don’t you dare do such a thing,” Jinny gasped, her big brown eyes growing even larger with concern. “That man is horrid, and you and I both done know it.”
“But if Matthias doesn’t trust me—”
“Your sorrow is speaking for you now. You and I both know you have feelings for Matthias, just the same as I have feelings for Tandey. Everyone makes mistakes, and maybe his words just didn’t come out right is all. I don’t know about the situation none, but I’m sure this Matthias fellow cares for you.”
“You’re right, Jinny. I need to show him grace. He’s carrying a large burden right now. It’s just hard not to be doleful after all that’s happened today.”
“I done saw your aunt’s wrath poured out on you.” Jinny patted Annalise’s shoulder. “Now you just cry some good tears because then you’ll have to put on a happy face so as your aunt doesn’t suspect you all the more.”
Annalise sighed. “You’re right, Jinny. Whatever would I do without you? Remember those days back at our other home? We would play with our dolls and have such jubilant times.”
“Oh, I remember them days.” A smile lit Jinny’s sweet face.
“It was the most wonderful thing having a friend the same age.”
“Yes, it was.”
“Did you ever feel scared for your life at our old home, Jinny?”
“Never, not once. I did miss my mama and papa like you do now, but your folks, they took good care of me and treated me well. Almost like I wasn’t owned at all.”
“Thank you for being a good friend, Jinny.”
“I’m always here for you, Miss Annalise. You know that. Times is tough, but the Lord, He watches over us and He has a plan. A mighty good plan for His children.”
Guilt overwhelmed Annalise. Jinny’s life had taken a turn for the worse after Mother and Father passed. She’d been beaten and worse at the hands of Uncle Phineas and his slave masters. “I have no right to complain after all you’ve been through.”
“Pain is pain. We both suffered enough of it for sure. Don’t you apologize none for being sad. Didn’t your mama say that tears are God’s way of washing all that sadness away and making way for a smile?”
“She did indeed. Jinny, do you know what we are?”
“In a whole heap of trouble if your aunt hears us talking.”
“That too. But we are good friends in the Lord.”
�
��Yes, we are, and we be praying for each other.”
“Yes, and someday, somehow, I’m going to see to it that you and Tandey are freed.”
Chapter 15
Matthias stood behind the pulpit, ready to preach the sermon. His eyes scanned the crowd. Would Annalise be there after his accusatory words?
Matthias swallowed hard. He never should have expressed that concern. Since he had come to know her, Matthias had realized how different she was from his first assumptions about her. He knew Annalise would do nothing to compromise the Faith Train, whether intentional or accidental. He knew that with every fiber of his being. Just like he knew that he was falling in love with the beautiful Southern belle with a heart for others.
Lord, please give me the opportunity to apologize.
Matthias again scanned the rows of pews. No sign of Annalise. Had she been apprehended by her uncle? Worry wormed its way into Matthias’s heart.
“Cast your cares upon Me.”
The prompting in Matthias’s heart propelled his mind to remember the sin of worry and how it had grasped so fiercely onto him throughout his life. Wasn’t that the topic he was preaching on this very day? Not to worry. Not to fret. Not to fear. But to cast all of his cares on the Lord. That the Lord would sustain him.
The last thing Matthias desired was to be a hypocrite. He had prayed time and time again that the Lord would free him from the bondage of worry and fear. For how could a man of the cloth doubt that his precious Savior would protect him? And a man of the cloth couldn’t preach about it when he himself didn’t live it.
Matthias shoved the thoughts of guilt aside. He hadn’t slept much as of late, between his concern for Annalise, his regret over the insinuations he had made to her, and the prospect of preaching on a sermon that would likely help him more than it would help his congregation.
One of the elders cleared his throat, catching Matthias off guard, and he brought his mind to the present. His congregation stared at him expectantly, awaiting his wisdom from the Word. Matthias wouldn’t fail them.
The Underground Railroad Brides Collection: 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom Before the Civil War Page 58