Chapter 19
Morning dawned slowly the next day. Thunder rolled across the heavens and dark clouds blotted the sun. But the large, old plantation house was bustling with happy noises in spite of the spring rain that pelted the windows.
After their marriage, Jasper and Maddie had been asked to move into the east wing of the house, so the boys had grown up as part of the family in the home. It was truly an unusual situation, but they were all comfortable with it, and Bart and Adele were glad to not be alone in the huge old estate.
Breakfast was a riotous affair, as was the packing and loading of the carriage. When finally all were inside and the baggage was properly covered for the wet ride, Bart began to wonder what he’d been thinking to suggest such a thing. But one look at his wife’s joyful face and he knew he would not regret it in spite of the dreariness of the day. However, he was glad he had sent a messenger over yesterday afternoon to prepare his sister for the commotion that was coming. Bart smiled as he remembered his sister’s happy reply. He knew her household would also be bustling with happy preparation.
Suddenly there was the rustle of a page turning. Bart turned and looked behind him to find all three older boys with their noses in books. “Are you afraid of being bored that you brought along your books?”
“No, sir,” Afton replied politely. “We brought books to make the trip go faster.”
Boren, the smallest boy, sat between Bart and Adele. They looked at one another over Boren’s head and smiled. They were quite proud of their boys and were thankful for their keen minds.
Ezra spoke up quietly, “Don’t worry, Papa Bart. We won’t lose or damage the books.”
“I know you won’t. I’m glad you enjoy reading.” Again he glanced at Adele and smiled. Her arm was around Boren, and she hummed softly. In spite of the rain, it was a very pleasant drive.
By midafternoon the rain had ceased, but a late spring chill hovered in the air. After dinner at Rose Hill, and getting the tired children settled into their beds, Bart and Adele retired to the library to enjoy coffee with Wally and Sue Ellen. Sue Ellen spoke for her husband, too, as she immediately inquired as to the results of Bart’s trip to Devil’s Bend.
“So were you unsuccessful then, Bart? Did you find out anything about Jeremiah’s wife?”
Bart grinned as he stirred sugar into his coffee. “Not as successful as we had hoped, but I believe the news is somewhat good all the same.” He laid his spoon on the saucer thoughtfully. “She escaped four years ago and took the child with her. Mr. Wickner said they searched for over a year, but to no avail. It’s as though the ground swallowed the two of them. They were gone without a trace.
“Now, I have heard from my people that there is a safe house not far from Devil’s Bend. My guess is that she made it there and then was aided on her trip to the North. I’m certain she is safe or there would have been something found of them if they had not made it to safety. I think Jeremiah will be relieved to know that she is safe.”
Sue Ellen sat on the edge of her seat, her coffee forgotten on the table beside her chair. “Has Mr. Wickner stopped searching for her, then?”
“I believe he had pretty much given up the search. But I bought her papers so he cannot pursue her any longer. I was fairly certain you would want to do that. If not, I will pay for them myself.”
“Oh, yes!” Wally’s head bobbed happily. “Thas good. We give th’ papuhs to Jeremah. Yes. Thas good.”
“That was what I thought. As soon as he can get away, Jeremiah can probably discover the direction she took by visiting the safe house. He will be pleased that she is no longer living in those terrible conditions.”
By morning the sun shone brightly on the freshly washed world. The children played noisily as they enjoyed knowing they had the whole day together. Adele and Sue Ellen smiled as they sat together on the veranda and listened and watched.
Bart was helping Wally walk toward the stable, where they planned to take a cart to the fields to chat with Jeremiah. However, they found Jeremiah in the stable, so they all sat on hay and visited. Finally, Wally looked at Bart and said, “Tell th’ news, Bart.”
Bart chewed thoughtfully on a piece of straw. “Jeremiah, I rode over to Devil’s Bend several days ago, to try to purchase Deidre and your child. However, Mr. Wickner told me she had taken the child and run away about four years ago. I was able to purchase her papers, though, so if she can be found, she is a free woman now.”
Wally pulled the papers from his shirt pocket and pushed them toward Jeremiah. “Is good news, Jeremiah?”
Jeremiah was silent as he stared at the folded papers in his hand. He was not certain if he was happy or sad. He was glad that she had escaped from Devil’s Bend, but where was she now? How would he ever find her? His mind whirled with more questions. Was she safe? Was their child alive? He was silent so long that Bart spoke again.
“Jeremiah, perhaps you could ride over to the slave quarters at Devil’s Bend and inquire there. Maybe one of the Negroes will know where she went. They would never tell me, but perhaps they’ll tell you?” Even though it was a statement, Bart spoke it like a question. They were watching Jeremiah’s face.
Jeremiah looked up slowly—first at Wally and then at Bart. “I’m glad she’s gone from that place.” He swallowed. “I will trust that they are safe.”
Bart spoke up quickly. “Mr. Wickner had people searching for her for over a year, and they found not a trace. I’m thinking chances are real good that she made it to the North or they would have found her or some trace of her. We won’t rest until we find her. I believe with all my heart that God is protecting her and keeping her for you.”
Jeremiah nodded. “I’ll believe that, too. And I’ll pay you for these papers as soon as I can.”
“No!” Mr. Wally spoke quickly. “It’s gift. Owe you for all you’ve done here. You keep papers. Gift for you.”
“Jeremiah, look at the papers. Do you know if you have a son or a daughter? It should say on the papers, don’t you think?” Mr. Bart seemed curious and excited.
Suddenly tears streamed down Jeremiah’s cheeks. His big hands shook as he opened the roll of papers. It said Deidre and son, Jedediah on the papers. A son. He had a son! He would now be able to think of him as a person—with a name. Jedediah. A good strong name. The lump was so tight in his throat that he couldn’t talk, so he shoved the papers toward Mr. Bart and Mr. Wally. Both men looked at the words, then smiled happily at Jeremiah.
Bart thumped Jeremiah on the back and laughed loudly. “A son. We should celebrate. Jeremiah is the proud father of a…a six-year-old son!”
Wally smiled happily. “Yes. Is holiday. We mus’ celebrate. Le’s go, Bart. Tell all the people, Jeremiah. Today holiday. We be celebrate tonight.” As he struggled to get to his feet, Bart quickly stood and took his arm. Helping Wally out of the stable, Bart said, “We must tell the women quickly. There will be lots to do.”
Suddenly Wally stopped and looked back at Jeremiah. “Jeremiah, tell all people to meet at house in an hour. They stop work in fields now. We get ready today and celebrate all day tomorrow. Everyone mus’ help get ready!”
Jeremiah hadn’t seen such joy on the old gentleman’s face for a long time. In spite of the fact that it was a tradition on this plantation to have a day of celebration whenever a baby was born (black or white—all were equally celebrated), Jeremiah had not seen this much excitement and joy for a long time. He was ever thankful that this family all shared his joy.
Chapter 20
Jeremiah’s eyes opened to the darkness suddenly. He lay very still wondering what had awakened him. The birds were not even singing yet, but he could hear a few chirps so he knew morning wasn’t far off. But what had awakened him?
Then he heard it. Very faintly, off in the distance, he could hear the dancing bows of a pair of violins. Lem and Dennel must be practicing for the celebration. There was no mistaking their unique style of fiddling. But what were they doing playing at this hour?<
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Jeremiah lay still for a few minutes longer. Deidre was safe. And the baby—Jedediah. He must think of Jedediah as a little boy now instead of a baby. A slow smile played across his face in the dark. He hadn’t been thinking of the baby as a child before. For some reason he had continued thinking of their offspring as a baby.
He wondered what Jedediah looked like. And what his personality was like. Was he like his mother? like Jeremiah? Was he a good boy? a happy child? And where were they? Did they have a place to live? food? clothing? Were they safe?
Before long he was praying earnestly for them. He knew his Deidre was a strong woman and would do her best to take good care of the boy until they could be together again. As he prayed, he noticed the room beginning to get light. Going to the window, Jeremiah saw the sun as it pushed over the horizon. Suddenly he thought that somewhere this same sun was shining on Deidre and Jedediah, and he would trust God to take care of them and to someday bring them back together again.
Jeremiah knew Deidre was also praying for him and for God to bring them together soon. Well, he would pray the same and watch God work, because he remembered the verse of scripture that said that when two or three agree on anything as touching heaven, that God would hear and answer.
The violin music stopped. Jeremiah could hear the stirring of excited people getting ready for a day of celebration. He washed and dressed quickly. There would be tables to set up and benches to put together and awnings to stretch while the women prepared the feast. More than ever he wished Deidre could be here, but he intended to celebrate God’s goodness to him and trust God for their future.
It was a beautiful day for a celebration. The front pasture was used for parties such as this, and all the little boys had been cleaning out the cattle droppings all morning. The grass was the beautiful yellow-green of late spring, and the violets were in full bloom. A gentle breeze stirred the tassels that hung from each pole that supported the large awnings erected for shade over the tables.
Augustin had been sent yesterday afternoon to tell all the people at Windy Oaks to come for the celebration. Now the people from both plantations were gathered together and the tables were laden with food. Silence reigned as Mr. Bart and Mr. Wally rose to give thanks before the feasting began.
“Greetings to all you here today to celebrate the birth of Jeremiah’s son, Jedediah.” Mr. Wally spoke slowly, but was speaking better than he had for a long time—ever since his stroke last summer. He still leaned on his cane, but his voice was strong. “As is our tradition, I will pray for the baby, who in this case is no longer a baby, and for the parents before we partake of our feast together. But before we do that, we have received a letter just this morning from Delaney, and I have asked Bart to read it to you all.”
All the people knew about Delaney studying with Mrs. Norman from Delaney’s previous letters, and her travels and experiences excited them all. There were exclamations and low murmurs of anticipation as Mr. Bart took a piece of paper from an envelope and unfolded it with much ceremony. After clearing his throat, he began reading:
“Dear loved ones at Rose Hill Plantation,
How I long to see your faces and hear your voices again. You are still such a part of me—all of you—that I think of you often and am reminded of you all in everything I do. My heart is ever grateful for this opportunity afforded me, and I continue to work hard to learn all I can so I can return and enrich your lives, too.
Our train trip here to Indiana was much more enjoyable than my trip to Baltimore, because I was allowed to ride with Mrs. Norman, and we enjoyed conversation and fellowship all along the way. The scenery as we rode was lovely, even though the train sped so fast it was impossible to focus for long on any one thing. It is ever amazing to me that we could travel nearly halfway across a continent in a few short days. Times are changing quickly. I am reminded we are in a very industrious century that is making leaps of advancement.
We are staying on a farm here in Indiana. It is much different than the plantations in the South. The most noticeable thing to me is that the ground in the freshly plowed fields is not red clay or brown dirt but rich, black soil. The family does all the work themselves—there are no servants at all. They work hard, play hard, and laugh hard. It is a merry family, and I enjoy being with them.
Mrs. Norman’s daughter, Edna, is a precious lady and as gracious as her mother. She and Mr. Browning have eight beautiful children, and they have all been taught very well. They are well-spoken and industrious children, but the whole family is quite jolly and talented. I have found myself to be quite contented here. (No, do not worry. I will return to Rose Hill and you all as soon as possible.) But while I am here, I am enjoying every minute with this precious family.
The Browning family often talks of a family who lives only an hour’s journey from them. I understand that each month the two families meet together to worship and enjoy a meal together at one or the other’s home. This next Sunday is the day, and we will travel to the Evanstons’ home and worship there. I look forward to our time of worship together and also to meet the Brownings’ friends. They have told us that a young woman and her son who have escaped slavery in the South and traveled alone to Indiana live with the Evanstons. It will be interesting to meet her and hear of her experiences.
Mrs. Browning (Edna) has been much encouraged and uplifted since her mother has come to spend time with her. And I am grateful to you all that this opportunity has been afforded to me as well. Until next time, I will remain,
Your dear friend and future teacher,
Delaney”
There was a brief hush as everyone took in the experiences of Delaney, and then they clapped and cheered lustily.
Jeremiah thought of the lovely young woman who had such a tender heart to teach the Negroes here on the plantation, so they could be prepared for the world and hopefully help to change the world for the better. He looked around and saw many of the children she had taught. He could tell that they loved her and looked forward to her return. In his heart he prayed that she would indeed return to teach here and that she would not be tempted to stay in the North even though he knew she was free to do so if she desired.
And then, before Mr. Wally prayed for Jeremiah and his family, Mr. Bart offered encouragement from God’s Word to all the folks gathered here. “In Job 23, verse 10 we read, ‘But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.’ And Psalm 66, verses 10–12 say: ‘For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.’”
Mr. Bart paused briefly, then continued: “We don’t know why you have all had to go through some of the hard trials you have endured, but we do believe you are being refined into men and women who will be used of God to change this world. I would caution you all to have hearts of compassion and forgiveness as you remember those who have caused you pain, just as Jesus forgave those who hung Him on a cross to crucify Him. And now we are especially thankful today that Jeremiah’s wife and son are freed from their suffering. We pray for them and for God to reunite this family.”
Suddenly Jeremiah heard Mr. Wally call out his name. Jeremiah walked forward alone to stand before him as Mr. Wally prayed for him and his family. It was a tradition here at Rose Hill. Jeremiah was grateful, but he wished with all his heart he could stand proudly with Deidre and his son by his side as Mr. Wally prayed for them all.
Jeremiah could feel the slight tremor in Mr. Wally’s hand as he laid it on Jeremiah’s head, but his voice was strong. Jeremiah rejoiced at the healing that was taking place in the man. There was complete silence as Mr. Wally began to pray:
“Oh, Lord, our Father, we humbly present to You this day our prayers and petitions for Jeremiah and his family. We thank You for blessing the endeavors to purchase his wife, Deidre, and son, Je
dediah. And now we pray that You would work in such a way that Jeremiah could someday be reunited with his family, as was Your intention from the beginning of creation that a man and wife should live together as one and multiply to replenish the earth.
“Lord God, we know from Your Word that You work all things together for our good if we trust in You. You have also told us that You know what we need before we even ask. Today we are trusting that You are working to bring these two young people back together as one. We don’t know how; we don’t know when, but we are trusting that You will do it. We know that we will not be disappointed, for You never fail to keep Your promises.
“Father, we thank You for the way You so bountifully provide for our needs, and we thank You for this food and for this celebration. Let us ever honor You as we partake together this day. And we thank You and praise You for hearing our prayers that we offer in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.”
There were many “Amens” shouted from among the people. Jeremiah realized, among the clamor, that a miracle had already taken place. God had allowed Mr. Wally’s speech to be completely his old self in the prayer.
Clearly, Mr. Wally knew it, too, for moisture misted the kindly gentleman’s eyes, and he lifted his face heavenward for a moment. Then, smiling at the group of people, he announced, “I believe food is ready, and I also believe you all know what to do!”
The afternoon proceeded in celebration with the meal being followed by games, and then the fiddles tuned up to play for square dancing as well. The Traehdniks and the Kendalls all shared in the merriment for a very pleasant day.
But Jeremiah’s heart, although grateful, was not in the celebration. Instead he was praying for the future reunion with his family. He couldn’t help feeling he must wait to celebrate until he and Deidre and Jedediah were reunited as one family.
The Long Road Home Romance Collection Page 35