Her Rebel Heart
Page 12
"You wrote Edward," she said.
He blinked. "Yes. I did."
"Why?"
He blinked again, mouth shifting slightly as though he were searching for the words. "I wanted to tell him that I was sorry for the way we parted company. I wanted to tell him that I am praying for him."
"Did you tell him about us?"
He looked surprised. "I supposed you had," he said.
Heat filled her face and Julia immediately regretted the question. Samuel would think she had not told Edward because she still had hopes to be his wife.
Well, I don't. We are far too different. He may be an admirable man but I can only be yoked with someone who will support and defend my family's honor.
There was a long pause. The look in his eyes tugged at her heart.
"Will you walk with me?" he asked once more.
Though her pride and political position warned her otherwise, she agreed.
"Let me speak with Father and Mother," she said.
"Of course. I will see to it that we are finished here."
"
Sam hurried to return the water barrels and other items to the church cellar. Sally followed.
"Go on now," she said with a grin. "I will wash the cups."
He thanked her for her kindness then quickly went back outside.
Julia stood waiting on the front steps. With one full look at her, Sam had to catch his breath. Her blue eyes were framed by a sea-green and white bonnet. The matching dress she wore was airy and light.
He had to remind himself why she was waiting for him. She did not do so as a fiancée eager to be with her betrothed. It was simply because he had requested to speak with her further.
Have patience, he told himself, and be thankful for small things.
"Thank you for waiting," he said. "Shall we go?"
He offered his arm but she did not take it.
"What did you wish to discuss?" she asked. He could hear the uncertainty in her voice.
"Actually, it concerns your sewing circle, I suppose."
His own nervousness was very apparent to him. He hoped she would not notice. If she did, she did not say.
"The circle?" she asked. "What about, exactly?"
"Sally mentioned that you are knitting socks for Edward's regiment."
Her spine stiffened. The look she shot him was that of a lioness ready to defend her cub.
"I think it is commendable that you are knitting for the men," he said quickly. "They will need the socks for winter."
The lioness transformed to a kitten before his eyes. A hint of a smile emerged. "Then I knit with your blessing?"
It encouraged him that she asked for it. "Of course. Men need to keep their feet warm."
"Thank you, Samuel. I appreciate that."
The lace trim of her pagoda sleeve was brushing the back of his hand and her rose water scent was intoxicating. He tried to keep focus.
"You are welcome. I was wondering if perhaps you might be interested in helping someone here in town. I mean, in addition to Edward and his men."
Her expression settled to a curious look. "What kind of help?" she asked.
"A few pairs of wool socks, perhaps a loaf of bread or two. It would be for a good cause."
A column of Federal soldiers rounded the corner, their boots clicking in unison step. Julia immediately went pale. She clutched his arm. Linked together they remained until the men had passed. Julia then dropped her hand.
"What cause?" she whispered. "Whom would I be helping?"
"Someone in great need. Someone hungry and cold." He stopped, turning to face her fully. He could see the questions in her eyes.
He wanted to share in detail the opportunity that Dr. Carter had presented him and tell her how, more than anything, he hoped she would join him in that cause. Though he wished to tell her everything, he knew he could not. At least not yet.
"I am sorry I cannot tell you more," he said, "but please know that I wouldn't be asking you this if it was not of the utmost importance."
Her eyes held his as though she were searching for any hint of insincerity. "Just answer me one question," she said.
"Certainly."
"Does this have anything to do with Yankee soldiers?"
Sam let out a laugh. He couldn't help it. For once they could agree. Soldiers in blue were the last people that he wanted involved.
"Absolutely not," he promised. "Not one Federal soldier. You have my word on that."
That irresistible smile slowly filled her face. "Well, then, in that case, I suppose I could knit an extra pair this week."
"And the bread?" he dared ask.
"I could spare a loaf."
He could barely contain his happiness. "Bless you, Julia."
Her smile broadened. That mischievous glimmer danced through her eyes. "I must confess, I have wanted to knit for those in need. I just wasn't sure how to go about delivering the items."
Sam could barely believe his ears. The Lord's hand is in this. He is preparing the way of service for the runaways. In his enthusiasm he reached for her hands. "Oh, sweetheart."
She pulled back and quickly looked down at the ground. Her cheeks were pink from his attention. Sam took a half step back and adjusted his hat.
"When would you need the items?" she asked.
"When could you have them ready?"
She raised her head. Her lower lip disappeared as she calculated the time. "A day or two," she said. "It doesn't take that long to knit a pair of socks. I can bring them to the meeting."
"That would be wonderful."
They continued walking and to Sam's dismay they reached her family's front gate all too soon. He opened it slowly then tipped his hat.
"I appreciate your assistance," he said.
Julia nodded formally, almost regally, and he was completely caught up in the moment. His heartbeat quickened.
"I always thought you looked beautiful in that color."
The pink blush darkened to scarlet. There was a look in her eyes that he was certain was still love.
Chapter Ten
Julia's skin still tingled, long after Samuel's departure. Their walk had been pleasant. The scent of lilacs drifted lazily on the breeze as they passed by their neighbors' front gardens. He was kind and complimentary. War didn't seem so imminent among the vines and blooms.
He wanted to help someone in need. It wasn't her family that he wished to help but she had to stop pining over that. She was certain he would find a way to deliver her socks and bread to Elijah and Elisha. As for other items, given his interest in abolition, he would more than likely send things north to some former slave that he had met during his time in Philadelphia.
Whatever he is doing, it isn't going to cause harm to Edward or the rest of my family.
May marched into June and the presence of Federal soldiers increased in Baltimore. With the exception of the sewing circle and the prayer meeting, Julia spent the majority of her time at home with her parents. When she wasn't attending to household duties, she was knitting.
Three pairs of socks for Edward's company had already been completed. She had given a pair of gray socks and a pan of cornbread to Samuel on Tuesday. The pair she was currently working on was also for him. Seated comfortably in her father's study, her needles clicked quickly.
Around seven o'clock, there was a knock at the front door. Julia started to rise.
"Keep your place," her father said as he laid aside a copy of The Sun. "You are doing important work." He smiled at her then walked into the foyer.
"Thomas Wilkerson has need of my services," he told her. "Please let your mother know where I am."
He was back out the door before she could even speak.
Julia set aside her yarn and walked to the front window. She watched as her father disappeared into a closed carriage, one she did not recognize.
That must belong to one of Mr. Wilkerson's relatives, she thought. Please Lord, let him be well.
The carriage sped off then Julia went to find her mother.
"
Sam's pulse raced. Every carriage, every horse that passed the Wilkerson home set his nerves on edge. Were the approaching sounds signaling Mr. Wilkerson's return or the arrival of Federal soldiers?
The boards above him creaked. Mrs. Wilkerson moved about the upper floor trying to keep her children occupied and out of sight from their unexpected guest. The woman was huddled in the corner of the small, windowless room. Her dark, fear-filled eyes studied Sam. He had given her a cup of cold water but she was trembling so that it sloshed all over her blistered, bruised hands. His heart ached.
How could anyone survive such a beating?
He took the cool, soft cloth from the wash basin beside him. He knelt to her level and dabbed carefully at her left eye. In another few moments he was certain it would swell shut.
"Do not worry," he said softly. "Help will be here soon."
She had escaped from a house on nearby Hanover Street. How she had thought to come to the Wilkerson home, he did not know. He did not ask. The less one knew, the better.
He rinsed the cloth, wrung out the blood. "What is your name?"
"R-r-rose."
He smiled at her. "That is a beautiful name."
She winced and clutched her protruding belly. Sam's anxiety grew. He feared for the unborn child she carried.
Lord, please'¦ He had no idea what to do. He prayed Mrs. Wilkerson would settle her children to bed and quickly return. A woman would know better how to help her.
A moment later, to his great relief, the door opened. Mr. Wilkerson had returned. Dr. Stanton followed close behind. A weak, kittenlike cry escaped Rose's injured lips when she saw Julia's father.
"There is nothing to fear," Sam told her. "He is a friend. He is a doctor and you can trust him."
Sam moved back to give Dr. Stanton room. He heard him sigh pitifully as he removed his hat and knelt before the trembling runaway.
"Sam." Thomas Wilkerson motioned for him. He followed him out of the room.
Worry darkened the man's face. "She cannot stay here," he whispered. "It is too close. Her master is only one street over. If he gets word that she is here'¦" He did not finish the rest of his sentence.
Sam knew the man was fearful for the sake of his wife, his children. He understood.
"Would the Jordans' home be a better choice?" he asked. "Will they receive her?"
"Yes. But how will we see to her?"
Fear peppered his mind but Sam squared his shoulders. He knew what he had to do. "As soon as Dr. Stanton says Rose can travel, I will see to her."
The lines on Mr. Wilkerson's face eased somewhat. "Thank you. How will you go about it? You may use my carriage if you wish."
Sam had no idea how he should transport the injured, expectant mother but he knew who he should ask. "Before we make any plans," he said, "let's spend some time in prayer."
"
By the following day Julia had finished her second pair of socks and carried them to the church. Samuel was already there, water barrels filled, tin cups waiting.
"Good day, Samuel."
His face was practically aglow. She imagined the look of peace, of quiet strength on Samuel's face at present must resemble that of a heavenly messenger.
"Yes, indeed," he said. "It is a good day. I must tell you, God is simply amazing."
Her Christian upbringing testified to that fact but she wondered what specifically he was referring to. Had some special blessing occurred this morning? As far as she knew a Northern army was still camped on Federal Hill.
"And how is that?" she asked as she handed him his package. He slid it beneath the table for safekeeping.
"His timing," he said. "You agreed to knit and bake and He supplied the person in need."
Samuel's simple faith warmed her heart. She wondered if Elijah and Elisha would be sporting stockings next time she saw them. She smiled, a genuine expression of Christian love.
"I am pleased to be of service."
He took her hand in his and gave it a squeeze. Julia was struck by the familiarity, the comfort of his grasp but she did not allow herself to dwell on it.
One should feel a closeness, a kinship when serving the Lord together.
"Thank you," he said. "From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
"You are quite welcome."
He let go of her hand then busied himself with the water barrels. She unwrapped her bread.
By noon the usual congregates had gathered inside the church. They were nowhere near the attendance of the New York meetings, but every petitioner was a welcomed encouragement. Every day that passed peacefully in Baltimore and without report of a distant battle was a blessing.
The banker who had recently joined them was approaching. This time he had brought one of his fellow business associates. Julia recognized him from the day she had delivered the basket. Both men stayed for the prayer meeting.
"Isn't it wonderful," Sally remarked. "People from all across the city are coming."
"It is wonderful," Julia said, "and I do hope it continues."
She sliced her bread, spread the jam, all the while keeping a lookout for the boys. Their milk-white smiles brightened her day and the sound of their giggling tugged at her heart. She could not wait to see them.
In addition to her bread she had brought two rolls of Necco Candy Wafers. They were her favorite sweet. She was certain Elijah and Elisha would like them as much.
At fifteen till one o'clock she spied them. She had to wait for several wagons to pass before she could cross the street. Samuel followed after her, once again ready to help carry the heavy grain sack.
Today Elijah and Elisha were struggling with an even heavier load. They stopped to catch their breath as she approached.
"A good day to ya, Miss Julia," Elijah said.
She returned the smile. "And a good day to you both. I have a surprise for each of you. Hold out your hands."
They did as instructed and Julia promptly dropped the small roll of candy into each of their palms. Their eyes widened. Their mouths gaped.
"Oh, thanky!" Elijah said. "We ain't never had no candy before."
She should have guessed that would be the case. By the looks of them they barely had enough clothing and necessary food. Knobby knees poked through their threadbare trousers.
Perhaps if I sew them each a new set, Samuel can figure out a way to convince their employer to let them keep them.
She handed them each a slice of bread. Samuel stepped up beside her.
"So where are we going today, gentlemen?" Samuel asked.
They both giggled.
"Aw, we ain't no gentlemen, Mr. Sam," Elijah said. "We'z slaves."
"In my eyes you are fine gentlemen."
Julia watched as the two boys stood a little taller. Her heart swelled with admiration. Samuel never hesitated to pass on an encouraging word.
He handed them each a tin cup then bent down to lift the grain sack.
"You there!" someone shouted. "Halt!"
Tin cups
clattered to the sidewalk. Water splashed her shoes. Julia turned in the direction of the angry voice. She gasped.
A blue uniformed officer was marching toward them, his forehead lined in a scrutinizing glare. Julia immediately stepped in front of Elijah and Elisha, her bell-shaped skirt hiding them from the soldier's view.
"Citizens are not to interfere in any matter with persons of servitude!" the man barked.
Her heart was thumping wildly. Julia gulped back fear and prayed her knees would hold. A sword was fastened to the officer's waist. His gloved hand rested upon it.
Samuel stepped between her and the man. "We are not interfering, Captain. We are simply extending a kindness, a cup of cold water in the name of Christ."
The soldier obviously held no regard for the Savior's name. He cursed. "Abolitionists! I know what you are up to."
Julia cringed and backed closer to the boys. They, too, were trembling.
"Captain," Samuel said, his voice louder, "may I remind you, a lady is present."
He cared not and he shoved Samuel out of the way. Julia froze as he then pointed at the children.
"Both of you," he ordered. "Be gone!"
God himself must have helped lift the grain sack, for the boys quickly shouldered the load and hurried up the street. They did not look back.
The Federal officer then turned to her and Samuel. He gripped his sword. "I strongly suggest that the two of you remain in the churchyard from now on."
Satisfied that the implied threat was enough, he turned on his heel and marched up Charles Street. Samuel turned to her immediately.
"Are you all right?"
She couldn't stop trembling. Cold chills ran through her. "Will h-he follow them?"
"It doesn't appear so. Look. He is turning toward Howard Street."
"M-may God k-keep them safe."
Not knowing what else to do, she bent to pick up the tin cups. The sidewalk suddenly seemed lopsided. She felt lightheaded. Pins prickled her skin.
The next thing she knew Samuel's arms were around her, steadying her.