American Dream

by Colleen L. Reece

  Evan jumped up from the table. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

  “Father, may we ride over and see Uncle Reuben? I’ve something to ask him.”

  “Why, of course. There’s no need to ask permission to see your own uncle.”

  “I may not be invited back to the Chiltons for dance instruction,” Maggie told Evan as they trotted out over the pastures toward the Souder home.

  “You don’t sound too upset. A few months ago, you were captivated by the Chiltons. Did something happen on your trip?”

  “Many things happened. But most of it happened on the inside of me. I see things differently now. On Christmas Day, I told Jacob that it mattered to me what the Chiltons thought of me, but that’s not true anymore.” When she told him of finding the sick Melee and putting her in her own bed, Evan laughed right out loud.

  “How I wish I’d been there,” he said. “What a sight to see the shock on their faces. I’m proud of you, Maggie. Very proud of you.”

  Maggie hadn’t thought of Evan being proud of her actions. She only wanted to help Melee. But it was nice to have his approval. Later, she would tell Father and Hannah, as well.

  “I must warn you about something before we get to Uncle Reuben’s,” Evan said, changing the subject.

  Maggie turned to look at his face. “Aunt Lucille’s not taken a turn for the worse, has she? She looked so much better on Christmas Day.”

  “Quite the opposite. She’s totally changed.”

  “Changed how?” she asked as they rode into the Souders’ back dooryard.

  “You’ll have to see for yourself. I’ll only tell you that she calls it a conversion.”

  “Conversion?”

  “She went to one of the meetings that Jacob is always talking about and she says …” He dismounted and came around to help her down. “I’ll not say anymore. I’ll let her tell you.”

  Evan was right—not only was there a change in Aunt Lucille but in the entire house.

  The dark heavy draperies were gone. The house was bright and airy. Freegrace was beaming, and Aunt Lucille looked years younger. The change in Aunt Lucille was similar to what Maggie had seen in Mrs. Cradock. Perhaps Jacob and Ben Pierce were right—perhaps there was something to this “awakening” after all.

  Evan and Maggie were ushered into the parlor, and Aunt Lucille asked several questions about Maggie’s trip. Maggie politely answered them all, then said, “I’d like to talk to Uncle Reuben about something that occurred on my trip; but first, Aunt Lucille, please tell me what’s happened to you.”

  By now Uncle Reuben had come in from his study. Quietly, he removed his spectacles, folded them into their case, and sat down on the sofa beside his wife and took her hand.

  “I’m not sure how to explain it, Maggie,” Aunt Lucille began. “I thought I was a Christian because I attended church, but as I attended the revivalist meetings, my heart was softened and touched. I wept for hours. Not tears of grief like for our babies, but of repentance. Tears of genuine sorrow for my sins.”

  As Aunt Lucille talked, Freegrace served tea, smiling and nodding as she listened.

  “But you’re not a sinner,” Maggie protested. “You have never done anything wrong. You have always done good things for others.”

  “The scriptures tell us that all of us have fallen and come short of the glory of God, Maggie. That’s why Jesus died for us—to pay for our sins. It’s not according to our works but rather by His gift.”

  Maggie recalled the day Hannah had told her that very same thing, that salvation was a gift for all.

  “I simply made the decision to open my heart and let Him in,” Aunt Lucille continued. “When I did, He cleansed away all the pain and grief, and I was flooded with peace and joy.”

  Maggie looked at Evan and could tell he was touched by their aunt’s words.

  “She could go on and on,” Uncle Reuben interrupted, “and sometimes she does. But I heard you say you wanted to talk to me about a matter. What is it?”

  Maggie knew they must get home before dark, so she needed to get to the point. Quickly, she explained about Melee and her mistreatment by Adelaide.

  “I’ve come to ask you to purchase Melee, set her free, and send her back home. I know it would cost a great deal, but the girl is quite ill and extremely homesick. Why, just being away from my family for a fortnight was almost unbearable for me. What a nightmare it would be to be sent away from them forever!”

  Uncle Reuben had listened closely. Now he leaned back in the sofa and shook his head. “I’m sorry, Maggie. I understand your feelings, and I admire your mercy. Would that all persons had your measure of love and compassion. But Lucas Chilton would never sell that girl to me.”

  “But she came to Boston on your ship,” Maggie said, hoping to persuade him further.

  “I’m not personally involved in any slave trade, Maggie. I admit that I have transported slaves on my ships, but I’ve always done it for others who are involved in the market.”

  “Perhaps we should consider putting a stop to our limited involvement, Reuben,” Aunt Lucille said softly. “Maggie is making me rethink my feelings about this matter of buying and selling another person.”

  “You may be right,” Uncle Reuben said to her. To Maggie, he said, “I wish I could grant your request, but Lucas Chilton is a hardheaded competitor of mine and a tough-minded businessman. That girl is his property, and he would never agree to sell her.”

  “You can ask the Lord to take care of her, Maggie,” Aunt Lucille suggested.

  “Hannah suggested that very thing,” Maggie said, “and we all prayed together as a family.”

  “Then you must rest in the fact that God will hear and answer your prayer.”

  Maggie wasn’t sure. The best thing for Melee was to be able to go home. And Maggie wanted desperately to help her get there.

  CHAPTER 15

  Free at Last

  The remainder of March turned blustery and sharply colder. Gray day followed upon gray day, and spring appeared to be delayed indefinitely.

  To Maggie’s surprise, she was invited to return to Thursday dance instruction, but the joy had gone out of it. When she learned that Melee was bedfast and Adelaide continued to complain about having a sick slave, Maggie found she could no longer bear to be there. How could she laugh and dance when Melee lay ill? Even Celia seemed somewhat subdued.

  Late one night, Maggie had been in bed only a short time when she heard a commotion at the back door. She thought little of it since people often sent messengers at all hours to fetch her doctor father.

  Presently, however, her father was knocking at the door of her bedchamber. “Maggie,” he said, “I’ve been summoned to go tend the Chiltons’ slave girl.”

  Maggie flew out of her bed, pulling her wrapper about her. Opening the door, she said, “Oh, Father, thank heaven. God has surely answered our prayers.”

  “Knowing your deep concern for her, I’ve come to ask you to accompany me.”

  “Me go with you?” She was stunned. Her father had never asked such a thing. “Why yes, I would like that. Thank you.”

  “I’ll harness the horses. Come as soon as you can.”

  Maggie was dressed and outside in no time. As they rode to the Chilton home in silence, Maggie continued to pray for Melee.

  Lucas Chilton was the one who directed them to the rear of the house where the servants’ quarters were located. Maggie wasn’t sure if Adelaide or Pert was even aware that Dr. Baldwin had been called. Neither of them came out.

  They found Melee lying on a small cot in a corner of the servants’ kitchen. It was warm and clean there, but she was so alone. The girl’s dark eyes brightened at the sight of Maggie.

  “Maggie,” she whispered. “Maggie is friend.”

  Tears burned in Maggie’s eyes. This girl desperately needed a friend, and Maggie had been fortunate to be that friend. She waited as her father examined Melee. A solemn Lucas Chilton stood nearby. Presently, Father approac
hed Mr. Chilton.

  “She’s very ill,” Maggie’s father said. “I would ask your permission to allow us to take Melee to our home where I can give her closer attention.”

  Maggie couldn’t have been more shocked! In all her days, she’d never heard her father ask to take a patient to their home. A few had slept over in the upstairs rooms at his apothecary shop but never in their home. Maggie held her breath, waiting for Mr. Chilton’s answer.

  “Do you think you can save her life?” Lucas asked. “She’s worth a great deal of money.”

  “If she’s in my total care, perhaps. Without it, she may not live to see another week.”

  “As you think best. Your carriage is open, is it not?”

  Father nodded. “It is.”

  “Then I shall order one of our carriages to transport her immediately.”

  “Very good,” Father replied. “Maggie, you ride with Melee.”

  And so it was that before the night was out, Melee was bedded down safely in the Baldwin nursery, where she was surrounded by love and attention. Hannah doted on the girl as though she were one of the family, and even Caleb wanted to help by fetching whatever was needed.

  Maggie was never sure how the Pierces got word of the situation, but the next evening, Jacob came riding up to their house. Maggie had not seen him since her return from Salem. Somehow he seemed much older than before.

  “We heard about the sick girl,” he said after he’d been invited to sit at their kitchen table. Caleb ran to the study to call Father to join them.

  “Father wants to know …,” Jacob began. “Well, I mean, actually, it was me who suggested it.”

  “Well, what is it, Jacob?” Evan said. “Can’t you talk?”

  The Baldwins had never seen a Pierce at a loss for words.

  “May we—May I invite the Reverend Colman to come and pray with the girl?”

  Maggie felt it was a strange request. No wonder he was tongue-tied. After all, they had Pastor Gee at North Church,

  who was perfectly able to pray for folk. Why would they need the pastor of the Brattle Street Church to come?

  Her father once again surprised her by agreeing to the idea. “Please, Jacob,” he said, “do ask your pastor to come. And thank you for your kind consideration.”

  Hannah was starting to set out mugs for cider, but Jacob jumped up. “None for me, please, Aunt Hannah. I must go. I told Father I would be gone only a short time.” He moved toward the door. “I’ll get the message to the pastor right away, Dr. Baldwin. Thank you.”

  After he was outside, Maggie turned to her father. “May I have permission to talk to Jacob alone for a moment?”

  Father smiled. “You have my permission.”

  Running out the door into the cool night air, Maggie called out to Jacob, who was now astride his horse. “Jacob? I’ve something to tell you.”

  Deftly, he swung out of the saddle and jumped down. “What is it, Maggie?”

  “I have never apologized to you for my terrible behavior on Christmas afternoon. I was rude to you, and I’m sorry. Do you forgive me?”

  “I never meant to cause you harm or embarrassment, Maggie. You had every right to be angry.” In the soft moonlight, she could see him smiling. “But I do accept your apology and thank you for wanting to do so. I must hurry now.” Quickly, he remounted and was gone.

  When the Reverend Colman arrived the next evening, he was not alone. Accompanying him was a tall, slender gentleman with the kindest eyes Maggie had ever seen. The Reverend Colman introduced him as the Reverend Jonathan Edwards.

  The infamous revivalist, Jonathan Edwards! Right in their house! Maggie could hardly believe it. But he was nothing like all the wild stories she’d heard. He was dressed in plain clothing with his brown hair tied back at the neck.

  Maggie glanced at Hannah, who was smiling at her surprised expression. It was obvious Hannah knew exactly who he was. Hannah led the way to the nursery, where Melee lay. “You go in first,” Hannah said to Maggie. “Make her understand these men are friends. We don’t want her frightened all over again.”

  Because of Melee’s trust in Maggie, no fear showed in her eyes as the men were allowed inside the room. Maggie listened as the soft-spoken Edwards explained in simple terms about Jesus’ love and how He came from heaven to die for her sins.

  Never had Maggie heard the plan of salvation explained in such a clear fashion. If this was what Mrs. Cradock and Aunt Lucille had heard preached, it was no wonder their lives were changed.

  “Would you like to pray to become a child of God, Melee?” the Reverend Edwards was saying.

  Melee was smiling and crying all at the same time. She placed her hands over her heart. “Loves Melee. Jesus loves Melee.”

  In halting broken English, Melee prayed a prayer of repentance with the Reverend Edwards. By the time they finished, everyone in the room was teary-eyed.

  “You are now free in Jesus,” the Reverend Edwards pronounced. “On the outside you may still be a slave, but on the inside you are free.”

  “Melee free,” the girl repeated in awe. “Melee free.”

  In the following days, Hannah moved a feather tick into the nursery so she could sleep on the floor next to Melee. Hannah read scriptures to Melee and recited Bible stories. Maggie worked doubly hard to keep the chores done in order to free Hannah to be with Melee.

  A few days following the pastor’s visit, just before dawn, a knock sounded on Maggie’s door. “Maggie, come quick,” Hannah said. “It’s Melee. She’s asking for you.”

  Maggie’s heart pounded as she jumped down from her bed and ran down the hall toward the nursery.

  Hannah’s face was somber. “Our young friend has taken a turn for the worse,” she said.

  “No! She can’t.” Maggie felt the breath go out of her. “She was getting better.”

  “Go to her,” Hannah said softly.

  Maggie stepped nearer the bed to hear her name being called very softly. “Maggie, Maggie. Thank Maggie.”

  “I’m here, Melee. It’s me, Maggie. I’ve come to be with you.”

  The dark eyes fluttered open, and a soft smile made Melee’s face relax. She reached out her slender hand. Maggie took the hand, feeling its coolness.

  “Maggie is friend.” Maggie felt a slight squeeze on her hand. “No slave. Melee is free.”

  “Yes, Melee, you’re free now.” Maggie turned to look at Hannah, who was weeping. “Get Father, Hannah. Melee needs him.”

  “Right now, she needs you,” Hannah whispered. “Just you.”

  Maggie continued holding the hand and talking, just talking—not knowing what to say but talking anyway. Behind her, Hannah prayed. Presently, the little hand went limp. When she felt it go, Maggie slumped across the bed, sobbing.

  She lay there till the crying was all spent; then she felt Hannah’s strong arms lift her up. She stood and allowed Hannah to gather her into her arms and hold her as though she were a little girl again.

  “Oh Hannah, Melee was so alone. I so wanted to help her go home.”

  “You did, my dear Maggie. You did. Melee’s gone home. To her real home.”

  Spring arrived and worked its miracles on the countryside. Shade trees leafed out, flower gardens bloomed, the pastures were full of wildflowers; even the air smelled differently. Long-legged colts and frisky white lambs leaped and played in the meadows. Maggie took in a long breath as though she were trying to drink fresh air deep into her lungs.

  Jacob laughed at her. “Don’t breathe it all up,” he said. “Save some for me.”

  Jacob had invited her and Evan to go horseback riding with him, and they’d taken turns racing without really caring who won. Now they were south of Boston Common, and the horses clopped along at a slower gait.

  Three weeks had passed since they’d buried little Melee, and Maggie was only now beginning to feel like herself again. “I’m going to start a social work in the city,” she was telling them.

  “If anyone can do it, yo
u can,” Jacob told her.

  “What made you decide this?” Evan asked.

  “It was the first time I saw Ann Cradock on the dock last fall—when the other girls told me not to touch her. My heart ached, but I felt helpless.”

  She pulled her hood down off her head. Her red hair was loose and blowing, and it felt wonderful. “At first,” she went on, “I shared my plan with Adelaide, and she discouraged me.”

  “But you asked the wrong person,” Jacob offered.

  “Exactly. Since then, I’ve talked to Hannah, and she suggested I begin with people like Aunt Lucille and like …” She looked over at Jacob, who was smiling at her. “Like your mother.”

  “And what about Mrs. Cradock?” Evan suggested. “I’d wager she knows the needs of the common people.”

  “Why, you’re right, of course, Evan. What a marvelous idea.”

  Jacob seemed to be leading the ride as they traveled on southward crossing through the Neck, the narrow strip of land that connected Boston to the mainland. This area, referred to by old-timers as “cow common,” was full of rolling hills. As they came up over the brink of one of those hills, there before them lay a sight that made Maggie gasp. Thousands of people had gathered in carts, buggies, carriages, and on horseback—it could be only one thing.

  “Jacob, you’ve brought us to a revival meeting!” Maggie exclaimed. “You planned this all along.”

  “Very crafty,” Evan added.

  “Your father is coming with Caleb and Hannah in the carriage later on,” Jacob said, smiling. “They’re bringing along a lunch for us.”

  Maggie’s defenses against the revivals had crumbled. After seeing the changes in Mrs. Cradock and Aunt Lucille and after meeting the kindly Jonathan Edwards, she was eager to hear the preaching. Soon her father arrived with Hannah and Caleb. They spread out blankets on the grassy hillside and shared a lunch. As the afternoon sun warmed the countryside, the outdoor congregation joined together in singing psalms. The glorious music ringing across the hillside sounded to Maggie like a choir of angels.