by Marian Wells
“Is that upsetting you?”
“No, most certainly it isn’t. You know I’ve become increasingly sympathetic to the plight of the slaves.”
“But not committed?”
“I suppose that’s the only honest way to look at it. But in addition, Matthew, I don’t think you have this same burning zeal that Alex seems to be driven by, do you?”
“No. At the present time, I have only one burning zeal, and you know what that is.” He pulled her away from the railing. “Let’s sit on the ropes, out of the sun. There.” He paused. “Alex has become nearly fanatic about the whole situation. I can’t say I’d give my life for the cause.”
“Then you are still very Southern.” She hesitated. “Our values are most important.”
“If you mean I recognize the need for slavery in order for our way of life to continue to exist, yes. But do we have a right to expect life to continue on in this manner for as long as we please?” He paused and added, “No society has existed without change. Perhaps, rather than being against slavery, I am instead in favor of change. For the good of the black man as well as mine. I also sense that a revolution of moral thought is necessary. I believe enough in God to sense He won’t continue to bless us if we choose to ignore human suffering existing under the glaring light of our selfish desires.”
“Well said,” Crystal murmured.
“Enough that I rate a kiss and an explanation for your distance?”
Crystal sighed deeply. “Matthew,” she began carefully, “I simply can’t say I care enough for you to continue to encourage you.”
“You know I don’t believe that.” He tilted her chin and bent close. Crystal felt the cabin wall behind her shoulders. Finally she pushed away from his kiss. “Matthew,” she whispered brokenly, “please don’t force me to be angry with you.”
“Don’t be angry; just be my love, forever.”
“No.” Giving him a shove, she jumped to her feet and went to the rail. With the cool air against her hot cheeks, she said, “Matthew, I refuse to listen to you any longer. Be gracious enough to stay away from me and allow me time to think—”
The gong sounded twice. Matthew’s voice was heavy as he spoke. “Alex is preparing to tie up for the night. I suppose this marks the end of our beautiful time.” She didn’t answer. He turned to run up the stairs to the pilothouse.
****
Olivia heard the signal. She lifted her head and encountered the row of dark eyes watching her. “Alex is docking the boat for the night.” Slowly she stood. “I think our time together is just about over.”
“What are we going to do with the book?” little Joe asked.
“For now I’ll keep it,” Olivia said as she gathered the papers. “Then, when you are grown, if you come to visit me, I shall give the book to you, or you, or you. Whoever comes to see me first,” she added, pointing to the children watching her.
“How will we find you?”
While she hesitated, Abby piped, “That’s easy. We will find Alex, and he will know where she is.”
They looked up as the men clattered down the stairs. Alex came to the table, and as he spoke, Olivia was conscious only of his overwhelming presence. His smile was reassuring as he said, “We’re going to have our supper, and then I’m going to ask you to go to the cabins and be very quiet.”
“Why?”
He looked surprised by the question. “Because yesterday you were children; today you are learning to be grown-ups. Today you begin your real journey to Canada, and each of you is responsible for your partners. Silence will buy freedom, noise will—”
“Bring the bad men, like the one in the forest.” Jeb’s oldest son spoke up, then turned. “Little Joe, this time you won’t run away. I won’t let you.”
As Olivia moved away from the table, she saw Alex rub his thumb across his eyes, and her heart tightened with fear.
Quickly and quietly Tandy and Maggie served the meal, and it was eaten in the very same fashion. Afterward, as the people started up the stairs, Alex reminded, “Don’t forget to put the cotton in the doorway.”
He moved restlessly around the deck while Matthew and Caleb sat at the table with mugs of coffee in front of them. Olivia was uneasily conscious of the roustabouts lounging in the passageway to the engine room, whistling tunelessly.
Amelia washed dishes while Crystal and Olivia dried them. Crystal looked at the poor collection of trenchers and asked, “What shall we do with these?”
Alex stopped beside her. “Save them for the next group.” He frowned at Olivia’s wide-eyed astonishment.
Twilight turned to darkness. Light from the one lantern attracted insects, but when Olivia moved to extinguish it, Alex murmured, “Leave it.” The frogs began their homey chorus, and as Olivia leaned over the railing she felt nearly comforted. She studied the cattails and marsh grasses lining the river as she listened to the frogs and the soft voices behind her.
Crystal came to stand beside her. “It’s almost cold, isn’t it?” Olivia nodded and Crystal added, “I can scarcely stand—”
Abruptly Matthew and Alex left the group around the table. As Matthew pulled on a jacket, Olivia said, “What—”
Coming close, Alex murmured, “He’s going to check out the house. We need to know what we’re getting into before we unload. You ladies might as well go to bed; it’s going to be a long night.”
****
Olivia awakened to the sound of the paddles swishing in the water. She heard footsteps on the stairs. Getting up and pulling the blanket around her shoulders, she went to the door. Matthew spoke softly. “We’re heading upstream; the house is close, and they’re expecting us.”
Crystal appeared behind her in the doorway. Olivia watched Matthew touch her face before he went back to the pilothouse. “Olivia,” Crystal said slowly, with her hand against her face, “I’ve been thinking about these people. Why do they risk so much?”
Amelia murmured, “Better come in. Who knows what is going to happen.” They stood close to the porthole and watched shadowy trees pass. They also saw the faint hint of light to the east begin just as the swishing of the paddles slowed. Soon, on the deck outside their door, they could hear the padding of bare feet.
Olivia pulled the door open. A warm hand touched her and then was gone. Trembling, she rubbed at the tears on her face.
Straining her ears, she heard a gentle scraping noise, a shudder, and finally only the lap of water in the silence. Matthew came into the room. “They’re gone; let’s go.”
Quickly they disembarked. As they walked slowly up the hill toward the house outlined against the lightening sky, Olivia began to feel peacefulness reaching out to her. The wind moved gently through the trees, rattling drying leaves, while the grass rustled beneath their feet. Beyond the fence, cows lifted mild faces as they chewed contentedly.
They finally reached the house, but before she stepped through the open door, Olivia glanced over her shoulder at the dark boat.
The round-faced woman who greeted them smiled with the same serenity. “Thee are welcome,” she murmured.
Olivia hesitated in the doorway. She whispered, “Where are they?”
“Safe. Now go to sleep; thy work is done.”
Chapter 29
When Olivia awakened she was alone in the room. Stretching in the depths of the feather bed, she rolled over and blinked in the bright sunshine. She squinted against the beam of sunlight, sat up, and looked around the room. She had slept in a trundle bed. The tumbled four-poster across the room indicated that Amelia and Crystal had shared its ample comfort.
“I can’t believe—a real bedroom!” There was a washstand with a big pile of snowy towels and a rocking chair draped with a pink afghan.
Getting out of bed, she padded across to the windows. The Golden Awl was still at the wharf. Sighing, she snuggled her toes into the thick braided rug for a moment longer. The boat had been a reminder, and she couldn’t help wondering if Alex had gone with the slaves.
<
br /> The water in the pitcher was cold. She shivered and scrubbed hastily. As she pulled on the badly-worn dark cotton, she sighed, “Now I want to go shopping.”
When Olivia stepped out the bedroom door, she realized how little she had noticed of her surroundings when she had entered the house in the early morning.
At the top of the stairs was a tiny alcove devoted to comfortable chairs, a writing desk, and a bookcase. Beyond a tall bank of windows she could see blue sky and distant trees. Turning, she discovered another flight of stairs rising at the end of the hall. Olivia walked slowly to the head of the stairs, enjoying the effect of light and color. Sunshine on light polished wood made the vast hallway come alive with warm color. As she started down the stairs, she identified touches of rose, blue, and cream in the rugs. They were threadbare, but clean.
When she reached the main floor she could hear voices coming from the back of the house. Crossing the hall and walking down the long parlor, she followed the sound through a dining room and into a keeping room opening into the kitchen.
Several women, dressed in gentle gray, worked around the large table beside the stove. The room was filled with the aroma of fresh bread. “Oh, what a wonderful smell!” Olivia exclaimed as the round-faced woman she had met earlier came around the table.
“Hungry? ’Tis no wonder; it’s after noontime.” She nodded toward the table where Crystal and Amelia sat. “They’ve had refreshment, so come.”
“Where are the others?”
The woman slid a loaded plate in front of Olivia and placed a mug on the table. “I’m Sadie Cooper. This is Katy; she’s come to visit today, and I’ve put her to work. The others? They’ve business to do before nightfall.”
“Are—they still here?”
Sadie nodded, pursing her mouth in a prim smile as she went back to the stove.
Crystal said, “Alex is making arrangements for them. Something about wagons.”
“They’re getting warm clothing for them.” Sadie bobbed her head with satisfaction as she moved around the room. “That’s one thing we’ve discovered. These people have no idea of the weather ahead.”
She stopped and eyed Amelia’s flimsy dress. “Looks like you’re not prepared any better than they are.”
Hastily Olivia said, “The steamboat went down. We fished them out of the water. They didn’t save anything except what they were wearing.”
The woman’s shrewd eyes brightened, “Steamboat, huh?”
“Fire,” Crystal said with a shudder.
“Better fix you up, too,” she said, adding, “No sense advertising to the neighbors.”
“Then they don’t know?”
“Not much. Decent people. The less they see and hear the better off we are.” She paused. “Olivia, I’ll offer thee a dress until thee can go shopping.” There was a question in her eyes, but she said no more as she hurried out of the room.
Throughout the day Olivia enjoyed a peace that she hadn’t experienced for some time; Sadie’s gentle presence touched her spirit in a way that caused her anxieties to fade away. That evening Olivia wore to dinner the new frock that Sadie had lent her. It was deep rose, cut low in the front, and with a bustle. When she walked into the dining room, she saw the expression on Alex’s face. “Some dear black woman will love it,” Sadie explained, “but for now, Olivia is borrowing it. She looks good in rose—howbeit, not that cut,” she added hastily.
Alex’s eyes were twinkling as he said, “I doubt it will keep our Canadian friends adequately warm.”
Sadie peered at Olivia. “Oh, dear. I suppose I can find a scarf for your shoulders.”
“I’m not the least bit cold,” Olivia said, glaring at Alex, “and I don’t consider it decollete.”
****
During the night Olivia heard the clink of a harness outside and footsteps in the hall. Kneeling beside the window, she strained to see through shadows. Finally, when she was thoroughly chilled, she whispered, “Goodbye; good luck.” As she wiped a tear from her cheek, she wondered if Alex had gone too.
****
The next afternoon Matthew borrowed a buggy and drove them into town. He stopped in front of what looked like the most promising shop and helped the three out of the buggy. Handing the wad of banknotes to Olivia, he muttered, “Since suitable clothing will help hide our covert activities, I suggest you women all come back adequately attired.” He bowed stiffly, and with a teasing grin, headed down the street.
Olivia called after him, “My darling, you’ll be a true gentleman if you volunteer to come carry our parcels.”
A woman passing by eased her bulk around and said, “Just like a husband.” For a moment she looked from Olivia, to Amelia, and then to Crystal. With a puzzled frown she nodded and went on her way.
Finding the right dresses took the better part of the afternoon, but they were happy with what they bought, and couldn’t wait to get into some new clothes. When they had finished, Matthew came by in the buggy and drove them home.
That evening, while Matthew and Olivia were talking, Alex came into the parlor. He hesitated and Matthew beckoned to him. “Come settle a problem for us.” Watching him, Olivia wanted badly to ask about the slaves.
He sat down beside the two and Matthew asked, “Will you solve our dilemma? Olivia thinks we need to write to our parents. I say we should wait, because of—”
Alex nodded. “I see what you mean, and I appreciate your waiting this long. Go ahead and write. The people have left, and in addition, I’ve seen a couple of fellows nosing around the boat. I’ll need to be on my way as soon as possible. If you refrain from mentioning names, it’ll help.” Without a glance toward Olivia, he got to his feet, bowed and left the room.
Olivia watched him go, her eyes following every move. Matthew grinned. “It’s your fault—you’ve hardly encouraged him.” He paused and added bitterly, “Why are the Thomas chillen such failures in the romance department?”
“Things not going well between you and Crystal?” Olivia asked, but Matthew looked so miserable she dared say nothing more. She left the room, saying, “I’m going to start a letter tonight.”
When Olivia entered the bedroom, Crystal turned from the mirror. “Alex told me he will be leaving day after tomorrow.”
“Leaving?” Olivia drew in a breath. “Where is he going?”
“South again. He said there’s another load of slaves waiting for him. Also, the Coopers have arranged a business deal. He’s to carry freight—merchandise of some type. It will help pay his way, as well as provide an excuse for the trip.”
Olivia went to sit in the rocking chair. She asked, “Pay his way? I supposed him to have plenty of money.”
“He does, but seems reluctant to use his father’s money in such an operation.” There was a wry twist to Crystal’s lips, as she added, “Does seem ironic, doesn’t it? Using his father’s rice and cotton wealth to destroy the whole system.”
In a moment, Crystal added, “I want to go with him as far as Cincinnati. He won’t take me any farther; says it’s too dangerous.”
“Then it’s all over with Matthew?”
She nodded. In a rush of words, she added, “Olivia, I have a problem. Last week I signed Joseph’s papers giving him freedom, but late today I found he’s still here. Even worse, he’s hanging around, wanting the Coopers to hire him.” She added hastily, “I think he’s afraid to be out on his own. I find his attachment—offensive. This is another reason I’m anxious to go as soon as possible.”
For a few minutes, Olivia contemplated the situation. She sighed heavily. “Yes, I feel the end of it all, too.” She looked up and smiled. “I’ll travel with you. But what are you going to do about Joseph? Surely there’s some obligation. You can’t just leave him.”
“Oh, Olivia, that hurts! But how far do you let former ties entangle life? I don’t want to abandon him, but on the other hand, he’s well able to take care of himself. I’ve provided him with sufficient funds.” There was an amused twist to he
r mouth as she added, “I used some of the clothes money Matthew gave me. His generosity allowed me to have extra funds for Joseph.”
Olivia frowned. “You really do worry about him.” In a moment she said, “You should insist he go to Canada. Sadie told me there’s trouble with paddyrollers. They apprehend runaway slaves and take them back to their masters, and some of them have become so brave that they are even catching freedmen to sell back into slavery!”
With a sigh Crystal turned away. “You’re making it very difficult for me. Particularly since—”
“What, Crystal?”
“I’m sorry, I just can’t talk about it.”
Finally Olivia said, “You can tell Alex I’ll go along too.”
“Why don’t you tell him yourself?”
Olivia gave a short laugh and turned away. “I’m certain it doesn’t matter who tells him. I just thought, since you’ve discussed this, you might as well say I’m going.”
****
After dinner the next evening, Alex followed Olivia to the parlor. “I need to talk with you for a few minutes.”
“Yes?” she lifted her chin.
As the others came into the room, he said, “Let’s go upstairs to the alcove.”
“Is there—” she began.
“Yes, and I don’t want an audience.”
Avoiding his eyes and his hand she nodded and marched toward the stairs. When they were seated, Alex said, “Crystal tells me you will be traveling to Cincinnati with us.”
“If it is convenient, I prefer being with Crystal to going alone.”
“Matthew has indicated he’ll come along, too,” he said. “You know I’m disappointed you are going home.”
“How can you be disappointed? After all, I was practically kidnapped.”
“But where were you when you were kidnapped?” he asked with a chuckle. His eyes still twinkling, he added, “I had hoped you would stay.”
“It’s out of the question,” she murmured, shaking her head. “Our parents will be upset enough as it is. Incidentally, I haven’t written yet, so your operation won’t be exposed. Besides, what could I do here?”
