The Underground Railroad Brides Collection: 9 Couples Navigate the Road to Freedom Before the Civil War
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Lord, please give me the words You wish for me to speak. Help me to digest and apply each word of truth from Your Bible that I am about to quote. Free me from the fears and worries that overtake my mind. And Father, please give me the opportunity to apologize and reconcile with Annalise.
“Good morning. Let’s open with a word of prayer.”
After the opening prayer, the singing of several hymns, and the announcements, Matthias again took his place behind the pulpit. That’s when he saw Annalise walking down the aisle toward her newfound place beside Betsy and Adam.
Thank You, Lord.
His eyes connected with hers, and she looked away. Lord, another chance with her. Please?
Matthias set aside the turmoil roiling inside him and addressed the congregation with a renewed sense of peace.
Annalise had been drawn in by Matthias’s sermon. Oh, she was always captivated by the words of the gifted young man she had grown so fond of in recent months, but this time something about him was different. Almost as if the words Matthias spoke were directed toward something more personal.
She hadn’t slept well over the past two nights, going over and over the words Matthias had said and what he really must think of her. Annalise wished she could request that he do a sermon on dwelling on a topic repeatedly. She needed advice when it came to that trap she found herself in whenever something upsetting, frightening, or irritating happened.
Their eyes had connected several times throughout the church service. Those gray eyes that carried within them a tenderness toward others that Annalise had never before seen. Those eyes that she longed to gaze into without interruption.
Annalise pulled her mind back to the service. She ought not think about such things of a man who wasn’t courting her, and especially in church. Annalise offered a prayer seeking the Lord’s forgiveness.
And Lord, would You please allow Matthias and I to reconcile?
When the service concluded, Matthias walked toward her. “Annalise?”
“Hello, Matthias.”
“Could we speak after the other parishioners have left?”
Annalise nodded. She wanted nothing more.
It took some time for Matthias to offer goodbyes to the faithful members of his church. In the meantime, Annalise spoke to the people who had embraced her when she first arrived, even though she was different from them. Some congregants still eyed her with suspicion, but for the most part, she had been accepted because each person in the church had one important thing in common: their love for Christ.
“Thank you for waiting, Annalise.”
Her heart leapt at his voice. Feelings of elation filled her when in his presence. Were she to someday marry him…
I can no more marry Matthias than turn Uncle Phineas into a decent man. Besides, how can I even begin to think of marriage when we are not courting? And wasn’t I irritated and saddened about Matthias’s words just this morning? The word capricious came to mind, and she almost giggled at the description of herself.
“Annalise…” Matthias reached to place a hand on her arm.
A swarm of butterflies zipped up her arm. “Yes?”
“I am so sorry. Please forgive me for my accusations. I sometimes become so consumed in worry about the Faith Train failing that I forget God is in control. I know I upset you with my words, and I pray you will give me a chance to make amends.”
“I forgive you, Matthias. You must understand that I would never, ever do anything intentional, accidental, or otherwise to compromise the Faith Train. I have too much vested in it myself, and I care deeply for those we assist. I have been extra cautious at all times of Uncle Phineas’s watchful eye.”
His hand slipped from her arm to brush her fingertips before returning to his side. “I know that, Annalise. I do. I can’t tell you what a huge benefit you have been to the organization. We would not have been able to accomplish as much without your help. And with your sacrifice—and I’m certain it was a sacrifice—to come and warn me about the slave bait your uncle is planning, there is no way I can thank you adequately. You may have saved my life and the lives of countless others with that act of bravery.”
Matthias’s eyes almost seemed misty—something one wouldn’t expect from a man so masculine and seemingly tough when moving slaves through the network.
But Matthias had a tender side. A side that Annalise was quickly growing to love.
They spoke in hushed tones, for even the church could have someone listening who was set to thwart their plans. “Please promise me, Matthias, that you won’t give in to the slave that Uncle Phineas sends.”
“But how will I know who he is? Slaves approach me weekly with the code, expecting my assistance—our assistance—in securing their freedom. How will I know which one is false?”
“They have a slave chosen just for this purpose.” Annalise wished she could recall the name of the slave. “But you are right, it will be difficult to know. Sheriff Bleyer and the others know of your code with the tugging at your right ear.”
“They do?”
“Yes.”
Matthias shook his head. “Then we must develop a new code.”
“Yes. But until then, potential runaways will be using that code. You mustn’t assist any slaves for the next few weeks until I can glean further information from Uncle Phineas and his cronies.”
“A few weeks is a long time to refuse help to someone. Especially those who are innocent.”
“I agree, Matthias, but it must be done. You know that.”
Matthias appeared reluctant.
Lord, please help him to see.
“You are correct, Annalise. This one error could stop our entire mission. As it is, we are sending a telegram tomorrow to others in the network that we are delaying sending more slaves for the next few weeks. I don’t like it, but it’s something we must do. Betsy, Adam, and I spoke of it last night.”
“We can again offer our assistance once Uncle Phineas has given up on his plan.”
“But will he ever abandon his plan?”
Annalise doubted it. “Likely not. But in the meantime, as you say, we can develop other methods of spreading the word about how help can be accessed for those in slavery.”
“Yes.”
“Because, Matthias, I couldn’t endure it if something happened to you. Uncle Phineas is bent on hanging you, whether a judge finds you guilty or not. And a judge would, given Uncle Phineas’s influence.”
“Annalise, I’m not about to allow myself to be hanged. I have too much to live for.”
They stood for a moment, their eyes and hearts connected in this moment of time. Would they ever have the freedom to express their feelings toward each other? Two people from different social classes. Annalise with such strong restrictions placed upon her life by her nefarious uncle. How could they ever hope to court, let alone marry?
And did Matthias feel as she did? Annalise pushed the thought aside. There was another pressing matter.
“Matthias, when Uncle Phineas relents somewhat, promise me one thing?”
“Anything.”
“Promise me we will do all we can to help Jinny and Tandey escape.”
“I promise I will do everything in my power.”
If the two were allowed to escape, perhaps they could marry, as they had dreamed of for some time. Something most folks took for granted.
Matthias couldn’t take his eyes from her. Not only was the woman before him lovely, kind, spirited, and brave, but she was also a woman of forgiveness.
And the one who had captured his heart long before even he knew it.
“If only you didn’t have an uncle Phineas, I would ask to take you on a Sunday drive.”
The corners of Annalise’s mouth turned up in the pleasing smile Matthias had grown to admire. “It just so happens that Uncle Phineas and Aunt Lavinia are in Knoxville until tomorrow. A Sunday drive would be most delightful.”
Chapter 16
Spending time with Matthias was n
othing short of a dream come true. Aunt Lavinia and Uncle Phineas so rarely left town that when they had announced their trip to Knoxville, Annalise feared she hadn’t heard correctly.
Yet here she was in a buggy that Matthias had rented from the livery, traveling down the road toward a lovely picnic spot he had picked out just for them. While Annalise knew the time with Matthias would be short since there was no telling when her aunt and uncle would really return and no telling who might see them, Annalise planned to make the most of every moment.
“This is a lovely spot, Matthias.”
The location for the picnic was a plush spot near a river. “I had to have somewhere special to take someone special.”
Had it been only two days ago that Annalise had doubted her feelings for Matthias? Only two days ago that she had given thought to marrying Dale Hiram? Thank You, Lord, for reconciliation.
Matthias lifted her from the buggy. Setting her down, he held her at the waist, his eyes looking into hers. “Annalise…”
Would he kiss her? She hoped so! Was it scandalous that she hoped for that? They stood for what seemed like a lengthy time gazing into each other’s eyes. Matthias reached up with one hand and touched her cheek. “You’re beautiful.”
Annalise attempted to find words to respond, but couldn’t. Any response remained stuck in her throat. He leaned toward her, his lips pressing against her forehead and his arms finding their way around her waist once again. Annalise closed her eyes and relished the moment, feeling safe enfolded in the strong arms of the man she had come to care for. He smelled like a combination of pine trees and soap. Her pulse quickened, and she wondered if Matthias could hear her heartbeat.
Annalise could remain here forever.
Matthias whispered in her ear. “Shall we have our picnic?”
She leaned back and gazed up at him. “We shall.”
He smiled the crooked smile that showed all the more the dimple in his chin. “I’ll retrieve the basket.”
With the basket of food that Betsy had prepared in one hand, Matthias reached for Annalise’s hand with the other and led her to a spot by the river. “What a blessing to have your aunt and uncle out of town.”
“Indeed. Although who knows how long they will be gone.”
“We will make the most, then, of the time we are given.” They said grace before eating the fried chicken Betsy had prepared.
“It’s a frightening time with all that’s going on.”
“Yes, but let’s not speak of that right now. Instead, let’s speak of another pressing matter.”
“Another one?” Wasn’t all they had experienced enough?
“Yes, the pressing matter of falling in love with a beautiful woman named Annalise Van Houten.”
Of all the things Annalise thought Matthias would say, she hadn’t figured he would say that. Had she heard him correctly? “I beg your pardon?”
“I know you are accustomed to finery. I can’t offer you that. I’ve been a reverend and before that a farmer. I don’t have much to offer you. I don’t even own a home. I do, however, own a fine horse.” His mouth quirked to one side.
“I don’t care if you don’t own a fine home, Matthias.”
“Someday—and it’s looking like it might be sooner than I had expected—I will be leaving Ridge Gap. I will continue to do the work that the Lord has called me to—that of preaching and helping the runaways. Neither calling will amass a small fortune with which to support a wife and family.”
“The Lord’s work offers rewards much more important than money and possessions. A wise reverend once preached on that very topic.”
Matthias grinned. “So you were listening.”
“You didn’t think I’d dare sleep through your sermons?”
“There was that one time when it appeared your head was bobbing, and I figured you to be nearly asleep.”
“Well, if I remember correctly, that was a sermon on the book of Numbers.”
Matthias chuckled, a deep, throaty laugh that Annalise realized she didn’t want to go without hearing for even one day.
He stopped, and his face took on a serious demeanor. He reached for her hands and held them in his. “Annalise, life with me won’t be easy. It will be full of worry at times and the type of adventure that can cause stomach upsets.”
“Stomach upsets? Matthias, you are a romantic at heart. I know life with you won’t be easy. You are making a difference in the lives of countless people. Every day, you undertake assignments, most of which I am unaware of.”
“It’s for your safety and for the safety of the Faith Train that we don’t know the exact details, nor the others involved in the undertakings of freeing the slaves.”
Such secrecy was necessary should one of them be caught and questioned. What one didn’t know, one couldn’t share.
“Anyhow, I guess what I’m failing miserably at trying to say is that I wish to court you and, Lord willing, marry you someday.” He paused. “May I court you?”
“Yes, Matthias, yes, you may.”
“I can’t exactly ask your uncle for his blessing or permission, and I know he intends you to marry Dale Hiram.”
“I’ll not marry Dale Hiram. Ever.” Yet two days ago, you believed that to be your only option. Annalise pushed the rebuke aside.
“I’ve spent time with the Lord seeking His guidance as to whether courting in secret is acceptable. If you’ll have me, I’d like to make you my wife. Although, as I said, I can’t offer you anything.”
“You can offer me the most important things, Matthias. Your love and devotion.”
“You will have both of those. You’ll also have my orneriness at times.”
“And you shall have mine. Along with a bit of stubbornness thrown in for good measure.”
They laughed again, causing Annalise to forget that she must return to her life in short order.
“So it doesn’t bother you that I don’t have much? That we may have to live in a meager log cabin?”
“Will I be with you?”
“Yes.”
“Then a meager log cabin will do just fine. You see, Matthias, right now I am a prisoner in the home of Aunt Lavinia and Uncle Phineas. I would prefer living in a shack in freedom than living in a mansion in bondage. Unfortunately, I suspect my aunt and uncle have squandered my inheritance, so I may have nothing to offer either. We could have used that money for so much good.”
“I never loved you for your inheritance, Annalise. I fell in love with you for your benevolent heart and your willingness to sacrifice yourself for another. And, of course, your beauty.” He grinned.
“I am content just to have the honor of being your wife.”
“You’ve made me a happy man.” Matthias leaned forward. “May I kiss you?”
Before Annalise could answer, Matthias had leaned forward. Their newfound love was sealed when his lips found hers in a combination of gentleness and passion.
Chapter 17
If only all of her life could be as peaceful as the Sunday and Monday that Aunt Lavinia and Uncle Phineas were in Knoxville. But it was not to remain so. On Tuesday, not only did they return, but Aunt Lavinia presented Annalise with some disturbing news.
“Dale Hiram is to be our guest tonight. You will do your utmost to be pleasant and worthy of his affections.”
If only Annalise could escape the clutches of her aunt and uncle. Her mind continued to retreat to the delightful time she had spent with Matthias during their picnic. What would it be like to spend every waking moment with the man of her affections? What would it be like to make a life with him, rather than the life she was living against her will?
She might never know.
Dale Hiram arrived at the Thorn household promptly at 7:00 p.m. Annalise sat in the front parlor, awkwardly facing him as he attempted idle chitchat with her. His leering gaze and arrogant attitude induced nausea. His harsh, darkened eyes pierced through her without blinking, and his jaw was set firm in his motionless face. Mr.
Hiram locked onto Annalise’s shifting gaze, seemingly willing her to accede to his overt domination. Barely taller than Annalise, he exuded an air of superiority.
“Mr. Hiram, as you know, has one of the largest plantations in the area. You would do well to appreciate that he has chosen you as the future Mrs. Hiram,” gloated Aunt Lavinia.
The future Mrs. Hiram? The thought caused Annalise’s chest to constrict and her breathing to become labored. Never!
Mr. Hiram puffed out his chest. “I intend to expand my plantation to the border of Father’s land. I recently purchased the acreage on the north side.”
And I should find this impressive? I’m being married off to the first bidder since I no longer have an inheritance and nothing left to offer a greedy aunt and uncle.
“We feel that based on current circumstances, it would be in the best interests of everyone involved for you to begin courtship with Mr. Hiram posthaste. As Mr. Hiram and I have discussed, your wedding shall commence as soon as we are able to arrange it.”
As soon as they are able to arrange it? “This is highly unconventional.” Annalise’s voice shook.
“While it is short notice and much needs to be done before the wedding, I am confident that between Mr. Hiram’s mother, myself, and the ladies in our society, such a feat can be achieved without much fanfare.”
“With all due respect, shouldn’t there be a longer courtship period? After all, Mr. Hiram and I barely know each other.”
A slight flicker in Mr. Hiram’s sinister glare told Annalise that he was not happy with her suggestion. His words confirmed it. “Now, now, Miss Van Houten. Is a long engagement necessary? Your family and my family are of equal social standing. Would this not make for a match that would combine affluence in the most beneficial manner?”
But I am betrothed to another, a man I love. Annalise, however, couldn’t mention this. Neither her aunt nor her uncle would find Matthias of suitable social standing to court, much less marry, her. Lord, please, I beseech Thee to assist me in this most horrific matter. Show me a way to escape.
“Have you nothing to say in response to Mr. Hiram’s statement?” Uncle Phineas asked, daring her to respond.