With a shrug, Jared dismissed Luke Talbot from his thoughts and looked down at the flyer in his hand. It was an announcement for the first meeting of the Societas Philomathesian, a literary society at East Tennessee University. The door to his room opened, and Jared looked up to see Benjamin entering.
“I couldn’t believe old Mr. Wallace surprised us with that test today.” Benjamin tossed his book on their shared desk and threw himself across his bed.
“It wasn’t so bad. He only asked questions from the chapter on regular Latin declensions.”
Benjamin made a face at him. “He might as well have asked about cathedrals in France or shipping lanes in the Mediterranean.”
A laugh bubbled up from Jared’s chest. “Tell me you didn’t say the same thing to Mr. Wallace.”
A nod answered him. Benjamin Montgomery was a charmer who had won over most of their teachers within the first few days of his arrival. He was a good-looking man with a wiry strength that served him well on the parade grounds and large, deep blue eyes that held a hint of mischief all the time. He could say the most outrageous things, and the only response he got was appreciative laughter. Jared wished he had the same talent.
“You are incorrigible.” Jared shook his head. “That would be a better line of questioning from Mr. Whitsell, our geography teacher.”
“Geography, history, language, mathematics. All of it is nonsense. The only part of college that appeals to me is the military part.” Benjamin sat on the edge of his bed and held his arms up, pretending to aim a rifle at the far wall. “I’m only attending ETU to please my parents. As soon as I finish here, I’m going to join up and shoot me some Yanks.”
“What if I join the Yanks? Are you going to shoot me?”
Benjamin dropped his stance, and his mouth dropped open. His eyes, normally dark blue, turned almost purple in shock. “Fight with the Yanks? Now you sound like Whitsell, ready to betray your own countrymen.”
“Don’t tell me you haven’t considered it. It’s well known that Knoxville is divided. No matter which side you choose, you’re likely to be fighting against someone you know.”
A shrug was his only answer. “What are you reading?” asked Benjamin.
Jared held up the flyer in his hand. “The Societas Philomathesian is holding a meeting tomorrow night. Say you’ll go with me.” Jared knew it would be out of character for his roommate to attend something as serious as a literary society meeting, but he hoped to convince his friend. “I’ll help you with your Latin verbs.”
Benjamin stared at him for a full minute before answering. “I’ll do it, but I want something more than a Latin tutor. I need a partner in crime.”
“I don’t know. . . . What kind of crime?”
“It won’t be too bad. I just want to cause Mr. Wallace as much confusion as he caused me this morning.”
Now it was Jared’s turn to study his roommate’s face as he considered his options. He could go alone to the society meeting and fade quietly into the background until he made new friends with similar interests, or he could yield to the temptation to do something daring. He’d never had much chance to be boyish at home, not with all those women around. And his pa was so starchy, he couldn’t imagine Adam Stuart throwing caution to the wind. “I’ll do it.”
“It’s a deal then.” Benjamin stood up. “All we have to do is wait until everyone is asleep. I’ll get the necessary equipment.”
Jared took a deep breath and placed his hand in Benjamin’s outstretched one. He hoped he would not regret his impulse.
❧
Jared pulled the slack out of the rope he and Benjamin had tied to the professors’ doorknobs. All was quiet on the hall. The other students were snug in their beds, no doubt sleeping as he and his roommate should be doing. Instead, they had crept to the end of the floor where their professors slept in rooms directly across from each other. Following Benjamin’s instructions, he had tied one end of their rope to Mr. Whitsell’s doorknob. Benjamin looped the other end around Mr. Wallace’s doorknob. He watched as his roommate tied a knot that would prevent either professor from opening his door in the morning.
“How long do you think it will take them to get free?”
Benjamin shushed him and returned his attention to their handiwork.
“What are you boys doing down there?” The whisper sounded as loud as a musket shot in the quiet hallway.
Jared gasped and jerked around to face the consequences of his actions. His whole life passed in front of his eyes in that brief moment. He would be sent home in disgrace. His parents would be so disappointed. Why had he ever agreed to such a silly prank?
His heart climbed up to his throat when a shaft of moon-light from a nearby window revealed Luke Talbot’s wide shoulders and dark hair. He wished he could sink into the floorboards or disappear like a puff of smoke. Of allthe people to catch them, why did it have to be a man who already despised him? “We’re uh. . .we’re—”
Benjamin pushed his way past Jared and stepped up to Luke. “We thought we heard a noise in the hall and came to investigate.”
“Is that right?” Luke turned his attention on Benjamin. “And I suppose you have no idea who might have tied that rope to the professors’ doorknobs?”
“I suppose it could have been any number of persons. Anyone with access to a length of rope who might also have a grudge against sneaky teachers who surprise unsuspecting freshmen with examinations.”
“And what do you have to say to that?” Luke turned back to Jared.
He held out his hands, palms up, and shrugged. He was about to confess when Luke chuckled quietly. “Is Wallace still pulling those same old tricks? Maybe this will convince him to desist.”
Jared could not have been more surprised if Luke had grown a tail and horns. This man had a sense of humor? He wasn’t going to turn them in? They weren’t going to be expelled?
“You two better get back to your room.” Luke pointed a finger at them. “And don’t think I’ll be as lenient if I catch you out in the hallways after hours again.”
Benjamin winked at Jared as they crept back to their room. Once they shut the door behind them, he slapped a hand on his chest and expelled a loud breath. “I thought we were done for when I heard him.”
Jared undressed quickly and pulled on his nightshirt. “Me, too. I was already imagining the disgrace of being sent home before my first month had passed.”
After they had both climbed into their beds, Jared lay still, contemplating the near disaster.
“I thought you said Luke Talbot was a pompous windbag.” Benjamin’s voice was thoughtful. “I have to disagree with your opinion. I think he’s a regular sport.”
Jared closed his eyes and sent a prayer of thankfulness to God that they had not been sent home in disgrace. “Yes, he was kind to let us go. But don’t forget his warning.” He turned over in the bed and punched his pillow. “I’m never going to give him or anyone else the chance to catch me again. From here on out, I’ll be doing everything strictly by the rules.”
❧
Jared could tell how much delight Benjamin was drawing from the commotion they’d caused, even though the two of them were not awake when the professors discovered they were trapped. By the time they dressed and headed for chapel, the row had died down, but the prank was the only topic being discussed. Who might have pulled such a trick? And done it without being caught?
“I hope they find out who did such an awful thing.” Benjamin’s blue eyes sparkled with mischief.
Jared winced, wishing his roommate was not quite so bold. “I’m glad no one was hurt.”
“Don’t be foolish. I heard they were set free within a matter of minutes. All it took was getting someone’s attention.”
The two of them entered the chapel, which buzzed like a hornet’s nest. Everyone w
as whispering about the incident, shaking their heads and hiding smiles behind their hands.
Jared felt a little sick. He wished he’d never taken part. Perhaps if he went to the president and confessed his part, he would feel better. But what if he was expelled? And Benjamin, too? His head began to ache. He didn’t know what to do.
A hand clamped down on his right shoulder, and Jared nearly yelped his surprise. He twisted quickly and looked into the frowning face of Luke Talbot. “You look a bit green about the gills, Stuart. Are you feeling sick?”
Jared shook his head but remained mute.
Luke leaned close and whispered into his ear. “If you’re thinking about blabbing about what happened last night, you’d better think again. Any confession at this point would perforce include me, and I will not stand for that. I have a spotless record here, and no underclassman is going to ruin it. No harm was done. Go about your regular studies. By evening, this episode will be forgotten.”
He nodded and slid into a pew. Mr. Wallace was leading the chapel service, and Jared was glad to see the man was his usual self, confident and a little pompous. His headache eased, his stomach settled down, and he concentrated on his prayer, thanking God for not getting caught and vowing to never again allow someone to drag him into another such incident.
The rest of the day passed without incident, for which Jared was thankful.
After dinner, he and Benjamin went to the Societas Philomathesian meeting, taking seats on the back row and listening as several members stood and read poetry, stories, or essays they’d written. His imagination was ignited. This is why he’d come to ETU—to be a part of such academic pursuits. He only wished he could think of a good subject to write about. His mind went to the Indians his parents worked so hard to protect, but that was their cause, not his. He listened to one fellow get up and read about the obligation of Southern men to join the Confederate Army, and Jared wondered why he was writing about his beliefs instead of fighting for them.
So caught up was Jared in the evening that he didn’t realize how bored Benjamin was until he heard a soft buzzing sound. He looked over in horror to see his friend slumped down in the chair, his face dropped so far forward his chin rested on his chest. He elbowed Benjamin.
“Wha. . .what’s the matter?”
“Shhh!” Jared put a finger across his lips in warning. “You fell asleep.”
Benjamin frowned. “And you woke me? Is it time to go?”
Jared expelled a breath. “No.”
“Okay then.” Benjamin slouched once more and closed his eyes.
What had he expected? For Benjamin to suddenly gain an interest in literature? He sighed again. Benjamin raised one eyelid and peeked at him. He looked so innocent, so longsuffering. It was hard for Jared to hold on to his indignation. He could feel a grin teasing the corners of his mouth. How did Benjamin do it? He never seemed more than half serious about anything, but still he managed to charm his way through every circumstance. Jared wished some of that charm would rub off on him.
The meeting broke up, and he watched as Benjamin complimented each of the readers on his work, listening and nodding his head as one or another expounded further on his ideas. Jared chuckled to himself. If only they knew the truth.
“Did you enjoy the evening?” Benjamin asked as they made their way across campus to the dormitory.
“Very much. I want to write something and present it at the next meeting.”
“Do you really?” Benjamin’s voice was full of scorn. “I cannot imagine a duller group. But I guess it depends on your interests. My taste runs to more exciting pursuits, which puts me in mind of a favor I need to ask.”
“Oh no.” Jared opened the door of Southern Hall. The hallway was dimly lit as most students had already retired for the evening. “You’re not going to get me involved in any more mischief.”
“No,” protested Benjamin. “It’s nothing like that. Even I know when it’s time to lie low. This has to do with my parents. Next week they’re throwing a birthday party for a cousin of mine who recently came to town. She’s from your part of the state—Nashville, or near to it. Anyway, my parents thought it would be nice to have a gathering of young people to help her feel more welcome.”
“I don’t know. Debutantes and parties are not my favorite pastimes. Besides, I have a lot of studying to do.”
Benjamin’s face took on the betrayed look of a heartbroken puppy. “You don’t mean to make me go alone. I even told Ma I’d be bringing you with me.”
“You told your mother without consulting me?” Jared shook his head. He really didn’t want to go and didn’t appreciate feeling manipulated. This was the perfect time to take a firm stand and refuse his roommate.
“We’ll have a great time. We can skip the dinner and show up in time for the dancing.” Benjamin bowed to an imaginary partner. “You’ll have a great time. We’ll make certain Cousin Amelia has sufficient dance partners to make her feel accepted, and then I promise to bring you straight back to your studies.”
Jared’s heart missed a beat and then compensated by doubling its speed. Amelia? Surely not the girl he’d seen on the train all those weeks ago? Was it possible? Knoxville was a large town, but how many young women had recently arrived there from Nashville? Curiosity and hope, a heady combination, filled his thoughts. How he would enjoy another opportunity to talk to her. He glanced at Benjamin and nodded. “I’ll go.”
“Great!” Benjamin slapped him on the back. “I knew I could count on you.”
Five
“Ouch.” Amelia reached up and grabbed Tabitha’s hand. “That’s the third time you’ve pulled my hair. What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m sorry. I’ll try to do better.”
“Don’t try that on me, Tabitha. I know you too well.” She took the brush from Tabitha’s hand and laid it on the dressing table, then turned to face her friend. “Tell me what’s on your mind.”
Tabitha’s eyebrows drew together in a frown. “You need to go down soon. Turn around and let me finish your hair.”
“Unh-unh.” Amelia shook her head. “I’m not going down until I find out why you’re acting so strangely.”
“I. . .I can’t talk about it.” Tabitha turned away from her and faced the window.
Amelia said nothing. She and Tabitha had grown up together, even though Tabitha was a slave and she was the master’s daughter. She had shared her dolls with Tabitha, and then when she learned to read, she’d shared her lessons with the young slave. Papa would skin both of them alive if he knew. It was illegal to teach a slave to read and write, but neither of them had considered the law when theywere younger. As long as they never divulged the truth to anyone else, they would not get in trouble. Amelia’s conscience pricked her a little at the thought. Was it wrong to lie to others for a good cause?
“It’s. . .the c–cook’s son.” Tabitha’s words were slow, as if she was carefully considering each one.
“The cook’s son.” Amelia clapped her hands together. “Is he handsome? Smart? Does he make your heart beat faster?”
“No, no.” Tabitha turned to face her once again. “It’s nothing like that. Nothing romantic. He. . .he’s an escaped slave.”
Amelia could feel a lump rise in her throat. She didn’t like the sound of this, but she couldn’t back out on her friend now. “Go on.”
“He. . .he’s a conductor.”
The word fell between them like a boulder. A conductor. That meant he was part of the Underground Railroad. He was helping other slaves make their way to freedom. It was a noble cause, and one that Amelia would like to support, but she knew better. Hadn’t she already paid a high enough price for her dealings with slaves? She looked at Tabitha’s troubled face. “I see.”
“He’s got a group out in the barn. One of them’s been shot. A young boy.”
The blood drained from Amelia’s face as she considered the pain and fear the child must be feeling. “What happened?”
Tabitha knelt on the floor in front of her. Tears ran down her cheeks. “You know there’s safe places where runaways can hide out.”
Amelia nodded. No one knew exactly how many slaves had found their way to freedom in the past decade. Or how many had died trying. People caught harboring runaway slaves were breaking the law. It was a scary choice to make, especially since Tennessee had seceded from the Union last spring.
In the short time she’d been here, Amelia had discovered Knoxville was a town divided over the issue of abolition. Some believed each state should have the right to decide whether or not to outlaw slavery, while others were staunchly opposed to allowing slavery at all, and still others depended on slave labor to run profitable businesses. Even though she had found her aunt and uncle to be a little more liberal in their attitude toward slavery, she would never have dreamed of this possibility. “Are you saying my aunt and uncle are helping slaves get free?”
“Oh my, no.” Tabitha placed her hands over Amelia’s. “They’d have a fit for sure. But it’s the cook’s son. He’s in a bad fix. The station where he was supposed to hide was found out, and the escapees were almost captured. So he brought them here and asked his ma to help.”
A knock on the door made both girls jump.
“Stand up,” Amelia whispered. Then more loudly she called out, “Who’s there?”
“Amelia, honey, it’s about time for you to come downstairs.” Aunt Laura’s voice was bright and cheerful. She was obviously looking forward to the party, having no idea that disaster could strike the whole family at any moment.
“I’ll be right down,” Amelia tried for a light tone to match her aunt’s. “Tabitha is putting the final touches on my coiffure.”
“All right, dear. Your uncle and I will be waiting for you.”
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