Path of Freedom: Quilts of Love Series

by Jennifer Hudson Taylor

  On several occasions he pulled out the letter Flora had given him, but couldn't bring himself to read it. He feared it contained an explanation of her final rejection. As long as he didn't open it, he could keep hoping.

  He read the Bible and searched for comforting verses to build his faith and ease his aching soul. By the time he neared the North Carolina border, he was tired of his own coffee and looking forward to seeing his family again. As he drove the wagon up the dirt road between his father's tobacco fields, a sense of belonging and home overwhelmed him. Perhaps once he greeted his parents and brother, he would find some time alone in his chamber to finally read Flora's letter.

  Excitement charged the air as people said good-bye to loved ones at the train depot. Others looked forward to where their journey would lead them. As for Flora, she could scarcely get Bruce and his cold departure out of her mind. She wondered if he'd read her letter by now. If she'd hurt him as she feared she had, would her letter make a difference?

  The train whistle blew, startling her out of her reverie. Irene laid a hand on her shoulder. “Why is thee so tense? I declare, Flora, thee hasn't been thyself since Bruce left over a fortnight ago.”

  “All aboard!” called a man in a dark blue uniform. He wore a jacket with bright brass buttons and stood by a set of portable wooden steps that had been hauled to the entrance.

  “Come!” Irene pulled her elbow. “I've got our tickets.” A porter had already secured their trunks in another compartment. Without a word, Flora followed her sister. The massive black engine up front let off a cloud of gray smoke.

  “Hurry, ladies!” The man took their tickets. “Soon, we'll be taking off.”

  They walked down the aisle, smiling at strange faces until they came to a row with two unoccupied seats. Irene took the one by the window, while Flora sat next to the aisle. She set her bag down by her feet. It contained the Midnight Star quilt and some drawings Daniel had made of Charlottesville. Flora hoped to use them when she returned home to make a memory quilt of her own.

  She pulled out the Midnight Star quilt and hugged it to her chest, remembering how Bruce had studied the quilt map as they made their way north. She could only imagine how much harder it would have been without her mother's quilt. Burrowing her nose in the soft material, she breathed in the aroma of cedar. After this mission, she would not only think of quilts as a simple means to stay warm, but as a hidden path of freedom. This mission had not only freed Marta and Jim, but it had released Flora from her past, allowing her to love Bruce Millikan.

  “This is so exciting.” Irene rubbed her gloved hands together. “I've wanted to travel by train ever since the first one came to Greensboro earlier this year.”

  “Indeed, and I hope this experience is all that thee had hoped it would be.” Flora offered her sister a smile, not wanting to dampen her spirits with her own less-than-cheerful mood.

  The whistle blew again and the train lurched forward, slow at first, as the wheels on the tracks gained momentum. They pulled out of the depot and waved at their aunt, uncle, and cousins. Soon, trees were the only sight through the window. The bare limbs passed by in a blur.

  Flora laid her head back against the seat and closed her eyes. Perhaps she would get a lot of rest on the way home if nothing else. She'd tossed and turned during the nights at her aunt's house until dark circles formed under her eyes.

  “What did thee tell Clint? Why didn't he come with the rest of the family to see us off?” Irene asked.

  Flora opened her eyes. Her sister stared at her. Flora sighed, having known this conversation would come sooner or later.

  “I told him the truth—that I respected his profession and him as a person, but I didn't feel that I could love him the way a wife should love her husband.” She shrugged. “I told him that I thought he deserved better.”

  “Good.”

  “Irene!” Flora gave her sister a scolding look. “Never take advantage of a man's affections. Compassion should always be of utmost concern.”

  “What I meant is, I'm glad thee didn't entangle thyself with him. I never thought he suited thee.” Irene cleared her throat and laid a hand on Flora's. “I know that his profession was of great interest to thee, but I feared it wasn't enough to bind yourself to him. How boring.”

  “I'm not as shallow as all that.” Anger rose inside Flora as she jerked her hand away. Keeping her voice down, she leaned toward Irene. “I only spent time around him to see if anything would come of it. It seemed prudent to at least give the man a chance. Even though he isn't meant for me, he isn't as boring as thee seems to think.”

  “Fine.” Irene gave her a slanted smile. “But I believe Bruce suits thee much better.”

  “Ah…” Flora twisted in her seat and lifted her pointer finger. “Bruce did say something to thee, didn't he?”

  “He did.” Irene nodded. “But for once I've resolved myself to not interfere.”

  “But what did he say?” Flora grabbed her sister's arm. “I need to know.”

  “Nothing more than he told thee,” Irene said. “He believes thee has settled on Clint. Just think how relieved he'll be when thee arrives home with thy news.” Irene picked up Flora's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

  “True. I gave him a letter explaining everything before he left.” Flora nodded, regaining her hope.

  “Now get some rest,” Irene said. “So those circles will go away.” She pointed to Flora's eyes.

  The rumble of the traveling train became a familiar sound that helped them sleep throughout the night. They ate in the dining car when they grew hungry. The window afforded them a beautiful view of the mountains and the countryside.

  When the conductor came through to inform them that they would soon be arriving in Greensboro, anxious anticipation seized Flora. Would Bruce be with her family members to welcome her home? She hoped her letter had explained things and eased his temper. When next she saw him, she would know by his behavior if he had forgiven her.

  As the train slowed, pulling into the Greensboro depot, Flora leaned across her sister to look out the window. People waited patiently to greet their loved ones; others waited to board. Flora scanned the many faces.

  “There they are.” Irene pointed at an angle through the window.

  “I can't see them.” Flora squinted and leaned forward a little further.

  “Ouch. Thee is squashing me.” Irene wrinkled her eyebrows in discomfort and elbowed Flora.

  “Sorry. Just tell me who is there.” Flora tapped her chin, trying not to be impatient.

  “Why, Mother and Father, of course, but I don't see Bruce.”

  “Is thee sure?” Flora asked.

  “Perhaps he intends to give thee time with Mother and Father and to settle down at home before he comes to call on thee,” Irene said.

  Acute disappointment filled her with sudden melancholy. She swallowed and shook her head. “No, he hasn't forgiven me. Otherwise, he would be here.”

  Bruce walked home from an afternoon of hunting, carrying a wild turkey by the feet. At least his parents would eat well tonight. A cloud drifted in front of the afternoon sun, casting the field into a shadow and leaving the air cooler than before.

  His brother rode toward him on horseback. The fast and steady pace indicated he had good news.

  “What is it?” Bruce called as Silas drew to a stop.

  “I just left Greensboro. Guess who I ran into?” Silas leaned down with a grin meant to taunt him.

  “Must thee leave me in suspense?” Bruce asked, determined to keep his annoyance at bay.

  “I ran into the Saferight family. They were returning from the train station. Both Flora and Irene were with them.” Silas raised a dark eyebrow. “Flora inquired about thee—specifically.”

  Bruce dropped his gaze to the ground lest his brother see his pain. “And what did she wish to know?”

  “She asked if thee had read her letter. I told her that thee hadn't mentioned it.” His horse pranced in impatience
, and Silas pulled back on the reins to calm him. “Her parents seemed a bit curious about it.”

  Confusion raced through his mind, bidding his heart to hope for that which he had not permitted himself to hope since he'd arrived home. Had he made a mistake by not reading Flora's letter? Could it have been something different from what he'd assumed?

  “Bruce?” Silas leaned down. “Thee is acting most peculiar. What of this letter? Does thee have it?”

  “Indeed.” Bruce held the turkey out to his brother. “Please…take this home to Mother since thee is on horseback.” He pulled out a sealed letter from the inside of his jacket pocket. “It seems I have a letter to read.”

  “Goodness man, has thee been carrying around that letter unopened all this time?” Silas shook his head in disbelief. “Thee has much more discipline than I could ever possess. Curiosity would have already done me in.”

  “I've no doubt of it.” Bruce grinned. “Now, if thee will excuse me, I've a letter to read.” Bruce turned and hurried toward a nearby oak tree. He lowered himself against the sturdy trunk and broke the seal on Flora's letter.

  Dear Bruce,

  I want to thank thee for being so patient and understanding in giving me time to properly consider thy proposal. I've always admired thee and have spent most of my life trying to prove myself to thee. No matter how hard I tried, I thought thee disliked me. Because of this, when thee proposed, I feared my feelings were somehow misguided. I wanted time to seek God's will, but tonight I can't rest. I need thee to know how I feel so I'm writing thee this letter since thee will be leaving in the morning.

  This mission has been such a blessing and so different than I expected. In many ways, it seems unreal. I wonder if our common goals in the abolitionist movement and our dependence on each other to survive masked our true feelings for each other. I pray the truth will be revealed in time, especially once we return home and things are back to normal. Part of me fears thee will go back to thy old habits.

  In addition to seeking God's will and spending time with my cousins, I stayed behind to refuse Clint Robert's offer of courtship. He is a decent man, but he's not meant for me. I don't feel for him what I feel for thee. After much soul-searching and prayer tonight, I'm convinced that I love thee.

  When we both return to Greensboro, and if we still feel as deeply for each other as we did on the mission, I would be honored to accept thy proposal. If thee returns home and thy feelings have changed, say nothing, and I will know. All will be forgotten and forgiven.

  Sincerely,

  Flora

  Bruce reread the letter several times, making sure he wasn't mistaken in her meaning. Finally, he looked up into the heavens and said, “God, I thank thee for this. Please forgive me for my lack of faith. I should have opened this letter and read it much sooner.”

  He folded the letter, slid it back into his jacket pocket, and jumped to his feet. He ran home, wishing he'd persuaded Silas to leave his horse with him. Arriving at the stables out of breath, Bruce bent over with his hands on his knees. Once recovered, he saddled his horse and rode west toward the Saferight farm.

  By the time he arrived, Will Saferight was unhitching the horse from the wagon. He paused upon noticing Bruce riding up at such a fast pace. With a pat to his horse's neck, he shook his head in disbelief and flashed a knowing grin. “I suppose thee has read the letter that Flora mentioned to thy brother?”

  “Yes.” Bruce dismounted and took his horse by the reins. The poor beast breathed heavily and needed some water.

  “I cannot pretend to know what that independent girl of ours has done now, but I only hope all is well.” He held out his hand. “I'll see to thy horse if thee would like to go on inside and speak to her.”

  “I thank thee, Friend Will.” Bruce handed over his horse, relieved that he would be spared the time it would take to tend to the animal. Bruce hurried toward the house and bounded up the porch steps, taking them two at a time. He knocked on the door with more enthusiasm than was appropriate. Friend Sarah opened the door, her gray eyes wide with fright.

  “Goodness, is something wrong?” She touched her hand to her chest. “It sounded like a bull had come charging through the door.”

  “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare thee. Friend Will said he would see to my horse so I could have a moment to talk to Flora. May I see her?” Bruce pulled off his hat, determined to be as humble as possible.

  “If thee has already spoken to Will, then I suppose it's all right.” She opened the door wider. “Would thee like to come in?”

  “I'll just wait out here on the porch. I don't want to inconvenience thy family any further.”

  “It's never an inconvenience to welcome our friends into our home.” Flora's mother gestured for him to enter, but he shook his head.

  “I was hoping to speak to Flora in private.”

  “I see.” She paused, gazing up at him in bewilderment. He could see the unspoken questions in her eyes, but was thankful that she refrained from voicing them. “I'll get her for thee.”

  A moment later, Flora stepped out onto the porch, looking as beautiful as ever in a navy shawl and matching bonnet. The only difference was the faint circles beneath her eyes. He stopped pacing, trying to ease the nervous tension that had been building inside him ever since he'd read her letter. Perhaps it was best he hadn't read it before now, for he wasn't sure he could have endured the suspense.

  “Shall we sit on the swing?” Flora held out her hand, but he didn't see a swing. No matter, he nodded his consent. She led him around the corner of the house, where a long bench swing hung from the ceiling. He'd never known of its existence.

  Without a word, Flora sat and waited for him to do the same. He obliged, dropping his feet to the porch floor and pushing them backward. They swayed front to back.

  “I read thy letter,” Bruce said. “And my feelings have not changed.”

  She took a deep breath, but kept her gaze focused in front of her. “I'm relieved to hear it. I was hoping I would see thee at the train depot. When thee wasn't there, I wasn't certain what I should think.”

  “Only this,” he took her hand in his and lifted it, pressing his warm lips to her knuckles. “I love thee, Flora Saferight. Please forgive me for all my childish transgressions and marry me.”

  “I love thee, too. I've prayed about this and nothing would satisfy my heart more than to be Mrs. Bruce Millikan for the rest of my life.”

  Bruce twisted sideways and gripped the back of the swing for support. With his other hand, he tilted her chin toward him and kissed her as they swayed back and forth. Flora's lips were warm as she returned his kiss with unexpected fervor. Her cool hand reached up, cupped his jaw, and caressed his sideburn. All too soon she pulled away, leaving him in a heady state.

  “Bruce Millikan, I've waited my whole life for thee to come to thy senses.”

  “I'm only sorry it took me so long.” He brushed his lips against hers, unable to deny himself. “May we have a short engagement? It isn't as if we need to get to know each other.”

  “We shall have a proper engagement.” She poked him in the chest. “I need to make sure thee won't turn back into the old Bruce.”

  “That lad grew up and disappeared, I assure thee.” Bruce leaned forward and kissed the tip of her nose.

  “I intend to make sure that thee has.” Flora kicked her feet against the porch floor and sent them both sailing high into the air. “I want to go on more mission trips with thee, and I want to carry on my mother's tradition. For every mission we go on, I plan to make a map quilt for others on their path of freedom.”

  Bruce laughed, knowing his life with Flora would not only be complete, but a free and satisfying adventure.

  Discussion Questions

  1. The Quakers in Path of Freedom believe in plainness. How does this affect their character? What are the advantages of living a plain life and what are the disadvantages?

  2. While Quakers don't believe in violence, Bruce says he woul
d protect Flora, even if it means shooting someone to wound them enough to stop them, but not to kill them. Does this go against Bruce's faith? Is this a human flaw in his character?

  3. How does the Midnight Star quilt affect the mission? Do you believe a quilt could be used in something so important? What other ways could quilts be used for important purposes, either in the past or in the present day?

  4. Marta showed exceptional faith and moral character at such an early age. Why do you suppose this is?

  5. The fact that Mrs. Saferight lost three children in infancy has scared Irene away from childbearing, but has caused Flora to want to be a midwife. How can two people from the same family react so differently to the same events?

  6. How can Flora trust Bruce with her life but struggle to trust him in matters of the heart? How does her faith in God help her overcome this flaw?

  7. When Marta's baby dies, Flora blames herself. How does this event affect her faith and confidence? What helps her keep going?

  8. At what point does Flora begin to see God at work through this mission? When does she begin to rely on God more and on herself less?

  9. Bruce has a lot of guilt to overcome. What would have been his best approach to convince Flora of his sincerity? How does his faith play a role?

  10. What other scary or difficult circumstances would they have faced traveling by night?

  11. What did you learn about Quakers that surprised you the most?

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