Storm Clouds Rolling In & On To Richmond (Books 1 & 2 in the Bregdan Chronicles) by Ginny Dye - HTML preview

Chapter Twenty-One

Swing low, sweet chariot

Coming for to carry me home

Swing low, sweet chariot

Coming for to carry me home.

I looked over Jordan and what did I see Coming for to carry me home

A band of angels coming after me Coming for to carry me home.

Moses’ voice drifted into the still evening air, carrying with it the prayers of millions of slaves still in bondage.

With those prayers went the hope that was the light enabling them to endure the darkness.

Rose looked up from where she was kneeling by her mama’s grave. “Is it true, Moses? Are we really leaving tomorrow?” She was still trying to make herself believe it was actually going to happen.

Moses walked over and knelt beside her. “It’s true,” he said softly. He was silent for a long time. “I’ve dreamed so long about being free,” he finally said. Then his face hardened. “We got a lot to go through before we’re free, though.”

“Do you really think we can make it?” Rose shook her head at her thoughts and chuckled. “I’m laughing at myself, so don’t you bother.” She looked at the grave and added, “And don’t you laugh, Mama. We’re going to make it through everything just fine. We’re going to go through every hard time and over every obstacle.” Saying the words out loud helped.

Rose had come to say goodbye. She knew her mama was in heaven with her daddy, but this was the only earthly contact she still had. Her eyes filled with tears. “I know she’s not here, but when I need to talk to her so

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badly my heart hurts, I can come out here and pretend.

Soon I won’t even have that.”

“You’ve got something much better than this grave,”

Moses said. “You’ve got your mama locked in your heart.

No one can ever take that away from you.”

Rose looked at him with sudden understanding.

“That’s how you can stand being away from your mama, isn’t it?”

Moses nodded, his face softening. “Someday I’m going to find out where she is, and my sisters, too. They split us up on the auction block, but they’re not going to keep us apart forever. I’ve got all of them locked in my heart.

When I come back, I’m going to find my family, and I’m going to give them their freedom as well.”

Rose stood and walked into her husband’s arms. She had so much to be thankful for. Her mama might be gone, but at least they had known each other and been close.

At least they had never been separated by the cruel realities of the slave system. “I aim to find my brother someday, too,” she said, speaking more to herself than to Moses.

Moses’ arms tightened around her. “I know you are.

And I’ll help you.”

Rose smiled as his strong voice sounded over her head. She could face whatever was coming as long as they were together. She thought she had been fine all alone before Moses had come into her life. She had been content with her teaching and her dreams. Now she only felt complete when Moses was near. “I heard Mama say one time that she only felt complete when my daddy was with her. I don’t know how she survived all those years without him.”

“She survived because she had God.”

“Yes,” said Rose thoughtfully, “but it still had to have been hard. It’s different when you have someone with flesh on right beside you.”

Moses threw back his head and laughed, the deep sound rolling across the trees and reaching into the night. “I reckon you’re right, Rose girl.” Then he drew her into his arms and kissed her deeply.

Somewhere in the depths of his tender kiss, Rose lost all her fears. Love pulsed through her being as she

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returned the kiss with all her heart. They clung to each other for several long minutes before they pulled away and stared into each other’s faces, giving each other the strength and love they would need to overcome what was ahead.

Finally, Rose was ready. She turned, knelt down once more and reached out to touch the cross above her mama’s grave. “Goodbye, Mama. Thank you for everything.” Tears flooded her eyes, but her voice was strong.

The night sky was twinkling with a sea of stars when they finally turned and walked away.

Carrie was waiting for Rose and Moses when they reached the barn in the early morning hours. The sun was just beginning to transform the inky sky into a glowing cobalt. If they were going to make their first connection, it was imperative they get an early start.

Unable to sleep, she had been at the barn for over an hour already. Granite and the two other horses they were going to ride were already fed, tacked and ready to go.

She was just leading them out when she saw her friends emerge from the darkness of the surrounding trees.

“You couldn’t sleep either?” Rose whispered.

Carrie shook her head and held her finger to her lips.

She didn’t want anyone to know what they were doing. If they left no trail, there wouldn’t be one to follow later.

Pastor Anthony had been very stern about the procedures they needed to follow if their hastily contrived plan was to work.

Rose nodded and held up the meager roll holding the few belongings she was taking along. Carrie winced but nodded in approval. Rose could get more material things when she reached freedom. What was important now was not to attract any attention. A black couple with a large pack on their horses or in their hands would surely

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attract attention. Carrie reached for it and quickly tied it on behind Rose’s saddle. Then she did the same with Moses’.

Just before they climbed into the saddles, she held up a hand to detain them. “Come inside the barn,” she whispered.

Rose and Moses looked at each other in surprise, then followed. Once inside, Carrie reached for the coats she had laid on top of one of the feeders. “You’re going to need these,” she whispered. Already the mornings were getting colder. The first hard frost was not far away. Both of them were wearing coats, but not ones that would stand up to the cold farther north. “One belonged to my mother. The other is an old one of my father’s. He will never miss it.”

Moses smiled and put on the coat she handed him. It was tight across his broad shoulders, but it fit in most other ways. Rose’s fit perfectly.

Carrie nodded and led them from the barn. In minutes, they were out of sight of the plantation house.

She kept Granite at a steady, ground-eating walk. She didn’t want hoofbeats to alert anyone to their actions.

Only when they were out of sight and out of earshot did she talk normally. “Are you sure no one saw you leaving?”

Rose nodded. “We’re sure. We left a note for Sam, just like you said. Told him it was our time to go, and we were leaving. He’ll tell everyone.” Her face was a mixture of sadness and excitement.

“You two are going to be missed very much.” Carrie thought of how the other slaves had flocked to Rose after Sarah was gone. How everyone counted on Moses to take care of things for them. “It’s not going to be the same around here.” She didn’t say anything about how her own heart ached over their leaving. They already knew.

Silence engulfed them as, occupied with their own thoughts, they rode on. The rising sun transformed the deep cobalt into a rich violet and then suddenly diffused it with streaks of orange and pink as it crept over the horizon. The morning air was chill and fresh, seeming to hold everything in suspension. All the horses moved easily, invigorated by the fall air.

Suddenly the sun exploded onto the scene, throwing its brilliant rays like lightning rods into the glorious sky.

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The brilliant blue sky seemed pregnant with fluffy orange and pink puffs of clouds.

“I reckon we can trust a God who can paint a picture like that,” Moses said in a reverent voice.

Carrie took courage from the display dancing above her head. Moses was right. She knew there were times ahead when she was going to have to hang on to that knowledge.

They came to the first fork in the road. Carrie deliberately took the one that would lead them east of Richmond. They needed to stay as far away from the city as possible. Too many people knew her. If she was seen, someone was sure to ask questions, and sooner or later the information would reach her father.

Carrie’s heart ached as she thought of her father. He was such a loving and kind man in so many ways. That they were so far apart on this issue caused her great pain.

She knew he would be hurt and angry if he learned what she was doing right now. She shook her head to force the pictures out of her mind. She was doing the right thing.

Maybe someday she and her father would see eye to eye.

“How we doing on time, Carrie?” Rose asked when the sun was high in the sky and the colors had faded to reveal a startlingly clear blue sky.

“We’ll make it. If we keep up this pace, we should be there ahead of schedule. That will give you a little time to rest before you have to go on.”

“What if the conductor isn’t there?” Moses asked.

Carrie tried to smile reassuringly at Moses even though she had entertained the same doubts herself.

“He’ll be there,” she said. “If he’s not,” she added after a moment, “we’ll think of something.” She had no idea what, but she saw no need to say that. It was too late to turn back now. “We’ll cross all those bridges when we get to them. You’ll have to do the same.”

Rose laughed then, a welcome break in the tension.

“Seems like we’re crossing bridges in a lot of ways.”

Carrie laughed, too. It felt good and released some of the heaviness in her heart. They were meeting their first conductor under the bridge that ran across the Pamunkey River. Just a few minutes before, they had

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made the turn that dumped them onto the Mechanicsville Turnpike. Pastor Anthony had at first been concerned about using this route because it was a favorite, heavily used route for runaways, but finally he had surmised it was the best way. Carrie’s presence would throw off most suspicions. Once she had to turn back, they would face more danger, but every precaution would be taken.

“Still seems strange to be running away in broad daylight.”

Carrie nodded. “I know, but Pastor Anthony said it would be the best way to throw off suspicion. They patrol these roads with the militia pretty heavily at night, but during the day they largely ignore it.”

After a few more minutes she stopped and pulled her coat off. “I don’t think I need this anymore.” The sun, rising steadily in the sky, had taken the early morning chill out of the air. Moses and Rose followed her lead, quickly tying their coats on top of their packs. “It will work well to keep anyone from asking questions about your packs, too,” Carrie said.

She reached down into her saddle bags and pulled out a carefully wrapped package of biscuits and bacon. “We have a few minutes. Let’s stretch our legs and have a bite to eat.” Once they had tied the horses, they found a large rock under a tree and settled down to eat.

The sound of hoofbeats caused Carrie to lift her head.

Headed straight toward them were several Confederate soldiers. “Remember what I told you,” Carrie said quietly.

It was all she had time to say.

“Good morning, ma’am,” the one in charge said courteously.

“Good morning, Captain,” Carrie responded, hoping her tone didn’t reveal her nervousness. “Beautiful day isn’t it?”

“That it is, ma’am.” He looked carefully at the three horses.

Carrie watched him closely. She saw the spark of suspicion in his eyes. She knew it looked strange. Surely he was wondering why they weren’t in a carriage, and why Moses and Rose were riding horses of their own. Too late, she realized the very quality of their coats would be suspicious. What were slaves doing with coats like that?

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“Where you headed, ma’am?” The Captain turned to look at her with sharp eyes.

Carrie smiled brightly. “Why, Captain, I’m headed to visit some of my family just the other side of Mechanicsville. Surely you know the McCormicks!” she gushed enthusiastically. “They are just the most wonderful people. First cousins you know. It’s been simply ages since I was able to see them. My father, bless his heart, insisted I take the family carriage, but my dear mother is so ill.” She stopped speaking to dab at her eyes.

“I simply couldn’t see taking the family carriage. What if she were to take ill and need to be transported somewhere?” She almost laughed at the confusion on the captain’s face as she rattled off her prepared speech so quickly she could almost not keep up with it herself.

The captain frowned slightly. “I see what you mean, ma’am.” Then he opened his mouth as if to ask another question.

Carrie was afraid he was going to ask her where the McCormicks lived. Since it was an entirely made up name, she had no idea. If he knew some McCormicks and was aware of where they lived, a wrong answer could be their undoing. “Oh, Captain, I was sure you would understand. Our boys in gray are so wonderful. What y’all do for us is simply amazing. I’m grateful from the bottom of my heart.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

The captain seemed to be looking at her a little closer.

The look said he wasn’t necessarily thinking of his job anymore. Still, she couldn’t be sure. “This really is the first little fun thing I’ve gotten to do since this war began.

I just couldn’t see going about having a good time while y’all suffer and fight for our protection. Why, I’ve spent almost every day working on mittens and scarves for our troops this winter.” She paused for a moment. “And my daddy says y’all do such a wonderful job protecting us.

Why, do you know what he told me?” She pretended to shudder. “He told me there are runaway slaves trying to use this very road to leave their beloved masters...” She caught her breath in a gasp.

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The captain nodded his head gravely. “Your daddy was right, ma’am. That’s why we’re checking with you now.”

His voice became a little sterner. “Are these your slaves, ma’am?”

“Oh, yes, sir,” Carrie said with a breathless laugh. “I would be so terrified to be with any but our own dear slaves. You really have no idea of what to expect from some of these people, you know.” She let her eyes open wide.

“Yes, ma’am. I do know.”

Carrie decided to take a risk. She reached into her deep pocket and pulled out a sheaf of papers. “These are their papers, sir. I would be so happy to let you go through them. You will see they are mine. My daddy insisted both of them come along when he knew I was determined to go.” She paused, giving a pretty little laugh.

Her tone became confidential. “You see, we’re taking a little break now because my slaves here have never been on a horse much. I’m afraid it’s rather taxing on them.

We were just getting ready to leave. Our cousin is expecting us, and I’m afraid we’re running a little late.”

She glanced at her watch and then held her hand to her mouth. “My goodness, I had no idea it was getting to be so late. Here are their papers,” she said handing them up to him. “You are certainly welcome to look through them.

I’ll simply do anything to help our boys.”

The captain looked suddenly embarrassed. He smiled, took the papers, but handed them right back. “That’s all right, ma’am. I don’t want to take up any more of your time. I’m sorry to have delayed you.”

Carrie smiled up at him brilliantly, all the time gathering up the breakfast items and stuffing them in her bags. “Why, that’s not a problem at all, Captain. I did so enjoy talking to you.”

“The same, ma’am.” The captain tipped his hat courteously and rode off with his men.

Carrie watched him leave and then sagged against Granite. The three of them mounted quickly and began to trot down the rather rutted road. Carrie’s heart was beating rapidly as she replayed the incident in her mind.

A movement to her right caused her to glance over.

Moses’ shoulders were shaking convulsively.

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Carrie’s laugh rang out in the morning air. Soon the three of them were laughing so hard they were gasping for breath. Thankfully, the road was now empty of anyone who would wonder if they had taken leave of their senses.

They had just begun to regain control when Rose sang out in a high Southern drawl, “Why, Captain...,” and batted her lashes furiously.

Once again they went into convulsions of laughter. It was several minutes before the sight of two carriages headed toward them caused them to regain control.

Carrie was able to smile naturally at the two men in the carriages as they rolled by. “Good day, gentlemen.”

Rose was the first to sober. “I’m going to miss you so much, Carrie.”

The reminder was enough to sober them all. The sun continued to rise as they rode. When it was almost directly above them, Carrie caught sight of the bridge they were looking for. Her heart leapt with gladness that they had made it, but at the same time it dropped with the knowledge that the time to say goodbye had finally come. The silence between them was deep as they rode the last few hundred yards.

Carrie watched closely as they drew nearer. Would their conductor be there? The plank bridge over the river was devoid of life. The clear waters of the Pamunkey glistened as the river wound its shallow way through bulrushes and tall clumps of razor-sharp grass. The clip-clop of the horses’ hooves sounded deafening as they rode slowly over the bridge, trying not to be obvious they were looking for someone.

Carrie glanced at her watch. The interlude with the captain had delayed them, but they were still right on time. She knew it was too soon to be worried. Trying to make all the arrangements for the Underground Railroad was a daunting task—anything could have held their conductor up. She glanced over at her friends’ anxious expressions and smiled. “It will be all right,” she said soothingly.

They reached the end of the bridge, moved a little to the other side, and then pulled their horses to a halt.

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“You really think this is going to work?” Moses asked suddenly. “You really think we can just ride right through to where we’re going?”

“What if that captain had asked to see our papers?”

Rose added. “He would have known who you were and maybe would have remembered seeing us if your father puts out a reward flyer for us.”

“The captain didn’t ask to see the papers,” Carrie reminded them, “and, yes, I do believe it’s going to work.”

She took a deep breath. “You’ve got to take one minute at a time,” she said. “To answer your last question—yes, I think you’re going to be able to ride through, but if you can’t, the conductor who is leading you will find another way.” She turned to Rose. “As for you, my darling aunt, what-ifs will control you for the rest of your life if you let them.” She took on Sarah’s scolding tone. “Why, you could sit still the rest of yo’ life and never have nothin’

happen if you start thinkin’ about all the what-ifs . ”

Their laughter once again cleared the tension in the air.

“I couldn’t have put that any better myself,” a deep voice said from behind them.

Carrie gasped and spun around on Granite. Standing just behind her was a tiny man, barely five feet tall, with dancing eyes as green as her own. “Where did you come from?” was all she could think to ask.

“From right there,” he said cheerfully, waving at the bridge. “I figured I would take a wee nap while I was waiting for you. Your horses’ hooves woke me up, like I figured they would.” He laughed and then bowed quickly.

“The name is Mike O’Leary. I’m your conductor.”

Carrie looked at him with delight, liking him immediately. The wrinkles said he was older than her father, his twinkling eyes and ready laugh spoke of someone much younger. And in the midst of his cheer was the look of steady courage and determination in his eyes. She began to feel better. She knew instinctively she could trust Rose and Moses with this man.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mike O’Leary. My name is Carrie Cromwell. This is Rose and Moses.” She smiled and handed over the forged papers that would identify them as his slaves if they were stopped and questioned.

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O’Leary acknowledged the introduction with a broad smile, looked carefully at the papers, and then checked his watch. “You’re right on time. That’s good. But we got a long ways to be going. I reckon we’d better be on our way.” He turned and strode quickly into the woods, emerging moments later on a towering bay gelding that made him look even smaller.

Carrie turned to Rose and Moses, the lump in her throat making it impossible to smile. She dismounted from Granite slowly, thankful there was no one to witness their farewell. Rose and Moses swung from their horses as well.

Carrie and Rose stared at each other for a long moment before they fell into each other’s arms. Their emotion was too deep for tears. They simply clung to each other, trying to gain strength.

Carrie finally pulled away, allowing all the love in her heart to shine through her eyes. “Please be careful,” she whispered.

Rose nodded, staring back into her eyes. “Thank you, Carrie.” Her voice broke as she reached out again to hold her friend. “I love you,” she whispered.

It took Moses to pull her away. He wrapped Carrie in a warm embrace. “You are a very special woman, Miss Carrie Cromwell.” He held her back and looked into her eyes. “Thank you for everything.”

Carrie nodded, unable to trust her voice to say anything. Finally, she whispered, “Take good care of yourselves. I love you both.”

O’Leary was the one to lighten things up. “Shucks, you’d think you weren’t never going to see each other again. Why, I reckon before all this is over you folks are going to be free. Then you can be seeing each other any time you want.”

Carrie managed a smile. “I hope you’re right, Mr.

O’Leary.”

“Now, you can’t be calling me by such a big handle.

The name is Mike. The same to you two,” he told Rose and Moses cheerfully. “We’re going to be seeing a lot of each other the next few days. Might as well be on a first name basis.” Then his voice dropped and became more

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serious. “We’d best be going, though. We have quite a ways to go before we reach our place for tonight.”

Carrie nodded and stepped back while Rose and Moses mounted their horses again. With an ache in her heart, she watched until they were out of sight.

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