Over the next few weeks, Annalise and Betsy grew closer, and Annalise began to see more of Matthias. At times he would assist Adam on the small farm where the house was located. At other times, Matthias mentioned taking deliveries or visiting those who needed his assistance. Annalise knew what that meant because of her accidental eavesdropping. If only the reverend would trust her to help with the runaways.
Then maybe she could make a difference in the lives of others.
And be part of the Faith Train.
What would he say if she asked him?
Annalise wandered out to the porch when she heard Matthias’s wagon approach. Perhaps if she caught the reverend after one of his “deliveries,” he might be amenable to granting her request.
“Good afternoon, Annalise.” Matthias flashed her a handsome smile, and she did her best to maintain her composure. Goodness if the man wasn’t dapper! There was something about him that caused a pleasant jittery sensation deep within her stomach.
With a struggle, Annalise reminded herself of the task she wished to undertake. “Good afternoon, Matthias.”
“Reckon I’ve been on my feet most of the day. Care to sit a spell?” Matthias pointed to the two chairs on the porch. He gazed about the property from left to right.
Annalise nodded. “Thank you.”
“I want to thank you for not telling the bounty hunters about the cargo in the wagon.” He paused. “Betsy told me.”
The admiration in his voice touched her. “You are welcome. Was the man a runaway?”
“Annalise, your parents owned slaves, correct?”
Matthias must have discussed this with Betsy, for other than Annalise’s aunt and uncle, only Betsy knew. “Yes, but—”
“Then it’s possible that you might have the same opinion about owning slaves.”
“My parents were quite different than Uncle Phineas.” Annalise struggled to keep her voice low. How dare Matthias insinuate that her parents were evil like her uncle!
“Truth is truth, Annalise. You live at the plantation and see the treatment that the slaves receive. Phineas Thorn is known for being one of the most brutal slave masters in the state, and you are his niece.”
Annalise felt the color rising in her cheeks. “I do not know how to convince you that I am nothing like Uncle Phineas. My parents owned slaves, yes. But they treated them kindly and with dignity. I grew up with the friendship of two of them—Jinny and Tandey. Who, by the way, I would love to see escape. To suggest that I am like my uncle is the worst misrepresentation of the truth I have ever known—a complete falsehood!” She stood. “I’d best be gathering my sewing items. Nehemiah will be here soon.”
Matthias stood and reached for her arm. “Annalise, please understand. I must be cautious. So many lives are at stake.”
“If only you knew how I detest the prospect of slavery. While I am not a slave, I do know a thing or two about lack of freedom, for I experience it every day. Mind you, it is nothing like the slavery you seek to eradicate, but it is a form of bondage I shall endeavor to escape from. They even intend to tell me whom I shall marry.” The thought of Dale Hiram disturbed her.
Her pulse raced and her mouth grew dry. Matthias’s insinuation brought about a range of emotions from anger and sadness to frustration and anguish.
“Annalise.” He fixed his gaze on hers. “I’m sorry if I offended you. You must understand.”
“While I am not usually prone to temper, I’ll not understand your position in accusing me of being someone I am not.”
Matthias took a deep breath. “All right then. Yes. The man you saw was a runaway.”
His remark caught her unawares. Did he finally believe her? Feeling guilty that it took nothing short of a tirade to convince him, Annalise offered a prayer seeking forgiveness—combined with a prayer of gratitude. “And is the runaway—the cargo—is he safe now?”
“That I don’t know. My role is only to transport them to the next place and pray. God takes care of it from there.”
“So you do not know the other people aiding the runaways?”
“No. It’s safer that way.”
“Might you have a position for me within the organization?”
A flicker of something crossed his face. Uncertainty perhaps? Lingering fragments of mistrust and doubt? “Annalise, you need to understand that the Underground Railroad can be dangerous. If someone is caught aiding a slave’s escape, they can be jailed, flogged, hanged, or worse.”
“I’m willing to take that chance. I desire to serve the Lord in this way and make a difference.”
“There aren’t any open positions.”
“Surely, Matthias, there must be something I can do.”
Matthias rubbed his chin. “You can assist by continuing to sew clothes for the runaways. But you cannot tell anyone, Annalise. I’m taking a risk just by telling—and involving—you.”
“I won’t tell a soul.” She paused, grateful for the change in his opinion of her. It mattered for more than fulfilling her desire to make a difference. It was important because she truly wanted him to think well of her.
“But are you sure there isn’t something more I can do? It seems so insignificant.”
His kind eyes searched hers. “It is far from insignificant. Each part done to aid this cause is important. Each person on the Underground Railroad has a different role to perform. If one role remained unfilled, the entire plan would fail.” He paused. “Are you familiar with 1 Corinthians 12:12–27? It discusses how each part of the body is important and no less critical than any other part—just as each person in the body of Christ. So it is with the Faith Train. Sewing clothes for the runaways is as important as transporting them. It’s just a different role.”
“I only want to make a difference in the lives of others.”
“And you are, Annalise. You are.”
Matthias’s words meant more to her than she could ever explain.