The stable came into view after what seemed like a lengthy trip. Annalise allowed a sigh to escape her lips. At least she was no longer crying, for the moment anyhow.
The acres and acres of plantation worked by dozens of slaves reminded her of how important her job was—even if Matthias’s comment had diminished that importance in her mind.
“Annalise!”
At the sharp mention of her name, Annalise nearly fell back off Eclipse. She turned her head to see Uncle Phineas on horseback. Had he followed her? Did he know where she had gone?
Fear rippled through her.
Uncle Phineas would not show mercy, even to a relative, if she were caught helping runaways.
Annalise willed her voice not to tremble. “Hello, Uncle Phineas.”
“Where have you been?” His harsh voice stirred panic in every part of Annalise’s being.
So much for pleasantries.
“I said, ‘Where have you been?’”
Think quickly, Annalise.
“I have been out for a ride. Such a lovely day.”
Uncle Phineas stopped his horse in front of Eclipse. “Out riding where?” His evil dark eyes bored through her.
“Out yonder.”
“Yonder?”
“Yes, Uncle Phineas. Is everything quite all right?”
“That depends on you, Annalise.” He practically spat her name.
No surprise there. Annalise knew Uncle Phineas’s feelings for her. She pondered his response. Should she feign innocence? Reply with a syrupy retort? However Annalise responded, she feared she would stir up more wrath in her volatile uncle. Lord, please give me the words to speak.
“It appears there is something going on that you’re not telling me.”
“Uncle Phineas, I merely went for a ride through your lovely property.”
“Be assured, Annalise, that I will discover whatever it is that you are scheming. You are not beyond the law, no matter who you are. If you are, as Sheriff Bleyer suspects, doing something to assist slaves, not only will you be punished to the fullest extent possible, but I will see to it that every slave on the plantation takes a beating for your poor choices.”
Annalise bit back her trepidation. Uncle Phineas had already punished Jinny, Tandey, and the others for her wrongdoings.
“Speaking of which, I gave Tandey a good beating today for allowing you to ride by your lonesome.”
“No—”
“What is it about the slaves that concerns you so, Annalise? If you think for a moment they deserve freedom, you are sorely mistaken.” He waved his hand at her. A hand that Annalise feared was about to connect with her cheek. A hand that had waved many a whip toward the backs of slaves.
She jolted back, nearly falling out of the saddle.
“Get to the house, Annalise. And no more riding without a chaperone.”
Panic infused her at Uncle Phineas’s condemnation. “Yes, sir.”
Uncle Phineas had certainly whipped Tandey. The young man groaned as he mucked the stables. Annalise’s heart broke at the sight of the lacerations and dried blood that crusted on his arms. She could only imagine what his back must look like.
Annalise breathed in with relief to see that Uncle Phineas had not followed her. She must be careful. Speaking to Tandey would only cause another whipping.
“Oh, Tandey,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry.”
Tandey smiled at her, his eyes kind, and nodded. “Don’t worry about me none, Miss Annalise.” His voice was low as well. For he knew—knew all too well—what would happen if Uncle Phineas heard him speak to Annalise.
“Someday, Tandey, I promise, I will see to it that you are freed.”
Tandey assisted Annalise from the horse. “Don’t speak of that, Annalise. It could put you in danger.”
“I know that, Tandey, but I promise. Both you and Jinny. Then you’ll be free to marry and start your own family in freedom.”
A smile lit Tandey’s ebony face. “If only it could be so.”
“It will be, one day.”
A sudden flicker in Tandey’s eyes told Annalise that he dared to believe her words. Honestly, she shouldn’t be making such promises. But she meant what she said. Someday her dear friends would be free.
And hopefully so would she.