Her Rebel Heart. Shannon Farrington

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СКАЧАТЬ one man said. “An invading army will do such a thing.”

       “It will keep many a young man hiding in his root cellar.”

       “Only because by hiding there he has an excuse not to finish his assignments.”

       Several of the teachers laughed and the conversation continued to swirl. The staff shared their opinions and concerns of what the coming weeks may hold. Sam did not add to the discussion. His mind kept drifting in and out of focus, somewhere between God and Julia much of the time.

       He could not forget the look on her face yesterday as he’d approached her, eyes hesitant and suspicious. Her dark hair had been covered by a butternut bonnet. Sam couldn’t help but wonder if she had chosen the color on purpose, as a statement of her political position. Edward and his fellow Maryland Guard members had left town in uniforms of the same color.

       More than anything, Sam hoped that in time Julia would see he was not against her or her family. He wished for an opportunity to speak with her, to reaffirm his love. He prayed they could reconcile their differences.

       But he had promised God he would follow His path wherever it led, whether Julia joined him or not. It appeared that path meant traveling the antislavery route.

       Sam had not yet spoken to Dr. Carter about his plan to attend the abolitionist meeting. He intended to do so upon the first opportunity.

       The conversation around him still buzzed, though it had shifted from the Federal occupation to the question of slavery. His ears perked when mathematics department chair, David Longsworth, spoke his mind. “I fail to see what all the division is about. Property is property. As an owner of such I have full authority over what belongs to me.”

       The word “property” when referring to a human being was nauseating to Sam.

       If men were created in God’s image how could the color of one’s skin change such? Men were men. In Sam’s mind there was no question.

       Longsworth shifted to the economic benefits of slavery. “How are we going to produce goods in this country without slaves? On my word, without them the economy would collapse overnight.”

      Money, Sam thought. It is all that some seem to be concerned with. What about the suffering of our fellow man? What about the God-given thirst for freedom deep inside us all? He drew in a deep breath, ready to express such.

       At that very moment, Dr. Carter entered the room. He called for everyone’s attention.

       “Gentlemen,” he said. “I am afraid that I have some disturbing news.”

       Silence covered the room like a shroud. Sam’s heart immediately began to pound. What has happened? Has there been further bloodshed? Is Julia safe?

       “I was approached by one of General Butler’s aides this morning,” Dr. Carter said. “I have been told that the Federal Army is in need of our facilities.”

       Wordless, worried expressions showed upon each faculty member’s face. Sam looked the same.

       “Therefore, effective immediately, our classes will be suspended. We will resume teaching when the seminary can secure a new location.” Dr. Carter paused. “You are dismissed, gentlemen.”

       The dean of students walked to the door and exited the room. The rest of the faculty, Sam included, sat in stunned silence.

       “So the Yankees have commandeered the school,” Longsworth said finally.

       “And put us all out of work,” said another.

       A sickening feeling washed over him as Sam sank back in his chair. My best friend, my fiancée, my teaching position… Air slowly escaped his lungs. Lord, I want to believe You have everything under control, that You are working these things for our ultimate good.

      Help me trust You.

       Julia had been at the market since it first opened that morning. She had bought flour, two cones of sugar, eggs and a host of other necessities. She was just about to return home, when she spied her favorite delicacy.

      Strawberries! They have strawberries.

       Her basket was already heavy. Besides that, her reticule was running low on coins but the longer she stared at the red, ripe fruit, the more she wanted them. She couldn’t resist purchasing a quart. I love strawberries. I look forward to them every year. Samuel loves them as well. They are his favorite fruit.

       She smiled to herself as a plan formulated in her mind. I know what I will do; I will make shortcake and then when he— She came to her senses. There was no reason to bake shortcake. Samuel wouldn’t be dining with them anymore.

       Her heart sank a little deeper in her chest as she stared at the berries. They didn’t look quite as red or luscious as they had just a moment ago.

       “A quart, miss?” the vendor asked.

       Still, she wanted them. “Yes. Please.”

       She shifted her basket to the other arm and counted out the coins in her reticule. She had just enough so she handed the vendor the money. It was then out of the corner of her eye that she noticed a blue uniform. The man was standing straight and tall, just a few steps from her. A large, brass buckle with the letters U. S. wrapped his waist. He appeared to be watching her.

       Images of Pratt Street raced through her mind. Her mouth went dry. She desperately tried to remember what color stockings she had put on before leaving the house.

      Are they white? Yes. Simply white.

       She tightened her grip on her basket and stared straight at the vendor. If I don’t get in the soldier’s way then he won’t bother me.

       The man handed her the quart of berries. Julia put them in her basket. She stole a peek in the soldier’s direction. He was still watching her. A shiver ran through her. Her heart began to pound. She looked back at the vendor. She tried to smile.

       “These berries will be delicious.”

       The man tipped his slouch hat. “Enjoy them, miss.”

       Julia dropped her reticule in the basket. She hoisted the heavy parcel higher on her arm. She turned.

       The blue uniform stepped forward. Julia swallowed. Ears thudding, she took another step. He came up along side her.

       The Federal soldier smiled at her. “Help you with that, miss?”

       Julia did not smile back. By now, her heart was racing. “Thank you, no,” she said. She hurried away from him, walking as fast as the heavy basket would allow.

       The pop, pop, pop of musket fire echoed in her ears as she mentally replayed that dreadful day at the station. The sight of blood-splattered cobblestones filled her memory. A thousand terrible images raced through Julia’s mind and just as many petitions for protection.

      Lord, please don’t let that soldier follow me. Please don’t let him!

       She hurried on.

       The market was crowded with people and items. It was difficult to get back to the street. СКАЧАТЬ