Indomitable

By J. D. Edwards

When Black voices are stifled, the reality is transformed into fiction, history is twisted into folklore, and heroes are turned into myths. Harriet Beecher Stowe published Uncle Tom's Cabin, holding a brief account of Eliza Harris, in 1853. Now, 170 years later, learn the actual tale of Eliza's harrowing escape from slavery and her unwavering bravery to live a life of freedom. Eliza risked everything to cross the semi-frozen Ohio River in the dead of night and save her baby from a slave's life.

 

Indomitable is a work of historical fiction based on real events and Eliza's firsthand narrative. While one branch of the author's family owned Eliza, the other branch risked their lives to rescue her. We cannot undo the past, but we can recount the tales of those who fought for liberty and assure that their sacrifice was not in vain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Editingle Indie House
• Release date: Jan 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9788195458820

J. D. Edwards

J. D. Edwards is the internationally recognized author of The Faerie Chronicles, Killing Time, Sister Axe, Dry Bones, The Phantom Seer and Indomitable. His writing awards include The Charl Ormond Williams Fund, The Ohio Genealogical Society, Notebook Publishing’s #IndieApril, and Lulu’s Share Your Scare Writing Contest. Since 2012, J. D. Edwards has published over 50 genealogical articles in the United States and Great Britain, winning over a dozen writing competitions. Future projects include historical fiction books set in the 18th to 19th centuries, and a prequel series to The Faerie Chronicles.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Cries of ‘Happy New Year!’ filled the air, but Eliza kept her eyes downcast while cleaning. New Year parties be for the White folk, but we ain’t ne’er got no party in 1837. Why should 1838 be different? It just be another day.

Eliza’s mind drifted as a drunk guest tripped over the area rug and plunged into her, covering her dress in champagne. Whoa! Watch what you’re doin’, you lazy crow! Clean up this mess and get me another drink! You’re as useless as your mother!

Yes, Mista Wood! Right away, sir! Eliza turned and glowered as she hastened to the bar to refill her former master’s drink. It just be once a year. Keep your mouth shut and bite your tongue. Tomorrow, you can clean the house and forget ‘bout Mista Wood. At least you ain’t cuttin’ timber or workin’ the fields like George.

Elias Wood jerked his thumb toward Eliza and spoke in a carrying voice. You’ve got to learn how to handle these Negroes, m’boy! Don’t give them an inch and always maintain strict discipline. Take this one, for instance! I may have sired her, but I never considered her my daughter. She was my property, pure and simple.

Reason Downing wrinkled his nose in disgust. You mated with your slave? Have you no shame, sir? They’re animals!

A burst of laughter filled the room, and Elias clapped Reason on the shoulder. My dear boy, they may be soulless, sub-human creatures, but they’re not animals! They descend from Cain, and as such, they’re inferior to decent folks, like you and me.

Scowling, Reason lowered his voice to avoid eavesdroppers. Sub-human or animal, I can’t believe you’d mate with them. It goes against nature, and all that’s holy!

Elias tapped the side of his nose and leaned in closer to share his wisdom. That’s where you’re wrong, m’boy. I get no pleasure from the deed itself, mind you, but when I make my own slaves, I triple my profit!

A moment later, Eliza returned with Elias’s drink and set it on the table, next to where they were seated. Took you long enough! Elias grabbed the drink and emptied the glass in a single gulp. Before she could leave, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her to the floor, causing her to cry out in pain. Do you see that Mulatta skin, m’boy? You can make a fortune breeding domesticated slaves. Flinging her arm away, Elias chortled as Eliza scrambled to her feet, rubbing her sore wrist. Remember how much you paid for Annie? I gave you Eliza as a wedding gift. Imagine how much that gift would’ve cost you otherwise!

Youse a bad man, Mista Wood. We is human, and we do got souls!

The force of Elias’s backhand broke open Eliza’s lip and sent her careening to the floor. Spittle flew from his mouth as he leaped to his feet, swaying where he stood. You filthy animal! How dare you speak to your superiors with such disrespect?

Reason caught Elias’s hand in mid-swing. That’s enough, sir. Eliza is my property now, not yours, and I’d thank you to not damage my property any further.

Elias puffed out his chest in indignation. Humph! Well, I never! Discipline, m’boy! Your slaves need discipline! Yessir, they do!

Perhaps they do, but not from you, Mr. Wood. I’ll thank you to leave my slaves alone or leave my property.

Glowering at Reason’s reprimand, Elias stumbled to the bar to refill his drink. Bending down, Reason helped a shaken Eliza to her feet. It’ll be alright. Go see Hannah, and she’ll get you patched up. When you’re done, you can change and come back down.

Thank you, Massa! Lowering her eyes, she rushed outside to find the resident healer. Reaching the entrance of the healer’s shack, she flung open the door and plowed into a plump, elderly woman.

Lord almighty, child! Where you off to in such a hurry? Noticing Eliza’s bleeding lip, Hannah clucked her tongue. Good gracious, child! What happened to you? Did you go talkin’ back to Massa Downing? You know he ain’t ne’er laid a hand to us, so don’t go givin’ him a reason to start now!

Eliza shook her head and sat across the table from Hannah. No, ma’am! Ain’t nothin’ like that be happenin’. It was my old Massa what done this to me! Eliza relayed the situation between gasps of pain while the healer doctored her lip.

When you gonna learn your place, girl? Hannah scowled as she finished administering first aid. You ain’t to be speakin’ to White folk like that—even Massa Downing. You got a family to care for, and you can’t be doin’ that if you let your mouth run afore your brain. Go on now... you best be gettin’ back afore they send the hounds out for you. She scolded, then gave Eliza a tight hug and handed her a handkerchief.

Thank you, Miss Hannah! Clutching the handkerchief to her lip, Eliza sprinted across the yard, rounded the corner of the estate, and plowed into a muscular man, almost knocking her down.

Whoa there! The man gripped Eliza’s forearms, holding her in place. What’cha doin’ out here at this time of night?

Eliza paled as she dapped her bleeding lip. I got permission to see Miss Hannah, and she fixed me up proper.

The man turned his smoldering eyes on the bloody handkerchief and caressed her lip. Who did this to you? Was it Massa Downing or Miss Lizzy? Ain’t nobody gonna lay a hand to my woman!

Let it be, George. Eliza rested a calming hand on her husband’s chest. It weren’t Massa Downing, but ol’ Mista Wood. And Massa sent me to Miss Hannah, but I gotta change my dress and return to the party.

Alright, but you just watch yourself, you hear? Ol’ Mista Wood ain’t like Massa Downing. He’s got the Devil in him, I reckon.

Giving George a quick kiss, Eliza returned to the estate to find her mistress in the kitchen, tapping her foot. It’s about time you returned! Why are you still wearing that soiled dress? Get changed and get back down here. The party is almost over, and our guests are thirsty!

Yes, Miss Lizzy! Tearing up the servant’s stairwell, She reached the second floor and changed into a new dress. Moments later, the boisterous melody of Auld Lang Syne filled the air as she entered the foyer. I got the drinks, Miss Lizzy!

Her mistress flipped a hand toward the men clustered around the piano. I doubt they’ll even notice, but see if they want any more to drink before they leave.

Crossing the room, Eliza served drinks to the men as they swayed in a drunken stupor. Thank you, darlin'! Reason Downing gulped down his first drink and grabbed another, slapping Eliza’s posterior. Go see to my other guests... there’s a good lass.

Blushing, Eliza carried the tray to Elias Wood, who, despite his drunkenness, eyed her with contempt. You’re still here, are you? Well, give me my drinks and get outta my sight! Averting her eyes, Eliza bit her tongue and proffered the tray of drinks to her former master.

She returned the tray to the kitchen after serving the last guest and stood along the wall. When the final party guest staggered from the house, Eliza breathed a sigh of relief that this night was over, and returned to her room humming Auld Lang Syne while she changed for bed.

As her dress dropped to the floor, the bedroom door opened, and Reason Downing staggered through the doorway. Eliza gasped and quickly snatched her dress from the floor. Massa Downing! I’s changin’ my clothes! A sense of dread filled her heart as her master leered at her nude body.

Reason hiccupped and swayed on his feet as he stumbled against the bedpost. So? This is my house, and you’re my property. I can do whatever I want with my own property.

But Massa, I ain’t decent! An uneasiness settled in the pit of her stomach.

The stench of bourbon filled the air as her master stumbled forward, grabbing Eliza’s bare shoulder for support. You Negroes aren’t decent, clothed or otherwise! You’re no different than a cow or a horse, except you can speak. Elias was right... Negroes are sub-human descendants of Cain condemned by God to serve decent, God-fearing White people.

Reason twisted Eliza’s forearm behind her back, causing her to cry out. The Bible says God gave men dominion over all the wild beasts that walk the Earth, which includes Negroes.

She writhed to free herself from Reason’s grasp. Massa, you ain’t in your right mind! Youse drunk! Your room be down the hall. She reached for the door, but Reason jerked her arm backward, causing her to drop the dress to the floor. Tears stung her eyes as her master’s fingernails dug into her arm. Then panic rose within her as her master’s intentions became clear.

Don’t you turn away from me! Reason pinched Eliza’s cheeks together, eying her body with lustful intent. I’m not finished with you yet!

Tears streamed down her cheeks as an unstoppable flood of emotions washed over her. Raising her voice, Eliza retrieved her dress to cover herself. Please, Massa! Have mercy! I ain’t done nothin’ wrong!

His tone softened as he stroked the side of her face. Don’t resist, and you won’t get hurt. You’re my property, and you’re gonna obey my commands! Then he ripped the dress from Eliza’s hands, leaving her shivering and sobbing. Now, are you ready to make more property for me?

Screaming, Eliza bolted for the door but received a blow to the back of her head, causing her to pitch forward into the dresser. When she awoke at dawn, the stench of hay and manure assaulted her nostrils. She peered into the darkness but found one eye swollen shut.

Eliza’s frail voice shook as she called for her husband. Hello? George? Pulling herself to her feet, she cupped her hands to her mouth. George! Where you at! Her body ached all over.

Heavy footsteps echoed through the yard moments before the barn door swung open. There you is! I’s been lookin’ all over... George’s voice trailed off as he took in her bloodied lip, torn dress, and swollen eye. His eyes flashed, and his nostrils flared as he shook with rage. Who did this to you? They gonna pay! Was it Mista Wood?

Eliza buried her face in her hands and sobbed, shaking her head. Massa... it was Massa Downing what done this to me. He weren’t in his right mind! The Devil took hold of him.

George’s mouth hung open. Massa Downing, done this to you? He ain’t ne’er laid a hand on us, sober or otherwise! He wrapped his arms around Eliza and pulled her to him as she sobbed. Don’t worry, none. He’s gonna answer for what he done, and if the law don’t make him pay, I will.

She gasped and pulled herself free. No, George! Don’t go doin’ nothin’ stupid. You’d be whipped or lynched for sure!

He gripped her shoulders and lifted Eliza’s chin to find her eyes. I’d fight the Devil himself to protect you.

Wrapping an arm around his neck, she pressed her lips against his. I know you would, but our children need a daddy too. Massa Downing was drunk, and I don’t want you hurt on my account!

Eliza!

George turned to face the estate and shook his head. You best be gettin’ back to Miss Lizzy right away! I can hear her yellin’ for you across the yard.

Kissing her husband once more, she raced from the barn, picking straw from her hair as she ran. Chest heaving, she opened the back door and washed up at the sink as the kitchen door opened. There you are! I’ve been calling for you! Lizzy paused and clucked her tongue in disgust. Where the blazes have you been, anyway? Rolling with the pigs? Go upstairs and get some fresh clothes on before you serve break...

Lizzy gasped as Eliza turned to face her. Good Lord! What happened to you? Were you attacked?

Eliza nodded and lowered her eyes, but remained silent.

You were? Who attacked you? Was it one of the party guests? Lizzy’s temper flared as Eliza shook her head in silence. Speak, girl! Who was it? Someone had to attack you! Was it one of the slaves?

Again, Eliza shook her head, not daring herself to speak. Lizzy marched across the kitchen and shook her by the shoulders. I demand you answer me! Tell me the truth! Who attacked you?

It was Massa... Eliza’s voice broke, then a tear rolled down her bruised and swollen cheek. It was Massa Downing, Miss Lizzy. He was drinkin’, and Mista Wood told him...

Eliza’s head snapped to the side from the force of Lizzy’s hard slap across her face, splitting open her lip a second time. You filthy whore! How dare you stand there and accuse my husband of attacking you? He’s been nothing but decent and respectful to the whole lot of you. How can you repay his kindness by besmirching his good name? My husband is a good, Christian man. He’d never sully himself by mating with an animal. It’s unseemly and goes against nature itself.

But Miss Lizzy, I ain’t lyin’ ‘bout what happened! Ol’ Mista Wood poisoned Massa Downing’s mind with money. He want Massa to breed new slaves. He done put the Devil in him, I tell you! Another stinging slap brought Eliza to tears, and she stopped speaking at once.

Mistress Downing stood fuming, her chest heaving with rage. When she spoke, her voice was low and cold. Get out... go live in the slave shacks until I figure out what to do with you and send Annie to take over your duties. I won’t have you spreading any more lies about my husband. She pointed to the back door, her face reddening with the effort to control her temper. Go! Get out of my sight!

Bolting out the back door, Eliza tore across the yard to the shacks to find Annie hanging laundry on the clothesline. Quick, Annie! Miss Lizzy needs you to take over for me in the house.

Oh, Eliza! Your poor face! What happened to you?

Eliza brushed aside her question, pointing back to the house. Don’t be worryin’ ‘bout me. Just be gettin’ back to Miss Lizzy afore she puts us both in chains!

Annie’s face paled, and she nodded, handing a bedsheet to Eliza. Just the pigs and chickens left after the sheets. Biting her lip, Annie raced back to the estate, leaving Eliza to finish her chores.

The winter sun warmed the air as Eliza lost herself in the monotony of her work. Minutes later, a resonating crack echoed in the distance, and a piercing scream filled the air. Dropping the laundry in the basket, Eliza rushed toward the estate to find a throng of people gathering at the front porch. Not wasting any time, Eliza tore across the yard as Annie exited the back door.

Grabbing Eliza’s hand, Annie pulled her back into the kitchen. You best be gettin’ to the sittin’ room! You gotta stop George afore he gets himself killed.

Eliza’s eyes bulged as she ripped through the house to the sitting room. She opened the door to find Lizzy applying pressure to her husband’s bleeding shoulder and George standing over them with a gun. Go on now, Miss Lizzy. Move out the way... ain’t no one else need to die today except Massa Downing!

CHAPTER TWO

John! Isaac! Grab your guns!

Now I wish you ain’t gone and done that, Miss Lizzy. Now I gotta shoot ‘em boys dead too!

Lizzy pressed Reason’s hand against his wounded shoulder and stood to her full height, moving in front of the gun. If you’re such a cold-blooded killer, why not shoot a defenseless woman?

George shook his head but did not lower the gun. Move out the way, Miss Lizzy. I don’t aim to shoot you, but I will if you makes me do it.

Leave my mother alone, you filthy animal! John Downing grabbed Eliza in a chokehold and dragged her into the sitting room. At the same time, his brother, Isaac, tended to his father’s wounded shoulder. Drop the gun, George. If you shoot anyone else, Eliza dies as well!

George! Stop! This ain’t no way to be gettin’ justice!

John roared with mock disdain. Justice? How is this Negro justified in shooting my father? He’s treated all you animals with right proper respect. Grandpa Ellis always warned us the Negroes would turn on us, and now one of them has!

You know nothin’, boy! George glowered at John Downing but refused to lower his gun. Your father attacked and violated Eliza last night, and he gonna pay!

That’s a damnable lie! Lizzy’s temper flared with the renewed aspersions on her husband’s character. He’d never do such a thing, especially with a Negro whore!

The back of George’s pistol cracked against Lizzy’s cheek, knocking her to the floor. Shut your mouth, Miss Lizzy! Eliza ain’t no whore!

John Downing cocked the hammer of his pistol, pressing the muzzle against Eliza’s temple. Drop it, you filthy Negro, or I swear I’ll spill her brains on the floor!

George... Eliza’s strangled gasp brought her husband up short, causing him to lower his gun.

Enough! Reason Downing’s voice rose above the din of chaos. Isaac, get George’s gun. John, let Eliza go. You’re damaging my property! Help your mother once Isaac disarms George.

George glared at the gathered Downing family before lowering his eyes and handing the gun to Isaac. Accepting the weapon, Isaac backhanded George with the pistol and spat on the floor. That’s for my mother!

Isaac! Not in the face! George is my property, too, and I’d thank you not to damage his value. He’s worth more unspoiled. Reason winced as he rose to his feet, clutching his bleeding shoulder. To be honest, I don’t recall the events of last night with absolute clarity.

Lizzy gasped and clutched her chest. No! It can’t be true! You’d never do such a thing! How could you even consider it?

John wrinkled his nose in disgust, glaring at Eliza as she tended to George’s bruised cheek. If anything, she took advantage of your inebriated condition, and George roughed her up when he found out.

Either way, we can’t have slaves entering our house and shooting us! Something has to be done, Reason! Lizzy took her husband’s free hand in hers, holding it to her chest. I love you, and I don’t believe any of these awful accusations against you.

Reason mulled over the situation, casting his attention back to his family. You’re right, dear... we can’t let George’s actions go unpunished. Your father was right... I’m too soft on my slaves and they don’t show me proper respect. If I don’t make an example of him, then the other slaves may get the notion they can go around shooting decent White folk too.

Snatching the pistol from Isaac’s hand, Reason held it to the light for careful examination. Where’d you steal such a fine weapon? I’m not missing any pistols, and I know no one would ever sell a gun to a Negro. You must’ve snagged it from one of our guests!

Turning the flintlock pistol over in his hand, Reason ran his fingers across a set of initials engraved in the grip. I recognize those initials! Elias A. Wood! George? Did you steal this gun from Eli?

George glared up at Reason with cold hatred. So what if I did? He ain’t gonna be usin’ it anytime soon.

Lizzy stifled a gasp, but John pointed his gun at George’s head and cocked the hammer. What did you do to Mr. Wood? He’s a good friend of our family!

John, I’m not going to tell you again! Put the pistol away and don’t shoot my slave. Reason winced as the slug in his shoulder sent a shooting pain down his arm. Take him out to the whipping post and have him flogged. I never thought I’d have to use that thing, but Uncle Isaac was right, as usual.

John glowered at his father but stowed his weapon and leaned toward George. You should be glad you aren’t my slave, or I’d have shot you dead. It’s well within the law for assaulting a White man. Spinning George around, John marched him through the back door.

Lizzy took her husband by the hand and led him to the sofa to lay down. Isaac, secure this lying whore to the woodshed until I figure out what to do with her.

Two teenage girls poked their heads around the corner, but Lizzy caught their movement before they could retreat. Nancy! Sarah! Don’t dawdle! Fetch my medical bag, towels, and a basin of hot water!

Isaac led Eliza to the back door and pushed her out into the yard, causing her to fall to her hands and knees on the stone terrace. His lips curled into a sneer as he grabbed a fistful of Eliza’s hair, and pulled her to her feet. Did that hurt? I surely hope so, for all the trouble you’ve caused! My father could’ve died because of you and your damnable lies.

They ain’t lies! I done told you the truth. Ol’ Mista Wood poisoned Massa Downing’s mind. That be why he attacked me! He weren’t in his right mind! Tears streamed down Eliza’s cheeks. I ain’t no liar, and I ain’t no whore! You oughta know better! I helped raise you!

Isaac ignored Eliza as they passed the whipping post where George’s limp body hung from the shackles. Twenty-One. Crack. Twenty-Two. Crack. The only sign of life came from George arching his back as the leather braid struck his raw skin.

Noticing Isaac and Eliza pass, John paused his flogging to dip a tin cup into a bucket of saltwater. You’re just in time, brother. George, here, needs some water. Taking the cup of saltwater to George, John lowered his voice to a whisper. Grandpa Ellis taught me this trick before he died. You’re gonna wish I’d shot you. It would’ve been less painful.

Grabbing Eliza by the forearm, Isaac forced her forward to the woodshed and secured her to the side with a full view of the whipping post. Now, you can see the fruits of your salacious lies!

As the water ran down George’s back, his scream of agony echoed across the farm, causing the others to cringe and work harder. John chortled as George strained against his shackles. Saltwater... it does wonders to keep the slaves from passing out during a flogging.

Eliza strained against her shackles. Youse a bad man like ol’ Mista Wood!

John laughed, feigning indignation. Me? A bad man? I’m not an attempted murderer or a lying whore! Get her out of here!

Tears streamed down her face as she begged for mercy. Please, Mista Isaac. You gotta believe me! Massa Downing violated me to make house slaves to sell like ol’ Mista Wood.

Tapping his chin, Isaac considered her words. Mr. Wood indeed has a booming business of selling house slaves, but that doesn’t mean he breeds them.

It’s true! That’s how I was born. Ol’ Mista Wood violated my momma and gave me to Massa Downing as a wedding gift, but it ne’er cost him nothin’.

Isaac raised an eyebrow at this revelation. So, you’re the offspring of Mr. Wood, and you’re saying he convinced my father to do the same thing? You’re right... you’ve never lied to us before but you’re destroying our father’s good name, regardless of your intentions.

She bobbed her head as George’s cries of agony rent the air. It be the gospel truth! I swear it!

Well, if what you say about my father is true, any child he sires would have my blood running in its veins. How revolting! Clenching his fist, Isaac punched Eliza in the lower abdomen, causing her to double over in pain. Hopefully, if my father never has any house slave babies to sell, he’ll forget the entire notion. Thank you for letting me know! Turning his back on her, Isaac strode back to the house without a second glance.

When Eliza opened her eyes again, a crackling fire met her gaze. She propped herself to a sitting position and rubbed a hand along her bruised abdomen. Hello? Miss Hannah?

Come to the next room, dear!

Leaning against a chair, Eliza stood and hobbled into the kitchen to find George sprawled across the kitchen table. The visible skin on his back was raw and oozing blood. I’m glad you’re here. That Mista John whipped poor George within an inch of his life. I’m makin’ these herbal compresses to seal the skin and promote healin’. Help me apply ‘em to his back so he can rest in peace.

They spent the subsequent hour making and applying herbal healing strips to George’s back. When they finished, Hannah called out to four strong men working along the fencerow. Come and help me move him to the common room!

In an instant, the four men raced from their worksite to help. Each person supported one of George’s limbs and carried him to the common room, depositing his limp body on the rug by the fire. How long will he be sleepin’, Miss Hannah?

Only the Lord knows, child. Hannah stroked George’s cheek with a mother’s care. Don’t be worryin’ ‘bout George, now. You need to look after ‘em children of yours.

Reaching into her apron pocket, the healer withdrew a small bundle and pressed it into Eliza’s hands. It ain’t much, but at least Josiah and Keziah won’t go to bed hungry.

Thank you, Miss Hannah! I ain’t got no clue what we’d do without you! Giving her a quick hug of gratitude, she stepped out into the chilled evening air and shivered. Eliza hastened from Hannah’s quarters to her own shack nestled within the community of barracoons. Children! Momma’s home!

Josiah and Keziah leaped from their beds and raced to embrace her in a fierce hug. We thought you was dead like daddy!

Now, Josiah! Don’t be scarin’ your sister like that! Your daddy be just fine! He be restin’ at Miss Hannah’s for a few nights, but he gonna be back.

But we saw Mista John whippin’ daddy! He even told us daddy was dead and then laughed!

Eliza fumed at John Downing’s abhorrent actions but kept calm for her children’s sake. Don’t be listenin’ to Mista John’s lies ‘bout your daddy. He was only tryin’ to upset you. I promise you, daddy’s gonna be fine. Look! Miss Hannah gave us some bread to eat!

Thank you, Momma! Keziah threw her arms around Eliza’s neck and kissed her mother’s cheek. We knew you’d come back!

Of course, I’ll come back for you! You’re my joy and sunshine! She wrapped the children in her arms while they ate their meager portion of bread. Her stomach growled, but she ignored it. After dinner, Eliza guided the children back to their beds and covered them with their threadbare blankets.

Will you pray with us, Momma?

Of course, I will, Josiah! Now... bow your heads, both of you. When the children bowed their heads and closed their eyes, Eliza led them in a bedtime prayer. God is good, and I have every assurance that he will bless and keep you, who I love most dearly, and bring you back to me. Amen.

The days blurred as Eliza adjusted to Annie’s work schedule. At dawn, she woke to feed the chickens, milk the cows and slop the hogs. After completing her morning chores, she set about washing and mending clothes for the entire Downing family, including their eleven children.

Several people greeted her as they made their way to the woods to cut fresh timber. How you doin’, Miss Eliza?

God blessed me with another day, Bill. Stay safe! She waved to the others as they passed, but jumped when a set of muscular arms wrapped around her waist.

I hope you saved some of ‘em blessings for me.

Eliza turned and squealed with delight to find George grinning back at her. Miss Hannah done a good job. I can twist and turn without breaking open my skin, so I expect they’ll put me back on the work crew.

How’d she heal you so fast? It’s only been... it’s been... Eliza stopped to count the days. How many days has it been since Mista John whipped you? Life’s been a blur since you was hurt. It’s all my fault! I shoulda kept my mouth shut like Miss Hannah said.

No! This ain’t your fault! George pulled her in close to him. I’m the one who shot ol’ Mista Wood with his own gun. Put a ball in his shoulder like what I done to Massa Downing. I weren’t aimin’ to kill him, just make him suffer for what he done.

Eliza wrapped her arms around George and pulled him close to her. I love you, but you gotta quit shootin’ White folk, or they gonna lynch you! Think ‘bout the children! They were beside ‘emselves with grief when Mista John told ‘em he’d killed you.

George’s face filled with rage at the lie. He told ‘em that, did he? Maybe he’d like a taste of what his daddy got!

No! Eliza pressed George’s cheeks between her hands. Now you listen to me, Mr. Harris! Your darlins love you, and it ain’t gonna do ‘em no good to watch you die.

We can’t just sit ’round and take it, Eliza! It ain’t right!

I know, George! I know... I had a dream the other night that we was free and livin’ on our own. It was a good dream, and I believe it’ll happen. Slaves escape to Canada every day, and if we wait for the right moment, maybe we can escape with ‘em. Eliza’s pleading eyes focused on George until he returned her gaze. "I don’t wanna go on without you, so don’t be makin’ me a widow anytime