Tennessee, 1862. Fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Edwards hates her personal slave, Anna. Elizabeth has never given much thought to the plight of the slaves on her father's plantation; instead, she focuses on pretty dresses and horses, and dreams of the young man she wants to marry. But Elizabeth's world collapses when she is told she must marry her cousin to keep the plantation in the family. Elizabeth takes out her anger on Anna, who finally snaps and reveals that Elizabeth and she have the same father. Anna is brutally whipped the next day, and Elizabeth is horrified. When she tries to confide in her mother, she finds her secretly kissing Elizabeth's tutor. Elizabeth now feels she has nothing and nobody. She changes her attitude about Anna and asks her to run away with her. They are overheard by two stable hands, Fred and Sam, who have heard of a safe house on the Underground Railroad. The four of them set off, planning to reach Canada. Will they all make it to Canada alive? Does Anna truly forgive Elizabeth, or is she just using her? Is it possible to find love on the run?

Plantation Children

“I’m sorry,Anna.This is my fault.”


She looks back down at the ground,her eyebrows furrowed.“The fault is mine.I shouldn’t have reacted to you like that.I’m used to you…acting like you do.Why did I have to fall for it?If I hadn’t lost my temper,she’d still be alive.”With that,her sobs continue.


I can think of no other alternative than to stay on the dry,packed-down earth in front of the hut where Hannah died,sitting with Anna,hoping to ease her pain.I know she hates me too much to accept that I’m here,but what else can I do?The rest of my life is one large void.I can’t go back to my house.I can’t confide in Henry.I wonder why my mama said I have a choice.


Finally Anna raises her head again.“I thought you wanted to be rid of me.Now you are the one who won’t leave.”


Chapter 16