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 can’t believe I’m thinking about such things at a time like this.For the first time since our escape,I think of Henry.I wonder if he’s worried about me,or if he’s given up.I can’t separate my best friend from the one who is supposed to marry me.I’d rather run away with slaves than marry my own cousin.And my pa,the man I fairly worshiped.He’s nothing but a rapist and a murderer.My mother is a drunk.She did finally try to get me to leave with her,but I’m sure she’s already been tracked down and punished accordingly.


“I keep thinking about my mother,”Anna says softly.“I keep thinking how worried about me she must be.Sometimes I consider going back to the plantation to be with her.I forget she’s gone.”


“And now we’ve lost Sam and Fred,”I add.“Sometimes it seems our troubles will never end,even if we do make it to Canada.”


Chapter 33