Freedom Bound by Jean Rae Baxter Page A

“I
wasn’t there. A mutual friend came to tell me what happened. He said half a dozen men followed Nick from the
slave market. They grabbed him right after he left the
lawyer’s office. Then they tied his hands behind his back and
marched him north along King Street. That’s all I know.”
    â€œWhere do you think they took him?”
    â€œIt depends who they are. I suspect somebody from the
backcountry recognized Nick as the planter’s son who
turned out to be a spy. If I’m right, I think they’ll take him
to the swamp for questioning. There are bands of rebels
operating in the swamp.”
    â€œTwo men were watching Nick at the slave auction. He
said they were Over Mountain men, and he thought they
recognized him. Yes. That makes sense.”
    She didn’t need to ask what fate awaited Nick when their
questioning was done. Her voice trembled. “What will
Southern Command do about it?”
    â€œNothing. Spies are on their own.”
    â€œBut Nick serves with Southern Command.”
    â€œHe’s with the Civilian Department. Rules protecting
prisoners of war don’t apply to him.”
    He reached out for her hand. But she drew back so that
he would not discover how she trembled. “I’m sorry to bringyou such bad news.” He hesitated. “My regiment has been
ordered to the backcountry. I leave in two days to join the
defence of Fort Ninety-Six. Before I go, is there anything I
can do for you?”
    â€œI don’t think so.”
    â€œThen I’ll take my leave.”
    He turned away, but before he had taken two steps, she
called out, “Just a minute, Captain Braemar. There is something you can do.”
    â€œYes, ma’am?”
    â€œDo you know which lawyer Nick went to?”
    â€œJoshua Ward. I recommended him to Nick. He’s our
family solicitor.”
    She kept her voice steady. “When the deed giving Phoebe
her freedom has been prepared, will you pick it up for me?”
    â€œI’m not sure he can release it. Nick may have to sign it
first. But I’ll ask.”
    â€œThank you. You’re a true friend to Nick.” She bowed.
“Captain Braemar, if you’re able to obtain the deed of manumission, please give it to Phoebe if I’m not here.”
    â€œDo you plan to be away?”
    Swallowing hard, she said, “I think I must.”

Chapter 16

    AS LONG AS Captain Braemar was present, Charlotte managed to keep up a show of fortitude. But the moment the
door closed behind him, she let herself go. One hand covering her face, she groped her way to the settle and dropped.
Overcome, she put her head down on her knees and burst
into tears.
    Mrs. Doughty came to her, sat beside her on the settle, and
took her hand. “Poor girl, poor girl!” She stroked Charlotte’s
hand. “We must pray for Nick. That’s all we can do.”
    Charlotte raised her head. “Why does God allow things
like this to happen?”
    â€œThese matters are beyond our understanding. WhenCaleb was taken from me, I asked why God allowed such
wickedness. I was overcome with grief and bitterness. But I
knew there would be no peace for me until I accepted that
this was part of God’s plan.”
    Phoebe was crying too, crying and mumbling, “It’s because of me. This happened because of me.”
    Charlotte pulled herself together. “No, Phoebe. It’s not
because of you. You must not blame yourself. This happened because Nick was a spy in the backcountry, and two
men at the auction recognized him.”
    â€œHe would never have gone to that auction except for me,”
Phoebe said between sobs. “If he hadn’t been there, those
two men wouldn’t have seen him.”
    â€œIf they hadn’t seen him at the auction, they might have
seen him someplace else,” Charlotte replied.
    â€œWe must pray for Nick. That’s all we can do,” Mrs.
Doughty said again.
    Mrs.