The Courageous Brides Collection by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781634098724
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2016-10-20T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Six

Surrounded by many familiar faces at church on Sunday, Elinor thanked God for the people He’d brought into her life over the past week. She hoped to find some antislavery neighbors in Cynthiana when she returned.

As the congregation stood for the scripture reading, she listened to the minister recite a verse from Psalm 31: “Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.”

She’d always been safe, surrounded by parents, neighbors, and slaves who loved her. Had she let her easy life keep her from developing the courage God promised those who hoped in Him? God, please forgive me for my timidity. Grow me in Your courage, strengthen my heart, and use me to serve You and others. In the name of Jesus, amen. These thoughts echoed through the days before her return.

On Monday, she went shopping to find presents for her parents and enjoyed a last visit with Elizabeth Key. She spent the whole day with Aunt Charlotte on Tuesday, including attending the abolitionist meeting. Afterward, she returned home to pack then enjoy her final meal in Washington.

“Aunt Charlotte, I can’t tell you what a delight this visit has been. I’ve had my eyes opened to the evils of slavery, and met so many like-minded women who are working for the slaves’ freedom. It’s amazing there are only twenty slaves here out of over four hundred residents. In Harrison County we have more slaves than owners.”

“Yes, Washington is a special place where people are open-minded, a fact that surprised me when I moved here with Jackson. I love the exchange of ideas and the care we show one another.”

“I’m praying I can find some people in Cynthiana who feel the same way.”

“I will add my prayers to yours. How do you think your parents will feel about it?”

“They might understand. But I’m compelled to do it either way, because I have to stand up for what I believe.”

“I hope you will proceed slowly and with respect for your parents. I would love to have you here again, but not too soon.” She chuckled.

“Thanks for the reminder. I’ll write more often. Why don’t you come for a visit?” Elinor clapped her hands. “I invited Elizabeth to visit soon. Why don’t you accompany her?”

“A lovely idea. I’ll speak with her the next time we get together.” Her aunt squinted and studied Elinor. “You don’t have to answer, but I wondered if a young gentleman could be the reason your parents sent you here?”

Elinor’s face warmed. “It is. Some gossipy neighbors saw him stop me from a fall and embellished the scene, but Mother took their word over mine.”

“I see. But don’t you believe your parents love you and have your best interests at heart?”

“Usually, but they try to restrict my life—who I can see, where I can go, and always insist I be chaperoned outside the house.”

Aunt Charlotte smiled. “I remember those days, too, my dear, but now I know my parents did want what was best for me.

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