Glimmers of Change by Ginny Dye Read Free Book Online Page A

cracked. “What can we do?”
    “We continue to fight for equality,” Abby said firmly. She lifted Rose’s tear-stained face so she could gaze into her eyes. “We continue to fight for the rights of every living being. We continue to fight for ourselves, for our children, and for the generations that will come.” She smiled slightly. “It’s either that or roll over and let them have their way.”
    Matthew watched as the spark reignited in Rose’s eyes.
    “Only over my dead body,” she murmured as she straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin.
    “There are plenty of Republicans in Congress who are going to fight this,” Matthew said encouragingly. “It’s going to take some time, but I don’t think they will allow this to continue.”
    “Can they stop it soon?” Jeremy asked keenly.
    Matthew hesitated. “President Johnson’s policies have picked up a lot of momentum,” he responded honestly. “It’s going to take some time to turn them around.”
    “Is there enough Republican support in Congress now to block President Johnson?” Abby asked sharply. “I can’t believe I even have to ask that question, but I’ve been so focused on the factory that I no longer know the answer.”
    “I don’t know,” Matthew said honestly. “It may have to get worse before it gets better. There are Republicans who want equality for the blacks, but they are worn out from the years of war. They want to believe things will get better if they let the South figure things out.”
    “ That’s working well,” Carrie interjected sarcastically.
    “Then there are the Republicans who are livid with Johnson,” Matthew continued. “They refuse to let the years of war be for nothing. They will fight him with everything they have and work to convince everyone else to join them.”
    “Politics…” Jeremy muttered. “It was the politicians who allowed slavery and got us into the war in the first place.”
    “Yes,” Matthew agreed. “But it’s the only system we have to create change. Against all odds, it was politicians who declared emancipation for the slaves. They created the Freedmen’s Bureau. I have to believe they will see it through.” His voice grew stronger. “ We have to believe they will see it through. And we have to do everything we can to help make it happen.”
    Abby focused her clear gaze on him. “You have a plan.”
    Matthew smiled slightly. “Let’s just say I’m going to make sure everyone in the North knows what is really happening down here. I’m not going to let it slip to the back of their minds. In addition to writing the book I’ve been commissioned to write, I’ve been offered the opportunity to write a column for the major newspapers in the North. I said yes.”
    “That’s wonderful!” Abby cried.
    “It will give me a platform to let people know what is really happening,” Matthew said firmly.
    “And in the meantime?” Jeremy asked.
    “In the meantime, everyone has to be careful,” Matthew replied reluctantly. “We’re all in danger. We need to be aware, and we need to be careful.”
    “Will that do any good?” Moses asked bitterly, almost as if he didn’t expect an answer.
    Matthew gave him one anyway. “In spite of the threats this morning, you are safest here on the plantation. Even though Thomas will be in Richmond, Cromwell Plantation is well-respected. I believe anyone will think twice before they come here. I’m sure it doesn’t hurt either that everyone in the area knows the entire work force served as soldiers who saw battle. They may hate you more for it, but they aren’t going to want to come under your fire.”
    “So the fight continues,” Moses said wearily. Then he straightened his shoulders. “It’s not like I didn’t know it would. I guess I just hoped for a longer respite,” he said ruefully.
    “We’ll take care of our own,” Simon vowed.
    “We’ll be ready,” Gabe said gravely.
    “And I’ll stand with you,” Robert said.