“Is something else troubling you?” I asked.
His large dark eyes met mine, but they were afraid. His chin wobbled as he held back tears. “What if they come looking for me? What if they take me again?” he whispered, as though afraid the words might give substance to his fear.
I was jolted by his words. Over the years he had won me over with his open and loving nature, but until this moment I had felt our lives had little in common. Now I recognized his terror and thought of how mine had wrongly affected so many of my choices. I would not let that happen to Pan. He would know security and love, regardless of the opinions of society.
I took some time to think it through before I spoke. “Pan,” I said, “I have a question for you.”
He took a deep quivering breath before he looked at me. “What, Mr. Burton?”
“I know that your father was unable to give you a last name because he did not have one of his own,” I said.
“That’s ’cause he was a slave,” he said defensively.
“I know, Pan. But I was wondering, if I were to adopt you, would you consider taking mine?”
“What do you mean?” he asked.
“When you were stolen, I had no legal rights to you, but if I adopt you, no one can ever take you again. Your name would be Pan Burton.”
Pan was silent for a long while before he responded. “You mean you would take me for your own boy?”
“Yes, that is what I mean.”
“But I have a daddy.”
“And Henry will always be your father. He was a brave and good man, and my hope would be that one day you will be just like him.”
“But you are living white. How can you have a black chil’?”
I looked over to Robert for help. “I don’t know yet, but we’ll manage,” I said.
“How you gonna do that?” Pan asked.
“By overcoming one obstacle at a time,” Robert offered.
“What is a obstacle?” Pan asked.
“A difficulty—like a rock on a path that one must step around or over,” Robert interpreted.
“How about lifting it out of the way?” Pan asked.
Robert smiled when he nodded in agreement. “That, too, Pan. That, too.”
Pan glanced at Kitty resting peacefully in the arms of the nurse. “What about Kitty? Can she have your name, too, so they can never take her away?”
“What do you think, Robert?” I asked. “Can we do it? It will be quite a task to manage a household with three children.”
“It will be a happy home,” Robert said.
That thought silenced us, and we all sat back in quiet contemplation, each no doubt mulling over his own concerns, until Pan spoke again. “Mr. Burton?”
“Yes, Pan?”
“I can’t stop thinking about what’s gonna happen to any others who get took, like Randall and me. What about the runners who come through and got to get away? If Sukey isn’t there, who’s going to help them get out?”
This time I had no answer. Until now, consumed by my own troubles, I had given little thought but to my own circumstances. As I considered Pan’s words, I thought again of what might have happened to the two of us if so many others had not risked their own lives. I remembered everyone: Sukey and her man at Southwood, then the Spencers and the Quaker family, and finally, Willie and Peg and all those who helped us through the canal. Surely, given my release and fortunate circumstances, I might take some responsibility.
“Pan,” I said. “Do you know who can help?”
He shook his head.
“I will,” I said.
“What can you do?” he asked.
“I don’t know yet. This is new to me. But to begin with, as soon as we get home, I will write to Mr. Spencer to ask how I might be of assistance.”
“You’re not just sayin’ that?”
“No, Pan. You have my word.” When I met his eyes, I saw what appeared to be a glimmer of his former self.
“Can I help, too?”
“First, Pan, you must get an education. And Robert and I will need your help in raising the girls. But when you are grown, if you still choose, we might work on this together.” He studied me with such fervor that I laughed. “Come here,” I said to him, and dismissing all my usual inhibitions, I pulled him under my arm. How good it felt to embrace this brave boy.
“Mr. Burton,” came Pan’s muffled voice.
“Yes, Pan?”
“I’m glad we’re going home.”
I held him closer still. “So am I, Pan,” I said. “So am I!”
AUTHOR’S NOTE
THOUGH THIS is a work of fiction, for readers familiar with the history of Philadelphia, I am aware that over this time period the Peale Museum made a transition to Baltimore. However, in the interest of this story, I kept it in Philadelphia.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Rebecca Gradinger—I cannot express how grateful I am for all of your tireless efforts. Your belief in my work inspired me to my best self.
My gratitude extends as well to everyone at Fletcher and Company, in particular to Melissa Chinchillo, Grainne Fox, and Rachel Crawford for their many successful efforts on my behalf.
Trish Todd, your insight is, as it was before, a benediction. Beth Thomas, how fortunate I am to have you with me a second time.
I thank my faithful first readers who didn’t stop at the first go-round: Charles Grissom, Eleanor Dolan, Diane Eckert, Carlene Baime, Bob Baime, Judy Chisholm, Ann Kwan, Leah Weiss, Teresa Morrow, and Reginald Brown. Your careful consideration and suggestions were exactly what I needed.
While I was researching the Great Dismal Swamp, two wonderful people came forward to help. Penny Leary, retired director of the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, and George Ramsey, Southeast Representative for the Virginia Canals and Navigation Society, both provided, again and again, the detailed information that I sought. As well, they arranged a boat tour with Robert Peek, lock keeper and bridge tender, and the day we spent exploring the mysteries and waterways of the forbidding but fiercely spectacular Great Dismal Swamp is one I shall not forget. For those interested, Robert Peek offers boat tours to the public; you will find him at www.greatdismaladventures.com.
Pin-feather painting might be a lost art, but for Colin Woolf. To learn more about his amazing work, go to www.wildart.co.uk.
My research took me from libraries in Philadelphia to historical sites in Louisiana, and though they are too numerous to list here, I am indebted to all.
There were times when, in the writing of this story, I questioned my ability, but the doubt did not live long, for I was graced with the support of my lifelong friend Carlene and my dear daughter, Erin. Though they both know what they are to me, I thank them again.
Finally, I remember Lisbeth Walker, a dear friend who recently went before me. Her final message was one of gratitude, and it is in her memory that I list these many blessings.
Simon & Schuster Reading Group Guide Glory over Everything By Kathleen Grissom This reading group guide for Glory over Everything includes an introduction, discussion questions, ideas for enhancing your book club, and a Q&A with author Kathleen Grissom. The suggested questions are intended to help your reading group find new and interesting angles and topics for your discussion. We hope that these ideas will enrich your conversation and increase your enjoyment of the book.
Introduction