Chapter 15 Part III

The Risks of Facing an Angel

(Links to Part I, Part II)

Only one person could forgive him, and Jude knew that would never happen. 

“You are such an admirable man, Jude, so strong and rigorous,” Eliza suddenly spoke. “I can see how my words must embarrass you. Papa is impressed by your abilities to never fear what needs to be done.”

She looked at him. “Find out what happened in Baltimore. Free Matthew Swann. If I am allowed the rights of a fiancé to set you forth on a mission to win my hand, let this be it.” She took his hands again and held them against her cheeks. She looked into his eyes and smiled, calm and demure. “You may not have a white stallion or a sword, but I have confidence in you, Mr. Royer.” 

He almost swore. 

The failures of partisan politics in the 1840s and 50s meant Jude didn’t bother to read Lincoln’s Cooper Union Address for most of the journey to Baltimore, despite being vaguely aware that it transformed Lincoln from a regional Illinois politician into a national figure and solidified his candidacy as the Republican front-runner. His headache, encouraged by the jerking train carriage and constant coal smoke, attacked him for most of the journey.  

But because of his begrudging promise to Eliza Angell, he finally did open the pamphlet.  

When he finished reading, he could do nothing except stare at the rainy countryside, grappling with a single man’s brilliance.