January 19, 1843

Kate doesn’t want to join our Abolitionist Society! She told me on our walk home from school that her father said as newcomers in this country, their family should accept America for what it is, and realize that different states have different customs. He said the North should mind its own business, and we should, too—what do we know of slavery, anyhow, and what could we do about it from up here in Vermont? I felt confused. His ideas are so different than Father’s. Then I said, “Kate, do you think he’ll even need to know what we’re talking about at recess at school?” Kate stared at me and said, “Of course I need to listen to Father.”

I feel torn—part of me thinks Kate isn’t joining just so she isn’t a part of Callie’s group. Does she really believe we should accept slavery? And it feels so wrong to be joining a club without Kate. We’ve always done everything together. But Father said standing up against slavery is the right thing to do, and I think he’s right. Besides, even though Callie’s a bit of a snob, with all her airs, I’m curious to know more about Boston. Will Kate get over everything if I join Callie’s society?

from The Spare Room by Jenny Land (Voyage/Brigantine Media)