You can add your comments/suggestions on this work at the bottom of this page…

Chapter Sixteen

Early May… 1679

Two days later, as the early morning sun was just rising over the scrub pines, John helped Rebekah to mount Pacer. He handed her the satchel of medicinals she hoped to trade at the general store.
“We should take the shore road this morning,” John suggested. “I think the view of the harbor along that path is one of the prettiest in the village, and with a bit of luck, we might chance to meet Captain Crocker on our way. I can introduce you. What do you say, Bekah?”
“I think it a very fine idea.” Rebekah smiled and turned the horse in the direction of the shore path. It was a little over four miles to the village and alone John would have made the trip in short order, but with his pregnant wife on Pacer, John did not rush. The number of shops and houses increased as they drew nearer the village center. As they approached the harbor John pointed out a two-masted schooner docked at the end of the longest pier.
“That’s the “Liberty,” Crocker’s largest schooner, just back from the Islands.
Rebekah could see sailors on board, unloading cargo, handing it off to a large group of workers waiting. She watched as the men strained to move the heavy barrels up and out of the ship’s hold, to the waiting wagons that lined the shoreline. As she rode closer, she could clearly hear the rhythmic chant of the dockworkers as they unloaded sacks, crates, and barrels of merchandise.
“What are they unloading, John?” she asked.
“I do not know for certain, but from what Crocker has told me, tobacco and sugar make up the bulk of his trade. His ships travel both north and south along the coast doing business with many different merchants eager to sell their goods. He does very well.
“I am glad for him and for the village.” Rebekah nodded. “Any increase in prosperity for the village is a good thing.”
They paused to watch the laborers a few minutes more. Just as Rebekah turned Pacer’s head towards the path leading to the village center, a tall man, wearing a wide cavalier hat, fancy coat and breeches stepped out of the building at the end of the dock and headed in their direction.
“What luck!” John exclaimed. “Here is the very man for us, Bekah.” He waved at the gentleman. “Edward!”
At the sound of his name, the gentleman turned and seeing both John and Rebekah gave them both a wave. He walked closer and put out his hand towards John. “What brings you towards my shore this merry morning?”
“Luck for certain. I was hoping to see you this day.” He turned and gestured towards Rebekah. “I would like you to meet my wife.”
Edward Crocker took off his hat, flashed a wide smile, and bowed deeply. “A pleasure to meet you, Mistress.”
As Edward Crocker raised his head and looked at her, Rebekah was suddenly startled into silence. She knew this man. She was not sure where or when, but she was certain Captain Crocker was someone she had met before. But how and how long ago? She could not say. But as certain as day turns to night, she was certain she knew him: the line of his jaw, the tilt of his head. It was a familiarity that went deeper than mere acquaintance. She felt as if she were meeting someone from long ago—a love hidden by years of absence and suddenly brought into the light? The experience gave her the most unsettled feeling. How could she explain it?
She studied the man’s countenance as John, unaware of her discomfort, bantered on, filling in the silence, asking questions about tides and the weather.
She turned Pacer’s head away from the path and tried to distract her mind. When she looked back Crocker was deep in conversation with John. The moment gave her a chance to study the Captain more closely.
He was much older than she had expected. Captain of a ship and a businessman as well? She had anticipated his appearance would be that of an established merchant, bespectacled and overweight, wig and brocade his preferred style of dress. Instead, Crocker appeared to be not more than five years her senior, sturdy, young, and full of energy.
He was an attractive man. Except for a thick mustache above his lip, his jaw was clean-shaven and his long, dark hair neatly tied back with a ribbon at his neck. He had every appearance of a well-dressed businessman. She could not help but compare him with John’s rough exterior with his coat and breeches stained with oil and mud from days pulling at nets and oarlocks.
As she watched the two men converse, she felt a deep association growing between her husband, the Captain, and herself. It made no sense, but at the same time, it seemed very important that the three should become more than friends and that she must be the one to make the connection and make it firm. It was as if she heard an inner voice leading her.
Rebekah tapped Pacer with the toe of her boot. The horse whinnied and the sound caused Crocker to look up at Rebekah.
“I apologize for keeping you from your errands, Mistress. You and your husband must have much to do.”
“True enough, Captain. But at the root of my task is your latest efforts at doing good works, sir.” Rebekah countered.
Crocker looked puzzled.
“John tells me you have recently taken on an apprentice as midshipman?”
“You must mean young Titus? Bright lad. Eager for the sea.”
“I’ve met him, Bekah,” John added. “He is a quick learner. I’m sure he will do well.”
“John tells me he has a wife who is in need of some training to earn her keep while he is away?”
“Could be so, the lad does not tell me all.”
“I believe it to be so, Captain, and I am in a position to teach the girl. Would you be willing to make the introductions?”
Crocker studied Rebekah. “And what would you be teaching her, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“I am a midwife, sir, and a good one too. I treat all manner of ailments amongst the women and children hereabouts.” She placed a hand on her swollen belly. “It will not be long before I, myself will be in need of an assistant for my work.”
The Captain smiled and nodded. “In that case, no need for delay. Why don’t you and John stop by my office after your errands this morning? Emma should not be far off and I can introduce you.”
“That would be most gracious of you,” Rebekah answered.