Dillard Beach Mystery – 27

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Late May 1680

Several months passed before Rebekah saw Captain Chapman again, and then, only at a distance. She seldom left the cottage, leaving her apprentice, Emma, to take care of any errands to the village center. Rebekah’s work as a midwife and healer in addition to caring for her son filled most of her days. Her reputation amongst the women of the area grew stronger and more secure. Even the local farmers and sailors would seek her out for a remedy when they broke an arm or developed a rash of some sort. Whether they had the coin to pay or not, Rebekah never turned anyone away.

One afternoon in late spring, she treated three farm workers who came to her with the same skin affliction. “The rash looks to be from the same poisonous plant. They must have all walked into the same patch!” Rebekah declared to Emma. “I’m sure you’ve seen the vines in the fields or along the hedges. The culprit is an ivy with three bright reddish-green leaves. There is so much of this poisonous plant in the fields at this time of year, if a worker doesn’t pay close attention, within a day he’ll be covered with a red rash.”

“What can we do, Mistress? What is the best treatment?”

“I use porridge, applied directly to the rash. It will relieve the itching, though it does make a bit of a mess.”

Emma made a face. “Is there not a salve or cream that will do the same?”

“I have made such a salve from sweet butter, wax, and vinegar but I fear my supply is near gone. I need to make another batch and you are welcome to watch.”

Emma nodded. “I would be grateful.”

It took several hours to gather the ingredients from the garden and boil them all together. By late afternoon a large pot of salve was cooling on the windowsill.

“I will put a bit of salve in several small clay pots and seal the top with wax. You can take one home with you and give it to your husband, Titus. His hands are no doubt rough from his work aboard Captain Chapman’s Liberty.

Emma studied the large pot of salve. “Have you ever considered selling your ointments? I am certain both farmers and sailors would spend a farthing on a small jar.”

“I did trade a small pot of salve with the Grocer, Boswell, but it was made from the bark of the Tulip Tree and meant to relieve pain in the joints.”

“And did he use it and find relief?” Emma asked.

“I believe he did.”

“Well, then, you should make up another batch of that ointment, and bring a small pot to the Grocer as well as a sample of this new salve. You could offer to sell it to him for a half penny a jar or trade it for goods as you like. Every farmer who is clearing his fields right now would welcome it. As for Titus, I have not seen the hands of my husband these past three weeks. The Liberty has been at sea, delivering goods along the coast between Boston and New York. But they should be in port by next sabbath.”

“When Captain Chapman and his ship are next in Hyannis, would you let me know?” Rebekah asked. “He might be interested in trading my salves with some of the merchants he meets.”

“Of course. But you need not wait. The Captain does not always sail with his ship. He has hired a Captain Barton as Master to sail Liberty on shorter runs. He remains in Hyannis to manage his business and warehouse.”

“I did not realize.”

“Captain Chapman is a very successful trader and well respected by the merchants in Hyannis. It is why Titus was so happy to become his apprentice. Not only is my husband able to earn his place as a seaman but he is learning to become a merchant of goods. The Captain is involved in the fur trade market which Titus tells me is very lucrative. Between trading beaver pelts and corn with the Native Americans and metal tools and specialty fabrics with the Europeans, both Captain Chapman and his friends are becoming very wealthy. I am sure he can help you trade or sell your ointments. You should come with me next time I go to Hyannis and meet with the Captain yourself. Would you be free Monday next?” Emma asked.

Rebekah considered the date and her current obligations.

“Monday next is a good day for me, Emma. I will come with you and perhaps Captain Chapman and I can come to some accommodation.” She glanced out the window at the sky. “It’s getting dark, Emma. You had best be on your way. I will join you on Monday and we can travel together to Hyannis.”