Dillard Beach Mystery – 45

Fall, 1683

“The rumors you have heard are baseless, Jacinda. No midwife, or physician for that matter, would ever treat a patient with something that could deliberately harm them. My efforts are all for bringing healing and comfort.” She paused and waited for Jacinda to respond.

“Not all treatments bring comfort, or should they.” Jacinda argued.

“You are not far wrong. As a midwife I must deal with discomfort with most of my patients. The act of delivering children into the world causes pain as you must know.”

“I have no children and have no personal experience.” Jacinda said firmly.

“But you cannot deny the usefulness of certain remedies. It has long been proved the pain of childbirth can be lessened if certain remedies are given.”

“You mean magic potions!” Jacinda declared.

Rebekah looked at the housekeeper. “There is nothing magic about the remedies I give. They have been used by midwives for years.”

“I do not trust your mixtures. No God-fearing physician would give such things to his patients. The church teaches us the pain of childbearing is meant by God to cleanse a woman’s soul and prepare her for a life of service to her husband.”

Rebekah realized arguing with Jacinda over medications was useless. The woman’s mind was set against any new information. Still, Rebekah attempted to persuade her.

“Have you ever sipped a cup of lavender or chamomile tea at the end of a busy day? Or freshened your breath with a peppermint leaf?” Rebekah asked. “Would you call such things magical? These are simple plants you can find in any garden. In fact, you are growing them in your own garden as I could see when last I visited! These are the type of herbs I use to lessen pain and bring comfort to a woman in labor. They have been used by midwives for years, and are natural remedies that cause no harm when used properly.”

“Well, then, that is the very issue: proper use. Have you been properly trained to practice midwifery?”

It took Rebekah every bit of self-control she possessed not to lash out with a quick insult but she knew her words would be lost on Jacinda. Instead she took three deep breaths and remained silent.

“Have you nothing to say for yourself?” Jacinda asked.

Rebekah turned and gave the housekeeper a look full of such anger that anyone else would have been repelled. Jacinda responded with an arrogant smile, turned, and walked away.

Rebekah was tempted to follow her and pursue the argument but a moment later, Ezra appeared holding the Captain’s hand and carrying a small canvas bag in the other.

“Look mama what the Captain gave me.” He held the bag high as the head of a small black kitten poked up out of the bag.

Rebekah turned to Chapman, but he gave her no chance to refuse the pet. “The warehouse cat delivered a litter of kittens within a fortnight. We cannot keep them all so I offered Ezra first choice of the litter.”

He glanced at Ezra who was holding the kitten up for his mother to see, a bright smile spread across his face. “You won’t refuse your son his own pet, will you?” Chapman gave Rebekah a broad smile and winked.

Rebekah looked at her son holding the small kitten and knew she was trapped. She could not refuse the Captain’s gift. “We could use a good mouser, I suppose.” She turned to the Captain. “Is it a male or female?”

“Male.”

“That is a small blessing.”

“Why think you so?”

“Because I have enough to do helping women deliver children. I do not need to birth kittens that are sure to come!”

Chapman laughed and turned to the boy. “Ezra, you must give your pet a name. Have you one in mind?”

Ezra shook his head “no.”

“Well then, perhaps a name that reminds you of the ocean and our sailing adventure.”

Ezra thought long and hard before speaking. Finally, he held the cat up to his lips and whispered, “Your name is Tiller. I hope you like it.”

The cat purred and seemed to agree.