“If we were to marry, your home, — ownership of your property—would transfer to me, and I could protect it and you from anyone placing a claim against it.”
“And I could not?” she asked, her anger, barely concealed.
“Not under current law.”
“The property was given to me by Dillard to be held by me exclusively. It is written into the transfer document. The land belongs to me, alone, Edward. It has been so for a dozen years. My first husband understood that and he made no attempt at taking it over.”
“A lot has changed in a dozen years, Rebekah. and if the elders choose to challenge your claim in court, I fear they may win. Especially with these new accusations against you. You could lose it all.”
“Not possible!” she cried. “The land is mine and I have the documents to prove it. I will die before letting it go.”
Chapman hesitated before speaking. “How can I convince you that the situation in which you find yourself is serious. I have only told you half of what I have heard. There are mounting rumors against you.”
“It is just foolish talk. I am no more a witch than you are, Edward.”
He nodded. “Agreed, but there are those that do believe the rumors and threaten to take action against you. That is why I suggested you travel with us to Saybrook—to get away and sort things out.”
She looked at him, puzzled. “What is it you are not telling me? Is it not true Emma is setting up her midwifery practice in Saybrook?”
“That is true, but it was not the original plan. I had another merchant in mind when I set up the Saybrook trading post. But once I heard the rumors about you I went to Charles and convinced him to take the position. I knew Emma would want to go with him, and as you are her teacher, you would likely want to follow and make certain things were set up properly. It would be enough time to get you out of harm’s way.”
“And you decided all this months ago?”
“When the rumors against you first began.”
Rebekah paused, calculating the time. “Why did you not say anything?”
“I hoped it would all go away.”
“It is hard for me to believe any of this. Not one of my patients spoke to me about this, nor any of the village women.” She moved to the starboard rail and looked out across the water towards Saybrook. Chapman had anchored The Caroline just off shore but it was impossible to see the village in the darkness. They would be in port no later than mid-morning the next day and be at the trading post within hours. And then what should she do? Stay with Emma in Saybrook or return to Hyannis? If the witch rumors were true, should she risk returning to her home in Dillard?
She turned and studied the Captain. His face was shaded from the moonlight, but she could see he was watching her. “When you heard these rumors did you try to defend me?”
“Of course. I spoke to the elders, but no matter how I declared the rumors unfounded, it made little difference.”
Rebekah looked up at the night sky. Somewhere, an owl screeched, the sound carrying across the water.
“What have I done to deserve such treatment?” she asked aloud.
“I do not believe it is anything you have done, Rebekah. The simple truth is Dillard wants your land and intends to take it. If you are convicted as a witch, you will be arrested and your property forfeit. He will swoop in and claim it as his own.” He paused, letting this news take effect. “It is for this reason that I propose marriage, Rebekah. If we marry, I will take ownership of your land and Simon cannot touch it. With the land out of his reach, there is little reason for him to continue to stoke these witchcraft accusations.”
She studied the Captain and shook her head. “No, Edward. I will not marry you. Not like this. Not for this reason.”
“But you are in danger.” His voice was edged with both fear and frustration. “These rumors are real. The accusations against you are not to be taken lightly.”
“I understand the situation, but marrying you — marrying anyone under such a circumstance is wrong. If you had told me you loved me and wanted to marry me, I might have considered your proposal. But to escape prison? To escape the plot of a greedy man?— I will not.”
Chapman moved to stand next to Rebekah and took her hand in his own. “Not even to protect Ezra?” he asked. “If you are arrested, who will look after your boy?”
“I pray it does not come to that.”
“But it may, and you should be prepared for it.”
Very nice.
I do love Rebekah’s commitment to independence and her courage in a time when other women may have “caved” and married the captain for protection.
agree… there were not many women who could stand up against the powers that be… but there are always a few…. even in our day…
Hmmmmm…. Like the part you put in that about if he loved her and wanted to marry her. At last some mention of feeling. Does that infer she does have feelings for him? And she would consider marrying him.
How come we just find out now about Dillard wanting the land. And was spreading the rumors? I thought Chapman’s cousin was the instigator.
Chapman needs to start putting his feelings out there but then would Rebekah believe him as she would think he had ulterior motives? This is a conundrum that they are both in now. How will they solve this?
Wasn’t it Dillard that gave her the property?
yes… there are several “threads” going in different possible directions… remember this is only a first draft and your insights will add to the changes/edits in the final… thanks for your feedback.