Dillard Beach Mystery – 66

Rebekah did not remember anything about her return to the trading post, whether she walked on her own or was transported there by a passing farmer returning from his fields. Her only memory was standing in the sunshine outside the gaol and hearing the heavy wooden door slam shut behind her.

In the days following her release, Emma Ballard told Rebekah how Charles had pleaded her case before the magistrate. Whether it was his persuasive tongue or the promise of special prices on supplies the magistrate desired, Rebekah would never know, nor did she care. Her one wish was to be united with Ezra and away from that depraved location.

“I do not know how you accomplished it, Charles, but I am forever in your debt.”

“I was happy I was able to assist, Rebekah, but you must be careful in future. You were arrested and held on the word of some powerful men from Hyannis. Especially one Simon Dillard. It was he who was your main accuser and brought the most serious charges of witchcraft. He believes you cast a spell on him many years ago when he relinquished a valuable piece of land to you. He now claims he must have been under an unnatural influence as he would never had done so if he were in his right mind.

“His right mind?” Rebekah scoffed. “That land was a gift to me for saving the life of his wife and child during a very difficult birth. There were witnesses: other women who had gathered at the woman’s bedside.”

Charles raised his hands in protest. “You do not have to convince me, Rebekah. I have seen the remarkable things you have done to help people in need and have no reason to doubt your word. I am certain he gave you the land willingly.”

“Then why the sudden change, Charles? It is a small patch of land not far from the beach with nothing on it save a shallow stream, a bit of woods and not much else of value. My husband, John, and I did our best to clear the sandy soil and rocks, plow out a small garden and make it our home. The shed is now my workplace.”

“Why is this man Dillard seeking to disrupt the past and declare himself a victim?” Emma asked. “It does not make sense.”

Charles nodded. “I agree with you but allow me to do a bit of investigating. Traders from Hyannis stopped by the Post late yesterday. They are making camp by the river before moving on in the morning. One or two will have heard rumors.”

That evening, Rebekah and Emma joined Charles in front of the fire and he shared what he had discovered.

“I believe I know what is behind the accusations of witchcraft, Rebekah. One of the traders spoke of a new trading company that is to open in Hyannis Harbor early next year. The new company is owned by a wealthy man named Simon Dillard.”

Charles looked at both women. “The property Rebekah owns runs along the shoreline. The town Elders want to build a new town dock on the land and lease it to this Simon Dillard.” He turned to Rebekah. “Your small patch is now very valuable property and Dillard wants it back.”

She looked at Charles. “He is willing to declare me a witch to get it?” Rebekah asked.

Charles shrugged his shoulders. “He has the means to make that happen.”

Rebekah could not sleep. Everything she had, her property, her business, and her reputation were in jeopardy. She had no choice but to speak out against Dillard.

“I have proof Dillard gave me that property long before there was any talk of witchcraft. He gave the land over to me half a dozen years ago.”

“How?” Charles asked.

“I have the official deed. Signed by Simon Dillard himself.”

“That should be enough,” Charles said.

“Where is this deed?” Emma asked. “Do you have it with you?”

Rebekah shook her head. “No, it is much too valuable to carry about. It is safely hidden in a space known only to me and my late husband, John. But it will not take long to fetch and present it as proof that I speak the truth. I will show the deed to the magistrate. That should stop Dillard’s efforts and these false accusations.”

She looked from Emma to Charles. “I must return to Dillard Village.”

“But how will you get there?” Emma asked. “You came here by boat and you have no horse or wagon.”

“I do not know how, Emma, but I know I must, and do so without delay. Simon Dillard will not give up trying to claim my property for himself.” She turned to Charles. “When did Captain Chapman say he would be returning from his travels north?”

“The Caroline should be back in Saybrook by the end of the month. Chapman promised to bring me beaver pelts from the Hudson River Valley.”

“The end of the month?”

“Within a few weeks,” Charles guessed. “No longer. Certainly before the first snow.”

“Then I shall wait until The Caroline returns. Captain Chapman will see me safely back to Hyannis and Dillard.

Emma moved closer to Rebekah. “Then you will be here when my child arrives.” She placed her hand on her swollen belly. “You will stay with me until then?”

Rebekah nodded. “Of course, Emma. I will stay until you are safely delivered.”

It was difficult for Rebekah to wait. If she could have walked the distance to Dillard on her own she would have done so, but travel over land was not easy, especially for a woman traveling alone. Rebekah decided to wait for the Captain and his ship rather than risk an overland trek. While she waited, she assisted Charles in the Post and helped Emma prepare for her new baby.

“I have never been good at needle and thread, Emma, but I can card wool and get it ready for your wheel.”

“Anything you can do to help me, Rebekah, is most appreciated. There is so much to prepare. Charles promises to build a cradle and I am already well supplied with nappies.”

“You can never have enough,” Rebekah warned her, smiling. “It is well you know what to expect when your time to deliver has come. You must be prepared for the unexpected. I have delivered dozens of children and not one the same as another, but I am sure all will be well with you. You are young and strong. A few of the neighbor women can come to assist. Is there any one of them you would want to ask?”