Dillard Beach Mystery – 80

Jacinda stood at the first-floor window watching as Rebekah walked up the cobblestone path and entered the Chapman House.

“Did you find the Captain on board The Caroline?” the housekeeper asked.

“I did. He is preparing to sail on the morrow.”

“As I told you, Rebekah,” Jacinda replied smugly. “He always shares his plans with me. He will be gone for at least a week.”

“I am afraid that is not at all certain, Jacinda. The Captain shared his plans with me and he has decided to delay his return. He has decided it best to let events dictate when he will return.”

“You must be mistaken. You must have misunderstood. How am I to prepare for his coming if I do not know the date or time?” Jacinda was clearly flustered.

“He will send word to me, Jacinda, and I promise to tell you in plenty of time.”

“But that will not do…” Jacinda continued protesting.

Rebekah held up a hand stopping any further conversation. “Where is my son, Ezra, Jacinda? And my friend Philippa?”

The housekeeper shook her head. “I do not know. I heard them earlier in the back garden. Perhaps they are still there?” Her voice trailed off as Rebekah quickly walked away and headed towards the back of the house. She found both her son and her friend seated on a bench in the garden playing with a small boat and toy wooden sailors.

“And what are you two busy doing?” she asked as she approached.

Philippa looked up and smiled. “Your son is taking me on a grand adventure across the mighty ocean.”

“I be the captain!” Ezra declared, holding his small wooden vessel up for his mother to see. 

Rebekah smiled down at her son. “And so you are, Ezra. And where are you sailing to?” she asked.

Ezra held the boat tightly with both hands and moved it up and down as if the boat were sailing over rough seas. “We go to Martha land.”

“You mean Martha’s Island?” Rebekah asked. Ezra flashed a grin and nodded.

“We be traders like the Captain.”

“And what do you trade, Ezra?”

He paused for a moment then continued. “Shells. We trade shells.”

Rebekah and Philippa both laughed and Ezra returned to his play.

Philippa smiled and patted Rebekah’s arm. “Your son seems a very happy boy, Rebekah. You must be pleased.”

“I am. Ezra is healthy and happy.”

“And he adores your new husband.”

Rebekah nodded. “He does. Edward is the only father Ezra has known. He is kind and very patient with the boy. And eager to teach him.”

“Ezra seems a quick learner. Will you send him off to school? Or teach him at home?”

“I do not know. Edward and I have not discussed the matter.”

Philippa gave her friend a knowing smile. “It seems you and your husband still have much to discuss. Not only where the boy will be schooled, but where you will live.” She paused, giving Rebekah a chance to respond, but when she did not, Philippa continued. “I know you are feeling confused, my friend. But do not try to move too quickly. You know Edward loves you and cares for both you and the boy. You may have married the Captain for the sake of your property, but do not dismiss the possibility that there may be more for you in this partnership. Intimacy in a marriage does not always come the day the vows are spoken. Give it time.”

Rebekah sat and listened to her friend. “I am unsure if it will ever come, Philippa. I was so matter of fact about it all. I wonder if Edward and I will ever be close.”

“I declare, Rebekah, you are the most fortunate of women. Newly married and free of your husband and marital obligations until your husband returns.” She gave Rebekah a long and meaningful wink. “Use the time to get settled in your new home. Make acquaintance with the local women who have some influence, Ask Jacinda to make the introductions. She will know the women you should meet. You may need them in your circle in the future. “

“I will ask, but I fear Jacinda does not approve of me and will not be eager to help. ”

“Then you will have to be resourceful, Rebekah. Become friends with the wife of the local constable or the leader of the town council. You need women who will take your part if ever needed.”

“I will do my best, Philippa.”

“Will you be staying here in Hyannis? Or traveling back to Dillard?”

“We will stay here in Hyannis. Dillard is my home but it is too isolated. Here, there are children nearby for Ezra and the school is close. I met the schoolmaster. He seems very dedicated.”

“That is a good thing. It is most important the child make friends and has a good education.”

Philippa and Rebekah sat in the warm afternoon sun and continued to chat until they were called in for the mid-day meal of pudding,  and meat pies. Side dishes of custards, tarts and sweetmeats were offered as well.

“Will you join us, Jacinda?” Rebekah asked the housekeeper.

“I am afraid not, Rebekah. I have several important meetings that cannot be delayed. I will be home in time for supper.”

“Is there anything I can do to assist you?”

Jacinda gave Rebekah an icy stare. “My meetings are focused on important domestic matters of which you know very little. It was the Captain’s wish that I handle these things personally.”

“I see.” Rebekah paused, considering how best to proceed. “Let us leave things as they are for the moment, Jacinda, but know this.  When next my husband returns, things will change. I will be managing the domestic matters in future.”

She did not wait for Jacinda to respond, but stood, pushed in her chair and quickly walked from the room.