“We will be leaving by weeks end, Rebekah.” Philippa announced. “William is most concerned about the cold weather and we must have everything properly stored at the trading post and in a proper state for the winter season. It has been good to visit and help you get settled here, Rebekah, but it is time we go.”
“Can you not wait until the Captain returns?” Rebekah asked.
“And when will that be?”
“Any day now, I am sure of it.”
“You speak of the future, but we must consider the present, Rebekah. I know you leave the house at dawn each morning and walk to the top of the hill keeping watch.”
She paused, waiting for Rebekah’s denial.
“I worry for you, Rebekah. You wait for the Captain’s return, but you have no notion of when that will be. Meantime, my William is becoming anxious about our Trading Post. We left it in the care of good neighbors, but we must return home very soon. We cannot wait beyond the first week in November.
Rebekah nodded. “I understand, Philippa. You and William have been most generous and thanks to your kindness, I am better settled here at the Chapman House and Ezra seems happy spending time with Ella, our kitchen maid. She has begun teaching him his letters. After the new year I hope to send him to the local schoolhouse.”
“That will free you up for your own work, Rebekah.”
“We shall see. I have yet to be called upon by any of the local women for my midwifery skills, but one or two women from Dillard have sent word that I should attend them when their time approaches but I will do so very quietly so as to not annoy the local Doctor. He still suspects me of witchcraft.”
“Take my advice, Rebekah, you must avoid Doctor Rigsdale. I believe him to be an arrogant fool.”
Philippa had just finished speaking when the door opened and Jacinda entered the great room. She studied the small group gathered in front of the fire, but did not speak.
Rebekah stood and gestured towards an empty chair. “Good evening, Jacinda. You are welcome to join us. Sitting before the fire seemed a wise choice for such a dark and chilly night. ”
Jacinda looked at Rebekah and shook her head. “I do not need your permission to sit down in my own home, Rebekah.”
Startled by her tone, Rebekah began to apologize. “Of course you are most welcome, Jacinda.” She watched as the housekeeper walked across the room to the one empty chair and without moving it any closer, turned the seat towards the fire.
“Bring the chair closer, if you wish, Jacinda.”
“I do not wish to interrupt your private conversation.”
“There is nothing private in what we say here.” Rebekah said. “Move your chair closer to catch the warmth of the fire.”
“I am close enough.” Jacinda stated. “I find the fire to be overwarm at times. I prefer open windows and cool air.” She paused, “Such a large fire is a wanton waste of wood.”
Philippa shook her head in disbelief. “No fire is too warm for me. I feel the cold inside my very bones. My William does not spare the wood in winter.” She chuckled “He would get a good tongue lashing from me if he tried.” At this, Philippa reached out towards her sleeping husband and gave his arm a friendly pat. “That be the truth William?”
Her husband spluttered awake and looked about, confused. “What did you say, dear?”
“Go back to sleep, husband. You need your rest for our long journey.”
William looked about, nodded, and settled back in his chair.
“So it is true You are leaving us, Mistress Pritchett?” Jacinda asked. “You and your husband?”
“We leave by the end of the week.”
“I hope your stay here in Hyannis was worth the trouble it caused you.” Jacinda said.
“Trouble?” Philippa responded, “There is never any trouble in visiting good friends.”
“I did not mean to suggest otherwise. However, the distance from your trading post in Aptuxcet to Hyannis is considerable. I comment on the wisdom of making such a long journey.”
Philippa was about to respond when a loud bang could be heard coming from the front of the house. This was followed by the sound of heavy footsteps in the hall outside the great room. Rebekah stood up and crossed towards the door as it opened inward to reveal the figure of a tall man, his features hidden in shadow.
“Will you not greet me home, wife?” he asked, his voice ringing clear in the night.
“Edward? Is it you?” Rebekah asked.
“And who else would you be expecting on such a night?”
Ooh, the captain is back!
Oh, He is home!!!! Can’t wait for the next installment!
Thrilled to have the captain back. Looking forward to what comes next for the captain and Rebekah as a couple. Rebekah has obviously missed him and been anxious for his return. Has the captain missed Rebekah I wonder
Just picked up your comments…. dont know why it took so long to see them… Thansk for your encouragement…. slogging away… 🙂