Chapter Thirty-Two
Late June 1680
Philippa Pritchett and her husband, William, arrived in Hyannis just in time for midsummer. Rebekah had not expected them but was only too grateful to see her dear friend and mentor come to visit and she greeted the couple with outstretched arms.
“We have come to help you celebrate little Ezra’s first anniversary,” Philippa began to explain, “and for William to meet and trade with your Captain Chapman and all the other merchants who are hereabouts.”
“Much has changed at our Aptucxet Trading Post,” William declared. “You will surely be impressed with all the new goods we have brought in. Thanks in great part to your Captain and his influence.”
Rebekah looked surprised. “The Captain has been trading with you in Aptucxet?”
William smiled broadly. “Ever since that day we met at the port in Hyannis, Chapman and I have bargained and bartered our way to a very lucrative arrangement. I thought he might have told you.”
“He has not, but I am grateful you have found the arrangement to your satisfaction. The Captain does not confide his business dealings with me.”
“That is a bit of a puzzle as he told me he planned on bringing me some of your fine potions to sell. He led me to believe there was a certain, how can I describe it?” he paused, “He had an arrangement with you?”
Rebekah did not respond but instead let an embarrassed William continue fumbling with his explanation.
“Perhaps I misunderstood. That can happen to one as busy and confused as I can be at times.” He smiled at his wife. “Isn’t that so, dear?”
Philippa shook her head. “Let it be said, William does not always listen well.”
“But he is not far off the mark, Philippa. I have been working with Captain Chapman and he has agreed to help me market my hand ointment. I have made samples and he is now offering them to potential customers.”
“A splendid situation, Rebekah. I am sure it will be a success.” She studied her friend carefully. “And how are you these past months? Little Ezra must keep you very busy.”
Rebekah agreed. “He is a very busy boy, that is certain. As for my practice? Since your last coming I have been called out to deliver at least three babes every fortnight. Gladly, most without trouble or grief. Do you remember my assistant, Emma Ballard? She has proved a great help and is gaining her own reputation as a valuable midwife.”
“I am glad for it, Rebekah.” Philippa paused and glanced at her husband. His eyes were closed and his body leaned to one side in his chair. “I declare my William is ready for a nap after such a long ride. Let us leave him to himself whilst we two take a turn in your garden. You can impress me with all your new plantings.”
The two friends walked into the small garden and Rebekah began to point out all the new growth. Philippa interrupted her friend. “I am more interested in how you have managed these last months. It could not have been easy.”
Rebekah nodded and Philippa continued. “It has only been a few months since John died and people do try to be considerate of another’s feelings at such a time, but I confess I am surprised there is not a line of suitors at your door.”
Rebekah could hardly hold back a look of surprise. “Whatever are you talking about Philippa?”
“I only speak the truth, dear. You are a widow – an attractive woman in need of assistance and with a sizable patch of property.”
“Do not overlook the fact I also have a son. That might prove to be a burden to some.”
Philippa brushed the air as if brushing away Rebekah’s statement. “You forget your son is an added asset to a farmer or fisherman, rather than a burden, Rebekah. He will soon be a strong worker at your side.” She waited for Rebekah to respond. “Do you not agree with me?”
Rebekah turned away, studying the sky and ignoring her friend’s remark. “Have you ever noticed the color of the sky at this time of year? It seems to shimmer with the heat of the summer.” She walked deeper into the garden. “I’ve planted quite a patch of calendula. It should be ready to harvest in a few weeks. I plan to use the blossoms in making my ointment.”
“You ignore my comments, Rebekah. I only speak what I know to be true. You should welcome the suitors who will come to your door.”
“I can hardly believe my ears, Philippa. My husband is not dead six months and you are looking out for a new husband for me? Of all the women I know, you surprise me with your questions. You do not believe I can survive by my own wits? That I must be rescued? I loved my husband more than I can say and am not seeking another one anytime soon. You suppose that I must require the help of a man to succeed in life?”
“That is not at all what I suppose. What I do know, is this: it is difficult enough for any woman to manage her affairs without help and much harder for a widow with a child to succeed on her own in this world. You are fortunate you have done well to this day, and I give thanks to the Almighty for it, but with the hand and good arm of a man at your side, you could do so much better. And so too, will your son.”
Rebekah turned on her friend, the words she spoke edged with determination. “I am perfectly capable of managing my own affairs, Philippa, and am resolved to do so. If I were to bind myself to a man, the law demands that I lose everything. He will own me and my small patch, as you call it. I am determined to manage my life on my own and will not sign over my life or my property—not to anyone.”
“Then you are likely to fail, my dear.”
I am confused. Rebehkah did not have to sign over her property to her first husband, did she? Why would she need to sign over the property to her second husband?
Rebekah did not sign over her property to her first husband and she was lucky he did not want it. But if she were to remarry the laws demanded the new husband own everything… and most men would expect this as part of marriage… that was the law…. I’m trying to show how determined she was in standing up for her own rights… and how unusual it would be for a husband to allow his wife to be independent… it sets up as a conflict with the “powers that be” that see Rebekah as a threat to the status quo and eventually leads to a major confrontation with the church and state leaders…