Dillard Beach Mystery – 37

Chapter Thirty-Seven

July, 1683

The following day, Captain Chapman sent word through Emma asking Rebekah to meet with him.

“He seemed most eager to see you, Rebekah. If you are able, he asks that you visit him at his home on Pleasant Street in Hyannis.”

“At his home?” Rebekah asked. “Why not at his warehouse on the docks?”

“He did not say. I can bring him your answer when I return home this evening.”

Rebekah was puzzled at the Captain’s request, but said nothing and continued sorting the plants she had gathered that morning.

It had been several weeks since their last encounter. What did Chapman want? Had he got wind of the visit by the town elders? Was he worried their attitude would affect their business? She fretted silently, turning over a dozen scenarios in her mind as she sorted and cut dried stalks of calendula.

“What are we preparing today?” Emma asked.

Rebekah did not look up but continued her sorting. “I’m making a calendula salve, a good remedy for sore muscles. The dock workers should find it useful.”

“I am certain they will.” Emma hesitated before continuing. “Would you like me to help you?”

Rebekah stopped sorting, and wiped her hands on her apron. She was distracted and knew she would get nothing done this day, if she did not settle whatever the matter was with Captain Chapman.

“Emma, what I would truly like is for you to take care of Ezra for a few hours. I must go to Hyannis and see what it is the Captain wants of me.”

“I do not think Captain Chapman needed to see you immediately, a day or so will not matter.”

“Well, I need to see him.” Rebekah removed her apron. “I will take Pacer rather than walk. The horse needs the exercise.”

“If that is what you want. I will stay with Ezra. We can practice his letters.”

After gathering her things together, Rebekah thanked Emma, gave strict instructions to Ezra to behave.

“I should be back by dusk” she promised.

“Do not worry, Rebekah. I will be sure Ezra gets a proper supper.”

The distance between Dillard and Hyannis took not more than an hour to cover by horseback. Rebekah could tell Pacer was glad to be out of his stall and his pace was lively and sure. She chose the trail that ran by the seashore and the soft breeze helped clear her mind. Whatever the trouble Chapman needed to discuss she would be ready.

As she approached the center of Hyannis Village she wondered which way should she go to find Pleasant Street. The main thoroughfare was busy with shoppers. Women dressed in fine silks, wool and quilted petticoats passed her by as she realized how little concern she had paid to her own appearance. She looked down at the rough cotton gown and work apron she had put on that morning. In her rush to meet the Captain she had neglected to re-fresh her neck kerchief and still wore her garden boots with mud and dust covering all but the buckles.

I look a right mess, she thought and was about to turn for home when she caught sight of Charles Ballard, husband to her apprentice. He was about to enter a tool shop.

“Charles!”she called out.

The young man turned and seeing Rebekah astride Pacer, gave her a wave.

“Good day to you, mistress. What brings you to Hyannis?”

“I have a meeting with the Captain. He asked me to meet him at his home on Pleasant Street, but I have no idea where that is.”

“I can take you, Mistress. It’s just up the road.”

“That would be very kind, Mr. Ballard. If you would help me down, I will walk with you.”

Charles held the horse steady as Rebekah dismounted. He led the way along the path that crossed the grassy common where goats were busy grazing.

“Pleasant Street is the main street that runs from the center of the village to the waterfront. The Captain’s house is one of the finest we have in the village.” He pointed to a large two-story timber-framed house with a steep roof, massive chimney, and diamond pane windows reflecting the sunlight. An addition to the main house stretched along the back, surrounded by gardens and fruit trees.

Charles Ballard secured Pacer’s halter to the hitching post near the front walk and paused as Rebekah walked towards the front door. “Shall I wait for you?”

“There is no need, Mr. Ballard. I believe the Captain should be expecting me. Thank you for your kindness.” Ballard tipped his hat to Rebekah and quickly walked back the way they had come.

Rebekah knocked on the heavy oak door. She could hear the scrape of a chair across a wooden floor and the sound of someone walking. The door swung open to reveal a woman dressed in fine silks and a linen cap with ribbon edging. She looked at Rebekah dressed in her rough work clothes and dirty boots and began to close the door. “Trades people must use the back entrance.”

“I have come to see Captain Chapman,” Rebekah replied, holding herself as straight and tall as she could. “My name is Rebekah Rand from Dillard. I am the Captain’s business partner.”

The well-dressed woman hesitated, unsure whether to close the door or not. After a moment she stepped back into the house. “Wait here,” she declared and closed the door.

Rebekah waited. She could not blame the woman for being suspicious. What was I thinking? It was foolish of me not to take the time to be more presentable.

A few minutes passed before the door was opened again, this time by a servant. “The Captain will see you in the garden.” She pointed to the right side of the house. “Follow the footpath.”

Hidden from the road, the garden, Rebekah discovered, was as large as any small farm she had seen in Dillard. Wooden fencing divided the area into individual plots for vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees. The garden stretched the length of the house and far back to the next road and the woods beyond. Several men dressed in rough clothing were working near a barn that stood in the center of the enclosure. The wooden building had only one small window and two very large doors that opened onto the first floor. She could see it was used for both storage and stalls.
As she neared the barn, Captain Chapman emerged from the building.

“Good day, Rebekah,” he called out. “I was not expecting you today.”

“Emma gave me your message and there was a sense of urgency about it.”

“There was no need for you to hurry here. I am sorry for your trouble.” He gazed upon her appearance. “You look to have dropped everything at once.”

Embarrassed, Rebekah could do no more than shrug her shoulders. “The message sounded urgent, though I see now, it was not. Why did you want to meet? Is there something wrong?”

“No, not at all. Everything is going well. In fact, trade is doing so well, I shall need to place another order of your salve. But let us leave the business conversation for another time.” He gestured towards a wide bench. “Please sit and we can talk.”

Chapman waited for her to sit down before he continued. “The reason I sent the message was to tell you of my intention to invite you and your son to join me on my next visit to the Vineyard. I have business to conduct in Edgartown and I thought Ezra might like to try his hand at sailing.”

“To the Vineyard? How long a voyage is it?”

Chapman laughed. “It is only sixteen nautical miles to the island. We can go and return in a matter of a few hours. I have a small ketch I use for these short trips. We will go out with the tide in the morning and return that same day.”

“I am not sure. I have never been on such a boat, and know nothing of sailing.”

“There is nothing to fear. I will ask several of my men to crew for us. All you need do is rest and enjoy the day. Are you willing?”