Dillard Beach Mystery – 38

Chapter Thirty-Eight

July, 1683

“I am certain Ezra will find sailing to Edgartown an exciting prospect, Captain. As for myself, I feel a little uncertain.”

“There is no need to worry. It is an easy sail and I promise to keep a steady hand on the tiller. The weather promises to give us fair winds. What do you say to a sail on the morrow?”

“Tomorrow? You give me no time to plan, sir.”

“What is there to plan?”

“Do you take my midwifery practice as little more than a hobby? I cannot leave my work so easily. Three women in my care are now nearing their days of confinement.”

“Is your apprentice, Emma, not able to handle the situation? You will be away less than a day.”

“So you say. But winds and tides shift. I am no expert, but I know one day on the water can easily become two or even three days away. Emma is perfectly capable, but there are certain preparations that must be made in advance. We speak of women bearing children, Captain. They trust me with their care and I cannot just up and go without a by your leave. If I am to be away, even for a day, I need to meet with Emma to be certain all is clear.”

Rebekah could see the Captain was disappointed. “This does not mean I am not willing to join you sir, I only ask for a day or two to prepare.”

“I understand. It is much the same when I plan a sail north to Boston or west to the Hudson. Even more so when we sail for the West Indies.”

“I am sure Ezra will enjoy the adventure you propose, especially if given a chance for anticipation. I find the looking forward is half the joy.”

“Then let us plan on a sail to Edgartown this coming Friday. I will have Jacinda prepare a basket of food and drink for us to take. If you get Ezra ready for the adventure, I will see to the rest.”

“Is Jacinda the tall woman who opened the door to me earlier today?”

“Yes. She is my cousin, daughter to the second wife of my late uncle. Since my trading company has grown, all my energies are devoted to the business and I needed assistance managing the household and gardens. Jacinda graciously agreed to the arrangement.”

“She is not then your wife, sir?”

Chapman laughed. “Absolutely not, though I expect she wishes it so.”

“Why do you say such a thing?”

“Because it is true as much as I can tell. I pay generously for her time and give her the run of all things within the bounds of home and gardens. But as for my person and my attachments? That is one boundary that cannot be crossed.”

“I see.” Rebekah paused, considering his words. “And Jacinda knows this?”

“Not in so many words, but we have an understanding.”

Or so you believe, Rebekah reflected quietly. “I am glad you have her as helper and companion, Captain. She seems quite capable.”

Chapman did not respond to the remark, but stood up, bringing the conversation to an abrupt end. “Be at the dock Friday morning no later than nine. We sail on the morning tide and will be in Edgartown by early afternoon. My meeting with Captain Rykman should only take a few hours. Meanwhile, you and Ezra can explore a bit while I attend to business. If all goes as planned you can tell Emma you will be back by nightfall.”

“You are meeting with a Captain Rykman?”

“Do you know the Captain.”

“I do not know him personally. I have never met him, but from my late husband John, I have some knowledge of the man.”

“What is this knowledge? Should I have a concern?”

“Nothing firm, sir. What I know is only rumor, and it has been three years since my hearing it.”

“Rumors are notoriously false, Rebekah. I would rather meet the Captain in person than rely on rumors. The Captain is a wealthy Dutch trader, dealing in cargo required by both Boston and New York settlements. He keeps a small port in Edgartown for such purpose as business requires. I only know him by his reputation, but if what my friends in Hyannis tell is half true, making his acquaintance will add considerably to my business.”

“If that be so, I wish it go well for you.”

Rebekah stood, preparing to leave. “It is best I return home to tell Ezra and prepare for our great adventure.”

…..

“How will you get to Hyannis so early? Emma asked when Rebekah told her of their plans.

“The son of Farmer Birch has agreed to drive us to Hyannis Friday morning as he has morning deliveries to make in the village.”

“And how shall you return to Dillard?”

“The Captain has arranged for one of his dock workers to carry us home, once we safely return from the island.”

“Can I do anything to help you prepare?” Emma asked.

“I think everything is in hand. We have been over all the details concerning our patients, and I do not foresee any emergency. I will leave you with Pacer in the unlikely event you should need a horse but I am confident you are able to handle most circumstances. I am only gone at most, twelve hours. I am sure all will be well.”

Early Friday morning, there was little need for Rebekah to wake Ezra. The thought of his sailing off with Captain Chapman to a distant shore had kept the boy awake most of the night. He had insisted on sleeping in his clothes. “I ready to sail Mama. We sail far away on a big boat!”

It took all of her patience for Rebekah to calm the child long enough to feed him a proper meal before they set out for the day. Young Master Birch arrived at the cottage in plenty of time and Rebekah and her son reached the docks in Hyannis with more than an hour to spare. The Captain stood at the top of the gangplank leading to the deck of The MaryBell, a small, two-masted vessel tied up to the dock.

“Ahoy! Captain,” Rebekah called out as they approached. Chapman turned and made a slight bow towards his guests.

“It is good you have come so early, Rebekah. The breeze is freshening and once my manservant has delivered our provisions, we can be off.” He turned to Ezra. “Are you ready to come aboard, sailor?” he teased. Ezra immediately stood as tall as he might and nodded.

“A nod is not good enough, little man. Once on board my ship, you are become a sailor and must salute!”

Ezra gave the Captain a puzzled look.

“Murphy!” the Captain called out. A young lad walking the deck of The MaryBell, abruptly stopped, turned towards the Captain and saluted.

“Sir?”

Chapman turned to Ezra. “Did you see that Ezra?”

Ezra looked from the Captain to the young man and back again.

“When I call your name, you must stop and salute like this lad, here.”

Ezra made a feeble attempt to imitate the young sailor.

“Ezra, to greet your captain you must first stand tall and salute like this.” The Captain stood at attention and gave a smart salute. “Now you try it.”

Immediately, Ezra straightened up and gestured with his hand to his forehead.

“Good job, sailor! Welcome aboard The MaryBell.” Ezra gave the Captain a broad grin and laughed. Rebekah smiled at her son. He was thoroughly enjoying himself.

“Do I need to salute as well, Captain?” Rebekah asked.

“Without question, Lady. All women who board The MaryBell must give homage to the Captain.”

“Let it never be said I did not give homage where it was deserved.” She made a gesture that was more of a wave than a salute. Laughing, she took Ezra’s hand and led the boy down the gangplank. The Captain followed.

“While we wait for our provisions to arrive, let me show you about.”

Rebekah listened as Chapman described the vessel, listing its size and dimensions and uses as both a cargo ship and pleasure craft. “You may stay on deck for the whole of our crossing, but I have had a stateroom prepared in case either you or Ezra prefer to stay below deck.”

They followed him down the narrow ladder to the cabin just below. It was small and cramped and the stale air smelled of fish. Rebekah took a deep breath and shook her head, “no”.

“I think we will do better if we remain on deck with you.”

“As you wish.”

As they returned to the main deck a carriage was pulling up to the dock. Rebekah could see the woman Chapman had called Jacinda, descending from the driver seat.

“At last, our provisions have arrived!” Chapman declared. “What took so long, Jacinda? I expected my manservant, James, to deliver our food and drink.”

Jacinda looked at Rebekah and her son with a level of suspicion, wondering what their relationship might be to the Captain. She knew the woman and Chapman were somehow partners in business, but what hidden motivation could there be that the Captain should take this woman and her child on a jaunt to the Vineyard? She was determined to find out.