Dillard Beach Mystery – 39

Chapter Thirty-Nine

July 1683

The sail to Edgartown began as an easy passage. White clouds scurried across the summer sky and the warm wind was constant as The MaryBell sailed steady and true with the Captain at the helm. As they left Hyannis harbor and passed the outermost channel marker, Chapman ordered the crew to trim the sails and the sloop quickly increased in speed. Ezra gave a sudden “whoop” of joy.

“Hold onto your cap, sailor,” Chapman called out, “or you will lose it to the waves.”

Rebecca gave Chapman a concerned look as the sails filled and the sloop plowed forward. The bow crashed into the oncoming waves and ocean water ran over the rails.

“You best move back towards the stern,” he warned Rebecca, or you will be drenched in a moment.”

She did as she was told, taking a seat on the deck near the ladder to the stateroom below. As the small ship began to lean before the wind, she found mid-deck the most stable spot and once settled, was finally able to observe crew, Captain and Ezra as they sailed The MaryBell towards the small harbor at Edgartown. Ezra was excited and kept asking Chapman a dozen questions. Rebekah was pleased to see how patient he was in answering and guiding her son.

“I think it time you take the tiller, Ezra. Would you like to take a turn at being Captain?”

Ezra gave him a look of sheer joy as Chapman stood by his side and allowed the boy’s hands to feel the strength of the wind against the tiller.

“Hold it steady as she goes, Ezra. Now look across the water at that long stretch of land you can see along the horizon. That is the island of Martha’s Vineyard. That is our destination. It is your job to sail us in the proper direction. First, select a landmark on the island and move the tiller so the bow of our ship points at that single spot.” He paused and waited. “Did you choose a spot?”

Ezra nodded.

“Good. Now move the tiller back and forth to keep the bow of The MaryBell on course and we will soon reach our destination. Can you do that?”

The boy nodded.

Chapman placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Hold the tiller just as you are doing, Ezra. Steady as she goes. There is a great deal more to teach you, but that is enough for the moment.” He turned and took a step towards Rebekah. “Your son is a natural sailor, Rebekah. He has a feel for it and will make a fine sea captain one day.”

“I hope not too soon,” she responded. “Though I fear the sea is in his bones. His father loved the ocean and made his living off it.”

“And so shall your son.” He paused, considering. “If you would allow it, I should like to teach the boy.”

“About sailing?”

“Yes, and the life of a trader as a profession. He learns quickly and I believe he could make a success of it if he chose a life at sea.”

“You stretch time too quickly, sir. Ezra is only four years old. I will not have him grow into britches so soon. He needs time to learn the way of the world and he needs me to be the one to teach him.”

“I would like to be there as well, as teacher and guardian.”

Rebekah frowned. “You cannot be his father, sir. His true father, John Rand, is dead these past three years.”

“You misunderstand me. I do not propose myself as substitute for your late husband, only as one who cares for the boy and would be happy to share my knowledge.”

Rebekah was embarrassed she had spoken so sharply. The Captain, she realized, was only trying to help. “I apologize, sir. I spoke with little regard for your kindness. But if you were in my position you would understand. Ezra is my one and only son, and likely to remain so.”

“You do not expect to marry again?” Chapman asked. “You are an attractive woman with much to offer a partner.”

“I beg to differ with you. I am a simple midwife, sir, and a maker of herbal remedies thanks to your kindness and partnership. But my life is too full as it is to think beyond today.”

The Captain was about to respond when a loud cry ripped through the air. It came from the crewman stationed in the forecastle. Without warning, a rogue wave crashed over the bow of the sloop, forcing it sharply to starboard. The boom lifted as the sail twisted in the crosswinds, then crashed back as the sail emptied. Chapman snapped to attention and watched as water poured across the deck. Ezra had lost his grip on the tiller and fallen hard against the rails. The sloop began to heel sharply as water splashed over the gunwale, and ran the length of the deck, sloshing at their feet. Within moments, a second wave nearly as large as the first, hit the bow with equal force.

“Avast!” cried Chapman, as he reached for the tiller. He pushed against the wind and brought the bow back to point again at the island. Ezra was sprawled out along the deck, crying and confused.

“You all right, boy?” Chapman called out.

In answer, Ezra scrambled to his feet but was unable to stand on the slippery deck and fell back to his knees.

“Hold steady, Ezra, and I will come to you.” He waved at the nearest crewman and signaled for him to take the tiller as he made his way to Ezra’s side. He grabbed the boy by the scruff of his neck and pulled him up.

“Ezra? You all right?”

The boy nodded but looked confused. He reached up and touched his forehead. Water dripped from the edge of his sleeves. “My cap is gone.” He looked worried.

“Do not worry, Ezra, it has to be here somewhere.” He looked about the deck and spotted the soggy hat caught against the cargo hatch. “There it is!” He pointed to the cap and Ezra scurried across the deck to retrieve it.

“That was a great rogue wave, Ezra, and a mighty one at that.” He patted the boy’s shoulder. “You did well to stay by the tiller.”

Rebekah, the hem of her skirts soaked with seawater, reached out towards her son and gathered him into her arms as she gave Chapman a stern look. “It takes a strong arm to hold the tiller and the Captain should have relieved you before you tired.”

Chapman looked down at the young boy. “Your mother is correct, Ezra. I should have called on one of the crew to relieve you. Even so, you did a fine job of sailing today.” He turned to Rebekah. “And you, madam, have been a fine and patient passenger.”

He studied the horizon. “Look, Ezra, dead ahead is our destination, Edgartown Harbor.”