Dillard Beach Mystery – 40

Chapter Forty

July 1683

Chapman looked up at the sun in the mid-afternoon sky. “My meeting should not take more than an hour or two. Go and enjoy a stroll through the village or along the beach. But do not stray too far. There is a lot of island to explore and it would be easy to lose your way. Join me at the Tavern and we can nourish ourselves before returning to Hyannis.”

Rebekah agreed, then grasping Ezra’s hand, led him towards a well-worn path between the harbor and a group of small weathered cottages. Ezra broke free and ran along the sandy shore to explore and search for shells and what he called “treasures.” After a hundred yards the path turned inland and opened out onto what Rebekah supposed to be the village green.

An impressive house with a large chimney and imposing facade stood at one end of the common with smaller but no less impressive homes surrounding the grassy rectangle. A wooden bench interrupted a line of small trees along one side and it was to this shady spot that Rebekah led her son to sit and rest.

While sailing, she had not allowed herself to be frightened. The force of the waves beating against the hull and the tilting of the boat so that it seemed they would fall into the waves, had filled her with dread. Now, safe on land, the terror she had felt at sea was finally resurfacing and she could feel tears beginning to build.

“Never fear!” she declared to herself. “We are safe and all is now well. There is no need to fear.”

A tall man wearing a broad-brimmed Cavalier crossed the green and approached the bench. He seemed a man of some dignity and authority. Polished buckles on his boots and a long line of gold buttons edging the front of his coat proclaimed his wealth for all to see.

He touched the brim of his hat as he passed. “Good day, Miss,” his thick accent revealing him a Dutchman.

“And good day to you, sir.”

He continued to walk away, when she called out. “I wonder, kind sir, if you could direct me to the tavern?”

The Dutchman turned and bowed again. “Which establishment do you seek? There are two taverns in Edgartown.”

“I believe it is called The White Horse.”

“I know it well enough.” He gestured for her to follow him. “Come. Allow me to escort you. My name is Thomas Willemszoon, Quarter Master on the Rode Draeck.” He bowed and tipped his hat with a flourish. “The tavern is not far. In fact, I was on my way to the very place to meet my Captain.”

“Captain Rykman?” Rebekah asked.

The wealthy man nodded. “Do you know him.”

“I do not, but the gentleman who brought us here is meeting with your Captain Rykman to discuss a new business arrangement.”

“Is he now?”

Rebekah caught a hint of doubt in the man’s voice, but did not comment.

“Come, I will show you the way.”

Rebekah grasped Ezra’s hand and began to follow the Quarter Master across the public green.

“I thank you for your kindness, sir.”

The White Horse Tavern sat proudly on the far edge of the common. A wide porch with four columns supporting a well-decorated pediment gave a level of prestige to the building. Rebekah thought it looked more like a bank than a tavern and said as much.

“A great many financial transactions are made within its walls. Perhaps that is what you perceive.” The Quarter Master smiled and held the door for Rebekah and Ezra to enter. Inside, a large, brightly lit room, greeted them. Several patrons leaned against a long sidebar that ran the width of the room. The publican stood behind the bar, ready to serve ale or cider to whoever was in need of a drink. Rebekah quickly scanned the few tables in the center of the room occupied by fishermen and dock workers; their rowdy banter filling the room with a sense of celebration.

“I hear their latest catch exceeded all expectations,” Willemszoon attempted to explain. “The lads work hard and are entitled to a moment of glad-handing.”

Rebekah agreed. “Where is your Captain, sir, and my friend, Captain Chapman? I do not see them.”

“I suspect they occupy one of the private side rooms, Miss. When conducting business, it is best to do so without curious eyes watching your every move.” He paused. “Do you not agree?”

“Of course, you are correct, sir.” She waited, not knowing what next to do.

“Allow me to seek them out. If you wait here, I will return to you directly.” And with that, Willemszoon walked the length of the room and disappeared into one of the side rooms.

The publican looked across the room at Rebekah. “Would you or your boy want a small cider while you wait?”

“Thank you, but no. We are fine.”

“You could be waiting a right long time, miss.”

“Why do you say so?”

“I overheard your man and Captain Rykman arguing. Don’t think things are going so well for your Captain. Might take a bit to get their heads together.”

Rebekah looked at Ezra. “Perhaps a small cider for my son would be welcome.”

The publican nodded, poured a cup of cider and smiled at Rebekah.
“Will you be staying the night, Miss?”

“I do not think so. Our plan is to return to Hyannis before dark.”

“Then you best leave soon. Only a few hours of daylight left and the wind and tide will be against you if you wait much longer. It will take you twice as long to return as it did to come. You and the boy should take a room above and wait until morning.”

Rebekah shook her head. “That will not do. I must return to Hyannis this night.”

The Publican was about to explain further when a door to one of the side rooms opened and Captain Chapman appeared followed by the Quarter Master, Willemszoon.

“Rebekah! Here you are back from your wanderings.” He patted Ezra on the shoulder. “Did you enjoy the island, Ezra? There is much to explore.”

“We walked on the sand and I found shells and a crab!” Ezra held up his treasures for Chapman to see.

The Captain looked at Ezra’s collection of shells and a dried-out fiddler crab carcass. “You have indeed found treasure, Ezra.” He glanced up at Rebekah. “I do not wish to rush you, but if you and the boy are ready, it is best we depart within the hour.”

“And your business meeting went well?”

“That is yet to be decided. I will share what I can once we are underway. But we must leave now in order to catch the tide.” He turned towards Willemszoon. “I thank you sir for your time and escort of Rebekah and her son. I hope we might meet again. Next time under more amicable circumstances.”

The Quarter Master nodded his agreement.

Chapman hurried Rebekah and her son across the green and back towards the small harbor. The crew for The MaryBell were waiting on the dock and stood as the Captain approached.

“We must be off without delay, boys. Grog for all if you get us back to Hyannis by eight bells.”

The promise of a free pint or two was reason enough for the crew to rush their departure and within a few minutes, The MaryBell was leaving the harbor heading towards the far shore of Nantucket Sound and Hyannis.

The wind held steady for the first hour, and they made good time. But as the evening wore on, the winds diminished.

“There is nothing for it, Rebekah, except for you and Ezra to relax. The boys will do their best to catch every zephyr. With the winds so light it will be an easy sail, though longer than we might wish. I will go below and see what provisions Jacinda prepared for our supper.”

He retreated to the Captain’s cabin and returned with a small basket of food “Fruit, bread and cheese will serve us well.” He handed the basket to Rebekah and looked about for Ezra. The boy was leaning against the gunwale, fast asleep.

“Shall I take him down to my cabin?” he asked. I think he is exhausted.

Rebekah smiled. “I think it a good idea.”

Ezra cradled the boy in his arms and carefully carried him down the ladder to the Captain’s cabin below. When he returned to the deck, Rebekah had moved to the stern and was looking back towards the Vineyard.

“Did you enjoy the island, Rebekah? You did not have a lot of time to explore, but I promise to take you back one day. It is a beautiful island.”