Fall, Winter 1683
The days of autumn of 1683 passed quickly. Dozens of women sought Rebekah’s help in birthing their children and most deliveries were accomplished with little complication. Emma remarked on the great number of patients.
“It is a natural cycle, Emma. Cold winter nights always guarantee an abundance of newborns nine months later. It is the way of things and you should be well prepared for it when you go off to begin your own practice.”
“But you are not serious, Rebekah. I am ill-prepared to go off on my own. I have so much yet to learn.”
Rebekah glanced at her assistant. The two were seated in the front garden sorting seeds and stems. They had spent much of the last hour walking the length of the garden, harvesting plants. “Emma, you are more than ready. You have learned well and the women trust you. I trust you. If I were with child, I would trust you to deliver my babe without any question or hesitation. That is how ready I think you are.”
Emma could not help but smile. “If that be so, perhaps I should consider my next steps more seriously.”
“Of what do you speak?”
“My husband Charles has been asked to take a position as trade manager in the town of Saybrook along the southern coast. The population is growing with new families moving into the area. If we move it would be a step up for both of us and Charles is most eager to be on his own.”
“Is he not happy working with Captain Chapman?”
“He is indeed. The Captain has been most generous to both of us and we are grateful. But Charles has long desired to establish his own trade business and moving to Saybrook would give him that opportunity.”
“How far away is Saybrook?” Rebekah asked.
“Charles has told me it is not too far. It would take less than a day to sail the distance from Hyannis to Saybrook in a fair wind. You might have the Captain sail you and Ezra up the coast for a visit,” Emma teased.
“I think that very unlikely, Emma.”
“Do not deny you wish it were so. I see how you watch the Captain whenever he comes to call.”
“Which is nearly never these days.”
“But when he does, you cannot deny there is a spark between you.”
“Your imagination runs away with you, Emma. There is nothing between us, certainly nothing I could name a ‘spark.’”
“But you must see the man cares for you. He has said as much to Charles.” She paused, then continued. “I think with a little encouragement on your part, he could be won to your side.”
Rebekah bristled at the suggestion. “I do not need a man to be ‘won to my side,’ Emma. I am perfectly capable of handling things on my own.”
“I beg to differ. Everyone needs someone to support them; a friend, a companion, a mentor? I do not know what I would do without Charles in my life.”
“You would do well enough, I wager. Charles is a good man, but you cannot count on him always being there for you.” She considered her own life, remembering her late husband, John. “The cold, hard fact is people die, no matter how much you love and care for them. Accidents happen. Men drown and leave you stranded. You need to learn how to manage your own affairs.”
Emma studied the herbs she was sorting. Rebekah’s words as well as her firm tone left little doubt there was no point in arguing with the midwife.
“I think it time I head home, Rebekah.” She gathered her basket and cuttings, carefully sorted and labeled.
“When do you anticipate your move to Saybrook?” asked Rebekah.
“Soon. Once the harvest is in and the markets open—Charles believes it the best time to open his new office and introduce himself to the traders.”
“I shall miss you, Emma. You have been both a great help to my practice and a good friend. I wish both you and your husband godspeed.”
“Do not hurry me out the door too soon,” Emma protested. We hope to stay for the first days of the festival in Hyannis.”
“Then I shall look to see you there.”
—
Opening Day of the Harvest Festival dawned as a crisp and cool autumn morning. A spiderweb of early frost covered the small glass window in the great room as Rebekah prepared a bowl of hot porridge for her son.
“Come and eat your breakfast, Ezra, before it cools. We have much to do before we leave for Hyannis.”
The boy stood by the large bench and eagerly began to eat. “Once you are finished, put on your new breeches. You can help me pack the cart and then we can be off.”
“Will the Captain be there, Mama?”
“I think so. Are you eager to see him?”
The boy nodded, swallowing another large spoonful of oatmeal. A bit dripped down onto his waistcoat.
“Be careful, Ezra. Take smaller bites. You don’t want to make a mess of yourself.”
The boy nodded, swallowed, and finally dropped his empty spoon into the wooden bowl. “All done, Mama.” He looked up expectantly. “We go now?”
“Yes, we go now.”
Rebekah had placed three small boxes of her medicinal products near the front door of the cottage. “Ezra, would you carry these boxes to the front gate while I bring Pacer around to the drive? All we need do is load the cart and we can be off. And do not forget your cap. It is chilly outside this morning.”
It took a few minutes to hitch the horse to the cart and load the few boxes Rebekah wanted to bring to market. She had a case of hand ointments and several small bottles of herbal tinctures, each carefully labeled. Her patients had been asking for more samples of her remedies and she felt certain she could sell or trade with the women of the village, and by such action, spread her reputation as a healer and perhaps make a small profit as well. Profit was not her sole motivation, but a few extra coins in her purse would do no harm as the cold weather approached. But she knew she had to be prudent in her approach. Emma had warned her when last they met.
“Rebekah, all your patients have been asking me for samples of your salves and tinctures as they have proved to be most effective. Even Charles is impressed and he is sure to want a supply once he is established in his trade store in Saybrook.”
“I am glad to hear it,” Rebekah responded.
“But you must be careful in how you promote your products.”
“What do you mean? Why should I need to be careful?”
“I do not mean to frighten you, Rebekah, but I have heard rumors.”
“About what?”
“About you and how you make your special treatments. I know there is nothing to the talk and I expect those who spread such tales do so not so much from malice as from ignorance. Though I must confess there are a few who I believe spread such talk from a place of envy.”
“Envy?” Rebekah asked, incredulous. “I have nothing for any person to envy. I am a poor widow with a son to care for and no great prospects in life. I spend my days and nights as a midwife who busies herself in comforting women and babes as they enter the world.”
“But you are your own mistress, Rebekah. You manage your own practice, and come and go as you please. You are independent and have no need to answer to anyone. That, alone, makes you the envy of every woman in the village.”
“I fear, you are badly mistaken, Emma. Who do you know, who envies me my life?”
Emma did not hesitate before answering. “The Henshaw woman, for one. Captain Chapman’s housekeeper, Jacinda. I overheard her talking to one of the elders last time I was in the village. She thinks you claim too high a station for your position and worries you might have undue influence over some of the younger women in the parish.”
“Nonsense!” Rebekah declared.
“Don’t dismiss the rumors so quickly. I wager Jacinda has wormed her way into a circle of some power between the town elders and the minister. You must be careful, especially as it comes to promoting your salves. That woman has it in her head that you claim they have magic ingredients and can cure many ills.”
“But there is nothing magical or otherworldly about my ointments. Just good, honest use of the natural plants I find about. Anyone with the urge to learn the makings can do so. There is nothing magical about it, Emma.”
“Just be wise in what you say today as you offer your products. Who is to know who is listening.”
At the memory of their last conversation, Rebekah shook her head and laughed. “Emma worries overmuch.”
She turned to her son. “Come along, Ezra, time we set off to market.”
The boy climbed into the small cart and Rebecca took the harness and began to lead the horse and cart down the lane towards the village. As they approached the crossroad, farmers and fishermen with wagons filled with the result of their labors joined them on the road. Local families left their homes and followed the procession. There was an atmosphere of celebration as the walkers made their way towards the center of the village.
By the time Rebekah and Ezra reached the village common, the walkways were filled with people, eager to buy and sell their wares. The local tavern had claimed a spot on the edge of the common between the dock and the warehouses. Several long tables that had been set up in front were already filled with those making merry. Rebekah saw Emma and Charles making their way through the crowd and waved.
As the two friends approached, Rebekah explained. “Emma, I need to unpack the cart and set up a small space for selling a few of my ointments and medicinals. Would you be so kind as to help me?”
“Of course.” She turned to her husband. “Charles, would you like to take Ezra with you to look about the market? And find Captain Chapman if you can. Perhaps he can join us for refreshments later.” Grateful for the opportunity to explore, Charles and Ezra disappeared into the crowd.
It only took a few minutes for Rebekah and Emma to unload the cart of all her products and set up the small wooden table she had brought for display. Rebekah covered the table with a linen cloth and carefully set out samples of her ointments.
“You do not have to stay, Emma. I can easily watch the table if you want to walk about the marketplace.”
“I think I will do,” Emma responded, “but only for a few minutes—time enough to circle the common and see what is on offer. And keep in mind what I told you a few days ago. Be wise in what you say.”
Rebekah smiled and nodded. “I promise to be full of wisdom.”
Wonderful writing as usual.