Dillard Beach Mystery – 49

Emma took Rebekah’s hand and began to lead her to one side. “Charles, why don’t you and the Captain take Ezra to the confectioner for a treat. I need a moment with Rebekah.”

Once the two women had stepped away, Emma explained. “Rebekah, in most things you are a sensible and wise woman, and I am happy to have you as my teacher and mentor. But as for matters of the heart, you are near dense to a fence post! Do you not see? Do you not perceive how much the Captain cares for you?”

“He cares for my son, Ezra. I see that clearly.”

“And for you, Rebekah. He cares for you as well. Why else would he risk his reputation on your healing tins and jars? He has supported you and stood by you when all else questioned you or turned away.”

Rebekah took a moment to sort through what Emma had said. “And you believe he does these things out of some affection for me?”

“Is it not obvious to you?”

“I thought he was focused on making a profit.”

“He is, of course. But there are at least a half dozen others who could provide him with the salves and tinctures you supply. But he chose yours above all others because he wanted to support your efforts, and I believe because he trusts you. He knows you would refuse his money if he offered it directly. He wants to be sure you are able to manage on your own. By joining you in this business partnership both of you are satisfied.”

“Which I am!” Rebekah declared. “I am proud to be able to manage things on my own.”

“That is not the whole truth. You could not manage as well without his assistance. I know how tight things have been for you in recent times. Now, that the Captain is supporting your business, you can afford to buy a few things for yourself and for Ezra.”

Rebekah considered Emma’s words. “The Captain has shown me some favoritism over these last months, though I do not understand why.”

“Does caring for another need an explanation?” Emma asked. “It simply is what it is and I am happy to be witness to it. You should be grateful.”

“I am that,” Rebekah agreed, and turning away she found herself facing the Captain. He stood in the pathway, one hand holding little Ezra’s hand, a broad smile on his face.

“I could not help but overhear your conversation, Rebekah. For what are you grateful?” he asked.

“For your kindness in caring for my son, Captain.” She paused, then continued. “And, of course for helping me sell my wares.”

He glanced at the near-empty table. “It appears you have had a good selling day. You only have a few tins left on your display table.”

“But the day has not been without controversy,” Emma interrupted. “I fear, Doctor Rigsdale will continue to cause trouble.”

Rebekah tried to make light of the event. “The Doctor hardly knew what he was saying. I believe he had already been to the tavern before he found us on the common and his accusations were quickly denounced by those who heard him. So no harm done, Captain,” Rebekah said.

“No harm that you could see,” Chapman remarked. “But there is little doubt such a public confrontation leaves invisible marks you cannot see. These will surely linger in the minds of those who witnessed the incident. Do not make the mistake of thinking the Doctor is cowed.”

Rebekah shook her head. “I care little what the Doctor believes, Captain.”

“That may be so, but it might be best if you removed yourself from his arena for a time. Your success threatens his practice and his stature in the community.”

“That is not my intention. I provide women with the best care I can. If he takes offense at that, there is little I can say to persuade him otherwise.”

“Do you not understand? Your intentions do not matter to a man such as Doctor Rigsdale. He has powerful friends in Hyannis and will not take kindly to being humiliated.”

“Then, what do you suggest as a remedy, Captain?” Rebekah asked.

“As I have said, you should remove yourself from his sphere of influence. I recommend you and Ezra depart without delay.”

“And where shall I go? Travel requires both time and coin, neither of which I have in great abundance,” Rebekah explained. “I cannot just leave things as they are and go.”

“And what is it you would you be leaving?” Chapman asked. “Your garden is nearly harvested and the women you care for can manage for themselves for a while. Your mentor, Midwife Goodie Pritchett could help I am certain.”

“Do you think the Doctor would do anything to harm me or my son?”

“He sees you as viable competition to his practice and his reputation. Who knows of what he is capable?”

“You should come with us to Saybrook!” Emma declared. “Charles and I are very nearly ready to travel as we have been packing our belongings since he got word of his new post. We could be ready to leave in just a few days. Captain Chapman has offered us passage on The Caroline. He is sailing to New York and will stop in Saybrook.”

“If you remember, Rebekah, I offered to take Ezra on a longer voyage than the one we took to the Vineyard. Now, would be a good time for me to make good on that offer. I will take you both to New York. It would move you both out of harm’s way and give the boy an adventure at sea.”