Dillard Beach Mystery – 50

Grey clouds filled the mid-morning sky as The Caroline set sail for New York. As the merchant ship cleared Hyannis Harbor, the late autumn wind filled the sails and The Caroline began its journey west along the coastline towards Saybrook. Rebekah stood at the rail, gazing back at the docks and warehouses they were leaving behind. Ezra was below decks, exploring the ship with a Cabin Boy who had promised to show him around.

“Are you warm enough?” Captain Chapman asked, taking his place alongside her.

Rebekah shook her head “no.” The wind cut around and through the folds of her thin shawl. She was grateful to be on board and away from Hyannis and the accusations of Doctor Rigsdale. Sensing her discomfort, the Captain put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her closer. She did not resist. In fact, she welcomed his embrace.

“I never thought it would come to this,” she said softly.

“Do not trouble yourself, Rebekah. If it’s the altercation with the Doctor that still troubles you, be assured. All who heard the man could see he was drunk and only talking in his cups. In a month, the confrontation will be nothing but a faded memory. No one will give it a care.”

“I will. I clearly underestimated the fear and anger in the Doctor and never expected he would accuse me of such a thing as witchery.”

“There is no truth to any of it,” the Captain insisted, “and all who were on the common could see his accusation for what it was, the ravings of a jealous man.”

Rebekah gave the Captain a confused look.

“What truly surprised me was how many seemed to believe his accusations. I could see it in their eyes,—the way they pulled away when I approached. These are women and men I have known for years. I have delivered their children and patched up their wounds, but it would seem they no longer trust me.” She paused, considering her predicament. “What shall I do, Edward? Where can I go? Without my work, how shall I live? How can I care for Ezra?”

“You are speaking foolishness Remember, I was there on the common and could see most of the crowd thought it was the drink that was talking.”

“Not the Constable. I saw his face. It was full of fear.”

Chapman stepped back and studied Rebekah.

“Of what was he frightened? Not of you, surely.”

“I cannot say for certain.”

“Like most of his kind, he is suspicious of everyone. The Constable is overly gullible and believes what he does not understand.”

“Even so, as Constable, he has the power to have me arrested and I fear he would have done so if I had stayed much longer in Hyannis.”

“Then it is fortunate you have left the situation. And more fortunate that you have joined us on our voyage to deliver Emma and her husband to Saybrook.”

At that moment a voice cried out, “Ahoy, Mama!”

Rebekah and the Captain both turned to see Ezra, a wide grin across his face, poking his head above the nearby companionway. “Look at me, Mama! I’m a pirate!”

Chapman reached out and pulled the boy up the ladder “A pirate, are ye? You look more of a stowaway to me, boy. What are you doing, hiding below decks?”

Ezra shook his head. “Not hiding. Me and Jim, we be exploring.” He pointed to a young boy, not more than a dozen years, who followed him up the ladder and gave both the Captain and Rebekah a sharp salute.

“Pardon, Sir. I’ve been showing the boy a bit of below decks, Sir.”

The Captain stared at the two lads. “As well you should, Jim. Give him a good look around as long as the weather is fair and we be close to shore. Once we are in the Sound, and under full sail, we’ll be needing you back on duty as Cabin Boy.”

“Aye, aye, Sir.” Jim gave the Captain another salute. “Come along Ezra, let me show you the galley. Cook might give us something to eat.”

“Be careful not to bother cook,” Chapman warned. “He has enough trouble keeping the crew fed and fit without you getting in his way.”

Ezra flashed the Captain a smile. “Cook gave me a sweet.”

“Even so, Ezra, you must give the man the space he needs to do his job. The galley is small and having two young ruffians about only complicates his work.” He paused, reached into his pocket and handed the Cabin Boy a small piece of rope. “Perhaps you could teach Ezra how to tie a few knots.”

“Aye, aye, Captain.” Jim nodded and the two boys disappeared below deck.

“You are very kind to my son, Edward,” Rebekah said.

“He is a good boy. You have done a fine job with him. I am happy to have you both on board.”

“I do not want either of us to be in the way.”

“Have no fear of that. Young Jim will keep Ezra busy exploring and learning how things are done, and as for you, let me show you to your cabin.”

He led Rebekah towards the stern of the vessel. “I am giving you and Ezra my cabin.”

She began to protest.

“It is no inconvenience. At most, it will take two days until we reach the mouth of the Connecticut River. Saybrook Point is just beyond.

He opened the cabin door and Rebekah stepped inside. It was surprisingly roomy. Situated over the stern of the ship the cabin stretched the full width from port to starboard. Built-in cabinets were fitted under a series of large windows that allowed light and air into the cabin and provided a view of the coast and diminishing harbor. The Captain’s wide bed was set into the port wall. Covered with quilts and blankets, drapes had been hung for privacy. On the starboard wall, shelves held navigation charts and books. A drop-down desk provided a surface for mapping the ship’s course.

“It is not so uncomfortable as it looks. The bed is large enough for both of you but we can hang a hammock from the rafters for Ezra if you wish.”

“Do not apologize, Edward. This will do nicely for our short voyage. Ezra will love sleeping in a hammock rather than being squeezed into bed next to me.”

“Do you take your meals in your cabin?” Rebekah asked, looking around. “I do not see a table and chair.”

“I prefer to eat with the men, but for this voyage I will have a special dining area set up for both you and Ezra as well as Emma and Charles. I think you will find that more comfortable than eating in the galley with the sailors.”

“Thank you, kindly.”

“I will have your things brought to my cabin while we seek out Emma and Charles.”

They discovered the young couple in one of the cabins on the deck just below the quarters of the Captain. Although they had only been on the water less than an hour, Emma appeared sickly. She leaned against the wall, holding her stomach.

“Are you ill, Emma?” Rebekah asked.

“I fear it is so, though not from seasickness.”

“Then what?”

Emma shook her head. “I cannot be sure, though, of all people, I should know.”

Rebekah studied her friend. “Is it possible you are with child, Emma?”

Her friend thought for a moment, then nodded. “It is possible.”