Weather and winds were in their favor and The Caroline made excellent time, reaching Niantic by early evening of the next day. They dropped anchor just offshore.
“We should be in Saybrook tomorrow,” Chapman announced. He looked around the table at his guests. Rebekah and Ezra, Charles, and Emma had just finished a meal of salted pork, dried fruit, cheese followed by a pint of beer. The weather had been unusually warm for autumn and rather than have his passengers dine with the sailors in the galley below, Chapman had his crew move tables and chairs onto the quarter deck. From that vantage, high above the stern, they were able to view the harbor and enjoy the sun as it set over the Connecticut shoreline.
“The view is quite beautiful,” Emma declared, “as is your ship, The Caroline.” She looked west and her eyes followed a flock of geese as they crossed the sky in an arrow formation, their shapes edged gold in light from the setting sun.
“She is a worthy vessel, Emma. I bought her from a Dutch Captain who was retiring to his farm. The Caroline was designed as a merchant ship and has a very large hold suitable for transporting supplies and goods. We have done well trading with each of the settlements along the coastline.”
“You have no canon, sir?” Charles asked.
“I had most of them removed to make room for trade goods.”
“What have you for protection? Are there not pirates about, eager to rob you?”
“There are two small cannons on the gun deck below, but The Caroline is light over the water which allows us to sail faster than many vessels. Piracy has not been a problem.”
“How many crewmen have you?”
“I employ a complement of thirty sailors. But right now, most of the men are on shore, taking advantage of a rare night in port. They should not disturb you. Most times they are busy below decks and seldom on duty all at once. Every four hours the watch changes and every sailor must take his turn standing watch. When they are not in the rigging or scrubbing the decks, sailors are asleep in their hammocks below.”
Emma stood and walked to the rail. The water was calm. “Are we looking at the shores of Saybrook?” Emma asked.
“You are looking at the rolling green farmlands of Niantic. We are less than a day’s sail to our destination. As Saybrook is a very busy port, I wanted to wait offshore until the tides were right for an easy passage into the harbor’s North Cove. Tomorrow we will dock and unload our cargo, including both you and your husband, Charles.”
“How far is it from the harbor to our trading post?” Emma asked.
“It is an easy carriage ride. I have asked one of my workers to meet us at the dock. You should be well settled in your new home by end of day, tomorrow.”
He turned to Charles. “There are a number of townspeople I want you to meet. I suggested they join us next morning at the trading post.” Charles agreed. “In the meantime Emma, perhaps you and Rebekah could visit with some of the women in the village. I am sure they are eager to make the acquaintance of the new midwife.” Emma smiled and nodded her agreement.
“My plan is to have both you and Charles settled before I leave at the end of the week.”
Rebekah looked surprised. “I did not realize you would be sailing on, Edward. I thought you would be staying in Saybrook.”
“Sadly, no. I must go on to New York. The Caroline’s hold is full of goods that are in high demand.”
Rebekah looked crestfallen.
Chapman explained, “We will anchor in New York for a few days then sail north to the settlements along the Hudson.”
“Could we not sail on with you? Ezra would be so excited and I promise to stay out of the way.”
“I do not think that would be a good idea, Rebekah. Life on a merchant ship is not easy. My focus for these next two weeks will be on the business of buying and selling goods and I do not want to be responsible for your safety. If the winds and tides are favorable I will be returning to Saybrook within a fortnight. Once I return I will transport you and little Ezra back to Hyannis, or any port you wish.”
“Would you be willing to take us to the West Indies?” Rebekah asked. “I have heard rumors it is one of the most beautiful of southern ports.”
The Captain was surprised at her request. “It is also one of the most dangerous. The West Indies is no place for a decent woman, Rebekah. I do not know what you have heard, but it is home to all manner of pirates and brigands. A few years ago, I sailed to Port Royal and barely escaped with my life. I will not return despite the stories of bountiful treasures waiting to be found.”
“Are you afraid?” Charles asked. “You do not strike me as a man easily intimidated.”
“It is not fear that motivates me, but wisdom, Charles. There is so much trade to be realized from the settlements along the coast from New York to Cape Ann, I have no need to sail south again. I have established solid trade agreements with both the Dutch and the English and with many of the Native tribes. I assure you, there is plenty of trade to keep us all very busy. You should realize great success at your new trading post in Saybrook, Charles.”
The Captain looked at the darkening sky. “It is getting late. I suggest you all go below and retire for the night.”
“Where is Ezra?” Rebekah asked. She looked about but did not see him.
“He has fallen asleep on that coil of rope.” Charles pointed to the young boy curled up in a corner of the quarterdeck.
Rebekah moved towards her son, but the Captain put out an arm to block her path. “Ezra’s getting too big for you to lift him, Rebekah. I’ll carry him to your cabin and get him settled.”
“Thank you, Edward. That would be appreciated.”
She followed the Captain as he gathered the boy up in his arms and started down the ladder to the cabin.
“I suppose he must sleep in your bed tonight, though I’m sure he would prefer to try one of the hammocks,” Chapman commented.
“He was excited at the prospect.” Rebekah agreed.
“Well, he may have a hammock next time. I think your bed is the better choice, at least it would be my choice.” Chapman flashed Rebekah a grin so she knew he was teasing her.
She blushed, lowered her eyes but said nothing.
Chapman carefully placed the boy in the bed and covered him with one of the quilts.
“Come with me, Rebekah. I need to speak with you alone.”
Ooh what does the captain want to say?
It seems that Rebekah is getting a bit forward with her asking to go along with him on voyages.
Nice writing.
Rebekah does seem a little out of character here…wanting to travel to the West Indies, looking to continue on with the Captain. Since she was so skeptical of the harms that the drunken doc would cause, it would be helpful to know what is motivating her.
i dont think she was skeptical of the witchery accusations… she was surprised by them and realizes there might be danger for her behind the accusations… at this point she is eager for a distraction. The Captain offers her one in a sail to Saybrook… gets her out of danger and a chance to get away from the life she has been living…. she’s not bored, but as a woman with a child and no husband for support, she takes her chances with the Captain…. at least for a short time…
I don’t think she is way out of character… at least that was not my intentions… she is “stretching things a bit”….
Ewwww…. Loving it. Thanks for all the background about the Caroline. Love how you ended this chapter. It left me with a smile.