Dillard Beach Mystery – 52

“What is it?” Rebekah asked when they had both returned to the quarterdeck. “What do you want to tell me, Edward?”

Chapman stared out across the Niantic landscape, taking his time before speaking.

“We’ve known each other a good while, Rebekah. And we get on, do we not?” he asked. “What I mean to say is, we like each other, and trust each other. Would you agree?”

“Of course, Edward.” She paused, then continued. “What is this about? Are you in some sort of difficulty?”

“No, not at all. In fact, things could not be better. Which is why this is so awkward.”

“What is going on, Edward? Whatever it is, you know you can tell me. I’m the last person to judge you.”

He nodded and reached out to grasp her hand.

“It is not a judgment against myself that I discuss, but one set in a different direction.” He paused, weighing his words. “That confrontation you had with Doctor Rigsdale on the common in Hyannis, appears to have blossomed into quite a tempest. This morning before we left Hyannis, several of the elders approached me and let me know in no uncertain terms that if I am to continue doing business within their jurisdiction, I must first denounce you and your work. They declared I must disavow any relationship we have as business partners and discontinue selling or marketing any of your products.”

Rebekah stared at the Captain. “But why?”

“Because the majority of them think you a witch, or at the very least, someone working with dark forces. It makes no sense to me.”

“And you defended me against their accusations?”

“Of course. I told them all to go to hell— that I do not believe a word of it. I told them they are being fed tales without any truth or merit.”

“And who is doing the ‘feeding?’ Did they give you a name?” Rebekah asked.

The Captain sighed. “They did their best to obscure the truth. I cannot be certain, but I believe the rumors all come from one source, my cousin, Jacinda.”

“What have I done to cause her to say such things?”

“I believe she is jealous, Rebekah. Jealous of your success, and jealous of our friendship—of our relationship. It may sound arrogant on my part to say so, but I believe she wishes to be my partner, not only in business but in life. She is my housekeeper and in her mind she believes she deserves to stand by my side.”

Rebekah was stunned. “She wants to be your wife?”

Chapman shrugged. “It would seem so. Of course such a notion is ridiculous.”

“Have you given her any reason to believe this fantasy has any chance of coming true?”

“Of course not. This is all in her head— a figment of her imagination. I have never so much as given the woman more than a smile. She manages my house and gardens, and for that I am pleased, but I have never given her any reason to believe she is more than my housekeeper. She is not my wife and never will be.” He paused, wondering if he should continue. Finally, he said quietly, “That is one position I hold in reserve for you, Rebekah.”

Rebekah blinked and turned away, unsure of what she had heard. She stood quietly at the ship’s rail but did not respond, her attention focused on the sky as sunset gold faded into misty grey.