She did not answer, but turned away and continued pacing the length of the room. Back and forth in short nervous steps. Finally, she stopped.
“What do you think of my idea, Edward? I know it may be considered by some to manipulate the law, but if we both agree on the arrangement it could be good for each of us.”
The Captain leaned back against the large trestle table in the center of the room, crossed his arms and gave Rebekah a hard look. “And what advantage is there for me in such a plan? You retain ownership of the land, and Dillard has one less reason to use accusations of witchcraft against you. What do I get if I consent to this scheme of yours? Where is my advantage?”
Rebekah studied his face before answering. She did care for the man, that was true. But love him? Love enough to marry? She was unsure and wondered if it would ever be true. “You ask for your advantage, Edward?” She stood in front of him, her face full of stubborn determination. “I can give you at least two very important advantages if you and I were to marry. First, you gain a faithful wife who promises to stand by your side as your friend and promises to keep you well supplied with quality skin balm and other medicinals.” She could not help but smile at the thought as Edward sighed deeply and shook his head.
“And second, I will keep the cottage and shed and the land upon which they rest, but insist you take control of that part of the property that runs along the ocean. Claim whatever is allowed and build your own wharf and warehouse along the Dillard shoreline. I should think that acquisition has great potential for making you a very wealthy man, Edward.”
He considered her words and after a moment, nodded his consent. “By joining together, we can defeat Dillard at his own game.”
“So you agree to marry me?” she asked.
“I will ask the minister to announce the bands next Sabbath and register our intentions with the magistrate. That should meet the legal requirements.”
She reached out and took Edward’s hand. “We are agreed?”she asked.
“We are agreed,” he repeated.
“One of us has to tell Ezra the news,” Rebekah said. “Would you want to tell him or shall I?”
Edward shook his head, ‘no.’ “I think this is one conversation we should both have with our son.”
Rebekah agreed and smiled. “Our son” sounded perfect.