Dillard Beach Mystery – 75

Edward turned away from the bench full of jars and took a step towards Rebekah. “I have made a decision. Once the ceremony is concluded and we are legally married, we will reside at my house together. We do not have to share a bed, if that is what you want, but for the sake of our child and your reputation, we must live together.”

She could tell from his tone and the set of his jaw, there would be no compromise on this issue. Without a choice, Rebekah made the necessary preparations.

“First we have to let Jacinta know what we are about and you must be the one to tell her, Edward. You know she does not care for me and if I were the one to break the news, she would not believe it. She deserves to hear of our marriage from you. She will not be enthusiastic for the arrangement, but if the news comes from you, there will be no doubt of our intentions.”

He was tempted to argue with her but knew Rebekah was right. Jacinta would only believe the news if he was the one who delivered it.

Within the hour, they left Dillard and returned to Hyannis. Rebekah waited in the back hall of the main house while Edward told his cousin of their plans. It was not a pleasant encounter. Rebekah did not intend to listen but could not ignore the sound of their two voices raised in anger followed by the sound of a door slamming shut. She looked out the hall window and saw the Captain walking briskly across the yard and down the lane towards the center of town and the office of the magistrate.

As his only living family member, Jacinta, reluctantly gave the couple her blessing and preparations for a small celebration were arranged. Edward Chapman and Rebekah Rand were married three weeks later in a simple ceremony held in front of both the minister and the magistrate at the Captain’s home.

Rebekah sent word to her old friend and mentor, Goodie Pritchett in Aptuxcet. She attended with her husband William. Unfortunately, the Ballards from Saybrook were occupied with their new child and new trading post and were unable to attend. A few of Rebekah’s neighbors from Dillard attended, but her guests were few in number and were swallowed up by the large gathering of men and fellow traders Chapman was able to muster.

As part of the ceremony, the new couple were required by law, to exchange gifts.

Rebekah gave her new husband a scarf she had woven from the wool of his own sheep. “I trust it will keep you warm on cool nights as you sail on The Caroline.”

He gave her a string of pearls and a carved ring of gold with a pearl set in the center.
“I know you seldom wear jewelry, Rebekah, but you deserve to do so. In future I hope to offer you many such baubles.”

“These are beautiful, Edward, but I do not know when I shall have the opportunity to wear them.”
He took her hand and smiled. “That does not matter to me. You are a beautiful woman and deserve beautiful things and I promise to make certain you have them. Do not worry, Rebekah, I plan on there being many opportunities for you to show off your beauty in the future.” He gave Rebekah a knowing smile.

The party continued late into the evening. It was Ezra who finally signaled it was time for the guests to depart when he fell asleep under the long dining room table. Edward found him hidden under one of the large chairs, only his small feet showing.

“I will carry the boy upstairs and see him safely tucked away,” Edward said to his new wife. She was standing near the foot of the staircase with her friend, Philippa and they were deep in conversation. “And then I will return for you, dear wife. It is time we all retire do you not agree?” He smiled at the two women.

Rebekah gave him a puzzled look and turned to her friend Philippa. “Do not listen to him, Philippa, there is no need for you or your husband to depart the party.”

“I think your new husband is anxious we leave, dear,” Philippa said quietly.

“Oh, no, do not listen to him. The night is still young. Come and join me for one last cup of cider.” Rebekah gestured towards the great room.

Philippa shook her head. “No more for me, thank you, dear. It has been a long day and I am tired.” She looked about for her husband, and found him standing in a small group of men in the front hall. “William, I am saying good night and I think you should as well.”

It was a hint William could not ignore. He bid a good night to his companions and followed his wife up the stairs to their guest room. The other men agreed it was getting very late, after all, and made their excuses.

By the time Edward returned to the first floor all the guests had departed. Rebekah stood alone in the great room staring at the final embers in the fireplace, the light from the small flames throwing strange shadows on the ceiling and walls.

“Well, then, wife, here we are.” He stood behind her, waiting.

She turned and looked at him. Neither moved. Finally, Edward broke the silence. “What do you want to do now?”

“I need to go to bed, Edward. I am exhausted and I am sure you are. But there is something I need to say to you before I sleep this night.”

“And what is that, Rebekah?”

She paused, considering how best to say what was on her mind. “I want—no, I need to say the words ’Thank you Edward.’ You have agreed to marry me, and secure for me, my property. And you have done so, perhaps against your better judgement. I am, after all, a suspected witch.” She shrugged her shoulders. “Who is to know? I may be tempted to cast a spell, even now.”

He smiled at her. “I believe you may have already done so. The proof is here, before you now. As I have given you my word to become your husband. And there is no going back on my word.”

“As you say.” She nodded and looked at her new husband, his face softened by the firelight. “I, too, have given you my promise and it will never be broken.”

The two stood and looked at each other, each waiting for the other to make the first gesture and break the awkward moment.

“Where is Ezra?” Rebekah finally asked.

“I put him in the small bedroom at the end of the hall. He should be safe there.” He paused, unsure what next to say.

“You looked very pretty today…” his voice trailed off.

“Thank you,” she paused, “and you, of course, were looking quite handsome.”

He nodded. “Well then, aren’t we the fortunate couple, envied by all who came to celebrate our union, such as it is.”

He was making fun, but there was a tinge of bitterness in his tone.

“You are sorry to have wed me, Edward?”

“Not sorry, Rebekah. Just unclear as to what happens now. We are married.” He moved towards her, his arm ready to encircle her waist.

She shook her head and took a step back. “No. I agreed to share your home, Edward, and am prepared to do so. I have agreed to share your name and now that we are wed, I share it, as done my son.”

“But not my bed?” he asked.

She looked at him, startled at his words. “Why does that surprise you? That was our agreement.”

He turned away and she could see from the way he held himself that he was angry.”

“You agreed to our arrangement, Edward. Surely you understood our contract. I have control over my small patch of property in Dillard and you will have control over all of the Dillard shoreline. You can build whatever you want and will likely make a great deal of money.”

“But it seems, I have no control over you, Rebekah.” His face revealed his sudden anguish. “Until this moment I did not fully understand.”