Dillard Beach Mystery – 77

Fall, Winter 1683

Lying in her bed with little Ezra at her side, Rebekah thought long upon the words Philippa had spoken and knew in her heart her friend spoke the truth. Chapman was a good man and would never force her to do anything against her true nature. She resolved to ask him to forgive her stubborn refusal to join him in their marriage bed and he would understand and all confusion between them would be settled. She was certain of it and resolved to make things right between them.

But it was not to be. Just after dawn, Rebekah, careful not to wake her son, rose from her bed and made her way to her new husband’s bedchamber. The bedclothes had been tossed to one side but he was not there. She went down the stairs and searched the first floor rooms without finding him. Where had he gone at such an early hour?

“Captain Chapman departed early for the waterfront and his warehouse,” Jacinda told Rebekah when the two met in the front garden after breakfast. “He told me he had much to prepare before sailing to New York.”

“New York?” Rebekah asked. “When is he sailing to New York?”

“I believe he said he was sailing tomorrow on the morning tide. I am surprised he did not tell you, Rebekah. Why, the Captain told me of his intentions a week ago.” She gave Rebekah a satisfied smile. “He is meeting with Captain Rykman and his business associates in New York and from there, they intend to sail south. I understand Captain Rykman has a thriving trade with the West Indies and he has ideas to expand Captain Chapman’s reach. Surely he told you?”

Jacinda realized from the blank look on Rebekah’s face, that she had no knowledge of the Captain’s business intentions. Enjoying Rebekah’s confusion, Jacinda pressed her advantage. “I should think the Captain would have shared this information with you as you are so newly joined as husband and wife. I overheard a few of his crew talking. Their voyage will follow the coastline south, keeping the Captain at sea and away from Hyannis for the next several months.”

Rebekah shook her head. “You speak of months? Surely you are mistaken.”

“I think not. The Captain intends to sail The Caroline south to the islands. A week ago he asked me to assist in ordering provisions for the voyage. They are to be delivered this afternoon.”

Rebekah turned away, considering her next move. “The Captain is at his warehouse this morning?”

“That is possible, but I have no certainty of his movements.As his wife, perhaps you have a better idea?”

“And I should know where he is at all times?”

“If he were my husband, I would know,” Jacinda responded. “Is it not the duty of a wife to manage her husband and help him in all that he does?”

Rebekah shook her head. “We have very different views of a wife’s duties, Jacinda. But that is of no account to me. I give thanks that I do not know or am responsible for all his actions. I trust him to do the right thing. The Captain is himself, as I am my own person. We are partners to each other. Free to let the other be free. Bound by our regard, one for the other.”

Jacinda looked at Rebekah, her voice full of scorn. “Your words are those of a fool. It is this very freedom you speak of that has caused the Captain so much grief and shame over these many weeks.”

“Of what do you speak, Jacinda? What shame? What grief?” Rebekah was truly puzzled by her remarks.

Jacinda stared at Rebekah. “You are, truly, a very stupid woman, Rebekah,” she declared. She said not another word but turned on her heel and briskly walked back across the yard and entered the house, slamming the door behind her.