Fall, Winter 1683
Rebekah was stunned by Jacinda’s actions and was unsure how best to respond. The housekeeper’s remarks were filled with more than anger. She clearly hated Rebekah. Her words, her actions, her voice left little room for argument.
“Why?” Rebekah wondered. “What have I done to warrant such a response from the woman?” She wrapped her shawl a little more tightly against the cool morning air and slowly walked towards the house but did not go in. She needed time to think.
Perhaps she was a fool. She had married a man she loved and then denied him the satisfaction of that love, holding herself back from his embrace. Why? As a test of his commitment? Because she was afraid of being hurt in some way?
She let her mind travel back over the last few weeks and she knew in her heart, Edward Chapman would never hurt her, in fact he had done everything to win her trust and demonstrate his true regard. He had rescued her from the false accusations of the magistrates and had risked his own reputation by joining her in their marriage bond in order to protect her property. All the time never asking for more than she trust him in return. The more Rebekah reflected on her actions, the more she realized Jacinda was right. She was a fool.
“I must find Edward and try to explain myself,” she said aloud. Filled with a sudden determination, she quickly entered the back of the house and went in search of her friend.
“You spoke the truth last night, Philippa. I’ve been stubborn and hurtful and must make amends with Edward. I believe he has taken himself to The Caroline. I must go directly and find my husband before he sails for New York.”
“New York?” Philippa asked.
“Jacinda told me the Captain has joined forces with a Dutch trader and sails on the morrow for the port of New York. I cannot let him go without telling him I am sorry.” Philippa reached out to embrace her friend.
“I do not know how long I shall be, Philippa, but I should be most grateful if you could watch over Ezra until I return?”
Rebekah did not wait for her response but retrieved her cloak and bonnet, opened the front door and quickly made her way across the town common towards the waterfront.
The Caroline was docked at Chapman’s pier. As she approached, Rebekah could see the decks were nearly deserted. Only a single sailor stood watch in the stern. She guessed the crew were either still in their bunks below decks or on shore enjoying a last day before putting to sea.
“What can I do ye for, missy?” the watchman called out.
Rebekah ignored the man’s question and began to walk up the gangplank suspended between the dock and the ship. Once on board, she hurried across the deck towards the Captain’s quarters.
“Ahoy, there, missy, you canna just barge onto a ship with no reason.”
“I am here to see the Captain,” she declared.
The man moved to block her passage. “If that be the case ye be outa luck. Cap’n ain’t aboard. He just got wed and I s’pect he be busy with his new lady this vera day.” The sailor gave Rebekah a toothless grin and laughed. “You best look elsewhere for the Cap’n.”
“I think not, sailor. As I am the Captain’s new lady and I wish to see my husband.”
At her words, the sailor stepped back and let her pass.
“Is he in his quarters?” She asked.
“I coudna answer certain, Miss. I have not seen the man this day.”
Rebekah ignored the watchman and pushed open the cabin door. The room was filled with morning light. A large table covered with books, charts and nautical instruments took up much of the space. The Captain stood on the far side of the table, studying the chaos of paper. He looked up as she entered.
“Rebekah! What are you doing here?”
The brilliant morning sun streaming through the glass made it difficult for her to see his face, but there was no mistaking the anger in his voice.
“I have come to apologize, Edward. Jacinda told me you are sailing for New York. You cannot go.”
He stood up, crossed his arms and studied his new wife. “I cannot go, Rebekah? You of all people are giving me orders?”
She looked at her husband, her face filled with confusion. “That was spoken badly. What I mean to say is, I do not want you to go — at least not before I have a chance to explain myself.”
“What is there to explain, wife?” His voice was filled with sarcasm. “You marry me, but do not bed me. I promise you love and respect and you offer none in return.”
“I was wrong, Edward. I have come to you asking for your forgiveness and understanding and welcome me into your bed come this night.”
He studied his wife. “I do not understand you, woman. You speak to me in riddles.” He turned away and looked out the wide bank of windows that filled the ship’s stern. A sloop anchored nearby turned slowly as the sun rose higher, playing shadows across the dark water. He did not speak, as Rebekah waited for his response in silence.
Finally, he turned and looked at her. “I trusted you when you declared you were not a witch, but even as you spoke the words you bewitched me. And now you speak of understanding and forgiveness? I agreed to marry you to protect your property, and I will do as I have promised, but as to understanding? I am at a loss how to love you, Bekah.”
Hmmm. What’s next???