Dillard Beach Mystery – 81

Rebekah did not wait for Edward to return from his voyage to New York before confronting the housekeeper. 

“Jacinda, as I am now Mistress of this house it is important that I become familiar with our vendors and suppliers. I would like to review our current circumstances with you.”

“I do not understand, Mistress. What circumstances?”

“If I am to manage the household I need to become familiar with all aspects of the house.” Jacinda’s face paled at the words and Rebekah quickly added, “It is not my intention to take over all your duties, Jacinda. But I need to understand how things are managed on a day-to-day basis. You do so much already. I intend to take over some of your burden.”

“The work is not a burden, I assure you. The Captain has trusted me to serve him as his housekeeper. I accomplish this service willingly for his sake.”

“And you do it well, Jacinda. I have no complaints, nor does the Captain as far as he has said. But, as I am now the Mistress of his home, it is my responsibility to take the lead. I need to understand how things are done and to seek improvements where they can be made.”

Jacinda stared at Rebekah, a look of resentment barely concealed behind her cold, hard stare. “I believe you overstate your position, Rebekah. You may be the Captain’s wife-in-law, but I know you do not share his bed nor his confidence. Until the Captain tells me as much, I will continue to do the work he has entrusted to me as I have done these past years.”

Rebekah was barely able to contain her anger. “What you know or think you know of myself and my husband is none of your concern. You may have served the Captain since he was a young man, and believe you understand him, but you are sadly mistaken.” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “I am in need of your assistance, Jacinda, and the Captain relies on you to give it to me. I need a list of all the local vendors with whom we do business. I will visit each of them and make a proper introduction.” She studied Jacinda. “Would you accompany me?” she asked. “It would show amity between us and give confidence to the shopkeepers.”

Jacinda  shook her head, “no.” “That is not possible. You must be aware of the trouble you have caused the Captain and this household. I must think of my reputation and cannot be seen in your company. It is best if you visit the shops on your own.”

Rebekah stared at Jacinda.

“If you will not come with me, then, at the very least give me the list as I have requested. I will manage the introductions without any help from you. In fact, it might be best if I go alone. But I do need the list.”

“As you wish, Miss.”

“I also require the account records” Rebekah asked. “I do not plan to keep them, but I need to study the pages and know the figures.”

“The accounting books are kept under lock and key in the first floor office, Miss. You will find everything is in order as the Captain wishes.”

“I am glad to hear of it. But I need to study the books with my own eyes.” She paused, then continued, “I will need the key, Jacinda. I am sure you understand.”

The two women stood in silence and stared at one another, There was no mistake who was now in charge. Rebekah spoke with the authority of the Captain, and Jacinda had little choice but to comply.

Next morning Rebekah left Ezra in the care of one of the housemaids and visited four of the vendors on the list provided by Jacinda. She introduced herself as Captain Chapman’s new wife come to live in Hyannis and as midwife and healer from Dillard. 

The shopkeepers gave Rebekah the respect she warranted as wife of Captain Chapman, but she could see each was wary of being overly friendly. 

Rumors of Rebekah’s entanglements with the law in Saybrook had reached Hyannis. One vendor she hoped she could trust for the good advice she required was John Philbert, owner of the local apothecary. She had known him for several years and he had sold her ointments and medicinals. His shop was an easy walk from the Chapman house.

“Good day, Mr. Philbert,” Rebekah greeted the owner. 

John Philbert looked up from the paper he was reading and looked at Rebekah over the frame of his glasses. He studied her before speaking. “Is it Rebekah Rand come to call, Miss?,” he questioned.

“It is sir,” Rebekah gave the apothecary a wide smile. “You are looking very well.”

“As are you, mistress. It is good to see you looking so.” He paused and waited for Rebekah to respond but when she did not, he continued, “I heard of your troubles in Saybrook. If the stories are true, it is a true wonder you stand here before me.”

“Stories can be exaggerated, Mr. Philbert, the troubles in Saybrook among them.” She looked about the apothecary. “I have come to ask if you require a fresh supply of my ointments. I do not see any among the products you are offering today.” Her eyes swept across the shelves and racks. Rand’s Balm was nowhere to be seen.

“Perhaps you would like to place an order with me directly?”

Philbert did not look at her when he answered. “Thank you mistress, but there is no need. I have all the Rand’s Balm I require.”

“But I do not see any on your shelf. Have you sold all past orders?”

The druggist looked at her directly. “I have all I can sell because no one is buying your ointments, mistress. My customers have heard the rumors from Saybrook. They do not trust your medicinals and fear they will bring illness.”

“That is a falsehood, sir, and you know it. My balms provide comfort.”

“I am sorry, madame. False or no, rumors have spread amongst the people who frequent my shop and no one wants to chance a cure that might carry a curse.”

“A curse?” Rebekah exclaimed. “You know better than to believe such a claim. Who has said as much?”

“Doctor Rigsdale has declared you a troublemaker and not to be trusted. I do not believe it to be true, Mistress, but there is little I can say against the man.”

“Except he is a drunkard and is usually deep in his cups by noon.”

Philbert held up his hands to calm Rebekah. “You must not speak so, mistress. What you say may be true, but it is not for me, or you, to judge the Doctor. He is, in fact, a respected gentleman of the community.”

“And should be stripped of his title for the damage he has caused.”

Philbert nodded. “If such be the case, the elders will manage it, Mistress. There is little I can do.”

“But as shopkeeper, can you not speak against these false rumors in my defense? You know the rumors to be unfounded.”

“I am sorry, Mistress. I am not in a position to speak in favor of your products.”

“If you are not, then who is? You have sold my medicinals this last year with only positive results. Surely you can speak to the good effect they have on cuts and bruises.”

The druggist shook his head and backed away as another customer came into the shop. “Apologies, mistress. As you can see, I am busy and I must attend to my customers. I bid you a good day.”

Rebekah, humiliated and angry, had little choice but to walk away.

 “I am so angry I could scream,” Rebekah declared to Philippa when she returned to the Chapman House. Philippa sat in the front parlor quietly sorting through a small box of buttons. She listened and did not interrupt as Rebekah relayed the events of the morning. Her voice filled with bitterness as she spoke harshly against the rumors swirling around her and against the foolish people who believed in them.

“I cannot believe what I am hearing, Philippa. These rumors that follow me are totally without merit. There is no proof of my causing harm to another. If truth be told I have done nothing but good.”

Phillippa studied her friend. “There is naught you can do about what people say. They will believe what they are told until a story of a different slant is told and believed. The best you can do is to continue with your good work. Stubborn minds can only be changed by the witness of good care.” She sighed and patted Rebekah on the arm. “Do not be afeared. The truth will show itself soon enough.”