The Old Cape House

by Barbara Eppich Struna

  “Maria, how’s your firewood supply? I noticed a fallen tree outside. Would you like me to cut and stack it for you?”

  “Oh, yes please Matthew, but I have no tools.”

  He stood up from the table and went over to the long narrow bundle that Maria had questioned earlier. “I do believe I can help you.” Untying the strings that held the canvas tight, he continued, “I present to you one used but sharp axe and something else that I think you might need.” He unfolded further the weathered covering to reveal a long, slender and deadly musket. He placed it next to the hearth and then reached for his coat. “I’ll go out and cut some wood for you tonight. I have almost an hour or more left of daylight.”

  The felled tree had been dried of its sap long ago and was ripe for making a good flame in the hearth. The popping of the newly cut wood as it burned warmed and soothed her.

  As Maria looked through the supplies that Matthew had brought her, she asked, “Would you consider staying the night? The storm seems stronger now.”

  Matthew brushed the snow off his boots and looked out the tiny opening in the glass. He could see nothing but snow and darkness. “I think you’re right. I’ll sleep here by the hearth, if that is to your liking?”

  “Yes,” Maria said.

  “The horse needs tending. I saw a lean-to out back. He’ll be fine in there tonight. I already gave him oats.”

  They sat in silence by the crackling fire while they enjoyed one last drink of warm ale. Maria was the first to rise from the table to find a blanket for Matthew. “I want to thank you for all you’ve done for me, considering the circumstances that I’ve gotten myself into.”

  He stood and placed his hands on her shoulders. As he looked into her eyes, the glow of the fire softened her features, accenting her beauty even more. “Maria, I’ll always be here for you and will never put aside our friendship.” He wanted to kiss her lips, but instead he held her close.

  As the two embraced, something stirred within Maria, something she had not felt since being with Sam. It frightened and delighted her at the same time. She dropped the blanket. Her arms wrapped around him, she felt her whole body accepting his affection and didn’t want to leave his arms. She felt as if he could fill a deep void inside of her. Reluctantly she drew back. “Matthew, I must sleep now.” She leaned down and picked up his blanket. “Here. Stay warm tonight.”

  Maria stoked the fire one last time while Matthew settled down near the hearth. “Good night,” he whispered.

  “Good night, Matthew.”

  Maria retired to her bed on the other side of the hearth. Exhausted from all the excitement, she fell into a deep sleep as soon as she crawled under her new covers.

  ***

  Matthew could not sleep. His thoughts were with Maria and what he was going to say to her. Should I tell her about my feelings for her? And what of our future together? Could there even be a future? He found no answers for his questions but felt comfort in the closeness of her presence.

  ***

  A cry came from Maria’s room. Matthew jumped up as she began to scream.

  “No, No! I can’t do this alone. Someone help me, please!”

  He hurried to the other side of the room and found Maria sitting up in bed, frantically waving her arms. Sitting next to her on the bed, he held her hands and pleaded, “Maria, wake up! You’re dreaming!” He could think of only one thing–to hold her–he pulled her against his chest. “Maria, you’re safe with me. Calm yourself. It’s only a dream.”

  Slowly she opened her eyes. Relieved to see her dear friend she cried, “Oh Matthew, I’m so afraid. Please hold me.” She clung to him as he held her tight.

  Matthew uttered a soft “Shhhh.” Then he gently laid her down on the bed. He moved close to her trembling body and brought the bedcovers over the both of them. As he pressed his body alongside hers, he stroked her hair smooth and pulled her back secure against his chest. He felt content and satisfied to hold his love for as long as the night would allow him. Tenderness prevailed over his deep passion for her, and simple sleep finally came to them as soft snowflakes covered the roof of the old McKeon House.

  By the time Matthew was ready to leave, early next morning, the snow had stopped and sunshine sparkled across the snowy fields and marshes. He finished splitting the last of the old tree and readied the sleigh for his trip home.

  Neither spoke very much as they ate a small meal of biscuits, both confused by their feelings for each other. Matthew was cautious of going against the law. Maria questioned her affection for Sam, and now Matthew.

  “Will I see you again?” She watched him fold the canvas that had covered her things.

  He came near to her and, once again, he found it difficult to speak. “My dearest Maria, you know that I will always be here for you.” He chose his words with care. “I’ll try to come, although I’m not sure what I can do.”

  Maria lowered her face. “I understand.”

  He turned away, walked to the front of the sleigh, grabbed the reins, and climbed onto the seat. He looked back once more to see her face. Would this be the last time he’d ever see her? Matthew could not bear the thought of it. He must find a way to visit Maria again.

  With a crack of leather the horse bolted away from the house and down the path. Maria watched until she could not see him anymore. As she latched the door of the old house she submitted once again to her world of isolation and loneliness.

  40

  March 1716

  EASTHAM – CAPE COD

  THE WINTER HAD BEEN THE SNOWIEST anyone could remember. Freezing temperatures had kept the snow on the ground between snowfalls, making travel difficult and supplies scarce. This inconvenience brought out the ill tempers among neighbors and shortened the patience of many people. Near the end of March, patches of green could finally be seen around the village. People ventured outdoors more and Smith’s Tavern became busy again.

  No one noticed Timothy Edwards enter the tavern. The new visitor was of average size, dressed in plain clothes, and limped on his left leg. He began asking questions among the people in the tavern. Mr. Smith heard the name ‘Maria Hallett’ float above the conversation and observed his customers shaking their heads ‘No’ to the stranger. He caught Edwards’s attention by waving his hand, gesturing for him to come closer to the sideboard.

  Edwards looked over with an exasperated face. Smith signaled him again. A lack of answers made the stranger annoyed, and he growled at Smith, “Gimme a pint!”

  “What seems to be troubling you, sir?” the tavern owner asked, ignoring his rudeness.

  “I know I have the right place, but everyone I speak to acts strangely and displays an unusual ignorance to my inquiries.”

  “I might be able to help you.” Smith was curious about the man’s interest in Maria Hallett.

  “A while back, I travelled with the Bellamy-Williams crew to find treasure off the West Indies coast. Well, it didn’t turn out the way we all expected. The treasure was gone before we even got there.” The seaman drank half his ale in one lift of his hand. “Not wanting to go home empty handed, most of the men went ‘on account’…pirate, I mean. But I decided not to, me having a family in Truro and all.”

  “So you say that Bellamy went ‘on account’?”

  “Aye, that’s what I said. When we docked in Antigua, I told Bellamy that I wanted nothing to do with pirates. He said that it would be right if I left, but only if I would do one favor for him.” He scratched his head. “Bellamy knew I was from Truro and this end of the land. He asked if I would get a message to someone here in Eastham.”

  “Whom do you seek?” asked Smith, all the while knowing full well it was Maria.

  “She goes by the name of Maria Hallett.”

  “Maria Hallett, you say?”

  “Yes, that’s her.” Edwards looked at Smith with relief. “Do you know her?”

  “There’s a girl who goes by that name, but no one will agree to it.”

  The stranger look
ed puzzled. “What’s that you mean?”

  “She was accused of murder and witchcraft a while back. Nothing was ever proven, but some people around here still wanted to see her punished.” Smith wiped some ale from the sideboard. “They banished her to the bluffs. Poor thing never had a chance against all these supposed God-fearing people. She’s dead to most.”

  Edwards leaned closer to Smith and whispered, “Can you get a message to her?”

  Smith looked around before he spoke. “I think I might be able to arrange something. What do you have?”

  From the inside pocket of his waistcoat he pulled a small folded parchment, sealed in wax, and handed it to Smith. “Here.” The name Maria Hallett was written on the outside.

  Mr. Smith took the letter and placed it in his cash box. “I will do my best to get it to her.”

  Timothy Edwards felt at ease. “Thank you, sir. My duty is done.” He paid for his pint and walked out of the tavern, heading for his home.

  41

  April 1716

  EASTHAM – CAPE COD

  THE SUN FELT PLEASANT ON MARIA’S FACE as she brought in wood for the day. Water dripped from the roof in a steady stream that splashed onto the mud surrounding the perimeter of her solitary confinement. She had counted the days from her arrival with crude markings on a corner wall by her bed, but after Matthew’s visit, she used a piece of vellum from her special keepsake box. Winter was near over and the smell of spring drifted through the air. She reached for some oats to prepare her meal but found the sack almost empty. Maria wondered if people’s hearts might have softened towards her. Would it be safe to travel to the village store? Unsure of what might happen, she decided to try.

  ***

  The warmth of the day made the ground soggy, and it proved difficult to walk on. Approaching the first house of Eastham, Maria saw its owner, Mr. Jenkins, staring at her as he walked his horse to the barn.

  The Widow Baker’s house came next. Maria distrusted her, thinking of the day the widow had pried her way into her life under the pretense of a social visit. She could see Widow Baker’s face framed in the little window opening of the door. The old woman’s expression quickly changed at the sight of Maria from surprise to disbelief and finally to anger. She opened the door a crack and shouted, “Get away from here. Go back to where you belong!”

  Maria hurried past the annoyed woman’s house.

  She could see the Pierce Stand, where Isaac Pierce sold supplies and served ale on occasion. Mrs. Eldridge was walking towards Maria, approaching the store from the opposite side. When she caught sight of Maria rounding the curve in the road she picked up her pace and reached Pierce’s first. She hurried inside and shut the door behind her.

  By the time Maria placed her foot on the step of the store, a closed sign appeared, sending a clear message that she was not welcome. When Maria knocked, she found the door locked, and no answer came from within. Sick in her heart, the young girl turned to go home.

  ***

  On the muddy road ahead, a group of people watched her as she walked towards them. She pulled her shawl closer around her head, hoping no one would bother her. Suddenly, from one side, she heard a squish of mud, and within seconds a large clump of wet sod hit her on the ear. She twisted around to see a young man laughing. Her feet could not out distance the next mound of filth that he hurled at the back of her skirts. A man, three women and a few small children waited for her to pass by them. They separated and lined up on either side of the dirt road.

  Maria had no choice but to walk between them.

  “Witch! Be gone!” yelled the man.

  One woman warned, “Stay away from our children, you murderer.”

  The children scooped up black mud and stood poised to hit their easy target. In seconds, thick soggy soil crashed against Maria’s body. She stumbled to get away as words were hurled at her from the attackers, but they were muffled by her screams as she ran from them.

  By the time Maria came into view of her house her shoes were so caked with mud that she could barely lift her feet. She trudged forward as her breathing became labored in the chilly air, and her body grew covered with sweat. She collapsed onto the bench in front of her house. After a few seconds she regained her composure and could breathe easily once more.

  Discouraged, Maria looked out to the coast; her eyes drifted across the marsh and then to the ground in front of her. Something dark and flat caught her eye among the grasses to the far side of the house, where the snow had melted. She had never noticed it before. Struggling to stand, she stamped her shoes to shake off the mud and walked closer to the object. A two-foot square of wooden slats had been nailed together. She pushed the wood with one foot and it moved. She flipped it over to reveal a black hole. Inside was a rope and bucket attached to a long piece of wood that stretched from side to side. They both dangled above a circle of darkness. She’d found the well.

  Hope rippled through Maria’s body, and the mud incident was soon forgotten as she lowered the bucket down the well. A loud crack echoed up to her ears as the ice broke. When the bucket filled with water, she pulled up on the rope. To her delight, the container held good clean water. She glanced down at her muddy clothes and shoes with a grateful smile, then carried her liquid treasure back to the house. She knew her source of water would be in jeopardy as the snow melted away and the air became warmer. Now Maria was confident that things would be better.

  42

  April 1716

  EASTHAM – CAPE COD

  THE HERRING WERE RUNNING; a sure sign of spring for Matthew. The temperature was unusually warm so all he needed was his hat and waistcoat today. His father had recently taken ill and the younger Ellis was given more responsibilities in the household. Even though he was not fond of the sea, he felt obligated to replace his father on several fishing trips. His mother, consumed with taking care of her husband, also needed his help. The sun felt warm on his back as he headed out in the wagon to deliver a barrel of fresh cod to Smith’s Tavern.

  “Hello, Mr. Smith!” Matthew shouted.

  Smith was sweeping the step when he saw Matthew pull up. “Good morrow, Matthew!”

  Matthew jumped down and rolled a barrel filled with his fresh catch to the side door.

  “We’ll have a good bake tonight and plenty of chowder,” Smith smiled. The tavern owner inspected his purchase with a long sniff. Satisfied, he accepted his bill and placed it into the drawer next to his cash box. He caught sight of the letter given to him by Timothy Edwards and realized he’d forgotten about it.

  “Matthew, you were friends with Maria Hallett, am I not right?”

  Matthew paused. “Yes, that’s right.”

  “Are you not close to her house out there? Have you seen her about?”

  “Yes, I’m close, but I’m afraid I haven’t seen her,” Matthew replied.

  Smith took the letter out of the box and handed it to Matthew. “I have something for her. Do you think that you could leave it by her door without anyone seeing that you’ve been there?”

  “I don’t know if I should.”

  “It would satisfy a favor, and we could keep it our secret. What say you?”

  “I’ll try,” Matthew agreed. He stuffed the letter into his vest pocket and gave Smith a wave goodbye.

  He’d heard what had happened to Maria when she’d tried to buy supplies at Pierce’s. Knowing what people are capable of in Eastham, Matthew feared not for himself, but for his parents. They were vulnerable in their poor health, and their stature in the community might be jeopardized. As the wagon rumbled away from the tavern, Matthew noticed his hands perspiring on the reins. Why should he be nervous at this chance to see Maria? He decided nighttime would be the best time to visit her, and if someone saw him, he’d explain that his visit was on behalf of Mr. Smith.

  May 1, 1716

  EASTHAM – CAPE COD

  As Minda approached the Ellis and Hallett homesteads, she heard an axe cracking. She could see Matthew splitting wood in
front of his house, but there was no sign of life where Maria once lived. The old PowWah waved her hand and called out to Matthew.

  He recognized the PowWah and saw that she pulled a black goat tethered on a short rope. He laughed and turned to greet her. “Minda, it’s good to see you. I take it you are well after such a hard winter?”

  She rested on a large rock and placed the end of the rope under her foot to keep the goat from wandering. “Yes, I am well, even after tending to many women. Spring has brought forth numerous births.” Minda gestured to the goat. “What do you think of my payment from the Macon household? The young mistress gave up twins last night.” She shook her head while patting the goat’s head. “Tis a pity, this poor nanny lost her kid and is in need of milking. I have no need of it. It is a shame because it could provide milk all year long. What say you of giving it to Maria?”

  Matthew approved. He thought it would not be dangerous for Minda to contact Maria, but it could be disastrous for him. He knew that Maria’s banishment held no sway over the behavior of Indians and Minda’s visit presented an opportunity for him to fulfill Mr. Smith’s request.

  The old PowWah left with goat and letter in hand.

  ***

  The clack, rattle and swoosh of Maria’s loom echoed across the spring grasses; its sound was lifted by the wind and reverberated into strange noises to an unknowing ear. Minda knew what it was and happily walked towards its rhythms.

  “Maria!” she called out, coming closer to the house.

  The clacking stopped as Maria waited and listened for what she thought was someone calling her name.

  “Maria!” Minda called once more.

  The door opened, and Maria stood in its frame, her hair loose around her shoulders. She wore neither cap nor shawl. Her body had become well formed from wielding an axe and being relegated to the duties of a man. The glow of her cheeks testified to her health and beauty.