The GAMM characters in this story belong to R.A. Dick (A.K.A. Josephine Leslie) and Twentieth-Century Fox. We're just borrowing them and make no profit from the writing of this tale.
We do however own Jenny and Tris Matthews, Rob Matthews, Billy Lemoyne, Sean and Molly O'Casey and Charles, Lynne and Grace Dashire.
The Ghost and Captain Gregg
Mary and Amanda
Chapter Four
Tuesday, November 26th
Daniel found Carolyn and Martha sharing a cup of coffee in the kitchen as he brought the mail in. "Christmas catalogs? Already?" he shook his head. "Can we not have Thanksgiving first?"
"Well, it is just a couple of days off, sir," Martha pointed out.
"Yes, it is. Ah... Martha... how do you feel about guests for the holiday?" Daniel asked.
Martha shrugged. "If you want to invite someone that is your right. You are the boss. Besides, there's always too much food at Thanksgiving."
"Who do you want to have over?" Carolyn asked quietly. Unless he had asked Claymore, which she didn't see as that likely, she was going to have to hide instead of joining the family. The realization was somewhat painful, but she would not allow anyone to see that.
"An old friend just wrote to say she is coming. She'll arrive tomorrow, in fact."
"She?" slipped out before Carolyn could stop the word.
"Yes. Vanessa Blair." Daniel fingered his ear. "She is Melanie's cousin."
"Oh, a relative," Carolyn felt slightly reassured.
"Yes, it was she who was responsible for me meeting Melanie," Daniel nodded. "I had taken Vanessa to a yacht club dance, and Melanie was there. We hit it off, but of course I could not ditch Vanessa. However, she... grew tired of me not long after that, so I began courting her cousin."
So much for being reassured, Carolyn thought. "Will she be staying here or at the Inn?"
"Here. We do have a guestroom, and she is family," Daniel said. "Now, if you ladies will excuse me, I need to get a little bit of extra work in, since I won't be able to for a few days."
Martha glanced up at the kitchen clock after he was gone. Carolyn followed her gaze. Neither of them said anything, but they both knew it was almost time for their regular Tuesday Madeira date, which apparently was not quite as sacrosanct as it had been.
"What is this Miss Blair like, Martha?" Carolyn asked.
"I've only seen a picture of her," the housekeeper said.
"Is she... pretty?"
Martha's lips thinned. "If you like the type. I will say this; she and Mrs. Gregg looked a great deal alike. However, Vanessa is a dark brunette. Melanie was a blonde. Not honey blonde, like your hair, but a natural ash blonde. The kids inherited it, though theirs have both darkened a bit as they have gotten older."
"I see. Excuse me, Martha. I — observed some new things through my telescope last night. I should note it down in my astronomical records." The ghost faded out, leaving Martha silently blasting thickheaded men.
November 27th — Wednesday
Even though the kids' memories of Cousin Vanessa were a bit hazy, they were excited to see her arrive the next day. As she watched the woman come up the walk after parking her sporty rental car, Carolyn admitted she was a vision with her perfect skin and jet black hair. And, she was a woman of Daniel's era, alive, and an old flame. The fact that the Captain had cared for her alone told Carolyn she had to be a good person.
Blast it, Carolyn; you are far too old to have a schoolgirl crush, especially on a mortal. Carolyn told herself to shut up as she teleported downstairs to observe the goings-on invisibly.
"Candace, Jonathan. How lovely to see you," the young woman cooed in refined tones. "My, aren't you getting big. But, surely you didn't take a day off from school to visit with me?"
"We're on vacation," Candy explained, barely stopping herself from rolling her eyes. She thought everyone knew that. And, she hated being called Candace.
"Oh." Vanessa looked around the front room. "What a charmingly — rustic — old place this is. Was it once a barn? I read about some people doing that, turning dusty old barns into homes."
"Ah, no, my dear," Daniel said. "It's always been a house, and Martha keeps all dust outside, where it belongs."
Suddenly, Scruffy wriggled out of Jonathan's arms and bounded over to greet their visitor enthusiastically. As he jumped up onto Vanessa's legs, pulling a runner in her silk hose, Carolyn sniggered in delight. Only he could hear her say, "Good dog."
Daniel glanced around furtively, frowning. The ghost of Gull Cottage was nowhere in sight, even to him.
"It certainly is an... old place," Vanessa went on. "Really Daniel, dear, I had no idea you had such a penchant for antiques. All this nautical... stuff. I thought you had left that behind when you moved from Philadelphia. And why didn't you tell me where you were going? You just picked up and... left."
"Vanessa, we were not dating and only saw each other at the occasional family event," he replied, a touch defensively.
"We used to tell each other everything," she pouted.
"Yes — a long time ago."
"Well, you don't have to say it QUITE like that," she said, almost but not quite sharply. Scruffy barked, circling around the woman's feet. "Tell me... when did you get this little cre... uhm... dog? I don't remember you ever saying you like dogs."
"I've always been fond of dogs," he shrugged. "I got Scruffy a few months ago as a gift to the children."
"Oh," she shrugged. "Would you mind, Daniel, sweetie, if I went upstairs and freshened up? I feel positively grimy after my train trip. They get so dusty, you know, and there was a family ahead of me that kept pointing out sights — I couldn't concentrate on the book mama gave me at all."
"I was under the impression that train-travel had improved a great deal in the last hundred years, or so," Carolyn materialized in the room, visible only to Daniel. "What a delicate wisp of a girl she is." This last remark was more than a little sarcastic.
"Of course. I quite understand," the seaman nodded, shooting a quick glare at the spirit. She KNEW he couldn't reply at the moment. "The guest room is upstairs, right across from the nursery."
"Oh..." Vanessa answered, disappointed. "I thought it would be near yours."
"They're all in the same area, really," Martha cut in. "Master Cabin on one side of the hallway, and the nursery and the guest bedroom on the other side with the bathroom in the middle. The house isn't THAT big."
"And you can use the bathroom, now, if you want to," Jonathan interjected. "Candy and I take our baths at night. Makes school easier. But since we are on vacation, you can go first, and we'll wait until later."
"Long as you don't use all the hot water," Candy grinned.
"I think it would be better if you two take your baths at the usual time," Daniel frowned. "I'm sorry there's only one, Vanessa, but the children are right. The hot water heater is temperamental. You don't mind a short shower now, do you? I've planned on dinner out this evening, and we won't be home until late."
For a second Vanessa's too bright, at least in Carolyn's opinion, smile faltered. But she recovered and said; "Of course I don't mind. I won't be but a few minutes." With a little wave, she tripped up the stairs.
"I'd better show her where her room is," Martha sighed and followed.
XXX
Vanessa was back downstairs an hour later, out of her traveling suit, but wearing a dress that still looked like she had stepped out of Vogue, and her makeup had been re-done. There was a shopping bag in her hand. Daniel and Jonathan had taken the time to get Vanessa's luggage up to her room, and from the way she looked, she had been into all of her suitcases.
"There! I wasn't too long, now was I?" she asked Daniel coyly.
"Not long at all, for a turtle," Carolyn said, only to Daniel, popping back into the room. "And she did use all the hot water — I hope Martha doesn't need too much making dinner for the children... or are you taking them with you this afternoon?"
Daniel looked at his watch. "Well, now... it's still early, Vanessa. What do you say we go on a drive? Take a tour of the town? I could show you..."
"We could show you the Seafarers' Museum," Candy perked up. "With the new statue dedicated to all seamen. They're fixing it up, and the town council is voting about converting an old warehouse into a Seamen's Home... Dad's writing an article about that for the paper! We can go see the warehouse!"
"And you could see the firehouse with us," Jonathan interrupted his sister. "If there are no fires, Mister Peavey will let us ring Old Seventeen's bell and run the siren," Jonathan added. "We can show you where we go to school, and the library, the general store, and down by the wharf, too!"
Carolyn smirked. Family days could be SO nice!
Vanessa looked disappointed. "Oh — are you two children coming with us?" She glanced around the room again "I thought you'd be staying here."
Jonathan shook his head. "Naa... we'll be here tonight, but we can have fun this afternoon... with you."
"I see..."
"What's in the bag?" Candy asked, glancing at the package the woman was still holding in her hand.
Vanessa gave a little smile. "Oh! I almost forgot... I brought you all presents." She sat down on the couch and crossed her ankles, delicately.
"Now you didn't have to do that..." Daniel started, sitting down beside her, but anyone with half a brain could see that he was pleased.
"No, I didn't have to, but I did," Vanessa answered. "These came all the way from Philadelphia, where your daddy used to live."
"Your children lived there, too," Carolyn said quietly, to Daniel's ears only.
"We all lived there, Vanessa," Daniel corrected the woman, half-wondering why he felt so awkward. They were just presents after all.
"Oh yes," the dark-haired beauty nodded, "Of course you did... I've just known you for so long, Daniel, I get carried away. Open them, children." She looked at her watch. "Then I suppose we can get going."
Jonathan opened his first. "Wow!" he shouted. "Matchbox Cars! The full set from this year! — And the garage! Boy! This is great!" he shouted. "Not even Danny Shoemaker has these yet! Thanks!"
"You're welcome... dear," Vanessa smiled. "But Candace should have gone first, because she's a girl."
"I thought I got to go first, because I'm younger," Jonathan shrugged, "Go ahead, Can." Carolyn watched Vanessa flinch at the nickname, but Daniel didn't seem to notice at all. Nor did he seem to be aware of Vanessa edging closer to him on the couch.
Candy opened up her package. "Groovy!" she shouted. "A portable 8-track tape player! With two tapes! The Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel! Thanks!" Hurriedly, she shoved one of the tapes into the player and Hey, Jude, by the Beatles came pouring out. Vanessa winced slightly at the noise, which Martha quickly subdued, and the young woman handed Martha a small package which, when opened, contained an upscale brand of perfume.
"And now for you," she turned to Daniel, her dark eyes looking up at him. "You magnificent man, you..." Thunder cracked, and Daniel and Martha jumped up from their seats, making a dive for the open windows. "That came up fast," Vanessa said, taken aback for a moment.
"We get sudden temper squalls up this way," Daniel said, frowning toward the fireplace, where Carolyn was now standing. "You get used to it."
"Oh... well, I was saying," Vanessa continued complacently, waiting until Daniel was once more seated beside her. "For you, Daniel, dear." She held out a small box and when he took it, Carolyn saw their fingers touch. Quickly, Daniel opened the package. Inside was a handsome gold pocket watch.
"Open the cover," Vanessa said, once more glancing up at him. When he did, there was the faint tinkle of the Blue Danube Waltz. Vanessa smiled. "Remember when we first danced to that, Daniel? Provincetown. Ages ago. When we were dating."
"It's been a long time," Daniel said. "I had forgotten."
"I'd never forget waltzing with you," she smiled back at him. "It seems like yesterday."
There was a moment of silence, and then Daniel cleared his throat. "Thank you, Vanessa. It was a lovely thought. I will treasure it — and keep it for best." Seeing Carolyn Muir disappear, he cleared his throat again. "Now, then. Would you like a tour of the rest of the house?" He offered her his arm. "We'll start with the rest of this room, and then see what there is to see."
From her place near the children, Carolyn could see the polite disinterest in Vanessa's eyes. Of course, Daniel was oblivious.
When they reached the fireplace, Vanessa looked up and stared at Carolyn's portrait obviously having never noticed it before. Carolyn's portrait, dressed all in blue stared down at her. "Who is that, and why do you have her picture so — prominently displayed?"
"That's Carolyn — Muir," Daniel cleared his throat. "She owned this house a century ago."
"But, why is her picture still up?" Vanessa persisted. "Shouldn't it be with her relatives? Or in the attic?"
Thunder burst out suddenly and violently. Daniel shot a glare at the ceiling before replying, "It — just seems to belong where it is."
"We like her," Candy muttered.
"Yeah, a lot," Jonathan nodded.
"Poor waifs. You're missing your mother, aren't you?" Vanessa crooned. "Maybe you could blow up a photo of Melanie, Daniel, and put it up there? Or, if that would be too — painful, maybe a nice Monet? Instead of that — old-fashioned... thing."
There was another rumble of thunder.
"Why don't we go see the rest of the house?" he asked, instead of answering her question.
"Of course." As she turned, the throw rug started to move, but fortunately, Daniel caught sight of it and pulled Vanessa closer to him. "Careful. You almost slipped. Ah, Martha, we might want to move that. Someone might break their neck."
"Right," she said grimly. Privately, she was on the ghost's side.
The only truly positive comment Vanessa made about the house was when she saw the gazebo. "Oh, what a lovely, romantic spot! Could we sit out there and watch the stars tonight?"
In an instant, the Captain knew he would be asking for more trouble than he cared to face if he said yes. Thinking rapidly, he replied, "Ah, no. It's — far too chilly. Can't have you catching a cold, now can we?"
"You're so thoughtful, Daniel dear."
Finally, the Captain decided it would be prudent to get Vanessa out of the house, so he gathered the children and announced it was time to go see Schooner Bay.
"Can Martha and Mrs. Muir come, too?" Jonathan asked as they headed out the door. Candy elbowed him hastily.
"The woman in the picture?" Vanessa asked.
"Er, no, my... doll," Candy blurted out. "I have a doll I named after Mrs. Muir."
"What an odd name for a doll," Vanessa blinked. "Daniel, did you ever get these poor children grief counseling? I'm seeing a very disturbing trend here. It is called transference; I think that is what the magazine I read said."
"Oh, don't trouble your pretty head about that. Candy simply admires the portrait and — Jonathan knows how fond she is of the doll."
"Isn't she too old for a security blanket?"
"Come along, dear," Daniel tried again, hastening them all out the door. He reflected that before this was over, Scruffy would be the only one allowed to watch television for a month.
"I'll be fine. I've got a lot to do to get ready for tomorrow," Martha called out after the family.
As the car pulled away, Carolyn fully manifested. "Blast! Blast! Blast!"
"I know, dear," Martha sighed. "I knew it'd be a long weekend. I just didn't know HOW long."
"Amen," Carolyn agreed. "Do you need help in the kitchen?"
"It's under control. I'd just rather not see those two together, and besides, if I'm not there to mind the kids, the Captain will have to, instead of minding HER." She shook her head. "You know, Mrs. Gregg was nice, for that matter, in a way, Miss Blair is, too. But, not a comfortable nice, if you take my meaning. Very polite, and proper, but I bet neither of them would ever offer to help me in the galley. You've got all the breeding they do, but you did offer. That's what I call class."
"I'd hug you if I could, Martha," Carolyn smiled. "Has Candy really named her doll after me?"
"Probably not before today, but she is very fond of one doll. I think it came with a name. It might have just gotten a new one, though." Carolyn took this in. Martha could tell she was still blue, so she reconsidered. "You know, I could use some help, after all. How are you with a knife?"
"Now, don't tempt me." The spirit grinned and followed the other woman to the kitchen.
XXX
By the time Vanessa and Carolyn Muir's 'family' came back at five, the spirit was more than a little anxious about how things had gone that afternoon. She had helped Martha chop, dice, and slice, and now the stuffing was seasoning itself in the refrigerator, ready to be put in the turkey on the morrow. The two women had also started the homemade cranberry sauce that needed overnight to jell, and Carolyn had shelled a mountain of nuts for snacking and snapped green beans. About four forty-five, she had retired to the attic to pace, and silently Martha wondered if the weather would stay clear enough for her to make her red velvet cake with seven-minute icing.
Not long after that, she heard the car door bang, and moments later, the kids charged into the kitchen, chattering happily about how cool the sights had been. Their father followed them. Glancing around, he could see how much progress Martha had made.
"You've been exceptionally industrious this afternoon, Martha," he noted with a touch of wonder. "You must have more super powers than I suspected of you."
"Well, that's true, but I did have HELP."
The seaman nodded. "Vanessa's gone to change for our evening out, as should I. But first, where is your... assistant?"
"I didn't ask her," Martha shrugged. "Might check the attic, but do you have time?"
Daniel looked at his watch. "I might... I don't know yet. I really should freshen up and change. Our reservation for dinner at the Inn is at six-thirty."
"It does take a while to get ready," Martha rolled her eyes toward the ceiling and Vanessa's room.
"That reminds me," he added, almost sheepishly. "Since Vanessa is using the upstairs head, do you suppose I could borrow your little one down here?"
"It wouldn't be a bad idea," Martha nodded. "You better hurry, though, before all the hot water is gone. Then maybe, if you have time, you can have a word with Mrs. Muir — maybe thank her for giving me a hand this afternoon."
"Thanks, Martha." The seaman gave her a look that almost asked if the housekeeper was being sarcastic, but he said nothing further and headed for upstairs to get his change of wardrobe for the evening.
Military life had taught Captain Gregg to clean up rapidly, but it still took him a bit of time to get through the process. With no more than fifteen minutes that he could spare for the Lady of the Cottage, he hurried upstairs to the attic. At the door, he could hear her talking to the kids about the museum.
"It was cool, Mrs. Muir!" Jonathan was saying. "This is the first time we've seen it since it reopened. Claymore was there and he was saying that they got halfway done with the rene... rene..." He broke off.
"...Renovations," Candy interjected.
"Right... Thanks, Candy, renovations, and then the town council decided that the guy in charge of them, who was just visiting here, was getting too commercial, and sent him away."
"It was still groovy, though," Candy said. "They collected old stuff from all over town, like harpoons, and ship wheels, and a binnacle like the one you have in yours and Dad's bedroom, and there was a whole room that looked like a captain's cabin on a ship, and a real cannon, and a whole bunch of models and paintings, and costumes from a long time ago. They dressed mannequins to look like people who were alive when you were, and..."
"And we got to see what a captain's uniform from a hundred years ago looked like, too," Jonathan went on. "Boy! I thought Dad looked snazzy in the uniform he has, but it would be even better to see him wear one from the museum!"
"The ladies' dresses were really pretty, too," said Candy. "I saw a yellow one, with a matching parasol that was nice, and two that were pink. One was all fluffy and the other was pink silk and the lady giving the tour at the museum said it had little weights in the hem that made it a perfect dress to waltz in. Did you ever have a dress like that?"
"More than one," Carolyn replied, and he could hear the smile in her voice. "And I did do my share of waltzing."
"I wish you could teach me how," the little girl sighed. "Then I could wear a dress like that."
Carolyn gave her another half-smile. "Oh, I'm sure your father will teach you, in time."
"I need to be taller," Candy said earnestly. "He'd have to bend over too much now. But I wish I could watch you and Dad dance, and get some pointers."
"Maybe you and I can go with Dad and Vanessa tonight and watch," Jonathan said thoughtfully. "I heard Vanessa say she was looking forward to dancing tonight."
"I think I'd rather watch Dad and Mrs. Muir dance," Candy replied.
"Silly, they can't dance together! They can't hold hands, or nuthin!"
"Children," Carolyn said gently. "I don't think that's a subject for right now. I'm more interested in your day, really. What else did you do? Did you have a good time? Was Vanessa...?" She groped for the right word. "...fun?"
Silence fell. Daniel listened more intently, wondering what his children thought of his old girlfriend.
"Uh... sure," Candy hesitantly replied. "Not as much fun as it woulda been with you, but... okay, kinda."
"Yeah, kinda," Jonathan echoed. "But, waaay too — mushy. And I don't think she oughta have worn those shoes with the spiky heels. I think she was scared of falling, the way she hung onto Dad."
Outside, Daniel held his breath, waiting for the ghost's reaction.
Inside, Carolyn lifted an eyebrow. "I see," she nodded. Her voice was neutral. "Well, I suppose being from Philadelphia she is more used to driving when she needs to go somewhere."
"Yeah, but she did it inside, too," Jonathan maintained. "You don't drive inside."
"Well, maybe her heels were too high," Carolyn shrugged. "She might know better next time. If you don't mind my asking, what did you all talk about? I mean, did you tell her about school? Your baseball team, Jonathan and your school projects, the Winter Carnival coming up and the tricks you are teaching Scruffy? That kind of thing? Or did you learn more about her? I know it's been a while since you've seen her. It must have been... nice... catching up."
"She just wanted to talk about herself," Candy made a face. "And how she and Dad did this, that, and the other thing."
"You mean... When they were... seeing each other...?"
"Dating," Candy said matter-of-factly. "...In Philly. Before we moved here. Before Jonathan and me... I mean; I... was even born. Even before Daddy married our mom."
"I see... so you... she didn't talk to you much, then."
Outside the door, Daniel started a bit. It was true. He and Vanessa had caught up on old times, and the children HAD been left mostly to themselves.
"Yeah," Jonathan said. "But we didn't mind. Eating at Norrie's and the museum and stuff was fun."
"You should go now," Carolyn said. "Vanessa... I mean your father will be looking for you."
Though they made small noises of protest, she was firm. A few seconds later, the door swung open; Daniel barely stepped away in time to avoid being clunked on his handsome nose.
"Wow. Mrs. Muir was right. You are looking for us!" Jonathan exclaimed.
"You look nice, Dad," Candy added.
"Ah, yes. Why don't you go on down and — I want to say good evening to Mrs. Muir before I — we — leave," Daniel said. "I'll only be a few minutes."
The kids hurried off with waves, leaving the two adults to stare at each other.
"Madam, that little trick with the rug was most — unseemly of you," he finally stated.
"Trick? Captain, let me assure you, IF I wanted to hurt that flutter-brained twit, I would not resort to tricks," Carolyn snapped. "It seemed to me that it was more a case of someone taking advantage of an opportunity to — embrace — without seeming to embrace — someone else." She shook her head. "What are standards coming to? Such a thing would not have been looked upon kindly in my day. Especially around children."
"I did nothing improper," Daniel growled.
"Did I accuse YOU?"
"Vanessa was raised to be a perfect lady," he automatically defended his guest. Then, trying to lighten the tension, he chuckled. "It is rather flattering to me that such a beauty as you would be jealous."
"Jealous? Hardly," she sniffed. "Now, I believe your girlfriend is waiting."
"So she is. I bid you a good evening, Madam." He bowed, but hesitated as he lifted his head. "I — realize that our plans for tomorrow have been somewhat altered. Perhaps, after Vanessa goes home, we could have a second Thanksgiving, so that you can be included?"
A flicker of pain crossed Carolyn's face before she caught herself and regained her rigid control. "I do not partake of sustenance, and it seems a needless bother for Martha to have to trouble with to prepare a second feast that I could only observe. Martha is a jewel, Captain. I won't add to her workload."
"As you wish, Madam. I do not think she would mind, but as you said, I must be off."
"Of course," Carolyn nodded.
He did not know if ghosts could weep, but Daniel could have sworn her eyes seemed to glisten.
XXX
"What a... Quaint, little place," Vanessa remarked as they entered the Inn. Due to the holiday, there were very few other patrons. "Is this the finest place in Schooner Cove?"
"Bay, and well, there is Norrie's Lobster House," Daniel replied as he took her coat and draped it over the back of her chair. "I'd rate them fairly close together. They serve good food and are pleasant and clean." He shrugged. "Beats a mess hall."
"Ha, ha. You are too funny," Vanessa tittered.
"It wasn't a joke," he muttered under his breath.
After they ordered, Vanessa wanted to dance. Though he felt a little ridiculous doing so, since no one else seemed so inclined, Daniel was not in the mood to argue over the matter. They had only been waltzing a few moments when he was startled to see Carolyn Muir sitting at an empty table watching them.
"What are you doing?" he hissed.
"Dancing with you, silly man," Vanessa teased.
"Ah — you know, we are the only ones indulging. The night before a holiday is just not a good one for this sort of thing, I suppose," the Captain suggested. "Let's just sit down and enjoy each other's company." Very firmly, he began guiding her to the table.
"Oh, I do agree. I'm sure you are starved for adult conversation, poor man," Vanessa sighed.
"Why would you think that?" Daniel blinked. "I am enjoying getting to know my children, and then there's Martha, and M... Mr. Muir, the fellow who sold me the house comes around every so often. And, the town is filled with charming people."
Vanessa shook her head. "Making the best of things. I understand."
Just behind Vanessa, Carolyn rolled her eyes. Daniel glared at her.
"I meant nothing by that, Daniel darling. Except that you're so — stoic and brave," Vanessa gushed, edging her chair closer to his, or trying to. Carolyn invisibly reached out and anchored the piece of furniture so it could not move. Somehow, Miss Blair was much less graceful looking as she fought to scoot it.
The waiter arrived at that point with their food. Vanessa had ordered a six-ounce steak, with potato, vegetable, and fruit, while Daniel had decided on the house special, with smaller portions of steak and lobster. There was a moment of silence while the waiter opened the wine. Daniel sampled it, found it satisfactory, and the waiter left, promising to be back immediately if needed.
Just as the Captain was about to slice into his steak, Carolyn appeared at his elbow. "Your girl there has extravagant tastes, ordering the most expensive thing on the menu. And I bet she can't eat it all."
"Why are you here?" Daniel hissed.
"Why, just to see you, darling," Vanessa answered, looking a bit startled.
"I was in the neighborhood," Carolyn smiled. "I decided I needed to get out more. Besides — you two need a chaperone."
Daniel resisted the urge to explode, if only just barely. "We do not need a chaperone, blast it," he hissed again.
Looking uncertain, Vanessa slowly said, "I couldn't agree more. We are both adults, after all. Though, I did wonder if that wasn't why you had the children tag along today. It was cute, but really, I do trust you, Daniel."
"Er — thank you, Vanessa. And I am most — flattered that you would make a special trip just to see me — and the children, of course."
"Oh, your children are very cute!" Vanessa said. "They look just like you, you know."
"They both have my eyes," Daniel said fondly. "But really, more of Melanie's coloring."
"Jonathan has your ears, chin, and disposition," Carolyn interjected. "And Candy your love of the sea and nature and she has started writing, or hadn't you noticed? She also has your cheekbones and forehead, in a feminine form. Every day I see more of you in them."
"Truly?" Daniel let slip. He so hoped that it was the case, that his years away hadn't estranged him from his offspring.
"It's plain as the nose on your face," Carolyn smiled. "It's just hard to see one's OWN nose, even if it is a handsome one."
"Oh, yes," Vanessa said. "They're a bit — rambunctious, it seems, but they'll outgrow it and become as dignified as you, eventually. With instruction." The children's eagerness to see everything all at once that afternoon had been very wearing to her poor nerves.
"Really?" Daniel lifted an eyebrow. "Actually they were quite calm today — compared to the way they usually are. But really, I can honestly say I prefer them that way. When we were in Philly, especially when we were staying with Ralph and Marjorie, they tried almost too hard to be good at times, I think." He paused and took a bite of his meal. "So tell me, what have you been up to, lately?"
Vanessa's eyes lit up. As she opened her mouth to begin speaking, Carolyn contemplated the ceiling and matter-of-factly informed Daniel, "Now, we're in for it, Captain."
Vanessa happily began chattering about all she had done over the past ten or eleven years, how Mummy and Papa had funded her in a fashion design business, the various men she had dated, though NONE of them even began to compare to HIM, of course, and all about her trip through Europe two years before. She had considered attending the Sorbonne, she had a terrific idea on how to base dresses on modern art concepts, but had decided against that plan.
"I bet she couldn't get in," Carolyn commented. "I think that school does have fairly high standards."
"Well, I'm glad everything is working out for you, my dear," Daniel nodded, ignoring Carolyn.
"Oh, I suppose so," she twittered. "Mummy and Papa were glad to see me home for a while though — that reminds me, you should call and tell them thank-you, Daniel."
"For what?" he asked mystified.
"Certainly not for her upbringing or manners!" Carolyn sniffed. "Me, me, me. You haven't been able to say a word beyond "yes" or "no" or "go on" for the last forty-five minutes! You haven't said anything about you or your life here in Schooner Bay, or anything else about the children, or your writing, not to mention what else you have been doing for the last ten years and..." Carolyn stopped speaking then, realizing she was GRATEFUL that the man hadn't done just that.
"Oh, for making me decide to write to you and find out if you still felt like my company," Vanessa simpered, lowering her eyelids. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, and then she looked back up at him, a dreamy-eyed expression on her face.
"And how might that be, pray?" Daniel asked.
"Yes, how?" Carolyn chimed in. "Do go on, dear."
"Oh!" Vanessa continued. "Well, I was staying at my parent's house, naturally, they wouldn't have it any other way, and Mummy got it in her head that I should go through the closet in my old bedroom... You know, see if there was anything there I wanted or needed. I did find a few things... my clothes, of course were hopelessly out of date... so I told Mummy to give them to the Goodwill, or something... I really don't keep track of what one should do with one's discards..."
"Like old boyfriends?" Carolyn asked archly. She looked at Daniel. "You know she's had dozens over the years, teased, then cast them all aside, without a thought. Her sort always does."
"That's highly commendable," Daniel started to say, but the dark-eyed miss was going on, not even acknowledging that he had paid her a compliment.
"...Anyway," Vanessa went on. "There I was, on a beautiful afternoon... I didn't see WHY Mummy insisted that I had to do it then, but I was certainly glad she did! For there, at the bottom of one of the boxes, was a packet of letters you sent me after we started seeing each other, but before, you know, Melanie, and all that..." She gave a little pout.
"Vanessa..." Daniel began. "...You were the one who suggested we stop seeing each other, you know. I remember you saying that you weren't sure you wanted to get too involved with a man who could be away for months at a time."
"Oh, but that was then, and this is now, and we are together again..." The girl batted her eyes once more. "We've both... matured, and are ready for a real relationship. We're still young, and deserve happiness..." Vanessa's knee bumped Daniel's.
Carolyn's green eyes turned brighter as she glared at the other woman. "Brazen hussy!" she shouted, and Daniel jumped slightly.
"Yes?" Vanessa cooed. "You agree?"
"No — muscle cramp," Daniel answered.
"Liar!" Carolyn jeered.
"Vanessa..." the Captain went on, trying to ignore his not-so-silent chaperone. "You were saying... about... letters?"
"Yes, oh, yes, your wonderful letters!" She reached for her purse on the back of her chair, retrieved a yellowed envelope with Daniel's handwriting on it, and pulled out a single faded sheet. "I don't know HOW I could have forgotten them! I love them all, but this one is my favorite." The girl cleared her throat and began: "My beloved — the memory of your beauty sails the lonely watery wastes with me and I am alone no more — I see your radiant face in my mind's eye, and rough and raging seas grow calm. Your hair is a storm at midnight, your eyes black pearls from the ocean deeps, your voice an angel's song in the wind..." She stopped then and gave a little sigh. "Your writing is just too divine, my dear!"
"Well... everyone has their... poetic moments," he said modestly, but instead of looking at his dinner companion, he turned instead to Carolyn.
"And you certainly have had some," Carolyn said softly and then surveyed them both. "I'm sorry for bothering you, Captain Gregg. I believe I will go home now and leave you to your evening." With that, she slowly faded from his view. A few moments later, Daniel could feel that his ghost had really departed.
After Carolyn was gone, Daniel found he had little appetite. Just as well, I know Martha has a huge meal planned tomorrow, he thought. As Mrs. Muir had predicted, Vanessa's meal was largely untouched as well.
The house was dark when they returned to Gull Cottage. Though Vanessa tried to continue their conversation, it was so apparent that the Captain's mind was elsewhere that she gave up and announced she would turn in early.
"If that's what you wish, then have a pleasant rest, my dear," Daniel nodded.
Vanessa turned her face up toward his, "Good night, Daniel darling."
Their eyes met, but instead of kissing her on the lips, he simply kissed her cheek lightly. "Good night."
Miffed, the young woman turned and went upstairs slowly — not from sadness, but to give him a chance to call her back.
Daniel sat down by the fire and picked up his book, thinking to read a while, but after a few pages, he realized he had no idea what he had just perused. He closed the volume and looked up at the painting. "Well, do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Silence answered him. "Blasted, stubborn woman," he mumbled. Shaking his head, he went upstairs where he found the aforementioned woman peering out her telescope.
"If you want to spy, we're in the house," he remarked.
Carolyn turned. "Oh, you're home. I was just observing a nebula. Of course, that's not as interesting as turning Picasso into a frock, but..."
"There is no need to be snide, Madam," Daniel informed her. "I do think you owe me an apology. I would say Vanessa, as well, but then I would have to explain you to her."
"You think I... Captain, your reasoning is faulty. Perhaps you are tired. I'll just pop out and let you change your attire." On that note, she vanished.
November 28th – Thanksgiving
Neither Daniel, Martha, nor the children saw Carolyn the following morning. The kids tried to find excuses to go look for her, and at one point, Vanessa took Daniel aside to express concern because she could hear Martha apparently muttering to the ceiling. He smiled and told her it was nothing. Martha was probably just trying to remember a recipe, or something. He did, however, wonder where Carolyn was. The answer was one he would never have expected.
"Happy Thanksgiving, Claymore," Carolyn announced as she appeared on top of his desk.
"Eeerk," he squeaked. "What are you doing here? I sold you to the Captain."
"You can't sell ME, and besides, he wouldn't want me if I was for sale. I came to celebrate the day with you, Claymore," Mrs. Muir explained patiently.
"Why?"
"Because I did. Gull Cottage was too crowded." She sniffed. "That woman's ego takes up three rooms."
"Martha? She's nice," Claymore frowned, adjusting his glasses.
"Yes, Martha is a dear soul," Carolyn agreed.
"Candy's a little girl, and she's a sweet kid," Claymore persisted.
"I didn't mean Candy. I meant Vanessa."
"Who?"
That one word triggered a flood of words as Carolyn poured out her story. "And, what's more, not only is it Thanksgiving, but it's MY birthday. I know I don't really have them, but — still."
Claymore sighed. "I'm sorry. Er, I could... I've got some day-old Twinkies from the bakery. I could stick a candle in one?"
Carolyn laughed. "I can't eat it. But, thanks. That's sweet of you." She did not add that she was not completely certain what a "Twinkie" was; it was beside the point.
Claymore blinked. "I've been called a lot of things in my life, some deserved, some not, but nobody has ever called me sweet before."
The ghost shrugged elaborately. "Well, enjoy it. It probably won't happen again."
"Too bad. Maybe I can think of something else to make you think I am." He sighed. "But I suppose not, which is sad, because you are the only family I have, since I'm not married, or anything."
"Let's not discuss that word, Claymore."
"Which word? Marriage, or family?"
"Marriage, and I said; let's not discuss that word," she answered testily. "Of course, we're going to have to. I can see THAT already." She looked down. "Poor kids. I would not want a step-monster like that one."
"Oh. I thought you meant family... as in me." Claymore blinked behind his thick glasses. "This girl — she hasn't been here long. Just a couple of days. How do you know the Captain will ask her? Or, for that matter, if she will say yes? I mean she has a job and all that. In Philadelphia. And the Captain just got settled — sweet-talked you into liking him and the kids, and everything, which I do think is a blessing, for both of you. I don't see why he would leave Schooner Bay. Maybe you have nothing to worry about on that account."
"She came here with marriage in mind. I can tell she's got the Captain in her sights, and he's — a man, and unlike you, at the moment, not thinking with his brain." Shaking her head, she added, "I am not worried. I just find it annoying that of all the things to change in the last century, the ONE thing that doesn't is what a pretty face does to an otherwise reasonable man's common sense."
Claymore scratched his head. "I'm no expert on love," he said quietly. "I've only been in love once, and I lost her to another guy, but may I say, that from a man's viewpoint, even if I am not as good-looking as Captain Gregg, that it seems to me that women jump to conclusions and tend to fly into a tizzy over nothing sometimes..." He put his hands over his face. "Now don't rain on me or anything for saying that!"
For a few seconds, Carolyn just glared at him, and then backed off. "Very well, but only because if I rain on you, I'd prove you right. I never fly into a tizzy over NOTHING. On the infinitesimally rare occasions that I do get upset, I do not fly and it's over SOMETHING."
"Mrs. Muir... let's just think logically for a moment. I can do that because she isn't chasing me, heck, I haven't even met her. But honestly, she has a job, right? She can't stay up here long. It's only a four-day weekend. Do you really think he will propose to her in the next forty-eight hours? The Captain is a sensible man. I've known that from the first. I just can't picture it. He wouldn't want to uproot or change his family situation any time soon, I don't think."
"Claymore, he used to date her. She's doing everything in her power to — to — turn back time so that he'll remember all the old feelings, and let me tell you, from what I heard, he truly... cared for her." She flinched, remembering the letter Daniel had written. "It's not like they only just met, and no, she does not have a job. Not the nine to five, I believe is how it is termed of late, type of one. She designs clothing."
"I see..." Claymore nodded, and gave a little sigh. "That's odd. The woman I was in love with once wanted to do that. Never saw her name in any magazine or on TV, so I guess she gave up that idea." He tapped his chin. "That's not good news. She could design clothing from Gull Cottage."
"I won't... CAN'T tolerate the idea of haunting the same place she is living!" Carolyn cried. "I'll... I'll move out first!"
Claymore rolled his eyes. "Great. I tried to get you to do that for years, and you wouldn't budge. Now that I don't own the place, you're ready to pack up your chains and go. Go where? Oh, no. No, you don't. You are not moving in with ME."
"There's not enough room for the two of us," Carolyn stated flatly, and then she sighed again. "No, actually I am quite sure what will happen is somehow, some way, she will get him to move away."
"I still think you are jumping to conclusions," said Claymore. "But then, what do I know? I have only loved and lost. Have you told the Captain what you think of her? Flat out?" Without waiting for an answer, he shook his head. "No you didn't. That's the trouble with women; they don't deal with things straightforwardly. No offense intended. How do Martha and the children feel about her?"
"I think Candy and Jonathan are undecided. She was — nice — enough to bring them each a gift, but seems unsure of what to do with a child. And don't you dare say it's because she doesn't have any. I never had any and I get along well with both of them. Now, Martha," Carolyn grinned, "I do see that Martha can hardly stand her."
Claymore smiled. "Martha has sense, and she's a good soul." He tapped his chin. "Well, with both of you having doubts about Vanessa, for different reasons, I think, I guess the next step might be... what now? You know, if you fuss and fume too much, it might make the Captain more determined to like her, even if you are wrong and he only is sort of intrigued with her now." He snapped his fingers. "Just thought of another thing on your side. He did stop dating her — or she him once. It could happen again, and all your worry will be for nothing."
Carolyn frowned. "I'm not in love. I just don't want that shallow hussy in my home."
"Uh-huh."
"You know, we've been talking all about ME, and that makes me seem like her, which will never do. Why don't you tell me about this love you lost, Claymore?"
The lanky man let out a sigh. "Aggie Berns. Sweet, fair, gentle Aggie. The light of my heart. You really want to hear?"
Carolyn nodded. Silently, she had her doubts. Claymore's poetic spurts were not as beautiful as the Captain's. Besides, she thought this story was about Aggie Berns, not Robert Burns.
"Well, it was just after college. I had dated this really neat gal named Paula, but I was just too much for her."
"In what sense?"
"You probably haven't heard of him, but she swore I looked just like Gregory Peck, the movie star."
"Oh, I've seen a movie or two," Carolyn said. After Mr. Wilkie's visit, she had gone one night and invisibly watched the movie that the family had seen the night he broke in. "Was he the fellow who played Mr. Chicken?"
Looking utterly annoyed, Claymore drew himself up and glared at her. "No. That was Don Knotts. He and I are nothing alike. Gregory Peck is more like me, suave, debonair, handsome." He shook his head. "Now, it's rude to interrupt. You'd get along with humans better if you remembered this stuff."
"Sorry. You were saying?"
"Right. Well, we broke up around the same time as Aggie and her steady boyfriend went into one of the off periods of their on and off again relationship. She was sure it was the finale for them and was distraught. Paula knew that my amazing charms could heal the most broken of hearts, so she introduced us." He fell silent a moment, then continued. "It was magic. A once in a lifetime encounter. She looked into my eyes and for once, I did not think of money." He glanced over to make sure she was impressed.
"Wow," Carolyn replied dutifully.
"Yes, wow, indeed, my child."
"I am not your child. So, what went wrong?"
"My charisma and — machismo — were just too overpowering for her. Oh, it was going well, but we were blind to the potential calamity looming. She could have burned out in my glow. But then, we heard the bells ringing."
"The bells?"
Claymore sighed again. "It was Stuart, her boyfriend. He had seen the error of his ways and wanted her back. Aggie knew she could not cage one such as me; I could make so many women happy over the years, after all. So, unselfishly, she let me go and returned to him."
"I'm sorry, Claymore," Carolyn said, truly meaning it. There was silence, and then she continued. "I suppose I'd better go. You probably are due at Ed Peavey's, or somewhere, for Thanksgiving."
Shaking his head, Claymore replied, "Nope. I'm on my own, except for you. I've got a couple of chicken legs and a package of hot rolls. You're welcome to, er — you can't, can you?"
"I can drink something."
"Great. We'll have a party, then. I bet we could even find a movie on TV. You said you like movies. Maybe Gregory Peck is on." He picked up a schedule.
"When did you buy a TV?" Carolyn asked.
"Oh, I didn't. Aunt Enid left me one." He thumbed through the pages of the guide. "No, no Pecks, but I bet you'd like this. Bell, Book, and Candle. It's got James Stewart and Kim Novak."
"Well, if the name Stewart won't bring up bad memories..."
"Spelled differently. Besides, it's a good film."
"Then, consider me your partner for dinner and a movie."
Claymore's face brightened. "Gee, thanks! I'm glad for the company. Where do you like to sit? The couch is fairly comfortable, or I have the easy chair. Norrie says it's lumpy, though."
"Claymore..." she sighed. "I'm a ghost. I can't feel the lumps. If there are some, won't bother me. I have no feelings. Not physical, anyway." She shrugged. "I don't even need to sit."
"Yeah, you do. I'll be nervous if you're just standing there, hovering. Do you like cocoa? Or I have instant coffee?"
She made a face. "Instant? No, thanks. I think if you don't mind, I will try the cocoa." She frowned. "I suppose I haven't been a very good guest, so far. I should have brought something. Madeira, or brandy, perhaps. I'm sorry."
"True, but you're new at this socializing stuff," Claymore dismissed it. "And, you're suffering the throes of heartache. I know, I well know, that clouds one's mind." He gave her a profoundly sorrowful look. "But, life goes on, or maybe it doesn't. Sorry. However, for future reference, I prefer Scotch."
Carolyn grimaced again. "Scotch? If I remember, Scotch tastes like a cross between iodine and the foulest tasting medicine known to mankind — but to each, their own."
"Right." Claymore paused. "You're sure you can't eat any dinner? Maybe you should try, just once."
Carolyn smiled and decided to humor the man. "Very well, but don't blame me if you have to clean your chair."
"I won't. Now you sit here," he gestured, "and I'll turn on the set and let it warm up. You're sure you haven't seen the movie? You're in for a treat."
"I'm positive. What's it about? I can see where you'd need a candle, so you could read the book, but how is a bell related to the other two?"
"You'll have to wait and see," he said mysteriously, obviously enjoying being "one up" on Carolyn, just for once. "But I do think you will like it. You need a treat for your birthday, and a Thanksgiving birthday at that. Those are special, aren't they? Only happen once every seven years or so?"
"Yes," she sighed. "Sort of special, I suppose."
"Well, then. You've already made the day special for me, seeking out MY company and being nice to me, for a change. So, I'll return the favor."
XXX
Two hours later, Carolyn sniffed. "It's sad that she had to give up her powers to be with the guy, but I'm glad it all worked out. It would be worth it, if it were the right man."
"Of course it worked out," said Claymore, echoing her sniff. "The course of true love never runs smooth, or something like that, right? But it's a love story, and they were soul mates. It HAD to work out. Just took a bit of give and take." He looked at his Mickey Mouse watch. "It's about nine — would you like to... uh... take a walk or anything?"
Mrs. Muir shook her head. "I do want to see the children for at least a minute before they go to bed. I'll have to pop fast to make it."
"Oh, that's too bad. It's still warm out. Maybe another time, Mrs. Muir? This evening has been fun — with us getting along, even if it wasn't fun that brought you here."
"Maybe so." She smiled and disappeared, and for an instant, Claymore felt a breath of air against his cheek that felt faintly like a kiss. "Goodnight, Claymore, and thank you," echoed through the room, and the landlord knew she was gone.
A heartbeat later, she appeared in the nursery, but remained invisible. She did not want to introduce herself to Miss Blair, after all. Fortunately, there was no sign of Vanessa. The Captain and the kids were just entering the room, in fact.
"Mrs. Muir!" Candy and Jonathan exclaimed softly. Their father looked up sharply just in time to see her fade in from invisibility.
"Good evening, my dears," she smiled. "Did you enjoy your day?"
"We missed you," Candy said.
"Yeah. The house felt empty all day," Jonathan made a face.
"I'm sure you enjoyed Miss Blair's company," Carolyn demurred, her eyes drifting to Daniel.
"She's not you," Candy insisted.
"No way," her brother nodded.
"Well, I'm here now," Carolyn said. "And it's time for you to go off to dreamland."
After a few mild protests, the kids climbed into bed and closed their eyes and the adults stepped back outside, their task accomplished.
"We did miss you, and the old place was quite — it did not feel right," Daniel murmured. "Even Vanessa noticed it." Carolyn's brow arched. "She thought the... hostility... she had sensed was absent today." He rubbed a finger across his moustache. "She was alone in welcoming the lack."
"Was she?" Carolyn's eyes flashed for a moment. "I am sorry I was missed, I just felt it would be better not to be here today."
"I don't like to think of you wandering the beach... or wherever all alone..." he protested. "You didn't have to be by yourself today."
"I would have been alone if I was here," Carolyn answered quietly. "You all were busy together, and I couldn't very well pop in and introduce myself. Besides..." she continued, "I WASN'T alone all day."
Surprise flickered across the handsome seaman's face. "Oh? There was a — spectral sorority sisters' meeting?"
"No, Captain. Actually I had... well, I had a date."
His eyebrows went up. "A date? You said you didn't... you hadn't run across anyone you knew on your side of the veil. Is... Was it...? Robert?"
She sniffed. "No. I wouldn't spend five minutes with him, unless it was to tell him exactly what I think of him."
"I see... well..." Daniel stopped. How could he ask her who she was with? It would make him seem as curious as... as a female.
"Yes, Captain?"
"I... I suppose I was wondering if you plan on being away from Gull Cottage tomorrow, too."
"I don't know yet. Why shouldn't I, if I choose?"
"Of course you have every right to, Madam. I would not dispute that at all."
She shook her head. "No. I believe I will be at Gull Cottage. Probably in the attic, or something, where I won't be a distraction to... anyone. Why do you ask?"
"Understand, I am not exactly asking you to — baby-sit, but it will give me a measure of — peace — to know you are here." He fingered one ear. "Ed Peavey asked Martha to go out to lunch, where someone other than herself cooks, tomorrow, some time ago. And, while you were away, Jacob Finley called. He and his son, Mark, would like to meet me tomorrow at noon for an impromptu business meeting. I would like to freelance, from time to time, for the Schooner Bay Beacon. Mark Finley will be taking over the paper officially in December, and this would be a good chance to discuss terms informally."
"I see," she said quietly. "Writing for the Beacon... well, that could or could NOT be a good thing. As I said, I don't know the current Finley that well. Never had cause to haunt him. But given the Finley's reputations, watch yourself, all right?" She paused. "So... Vanessa has actually agreed to stay and watch the children?" Carolyn stopped speaking, but her eyes went on, saying; She doesn't seem like the type to spend the afternoon with a seven and nine-year-old.
The Captain frowned. "Of course. My children are hardly hellions. They are simple to watch, hardly need it, in fact. But, I prefer that they have an adult at hand, if there is an emergency. Which there won't be, but you are a calmer, more experienced person than Vanessa. So, should the unlikely event happen, I would know... blast it, woman, I'd feel better if you were available for the children tomorrow."
"Of course," Carolyn nodded. "Don't blast at me, Captain. I'll make sure no harm comes to them. I'm just sorry I shan't be able to play, or go down to the beach with them. It's still warm, for the end of November."
"Why wouldn't you?"
Blast it. Men could be so thick.
"Because they will no doubt leave that joy to... Vanessa." She gave him an exasperated look. "And, I did not think we were planning on introducing me to Miss Blair."
"We... no, I wasn't." He frowned. "I can see where that does present a problem."
"A relatively minor one, I suppose. Good night, Captain."
On that note, she vanished.
Friday, November 29
The morning after Thanksgiving began in a flurry of activity. Ed Peavey was due between ten-thirty and eleven to take Martha to Keystone for lunch and a movie. They probably would not return until late afternoon — four at the earliest. The housekeeper took a few minutes to lay out the Captain's best civilian suit with a matching shirt, tie, and shoes, and then had to get ready herself. For his part, the Captain was completely consumed with gathering his writing portfolio, then getting himself together. When he was decent, Carolyn popped into the Master Cabin.
"Well?" he asked, turning around.
"I don't know. When was your last trim?"
He considered. "Ah, it's been a while. Perhaps Martha would have time to attend to it?"
"Captain, honestly, she's going on a date. When is your appointment?"
"We're supposed to meet at the country club for lunch at twelve-thirty, sharp," he answered.
"It's ten now. You have time to dress and then leave early enough to pop into the barbershop. I'll bet they won't be doing much business today," Carolyn said, shaking her head.
"Is the suit all right?"
"The only contemporary men's fashions I've seen lately are yours, Claymore's, and any workmen who come to Gull Cottage. I am not sure how in fashion you are, but you never look bad," Carolyn assured him.
"Nice thing about the Navy; we don't have to worry about such things. Uniforms simplify life," he grumbled.
"I'm sure you look very dashing," she smiled, and then was annoyed with herself for relaxing with him when she was supposed to be angry.
"Of course I do," Daniel winked, and then grinned. "Dashing. Reminds me of my friend Charles. His last name is Dashire, but he tended to be somewhat of a charmer with the ladies. We teased him that he thought his name was Dashing."
"What happened? I know there's a war on; he didn't—?"
"Oh, no. Retired from the service a few years before I did. He inherited a shipping concern in Philly from his wife's father. Don't look like that. All his chasing was done before he wed. But, afterwards, he could still have an effect on women, even without trying."
"As do you, though you are too modest to say so?"
Daniel shrugged. "Your words, Madam."
Before she could come up with a rejoinder, there was a light tap on the door. "Daniel? Darling, who are you talking to?"
"Blast," the Captain muttered. Mrs. Muir's look of amusement just annoyed him more. "Just, let me hang up, and I'll be with you, Vanessa."
"There's not a phone in here," Carolyn reminded him.
In a whisper, he replied, "True, but she does not know that." Louder, he said, "Good-bye, Charles. Give my best to Lynne and the children."
"No television for a week," Carolyn reminded him, giggling at the glare he shot her way before stalking out of the room.
"Daniel, do you really have to go on this — outing — today?" Vanessa pouted.
"Yes, Vanessa. I want to become established as a writer, ergo, meeting with people who want me to write for them is necessary."
"I am not a dimwit. I realize that, but why can't I go with you? I could help you." Vanessa's testy tone seemed somewhat out of sync with the way she batted her eyelashes, in Carolyn's opinion.
"Someone must stay with the children," Daniel pointed out.
"What about Martha?" the young woman demanded.
"She has a date and I would not think of asking her to change her plans," the seaman firmly informed her. "Besides, this is a good chance for you and the kids to get to know each other even more." He turned a dazzling smile on her. "You aren't intimidated by them, are you?"
"Of course not," Vanessa insisted. "I just..."
"Good. Now, I need to go to town a bit early, so enjoy your day," the Captain nodded briskly, heading toward the stairs.
"Early? But... but..." Vanessa stammered.
From her invisible perch in midair, Carolyn laughed in delight. Granted, she had despised Lucius Finley, but perhaps his heirs did not deserve her ire. They had at least managed to put a crimp in Miss Blair's plotting.
XXX
By ten forty-five, both Martha and the Captain were gone. Vanessa sat on the edge of a chair in the living room while Jonathan and Candy were opposite her on the sofa.
"So, what would you two like to do, today?" Vanessa asked too brightly. "Maybe Candy and I could dress up her dolls, but I don't think you would enjoy that, Jonathan."
"Uh-no," the boy shook his head. "And, Candy doesn't have a lot of dolls... uh, just her Mrs. Muir doll," he continued, prompted by a nudge from his sister, which was not observed by Vanessa.
"We could play with Jonathan's matchbox cars," Candy suggested.
"Yeah, cool," her brother nodded. Then, he looked at Vanessa. "But, you oughta change clothes. You don't sit on the floor in stuff like that."
Looking down at her designer suit, Miss Blair's smile faltered. "How about — a game?"
"Okay," Candy agreed. "We've got Monopoly, cards, jacks, Risk, Operation, and pick-up sticks."
"And dominoes," Jonathan reminded her. "And Candy Land."
"I'm too old for that," Candy made a face.
"We have Chutes and Ladders..."
"That's the same game. No."
"Just — pick one," Vanessa said, too cheerfully.
"Pick-up Sticks! Operation!" Jonathan and Candy said together.
"I said mine first," Jonathan stated. "Stop being so bossy, Candy!"
"But I'm older and a girl!" his sister protested. "I should get first pick!" Both children looked at Vanessa.
"You're the tiebreaker," Jonathan said. "Which one?"
"Operation, I guess," Vanessa shrugged.
"Figures you'd take HER side," Jonathan scowled, suddenly looking a great deal like his father.
Observing invisibly, Carolyn grinned, and waited for Vanessa's answer.
"Look, I REALLY don't care," Vanessa rolled her eyes. "Regardless which one it is you will have to show me how it is played."
"You don't know how to play games?" Candy asked in disbelief. "Didn't your mom or dad teach you?"
"Of course they did. I do not suppose you would entertain Bridge as an option?"
Jonathan scratched his head. "You want to build a bridge? I have some Lego's, but not enough for a bridge, and I don't have an Erector Set. Dad said maybe for Christmas. What do you want to build a bridge for, and where?"
"I think it's some kinda card game, Jonathan," Candy said dubiously. "Penelope the Hassler mentioned her mom plays it with Danny Shoemaker's mom."
"I don't wanna play anything those two play," Jonathan shook his head.
"What's wrong with Penelope and Danny?" Vanessa asked.
"They're stuck up," Jonathan said.
"And Penelope's — too frilly," Candy made a face.
"I see nothing wrong with frills," Vanessa sniffed. "But, let's forget about Bridge. It's really not a kid's game."
"I guess we could play cards," Jonathan shrugged. "We could play 'Go Fish'."
"Or 'Go Spit in the Ocean'!" Candy put in.
Carolyn watched with delight as a somewhere between sick and disgusted look passed over Vanessa's face.
"Not that one?" Jonathan asked, also seeing Vanessa's expression. "Okay, what about Monopoly? Everyone knows how to play that. Even Claymore does. I saw him and Deke playing it once in Deke's shop. He cheats, though."
"I suppose that would be as good a choice as any," Vanessa shrugged.
After an hour had passed and there was no end in sight to the game, Vanessa began to think of it as Monotony, though she knew better than to express that aloud. The rattle of the dice, the prolonged stillness, and the children's exuberance had her ready to weep in frustration.
"Now, what is the end goal on this again?"
"To win," Jonathan said in a "what else could it be?" tone.
"But, when do you know who won?" Vanessa amended her question.
"When everyone except one person is bankrupt," Candy replied.
"Oh. You know, this is much TOO NICE a day to be cooped up inside. You REALLY don't need to feel obliged to keep me company, children. Why don't you run along outside and play a while?" Vanessa suggested.
"Okay," Candy shrugged. "You have to come with us though; Dad said you were company, so that means we can't just run off and leave you."
"Oh, really..." Vanessa protested, "...you don't want a grownup along, do you?"
"Sure!" Jonathan grinned. "We can go down to the beach and look for shells and driftwood, and a starfish or sumthin'."
"But I'm not really dressed for..."
Candy put her hands on her hips. "Didn't you bring any NORMAL clothing?"
Looking decidedly uncomfortable, Vanessa stared back at her. "This IS normal clothing. And, really, I don't mind if you two want to go have fun without me. I can — I can read or watch television in here."
"TV's on the blink," said Jonathan. "At least it was this morning."
"Yeah, so you might as well come with us," Candy added. "Dad told us you were looking out for us, so you have to come. You'll just have to wear those shoes, that's all. We promise not to walk too fast."
"But..."
"C'mon," Jonathan added, grabbing the woman's hand and leading her toward the door.
"I need my coat..." Vanessa protested. "And I'm sure it feels like rain..."
"You can wear Martha's extra coat, and if it starts to rain, or anything, we'll come back," Candy said.
"Are you sure you aren't too tired?" Vanessa asked as she was being hauled toward the door.
"Naa!" Jonathan grinned. "We got lots of sleep last night!"
Candy nodded. "Yeah, and then when we come back, you can fix us lunch! Now, let's get going!"
"Er, lunch. Yes, you go play while I — figure out lunch!"
Candy shook her head again. "You have plenty of time. We won't be ready to eat for a couple of hours yet." She turned her blue eyes, so much like her father's up to the young woman. "Don't you WANT to play with us?" Her face was troubled.
"Yeah... I thought you LIKED us," Jonathan added.
"I do, I just... You two shouldn't be obliged to keep me occupied. I'm being a bother. You haven't had any time to play together since I got here. I'm trying to do you a favor, give you a chance to have — kid time."
"Oh!" Candy exclaimed. "Don't let that bother you! Jonathan and I get LOTS of time together, like last night when you and Dad went out. We were looking forward to today with you!"
"Tell you what," Jonathan added. "I think Martha has a pair of rubber boots that will fit you. They're in her bathroom. You can wear them so you don't get your shoes messed up, okay? Now come on!"
Seeing no way out without alienating the children, Vanessa nodded, and ten minutes later, they were out the door and heading down the path toward the beach, Carolyn waving invisibly after them. For a few seconds, the ghost dallied with the notion of sparking a light shower, just enough to make Vanessa's hoity-toity, beautiful, designer outfit a wreck, but she didn't want to give the children a chill, and besides, Vanessa would rather be in the house, so Carolyn was not about to accommodate her wishes.
XXX
The next hour-and-a-half passed very quickly for the children, and very, VERY slowly for the young lady from Philadelphia. Martha's galoshes were better than high heels in the sand, but they were also a size too big on Vanessa's feet, so she had trouble keeping pace with the energetic Candy and Jonathan. In addition, they kept handing her... THINGS to examine, or put in her purse that she had insisted on carrying. Before the morning was through, Vanessa found herself with a handbag full of shells and rocks worn smooth by the ocean's waves, and it was only after great protest that she did not end up with a small octopus. When Jonathan handed her an old ship's lantern that he had found half buried in the sand, she pulled to a halt.
"All right, children," she sighed. "It's time to head back."
"Hey," Jonathan said, pointing to the woman's face. "Your eyes are all black, and there is a spider on your cheek."
Vanessa shrieked, dropped her purse and Jonathan's lantern and brushed off her face.
"Don't be silly, Jonathan!" Candy scoffed. "That's not a spider! It's a false eyelash!"
"What are those?" Jon asked as Vanessa's face turned a deeper shade of red and she stooped to pick up the fallen items, including the eyelash, which she put in a side pocket of her purse. Quickly she removed the other one also and it followed its mate.
"I dunno, but Linda Coburn's mom wears 'em too. I think they are supposed to make you prettier, or something."
"Oh."
With a shrug, the children headed for Gull Cottage, Vanessa trailing behind them.
XXX
When they finally reached the kitchen, Candy looked up at their guest expectantly. "So what are you making for lunch? Martha likes to make red flannel hash on the weekends."
"Didn't you eat enough yesterday? Couldn't we — er — take a day off from that?"
Candy rubbed her nose. "From EATING? Heck, no. I'm starved!"
"Me, too," agreed Jonathan. "Dad says it's important we eat good meals three times a day."
"I — I really don't know how to make — flannel red hash," said Vanessa, wiping her smeared makeup off her face with a paper towel. "Would one of you bring me the phone book?"
"Why?" Candy asked, mystified.
"Surely there's a nice, quaint little gourmet shop that would deliver us a good lunch. A catering service, perhaps?"
Jonathan snorted a laugh. "In Schooner Bay? Uh-uh. There's the drug store if you want a hamburger, and Norrie will do orders to go, if you pick them up, and the grocery store is trying out a... deli-something..."
"Delicatessen," Candy put in. "But Norrie is only open for dinner today, and the drug store doesn't deliver."
"Keystone has a McDonald's," Jonathan said helpfully.
"They don't deliver either," Candy sniffed and then turned back to Vanessa. "You don't know how to cook?"
"I can poach an egg," Vanessa said, looking tired.
Both children made a face. "Eww! Not for lunch!"
"We could go somewhere in your car," said Jonathan.
"Uh, no," Vanessa said hastily, not wanting sand all over the rental car, or really relishing a long trip with two hungry children. "It's only a two-seater."
"I guess we can go see what we can find from yesterday," Candy said, turning and heading for the kitchen. "Leftovers are good."
"Yeah," Jonathan agreed. "I get first dibs on the mince pie!"
"Okay," Candy shrugged. "I wanted the pumpkin anyway."
Vanessa again found herself trailing after them. She rallied enough to remind them not to eat dessert first, then gave up and let them get their own meal while she assembled a plate of cold leftovers for herself.
XXX
After lunch was finished, and the few dishes they had used were rinsed and in the sink, the children looked again at their unwilling guardian.
"What do you want to do now, Miss Blair?" Jonathan asked. "We can ride bikes, if you want. You can use Candy's bike, 'cause it's bigger — or we can go roller skating."
"Silly!" Candy scoffed. "She can't roller skate! Our skates won't clip on to her high heels, and you can't use boots for that."
"Wouldn't you like to stay inside and... Do something here?" Vanessa tried. "I'm sort of..."
Jonathan shook his head. "Dad says we need lots of exercise to grow big and strong and I want to be as tall as he is, some day."
Candy peered at their guest. "You aren't tired, are you, Miss Blair?"
Vanessa smiled wanly. "Just a little bit. Tell you what, I'll just sit on the porch where I can see you, and you can ride your bikes, or whatever."
"Okay," they nodded, heading for the door. A very unwilling Vanessa followed, and a vastly amused ghost accompanied the three of them.
XXX
Within forty-five minutes, Carolyn was ready to pull out the unwanted guest's black hair out by its roots. After giving the children only token attention, she had taken a seat on the porch and proceeded to read over what appeared to be another of Daniel's old letters. Not once did she glance in the direction where Candy and Jonathan were playing.
Suddenly there was a shout from Candy. "Jonathan! Watch out for Scruffy! He's right there in front of..." The sound of bike tires skidding on gravel came next, then a crash, then a howl.
"Owwwwwwww!!!!" cried Jonathan, "My knee! My knee!"
Vanessa froze, looking around desperately for some kind of help.
"You — you — fluffy idiot, do something!" Carolyn snapped, though the other woman couldn't hear a word she said. Finally, Vanessa folded her letter, put it on the seat of the chair, and began picking her way across the porch on her stilts masquerading as shoes, just as Candy clamored up the steps.
"Miss Blair! Jonathan fell off his bike and his knee's hurt!"
"I — I don't think I can pick him up," Vanessa gulped, her eyes straying for a second to her suit as she imagined what blood would do to it.
A little impatiently, Candy snapped, "Nothing's BROKEN." She turned to Jonathan. "Lean on me and we'll get in the house. Why don't you... hold the door, Miss Blair?"
"All right," the woman nodded obediently.
XXX
Going slowly and patiently, the girl and her little brother made their way to the kitchen of Gull Cottage, where Candy first surveyed the extremely bloody knee and then their houseguest. "What do we do first?" she asked Carolyn Muir, who had appeared directly behind Vanessa.
"Wet washrag," Carolyn said, pointing toward the drawer. "Let's get the surface dirt off and as much blood as we can."
"I don't know..." Vanessa whined.
"Never mind," Candy sighed, heading toward the drawer. Wetting the towel as Carolyn instructed, she placed it on Jonathan's knee and gently and tenderly started removing what blood and gravel she could.
A few minutes later, she sought Carolyn's help again. "It looks better... I don't think there is any glass or gravel in there. What do we do now?"
"We stop!" said Jonathan.
"I don't know," Vanessa answered. "It does look better. What do you think?"
Candy rolled her eyes, and shook her head firmly. "We're not done yet, Jonathan."
"Soap and warm water," Carolyn said. "Martha keeps a medicated soap under the sink."
"We need to wash it with soap," Candy continued.
"No!" Fresh tears came to Jonathan's eyes. "It'll sting, Candy!"
"Uh-uh," she argued, heading for the sink as Carolyn instructed. "Martha used this soap on me last month when I scraped my elbow, remember? It didn't sting at all!"
"Yes it will!" Jonathan wailed.
"Jonathan..." Carolyn appeared to him, speaking softly. "Candy isn't lying to you, and neither am I... Honey, Vanessa can't see me, do you understand? Now, come on, sweetie. Help us out here. It's up to you, me and Candy."
Jonathan gulped and slowly nodded his head as Candy soaped a new soft washrag. "Okay. Candy. Is it all right if I close my eyes while you do it?"
Candy grinned. "Sure, Jonathan! I always do!"
The wound was cleaned thoroughly five minutes later, and Candy, under more prompting from Carolyn had made a game out of drying it by blowing on her brother's knee.
"All right! Good job!" Carolyn cried. "We're almost done. We need to get some medicine on it, and then cover it with a gauze bandage."
"You need to put medicine on it?" Jonathan's eyes started to tear up. "I don't want any — It'll sting!"
Candy gave Jonathan a fast look, her eyes reminding her brother that Vanessa, who was sitting in the kitchen watching dumbly, could not hear their favorite ghost.
"It won't. Martha bought a new kind. It's an ointment, and it's like magic. Jonathan, if it hurts, you can have my dessert for a week!"
"Wow!" Jonathan's eyes grew big. "It must really not!"
Candy nodded, and glanced toward Carolyn.
"She keeps it in that top cupboard over there," Carolyn said, pointing to a cabinet next to the sink. "The bandages are there, too."
"Can you get me the medicine and the bandages and the tape that are up in that cabinet, there, Miss Blair?" Candy asked the girl. Dumbly, Vanessa complied, and in just a few minutes, Jonathan's knee was medicated and wrapped, perhaps with more gauze than was really needed, but too much was better than too little. "There!" Candy said, patting the last piece of tape into place gently and looking quite satisfied with herself. "All done!" She smiled. "Boy! I can't wait to tell Dad!"
"Tell Dad what?!?!?" a deep voice boomed from the kitchen doorway. "Vanessa! Candy! Jonathan!" His glance bounced from face to face. "I just drove up and found your bikes on the side of the road — Scruffy was hiding under the porch... What on Earth has happened here?"
Suddenly, Candy was a little less enthused about "telling Dad." Gulping, she began to explain, omitting only the part about Carolyn Muir helping. She would add that in later, when Vanessa was not around. To her great relief, her father's face began to soften.
"Everyone is all right, then?" he double-checked.
Candy nodded.
"Well, I am very proud of you for handling the matter so ably, Candy. And, I am glad you were not seriously hurt, Jonathan." He leaned over and carefully unwound the gauze and examined the wound. "We'll keep it elevated and you can take it easy for the remainder of the evening, mate. If you didn't want dishwashing duty, I think you could have come up with a less painful way around it, lad." Daniel winked and ruffled the boy's hair.
"Don't you think maybe he should go to the emergency room?" Vanessa asked hesitantly.
"For a scraped knee?" Daniel blinked. "Candy did all that they would do, for considerably less money, not to mention time. From what I know of emergency rooms, the scrape would be healed by the time we saw anyone. Besides, Schooner Bay does not have an emergency room. I don't think it has many emergencies, either."
"What's this about an emergency? Ed's a constable. He hasn't gotten very far down the road if there's a need to stop him," Martha asked, having come in without being heard in the general upheaval.
"No emergency," Daniel promised and briefed her on the situation.
Once more, Jonathan had to put up with an adult examining his wound, but Martha pronounced Candy's first aid a good job.
XXX
The rest of the evening passed quietly. Martha reported that she had enjoyed her day with Ed, and Daniel added that his meeting with the Finleys had gone very well. Around nine, he announced it was time for the kids to go to bed and excused himself to tuck them in.
Carolyn was waiting in their room. Upon seeing her, Candy beamed, "Thanks, Mrs. Muir, for helping me know what to do today."
"Yeah, and for just being there," Jonathan chimed in. "You made it feel better... and me!"
The ghost smiled. "I'm glad I was here for you."
"As am I, dear lady," Daniel informed her. "My children are precious to me. It is reassuring that they have a guardian angel, as it were, in you. My thanks, Madam."
She inclined her head, accepting his praise gracefully.
As they stepped into the hall after getting the kids settled, Daniel whispered to Carolyn, "Where the devil was Vanessa during all this?"
"Reading your old love letters, Daniel darling," Carolyn answered with a hint of sarcasm, before popping out.
The Captain was still pondering whether or not to address this troubling revelation as he re-entered the living room, but before he could speak, Vanessa did. "Daniel, I've so enjoyed my time here with you — and with the children — but, my cousins in Kennebunkport would NEVER forgive me if I didn't come see them while I'm here in Maine. So, I'm going to leave first thing in the morning. I called them just this afternoon, and they were a little put out with me for not coming to see them already. I know this is sudden, but there will be other times, darling." She smiled. "No, don't try and talk me out of it. I really must go. And since I want to make an early start, I'd better go get my beauty sleep."
"If that is what you feel best, of course," Daniel nodded. "I will bid you a good night, then."
By the time the kids got up for breakfast the next morning, Vanessa's visit was history.
END CHAPTER FOUR