12 – THE COTILLION
Carolyn's breath caught as she beheld her husband waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. In his dress uniform, he created a picture so stunning that she did not have words to describe it. What's more, the love and open admiration in his eyes told her that Daniel had an opinion of her that was at least as high as hers of him.
"I'm going to be the envy of every woman at the dance tonight. You look even better than you did in my dream!" she exclaimed.
"If so, it is only because you have fulfilled every dream I ever had," he smiled, taking her hand. "Yet, it is sorely tempting to skip the dance, at least, the public one."
As he drew her into an embrace, Carolyn would have gladly agreed, but her conscience insisted on saying, "We can't let Bree down."
"Or Dash," the Captain agreed. "Besides, I have long desired to take you to a cotillion, and I do promise, that even if Margaret has a bout of Ague and faints directly in front of me, I will not leave you in the middle of a dance, much less a kiss." He snorted at the thought of abandoning Carolyn to see to that annoying woman. "If such a thing happens, it's Lynne's concern, not mine."
"Or maybe Bree's" Carolyn sighed. "She's in charge. "We'll hope for the best."
"Excellent plan."
"Tonight should be fabulous, really," Carolyn enthused. "I think everyone in town is going to be there." She frowned slightly. "I even heard Jane Shoemaker is coming, though why, I can't imagine. I don't think I can ever remember her attending a dance."
"But, since it is the event of Schooner Bay's rather limited social season, she would not want to NOT attend."
Carolyn rolled her eyes. "You have a point. I just hope she can stay pleasant for the evening."
"We will talk to Blackie; he is in that department, miracles, you know."
"Smart-aleck."
"Shall we be off?"
"I think we ought to wait for Jonathan, don't you?"
Daniel shook his head. "Of course. Pardon, my love, I was too dazzled by your beauty to think clearly, for a moment. Where is he?"
"Struggling with his tie. And we will have to wait. He won't ask for help."
"He wouldn't take it well. Daniel stroked his smooth face. "I do wish I was wearing my beard tonight, however. I don't suppose I could? If you remember, Claymore wore a faux beard to the Centennial Ball, back in 1969."
"I'd love it, but wouldn't you look too much like yourself?"
He shrugged. "Maybe, but we have been married for three years now, and 'Daniel Miles' is well established here. Besides, Devon will be there tonight looking like ME, so Why couldn't I look like Daniel Gregg? I mean, the real me? I could make my beard a shade or two lighter — or darker, or redder, perhaps?"
"You know, I AM tempted. It would be the real you I almost got to kiss in my dream."
"Temptation is such a difficult thing to resist."
"It is indeed. I suppose we could," Carolyn considered. "What's the worse that could happen? If people start making too many comments, you could morph it off again, and say something about removing it because it was itching, or something." She stroked his face, and her Captain's beard appeared, feeling soft and warm under her fingertips.
"I just hope Claymore does not faint at the sight," he half-teased.
"He won't," she grinned. "You've been giving him lessons in suave and cool, remember? And you have enjoyed it, too, at least a little bit."
"Perhaps."
They both turned to see Jonathan coming down the stairs, dressed in a dark blue suit. "Blasted tie!" he moaned. "Why couldn't Bree have hosted a fifties night, instead?"
"They wore ties then, too," his mother smiled.
"Not at sock hops and dances," Jon argued, "Blue jeans and T-Shirts and poodle skirts."
"At proms they did," Carolyn shot back.
"Oh. Well, I forgot about that. Why do ties have to choke you, Captain?"
"Equality, lad. Women suffer hose and so on for us."
Carolyn laughed. "Thank you, Daniel, for noticing. Very true! That was—"
"My dear wife, you aren't going to say "sweet," are you?"
"No, enlightened."
"Having lived on a ship full of women, I have learned a bit." Once upon a time, he might have said "revenge" in lieu of his present answer.
"You CERTAINLY have!"
"Are we ready to go?" Jonathan interrupted. "We might as well. You did say there will be stuff to eat there, along with dancing?"
"Yes."
"Then we ought, then. But you need to lose your beard, Captain Dad."
"No, tonight, it's part of my regalia, and though it is real, to everyone else, it will be false," he informed the boy.
"Wow! Way, cool!" Jon exclaimed, "Then, let's get moving!"
Yes, let's," the couple echoed, and they headed toward the door.
XXX
As they entered the transformed dance hall, Carolyn's eyes grew wide and the Captain commented, "It is not exactly as I — er, rather, there is a bit lacking in total authenticity, but on the whole, Bree has done quite well indeed." His eyes swept the room as he nodded, "Yes, quite well indeed."
"Thank you, Captain," the lady referred to beamed as she came over to greet them. "I wasn't aiming for one-hundred percent; I wanted to appeal to as many people as possible, so I had to concede to modernity, a bit."
"And, I do not believe people will have trouble distinguishing us tonight, 'Cousin'," a voice very like Daniel's own remarked as Devon Miles strode over, right hand outstretched. "Is that the reason for the beard? He went on, quietly.
"Partly," the Captain allowed, as he took Devon Miles' hand and shook it, "Though, since you are in a suit and I in uniform, there are other ways to tell us apart."
"Though there are worse people to be mistaken for, I am relieved," Devon grinned.
"Did Michael or Bonnie come with you, Devon?" Carolyn asked.
"And did you drive KITT?" Jonathan added eagerly.
"No, to all, I'm afraid."
"Blast!" Jon sighed.
"Agreed," Bree nodded. "Jon's told me about that car. Sound's almost as much fun to drive as my godfather John's Bentley."
"Michael is on assignment, so I had to fly."
"You'll stay at Gull Cottage," Daniel added. It was not a question.
"I did register at the Inn — and it's only for overnight."
"We can fix that, just like we did when you and Bonnie were here. Next time, just assume you will stay with us. And overnight just isn't long enough for a visit, Devon. Why don't you stay over tomorrow, too?"
"I would love to, but I have a commitment. I've heard of Southern hospitality, but it seems Maine is on par."
"For people we LIKE," Daniel frowned.
"That's an odd thing to say. I am not back on this crew's boor list?"
"Of course not. Not you. And that was only a misunderstanding, anyway."
"I'm glad. Hmm. In-law troubles?"
"No, I am blessed with wonderful and very understanding in-laws."
"What, then?"
"Long story," Carolyn kept her voice low, "but sufficed to say that we are much happier with you as an adopted 'cousin' than Claymore Gregg's real one."
"I see. I trust this person is on the maternal side. Surely the paternal side would have pleasanter branches on the tree."
"Aye," Daniel nodded. "I am sure you will meet him sometime tonight. "Trust me," he gave the Englishman a look. "Don't trust Reginald Nyland any further than you can throw him. He's—"
"—Oily," Carolyn filled in. "And it doesn't take being a — you know — to see it."
"I rather like to imagine I could throw him quite a ways," Devon frowned, causing Carolyn to wonder if there really wasn't a blood tie between the two men beside her. "I'm no weakling, but I take your meaning."
"Claymore should be here before too long," Jonathan put in. "Captain Dad has been giving him suave lessons so he will impress his cousin. He's doing well, too, especially considering Mr. Nyland, but I still don't know why he is trying so hard to do it. Not when his cousin's such a jerk." The boy looked around. "It would be like me caring what Danny Shoemaker thinks about me."
"Or Miss Hicklepickle," Tris contributed as he ambled over.
Bree rolled her eyes. "Do we have to talk about that family?"
"That's a new one, Tris," Carolyn grinned. "Speaking of which, are the Hassenhammers and the Shoemakers here yet? Bree said they bought tickets."
"I haven't seen them, but I usually try to avoid Penny," Tris answered.
"Smart boy," Daniel chuckled.
"I'd LIKE to," Bree gave a heartfelt sigh.
"Where's Blackie?" Carolyn remembered the young Reverend suddenly.
"Running late, because Barnaby is," Bree replied.
"Sounds par for the course," Carolyn smiled. "I would like to know if Claymore has landed yet. He was really nervous about tonight."
"He shouldn't be; actually he has been coping better — MUCH better than I thought he would, actually, once I met his cousin."
"I've been rehearsing, so you are the only people I've seen," Tris shrugged.
"Rehearsing?" Devon's eyebrow went up.
"I'm providing the music."
"Marvelous!" Devon rubbed his hands together, "And the O'Caseys, as well?"
"Yes, but we have it arranged that they will be able to dance a little, anyway."
"I see; looking forward to it. And have all you talented people done any work on that record album yet?"
"A bit, between incidents and events."
"Splendid. I look forward to hearing exactly what, tomorrow, sometime."
Bree Montgomery looked around. "I believe I see Claymore coming in with that cousin of his."
"So I will meet the blighter," Devon pronounced grimly.
"It would appear so," his 'cousin' agreed.
As the two men approached, Claymore could not help but let out a tiny squeak when he saw the Captain looking like Daniel Gregg, or at least, more like the famous ghost than was normal in public. Fortunately, the sight of two men who could almost be twins had startled Reggie enough that he did not catch the faux-pas. Reggie's mask of self-assurance slipped as his eyes flitted from one 'Miles' to the other and then back again.
"Claymore is not the only one with cousins in town," Tristan supplied, enjoying the scene immensely.
"Allow me to introduce Devon Miles, my cousin," Daniel chimed in, the smug smile on his face that always accompanied such moments as this, when he could pull a fast one on a mortal.
"You look so much alike!"
"Yes, and that once caused a bit of a stir, but fortunately, Cousin Daniel did not mind wearing a false beard for the evening so the locals can tell us apart this time," Devon smirked. Tweaking his ear, the one opposite of Daniel's favorite ear to tweak, he went on, "It's also a tribute to the great man who built his present home. Now, I can truly see the resemblance he, and I suppose I as well, bear Captain Gregg. However, I do not believe we are related to you, Mr. —?"
"Nyland, Reginald Nyland," the interloper replied.
"I thought not," Devon answered, giving the man a sneer that was almost equal to one of Daniel's own, "And how kind of your cousin to sponsor your entry to such an occasion as this."
"I was — what?" Reggie gaped.
"This isn't just any dance, you know. It's a fund-raiser for the Dashire Foundation. The ticket price wasn't exactly the cost of a Friday night sock hop."
"Claymore purchased your ticket; he sponsored your entrance," Carolyn added.
"Of course, I — ah — will also make a donation, naturally."
"I'm certain Miss Montgomery or Lord Dashire will be happy to collect it later," Daniel said smugly. Reggie's thin smile was not happy. "Now, if you will excuse us," Daniel continued, "I would like to dance with my beautiful wife."
"And Miss Grover has promised to take a turn on the floor with me," Devon put in.
"Ta," Tris added.
"Certainly."
The crew moved off and Reggie turned to his cousin. "Stuffy lot, that group. I don't know you can stand them, Cuz."
"Daniel G — Miles and his crew are the closest thing to local family I have, and I owe them a lot, Reg," Claymore answered somberly. "They supported me after my heart incident, and have always included me in their lives." Even if all of them really didn't want to, sometimes, he added silently. "Now, why don't you relax and eat something?" He glanced about the room. "Ah! Miss Applegate!" He waved toward a middle-aged red-head in a blue gown. "Would you care to trip the light?"
Startled, the former telephone operator, Millie Applegate nodded. "Fantastic!" she beamed.
Claymore blinked. Why did a slight sense of déjà-vu hit him?
As the two danced off, Bron and Sig looked on, unnoticed, from a few yards away, regarding first Claymore, who was waltzing, if not as perfectly as Daniel Gregg, quite acceptably, and then at the confused Reggie, who was still on the sidelines where his cousin had left him.
"You realize we will have to tell Daniel what Claymore just said," Sig said, thoughtfully.
"We will? I doubt he cares if Clay dances with Millie."
"No, Bron. I mean about Claymore defending Daniel, and calling the rest of us "family," without wanting or getting away with something. But first, might we take a twirl?"
"I thought you'd never ask me," she smiled. "Maybe even two twirls," she added, as he spun her onto the floor.
XXX
The hall began to fill as more people arrived.
Reggie Nyland stood by the refreshment table watching Claymore, with various women, and other couples dance around the large area and gradually the crowd overflowed out onto the large patio outside the building, where more food and refreshments were available.
Because the crowd was of mixed generations, the musicians had tried to mix both old-fashioned waltzes, gentle easy-listening melodies that Carolyn and Lynne had probably grown up with, and what might be termed 'soft rock,' much like Tim Siegert had, once upon a time, presented in Gull Cottage. As one of the latter-types played, something of the spell that had fallen over the Captain and his lady lifted slightly and they found themselves more able to look away from each other's eyes.
"The lad did well in arranging tonight's score," Daniel remarked with a smile.
"He's not the only one on the road to excellence," Carolyn returned, glancing around the room. "I can't help but notice that Claymore's dancing has improved over the years, and he's getting a lot of practice tonight!"
Following her gaze, Daniel nodded. "We did do our best to teach him." A mischievous twinkle lit his eyes. "Of course, when Tris pointed out he might have to pay for any damage he inflicted upon women's toes or shoes, he was motivated."
"Captain!" his wife scolded mildly. "He's not nearly as — okay, he's not quite as — as thrifty as he once was. I think that Scrooge dream you gave him Christmas, 1969 did him a lot of good, and it has stuck, to a degree at least."
"He has improved tremendously," Daniel smiled. "But I try not to mention it too often. I don't want him to get any ideas that he has no more room for growth. But the improvement he has made in the last three weeks IS admirable, and I will tell him before the night is over, or my name isn't Daniel Gregg."
"The single — and a few married women are enjoying his new abilities," Carolyn went on. "I think it was sweet of Clay to ask Millie first. She's shy, and stays buried in her book shop most of the time. After Claymore danced with her, George Jones and Harry Johnson did, too. She's been smiling to beat the band. Did you tell Claymore who to dance with?"
"I did NOT, my good woman. He figured it out all by himself."
"So would you say he has passed muster?"
"I believe he has, but the evening isn't over yet. I've been keeping a half an eye on that cousin of his, too. He hasn't made an effort to socialize with anyone. I don't know what his problem is, but it is not the same as Millie Applegate's."
"Oh?"
"I am referring to shyness. Yes. I can't explain it, exactly. He just seems to have this attitude of 'I am too good for this lot,' and I don't like it."
"He gives me that impression every time I see him," Carolyn agreed.
"He isn't going to spoil the evening, for us, however," Daniel added, drawing his wife closer. "I've waited too long for it."
"So have I," Carolyn agreed, "Ever since my Ague dream." She glanced around. "I don't see Margaret Coburn, I mean Sharpe anywhere. Now that's a good sign."
"My darling, I told you, even if she should keel over, I will not go to her rescue; that's Lynne's and possibly Doctor Anderson's department."
"I'm holding you to that," Carolyn winked, as they continued to dance. "So when do I get my special waltz?"
"A little later in the evening, from what Tris told me," Daniel replied. "He said that one has taken some practicing, and he doesn't want to waste it, performing it too early."
Charles and Lynne Dashire were suddenly dancing close to the couple, looking blissfully happy together.
"Save me a dance, Carolyn?" Dash said, executing a fancy step.
"And me," Dave said, passing by with Jenny.
"And I want a turn or two, Captain… Uncle Dash," Jenny went on. "It seems like I haven't danced with you since you taught Candy and me."
"And I get to dance with all of the musketeers," Lynne added.
The song drew to an end and the couples moved toward the sidelines. "I don't know about you three, but I could use a drink of something," Carolyn said. "It has been a while since I danced this much in one evening!"
"Not since Adam and Jess's wedding," Lynne nodded, fanning herself.
"Would you like me to bring you some refreshment, my dear?" Daniel asked, and Dave and Charles followed suit.
"I am a little parched. Yes, please."
"Yes, thank you," Lynne and Jenny nodded.
As the men moved away, Carolyn glanced around the room, and spied Bree and Blackie dancing a little way away. Lynne and Jenny followed her glance for a moment and then Lynne turned to Carolyn.
"Far be it from me to push, but do you think we can consider those two a couple yet?" she asked. "I know I tell Charlie not to match-make, but I would love to see Blackie settle down."
"We didn't get to call you and Dash a couple until you turned up married," Jenny chuckled.
"Right. You were 'not dating,' and 'not a couple,' right up to New Year's Eve, when you eloped," Carolyn added.
"And you are never going to let us forget it, are you?" Lynne asked. "I know, but Blackie and Bree aren't denying anything, not from the way they look right now, but they aren't declaring anything either!"
"Personally, I think actions speak louder than words," Jenny smiled.
"I agree," Mrs. Gregg nodded. "Don't rush it, Lynne. I'm sure all will work out as it should."
"In other words, take my own advice."
"That would be it."
"Said with all the love in the world," Jenny added.
"Say what with what?" Charlie asked, as the men returned, juggling drinks and plates.
"That I can't push a romance if I won't let you do it."
"Romance? Who with? Clay and — Maria Post?" Dash scratched his head, seeing the aforementioned people waltz by. "She's married."
"Blackie and Bree," Carolyn clarified.
"You guys take the fun out of everything," Dash grumbled.
"Oh, not everything," Dave laughed softly.
"Dave!" Jenny scolded softly, "Behave!"
"But Dave IS right," Daniel said, with a wink.
"I'd tell you to behave, but I'll save my requests for miracles for something less urgent," Carolyn gave him a lopsided smile.
"My dear!" Daniel looked about the room. "Bree is working again, it would seem. "I see Blackie is chatting with Miss Grover now. Glad to see her out and about. But I hope Bree isn't going at it too hard."
Dash frowned. "Perhaps I could take over the hosting aspect, for a little while, anyway. She needs to have fun."
"Leave her be for a bit," Lynne advised. "After all, this is HER event, in a way, and even the most well-meaning offer of help might be taken as her thinking you think she can't handle things."
"Point taken," Dash nodded, "In a bit, then."
A few minutes later, seeing the trio of couples chatting, Blackie excused himself from Elvira Grover's side and made his way over to the family. "I just had the oddest conversation with Penelope a few minutes ago."
"Talking with her, what other kind could you have?" Daniel asked.
"This is true, but it exceeded her normal unusualness."
"I thought you were talking to Miss Grover?" Jenny frowned.
"Seeing her was my excuse to get away from the Hassler." The young pastor looked slightly ashamed to admit this, but only a bit. "Penny was hinting something about my "secret pain" and my "broken heart," and empathizing over people who "stab you in the back," and that she would be there to "help me pick up the pieces." I didn't understand a word of it."
"You have to have friends to be stabbed in the back, so how could she empathize over that when I can't think of one person that really likes her?" Lynne asked bluntly. "Also, who did that to you?"
"Beats me," Blackie frowned. "Unless I don't know this crew as well as I am SURE I do."
"The girl is not sane," Daniel concluded.
"I think she is sane," Carolyn maintained, "But for whatever reason so unhappy with herself she is convinced that everyone else should be as unhappy as she is, maybe?"
"Then she's sick," Lynne muttered.
"I feel sorry for her," Jenny whispered. "Nobody should be so miserable, or make others so."
Everyone nodded, and Jenny added, her voice even lower, "That doesn't mean she isn't a, you know, but we need to get off this subject. The walls may have ears. That was all she said, Blackie?" He nodded. "And your heart isn't broken, or anything?"
"My heart is in fine shape, thank you." For a moment the pastor glanced in Bree's direction to see her heading toward the back kitchen area with what looked like empty dishes.
"Aye," Dash grinned, and nodded.
"Addle-pated or ill in the head," Dave shook his head, glancing at Penny.
"Shh," Carolyn scolded gently. "Daniel, if you are finished snacking, I would love to dance with you again."
"My appetite for you in my arms always exceeds that for food."
Carolyn lowered her eyes in true Victorian fashion as Daniel took her in his arms, and the two danced away on a cloud.
"My lady?" Dave held out his arm to Jenny.
"Always," she nodded, and soon the couple had joined the others dancing.
"I hate to leave you alone, Blackie," Dash said, his arm linked with his wife's.
"You dance at a cotillion," Blackie grinned. "Bree seems to have disappeared. I think I will go find her. We can either dance, or I can help her do whatever she needs doing."
"Excellent!" Dash approved. "Blackie, my boy, I—"
"Shh, Charlie," Lynne laid a finger over his lips.
"What?"
"You know what," she whispered. "Now dance with me. That's our song, or hadn't you noticed?"
"It's about time!" Softly, he began to sing, albeit a touch off-key, "Don't know much about history—"
"Don't know much about biology—" Lynne continued softly.
"I could argue with that," he winked, "But I do know that I love you."
"And I know that since I love you too—" Lynne whispered, "What a wonderful world it — is." she finished, and reached up and kissed him.
The couple was off a moment later, leaving Blackie alone. Seeing Penny, in the distance, eyeing the room with an air that would make Margaret Coburn-Sharpe proud, Blackie headed toward a side exit, determined to take the long way around, if necessary and find Bree. It took two to dance, after all! At least for the good dances it did!
XXX
Reginald Nyland stood at one end of the auditorium watching his cousin move about the floor, and/or converse with everyone in sight. "When had he gotten so popular? Claymore was
always something of a wallflower when we were growing up, he thought. Tonight he's a star attraction! And when did he learn to dance?
His narrow eyes darted around the room, assessing and dismissing all potential dance partners. That Sharpe woman was pretty in a vapid way, but too avid to marry; same deal with that Penny girl. With his current troubles, he did not dare get involved with a woman with commitment on her mind, no matter how small the brain might be. Miss Grover had power, but Reggie instinctively did not want her sharp gaze to fix on him. Besides, she was ancient! She probably couldn't keep going for a whole dance anyway. The redhead Claymore had danced his first dance of the evening with seemed to be having a good time talking to a gentleman who was clearly enamored with her. Reggie rubbed his chin. What a bore! he thought to himself. How much longer can this go on? Maybe I can invent a good reason to get out of here and — suddenly, his gaze settled on Bree Montgomery, who was headed toward the kitchen area with a small stack of plates.
A sly smile appeared on his face.
