As the last note of the last hymn faded, the congregation, with the exception of one very unhappy, miserable man, applauded Martha. Reverend Farley made a point of publicly thanking her for stepping in at the last minute and honoring them with such a splendid performance.
Ralph's head was pounding and even the cessation of the thunderous music didn't alleviate the pain. He just wanted to leave and stepped out of the pew, gesturing for Marjorie to join him, but she refused.
"We are here with the family, so until Martha returns, and everyone is ready, we're not going anywhere," she told him quietly but firmly.
For having just spent the last hour in church, the response he had the good sense not to verbalize was anything but Christian. He looked at his wife with disbelief before scowling, stepping back into the pew, and keeping his back to her.
With the service over, the family relaxed while they were waiting for Martha, and Carolyn introduced the Horans to her in-laws. James reached out to shake Mr. Muir's hand and didn't miss his hesitation before reluctantly taking it. Marguerite, in her usual fashion, tried to engage the couple in conversation, but all she got from her friend's father-in-law was a brusque greeting and view of his back when he turned away. Shrugging her shoulders, she ignored his rude behavior, returned her attention to Mrs. Muir and Carolyn, and had an enjoyable conversation with them about the town.
Realizing that trying to include the older man in conversation would not be welcomed, James and Daniel gave him a wide berth and focused their attention on Candy and Jonathan. While still trying not to be too loud, the seamen had the children smiling and laughing, as they enjoyed their antics. Ralph stood off by himself, not the least bit impressed by the sailor's behavior. He just wanted to get out of the building and away from as many of these people as he could.
After being greeted and congratulated by nearly everyone she passed, the star of the service was finally able to return and claim her place with the family.
"Martha, you did a marvelous job; your playing was flawless. There's nothing more satisfying than hearing hymns sung when accompanied by such a talented organist. Your gift filled the church and instantly transformed the singing from dull and draggy to vibrant and enthusiastic. For that, dear lady, I thank you," Daniel said, finishing by kissing her hand.
Turning three shades of crimson, she thanked him as she continued to be inundated with praise from the rest of their party and other parishioners as they passed by.
Ralph Muir remained at the end of the pew and ignored her and everyone else. When Martha glanced his way, she had to admit he looked even more miserable than he had when he first came down to breakfast, and she wasn't the least bit bothered by the part she may have played in his continued discomfort.
'Serves him right, the insufferable old goat. He deserves whatever he gets . . . and more,' she thought.
"All right, she's back now; let's go," Ralph said, pulling his wife away from the other women.
Casually removing her arm from his grasp, she looked at him sternly.
"I don't know what your hurry is but, if you're so anxious to leave, then go," she said in a low, angry voice. "We'll meet you in the churchyard when we're ready to come out . . . and not before."
Despite the mood Marjorie had been in all morning, her response was not what he'd expected, and Ralph couldn't hide his surprise. Meeting her cold stare, he broke eye contact first and abruptly turned away, stepped into the aisle, and got lost in the crowd as they made their way out the church.
Marjorie calmly turned back to others as if nothing happened. Her companions acted as if they hadn't seen anything out of the ordinary and resumed their conversation.
When the last of the congregation passed them, the group made their way down the aisle to leave. The children walked with their grandmother and Martha, while the seamen followed behind; each with their lady on their arm.
A few rows from the vestibule, Marjorie noticed Colm standing at the last pew. He looked as if he'd scrubbed himself to within an inch of his life, and his clothes, though slightly worn, were clean and pressed. When he saw her approaching, he stood tall, looked past everyone else, and smiled at her. The surprise on her face was genuine, as was the smile that went from ear to ear.
Carolyn spotted the retired seaman the same time, and squeezed the Captain's arm.
"Thank you, Daniel. I'm so glad you stopped by Colm's last night."
"You're welcome, my love. As I suspected, he was still up talking with another tenant on the porch. He was surprised to see me, and, when I explained the reason for my visit, he was quite pleased by your invitation and accepted immediately."
The children saw Colm and ran ahead to say hello. When their grandmother and Martha caught up with them, they stepped aside so the adults could talk.
Seeing how the old friends reacted to each other, Daniel said softly, "It appears you may have been correct in assuming they would enjoy spending time together."
Carolyn looked up at him and couldn't help being concerned. After seeing the tension between her in-laws all morning, she worried what kind of reaction Ralph would have to his wife rekindling her friendship with a 'sailor.' The last twenty-four hours had not exactly gone his way, and he had never been one to take failure well.
"Good mornin', Mrs. Muir. Mrs. Grant," Colm said as the ladies approached.
"Hello, Mr. Donegan," Marjorie said, smiling.
"Good morning," Martha added. Her innate ability to size up a situation quickly didn't fail her. She could see the regard the two old friends had for one another and, after making their excuses, steered Candy and Jonathan toward the door.
As the two couples approached, James and Marguerite greeted the retired seaman, exchanging a few pleasantries, before moving on to talk to Reverend Farley. Daniel and Carolyn greeted Colm and stopped to talk.
"You're looking quite dapper this morning," the Captain said, smiling at his old friend, who gave him a warning glance.
"Colm, we're so glad you'll be joining us for dinner," Carolyn greeted him.
"Thank ya for invitin' me."
Hearing he would be joining them for the afternoon, Marjorie's pleasure was evident. Sharing a look with her daughter-in-law, she smiled gratefully at her thoughtfulness.
"We're happy to have you," Carolyn replied, turning back to him.
Realizing the church was empty, and afraid of holding up Reverend Farley, they made their way out. The women walked together, the older slipping her arm through the younger's, as they gracefully made their way to the vestibule. Daniel and Colm trailed behind, trying not to enjoy the lovely scenery in front of them.
Stopping to say hello to Reverend Farley, Carolyn introduced Marjorie and, while they were exchanging hellos, realized their pastor and friend would be on his own with Sarah out of town. She immediately invited him to join them for the afternoon. When he tried to decline, she wasn't having it and refused to be deterred.
"Reverend, you know we always have room for one more at our table. Please join us; we'd enjoy having your company."
"But . . ."
"Do you have somewhere else to be?"
"No, but . . ."
"Then, you have no reason not to," she said, looking at him triumphantly.
"Lucius, I've been in similar situations with Mrs. Muir and, can tell you, there's no arguing with her on some things . . . and this is one of them. You may as well give up now," the seaman smiled, tugging his ear.
"Captain, I believe you're right," the young preacher admitted. "Mrs. Muir, I would be delighted to join you and your family. Thank you for the invitation."
"Wonderful!"
"You can ride up in the carriage with us. I'm sure we can make room for you," Daniel offered.
"I have a few things to do here before I can leave and wouldn't want to hold you up. I'll walk up to the house once I've finished. It will be a good stretch of the legs."
"You won't be holding us up," Carolyn insisted. "We can leave now to pick up Uncle, and you can take care of whatever you need to do while we're gone. Daniel, wouldn't you say it will take us a good thirty minutes, or more, to round up everyone, drive over to Uncle's, and then back?"
"Yes, my love; at least thirty minutes," he said, unable to hide his smile. "Reverend, will that give you enough time?"
"Actually, it will. Thank you, both," he said and turned to Marjorie. "Mrs. Muir, it's been a pleasure meeting you. I look forward to speaking with you more this afternoon."
"As do I, Reverend" she smiled.
"Captain. Mrs. Muir. I'll see you shortly. Thank you again," he said as they started out the door, exchanging goodbyes.
"Colm, will you be at Gull Cottage?" Reverend Farley asked.
The quiet man smiled and nodded as he followed his friends out.
XXXXX
The churchyard was nearly empty, as most families had hurried home to begin dinner preparations. Ralph was smoking a cigar under a nearby tree, looking bored as he took in his surroundings. He was not the least bit impressed with Schooner Bay, which he considered a backwater town. Candy and Jonathan were exploring headstones, something they did almost every week, while Martha stood by the gate keeping an eye on them. Coming down the church steps together, the friends said their goodbyes, and the Horans went out the side gate to walk home. Carolyn and Marjorie joined Martha while Daniel and Colm went to get the carriage.
"Martha, we're going to have one more for dinner this afternoon."
"One more in addition to Colm?"
"Yes. Reverend Farley will be joining us."
"Oh, what a good idea," she agreed. "I do hope Mrs. Farley's sister doesn't have too much difficulty. It's such a shame about her husband. The poor thing sure has her hands full?"
Carolyn nodded, then explained to Marjorie.
"Mrs. Farley's sister lost her husband in April in a railroad accident. She has two children, Candy and Jonathan's age, and a baby due any time. Last week, Sarah told me her mother had moved in with them after the accident, so she knew the family was being taken care of. She was planning to go home for a week or two once the baby was born. Now, with her sudden departure, I worry about Ruth and the baby."
"Childbirth is dangerous under the best conditions; I do hope they'll both be all right," Marjorie sympathized, placing her hand on her daughter-in-law's arm.
Their eyes met, and Carolyn felt like she was seeing a completely different person than the one she'd known for so long. Thinking this might be a good time to take a stroll, she patted Marjorie's hand.
"Would you like to see what the children are up to?"
"I would," she smiled. "Those two are certainly good at keeping themselves occupied. It doesn't seem to matter where they are."
"That's usually the case, but not always," their mother admitted. "Martha, we won't be long. Daniel and Colm will be back before we know it."
"There's no need to hurry, Mrs. Muir. It doesn't hurt to keep a man waiting from time to time," she smiled. "You wouldn't want the Captain to get too complacent."
All three chuckled in agreement as the Muir women started across the churchyard. When they were far enough away from both Martha and Ralph, Marjorie slipped her arm through Carolyn's again.
"Thank you for inviting Colm to dinner. I'm looking forward to catching up with him."
"I hope I haven't put you in awkward position," Carolyn stated simply, leaving unspoken how Ralph had been behaving all morning . . . the whole visit, actually.
"No, dear. Don't you worry yourself about that; I'm going to take advantage of spending the afternoon you, your family, Reverend Farley, and a long lost friend, regardless of what certain people think," she replied meeting her eyes.
They walked together without a word until Marjorie completely changed the subject.
"My dear, I believe your Captain Gregg is someone very special, and I don't think you'll ever have to worry about him becoming complacent. The way he looks at you, I have to wonder why you're not already married or, at the very least, engaged."
She caught the younger woman completely off guard, causing her to stutter and blush.
"Well . . . I . . . ah . . ."
Marjorie chuckled softly and patted her arm.
"You don't have to say anything, dear. Just know, whatever happens, you have my full support . . . but . . . you'd be crazy to let him get away."
Carolyn laughed.
"I'm may be many things but crazy is not one of them."
Candy and Jonathan saw the women laughing together and ran in their direction. Stopping in front of them, each grabbing a hand.
"Mom . . . Grandmother . . . come see what we found!"
"It has to be the oldest grave in the cemetery. Wait 'til you see it!" Jonathan said, pulling his mother along.
Candy had Marjorie's hand and followed behind them. In the corner of the churchyard, they stopped at several overgrown bushes. Letting go of their hands, the children moved closer to push the branches away, exposing what looked like an extremely old headstone.
The women looked in, and Candy moved to the side of the simple stone and read what was written.
"HERE LYETH BURIED
THE BODY OF
LORD CUTHBERT WHITEHALL-SMYTHE
AGED ABOUT 75 YEARS
DEPARTED THIS LIFE THE
22 OF JUNE 1741"
"Isn't it nifty?" Jonathan asked.
"It is indeed," Marjorie replied.
"Didn't Captain Gregg tell us his great, great grandfather founded the school in 1741?" Candy asked.
"Yes. I think he said it was in March of 1741," Carolyn replied.
"So, this Lord Cupboard Whitehorse-Smite could have known the Captain's great, great grandfather!" her son stated.
"Jonathan," Candy sighed. "It's Lord . . . Cuthbert . . . Whitehall . . . Smythe."
"Right. Him."
"I suppose anything is possible," his mother smiled. "But that was a long time ago. We'll probably never know."
"Here comes the Captain now!" Candy announced, seeing him driving the carriage around to the front of the church.
"Let's go ask him!" Jonathan said running off, with his sister right behind him.
"There's never a dull moment, is there?" Marjorie smiled, watching her grandchildren.
"Not with those two," Carolyn replied as they followed at a more sedate pace.
"Captain Gregg's family has been in Schooner Bay a long time," her mother-in-law stated simply.
"Yes, his ancestors were involved in its founding. They donated land for the parks and have contributed to the betterment of the community for well over a hundred years."
"As well as founding the town's school at a time when most small towns didn't have one."
Carolyn smiled.
"My dear, if you're smart, you won't let that man get away."
"I have no intention of letting that happen," she admitted smiling.
"I'm glad. You deserve a happy life, after what you and the children have been through."
Carolyn looked at her mother-in-law, wondering if she'd meant because they'd lost Robert, or for the way he treated them. Before she could ask, she saw Ralph approaching.
"Come along, girls," he said, then looked at the younger woman. "It's time to pick up this uncle of yours so we can get back to the house. I must say, I'm looking forward to dinner. Your housekeeper . . ."
He received a sharp look from both women.
"Oh, for goodness sake . . . Your Martha . . . is quite a cook. I'm anxious to see what she has planned for today."
"You can be sure it will be something delicious that everyone will enjoy."
As they reached the gate, the men had climbed down from the carriage, and Daniel was instantly drawn into conversation with the children.
"Captain, guess what we found!" Jonathan said.
"I'm sure I don't know. What did you find?"
"We found a really old gravestone from 1741!" Candy answered ahead of her brother.
"That is old. What name is on it?"
"Lord . . . Whitehall . . . Smythe," Jonathan said slowly to get it right. "Do you know who he was?"
Daniel's face showed surprise at the name.
"Lord Cuthbert Whitehall-Smythe?" he confirmed to nodding heads. "As a matter of fact, I am familiar with the name."
"We knew you would be!" Candy answered. "Who was he?"
"Lord Cuthbert would have been my great, great, great grandfather."
"Wow! Was he really a Lord?" Candy asked.
"Yes. He came to the colonies from England in the early 1700's. He married over here, rather late in life, and had a daughter. My great, great grandmother, Teresa."
"We thought your great, great grandfather might have known him, since they were probably in Schooner Bay around the same time," Jonathan reasoned.
"Yes, it's safe to say the two men knew each other."
"Did you know your great, great grandparents?" Candy asked. "and did your great, great grandmother have a title too!?"
"Unfortunately, I never met them; they both died long before I was born," he explained. "And yes, my great, great grandmother did have a title. Before she married, she was known as Lady Teresa Whitehall-Smythe and was the one great love of Efrem Elias Gregg's life."
"Gee, does that mean you could have a title too?"
"My girl, I really don't know, but it's not important to me. I much prefer the title I have," he smiled.
"Captain!" both children shouted, smiling at him.
Winking at them both, he excused himself to help Martha into the carriage, and then did the same for Candy. Jonathan made his own way and took his seat next to his sister.
Seeing Carolyn and her in-laws approaching, Daniel spoke quietly to Colm.
"It seems the time has come to introduce you to the man who could have been your brother-in-law. Be prepared."
His friend nodded as they faced the others. Marjorie made eye contact with Colm and smiled.
"Now what?" Ralph groaned, seeing the other man with the Captain.
Reaching the seamen, Carolyn spoke up.
"Ralph, I'd like to introduce you to our good friend, Colm Donegan. Colm sailed with Daniel before retiring and will be joining us for dinner."
Her father-in-law glanced sharply at his wife, wondering what she knew of this development, then looked back at the man.
"Colm Donegan, my father-in-law, Ralph Muir."
The retired seaman reached out his hand to greet the disagreeable looking man.
"Mr. Muir. 'Tis nice to meet ya."
"Mr. Donegan," replied, looking down his nose at him.
They stood, taking each other in for several moments, but no one said a word, until Ralph broke the silence.
"So, you were engaged to my wife's sister, Abigail?"
"Aye. Abbie and I were ta be married when I returned from Europe."
"Influenza, wasn't it?"
"So, I was told."
"Hmm."
Seeing another period of silence stretching out before them, Daniel spoke up.
"If we're going to pick up Claymore, we'd better get moving." Looking at Carolyn, he offered his hand. "My love."
Taking it, she looked at him gratefully and stepped into the carriage. After eyeing Colm, who had stepped off to the side, Ralph assisted Marjorie and climbed in behind her. The seamen shared a look that spoke volumes of what they thought of Mr. Muir and climbed up to the driver's seat.
XXXX
When they pulled up in front Claymore's, both Marjorie and Ralph immediately understood why Carolyn wanted to find another place to live. By outward appearances alone, they couldn't blame her for jumping at the chance to move to Gull Cottage. Her uncle's house was unbelievably small, more of a small bungalow than accommodations suitable for their daughter-in-law and grandchildren. Marjorie couldn't imagine how they all fit. The only thing that was remotely appealing was the front porch. When it occurred to her that Martha had lived here with them too, she was at a complete loss. She'd seen servant's quarters bigger than this house.
Daniel walked toward the porch, glad he no longer had to come here to spend time with Carolyn. It was bad enough that he had to see Claymore when he went to have lunch with her, and when he picked her up at the end of the day. The man was miserable skinflint who had done nothing to make the family's life easier when he had the chance, and he had little use for him.
Standing at the door, he was about to knock when it opened suddenly. Claymore wasn't expecting to see him standing there and let out a loud screech, followed by an unintelligible string of noise. Daniel put his hand to his forehead.
"Oh blast," he said quietly, as he waited for the benighted barnacle to get ahold of himself. "Good morning, Claymore."
"Captain," he replied, his eyes blinking rapidly.
"Do you have everything?"
"Was I supposed to bring something?!" the penny-pincher asked nervously.
"Claymore, I just meant 'do you have everything you need?'"
Daniel still had trouble believing this weak chinned dolt was related to Carolyn. He watched as the penny-pinching tightwad's beady eyes continued to blink rapidly, as he still didn't know if he had been expected to contribute something for the day's meal.
"CLAYMORE! Are . . . you . . . ready . . . to . . . go?" he finally asked as simply and slowly as he knew how.
"Oh! Yes, of course. I'm ready."
"Wonderful," the Captain mumbled to himself, as he started back to the carriage.
Introductions were made, and, as Claymore stepped up to climb into the carriage, he tripped and almost fell into Carolyn's lap. Daniel's quick reflexes were the only thing that kept him upright.
Pulling himself together, the clumsy man apologized for his carelessness and stumbled again as he moved to take the only available seat beside Marjorie. Finally gaining his footing, he played the grand gentleman, and over acting in the part, tipped his hat to the ladies as he sat down.
An audible sigh escaped the seaman as he shook his head at the fool. Carolyn put her hand over her mouth to hide her smile, but when Daniel rolled his eyes, it was all she could do not to laugh.
They started off again, and when they returned to the church, Ralph couldn't help himself.
"What now?!" he asked, exasperated at another stop.
"Reverend Farley's wife is out of town, so we've invited him to join us for dinner," Carolyn explained.
"Oh, boy!" the children replied.
"Why couldn't he have just come with us when we left the first time?" her father-in-law asked.
"He had things to see to before he could leave," Marjorie answered. "Here he comes now. Ralph, surely you understand a pastor's duties don't end when the service does. Besides, it's not as if you have anywhere you have to be."
"Humph," was his only reply, until he realized how full the carriage was. "Where is he going to sit?"
"I'll go up with the Captain," Jonathan volunteered quickly.
"No, sweetheart. I'm not sure there's enough room up there for you and Colm both," Carolyn replied. "Marjorie, would you mind if he sat with you?"
"Of course not! I have the perfect place for him right here," she smiled, patting her lap.
Jonathan took his place with his grandmother, while Candy moved to her mom's lap. Reverend Farley arrived just as they got situated, and Carolyn introduced him to Ralph.
"Mr. Muir, it's a pleasure to meet you," he said, shaking the older man's hand before slipping in next to Martha. "I can't tell you what a wonderful addition your family has been to our community. The work Mrs. Muir and Mrs. Grant have done, to support and assist the wives and families of our local seamen, has been very successful and helped so many. They have made Schooner Bay a better place, and I can't tell you how grateful we are that she chose to move her family here."
Ralph simply nodded, while he tried to hide his annoyance.
Daniel, overhearing the compliment, smiled. He was sure a glowing testimony, from the town's pastor, was the last thing Ralph Muir wanted to hear. It showed just how deep Carolyn's roots were, and how established she'd become in such a short time. Her father-in-law had to know he would have a fight on his hands, if he continued in his efforts to take the family back to Philadelphia.
After making sure everyone was settled, the Captain flicked the reins, and the horses began trotting toward Gull Cottage. Considering the mix of personalities gathered today, he had to admit, he was curious as to what the afternoon would bring.