1Standard disclaimers apply. Some of these characters are owned by 20th Century Fox and some details have been gleaned from other Gamm-ers' stories (and to you I am very grateful). All other characters were invented by me, as was the plot. Please do not use any part or parts thereof without my consent. Time: June, July and August 1972. A sequel to "Captain Gregg and the Surprise." Thanks to Kathy, Susan, John Mortimer, Pablo Neruda, The Library of Congress. Are you kind? Suspend rational thought.
"And summer's lease hath all too short a date:"
-William Shakespeare
Summer's LeaseCHAPTER 4
On Friday, Martha returned. Carolyn met her airplane in Portland and was "never so pleased to see anyone as I am to see you, Martha!" Carolyn gave the older woman a hug. "How was the flight?"
"Long, too long for my liking. But, it's so nice to be back."
The ride to Gull Cottage was faster than expected. The house looked quiet as Carolyn pulled the station wagon to a stop in front of the house. "Hmm, wonder where everyone is?"
"No welcoming committee? Where's the brass band hailing my arrival in town?" Martha joked. She and her employer carried her luggage in and then settled in the kitchen for a cup of coffee, Martha relaying the update on her mother's condition, which was much improved at the time she left, but the woman was in fragile health and the doctors hoped only for the best. "Mother's had a fine life, and she's 87. Evelyn was keeping her as comfortable as possible, but the nursing home seems to be the best place for Mother now," Martha's voice was heavy with regret. "I don't think it will be long until I'm back down there for a funeral."
"Oh, Martha." Carolyn reached for her friend's hand, "You know I'll do whatever I can to help you."
"I know…and I so appreciate it."
The two women had been talking for several minutes when Candy, Jonathan and Captain Gregg came hustling in from the service porch laughing and chattering. "Martha!" they said in unison, running to hug their housekeeper.
"Well, I wondered when the crew would arrive." She smiled and hugged them all back, including the Captain, who placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
"We missed you so much," Candy said.
"Yah, now we can get back to real food." Jonathan hugged her again. "No one can cook like you can!"
Martha laughed, "Thank you, Jonathan. It's nice to know I'm appreciated."
"To tell you the truth, Martha, we all missed your cooking," Carolyn admitted.
"Yah, there's only so much frozen pizza you can eat and still survive." Candy's penchant for the melodramatic had increased that summer.
"Martha, dear woman, I gladly relinquish control of this galley to you," the seaman said with a flourish.
"Well, I gladly accept command."
Later that evening, the Captain, Carolyn and Martha were relaxing on the front porch. "It's the same ocean as in Florida, but somehow it seems so much more peaceful and pleasant here," Martha mused. "It's nice to be home."
"It's even better to have you back," Carolyn said. "I'm going to telephone over to the Hadley's and have Kate send the kids home, it's nearly ten."
"All right, Martha," the Captain leaned close to her, "What happened between Bert Bauer and her good-for-nothing son-law?"
"You mean you haven't been watching?"
"We have been preparing for the Regatta."
"I see." Martha put her coffee mug down. "Well, let me tell you that that little scamp has got some trouble coming. If he thinks he can tangle with Bert Bauer and get away with it he's sorely mistaken."
"I know, she's a tough lady," the Captain agreed.
"Bert told him how things were going to be and reminded him that the Bauers were the most important family in town and if he knew what was good for him, he'd stay home nights and care for her daughter."
"Good for her!" Daniel clapped his hands together.
"That's not the half of it. You missed the fist fight between that Spaulding boy and the Lewis' eldest son." Martha reported all the details of the last several weeks of Guiding Light to the spirit. He had become just as big a fan of the daytime drama as Martha. Although he grumbled about how insipid all the women were and what cads and bounders all the men appeared to be, but he hadn't missed an episode for five months; that was until Martha had left to go to Florida.
Carolyn came back out to the porch just as the two were discussing the finer points of the possibility of divorce between the Marler girl and the Lewis' cousin. "She should never have married that Bluebeard in the first place," Daniel declared.
"Oh, honestly, you two and that soap opera. Martha, I noticed that at two-thirty Daniel would start pacing." She looked at the seafarer, "You should have just watched."
"I just watch to keep Martha company in the afternoons whilst you're working on your writing and the children are in school," he explained.
Carolyn and Martha both laughed. The sea captain's secret was out.
Kate Hadley had always felt an affinity for her husband's great grandmother, well for the woman's spirit anyway, because that was who Kate knew. Rebecca had lived a remarkable, but short life, and had accomplished something enduring. Kate admired her in many ways. Rebecca was a woman ahead of her time; she was able to be a wife and mother and establish and work at one the most long-lived charities in Maine. Hope House had been the brainchild of Rebecca, her closest friend, Eliza Frick and Eliza's brother Dr. Jonas Bender. In the mid-Nineteenth Century the residents of the small, coastal Maine villages had a need for medical care and comforts of all varieties. Because so many relied on the sea for their livelihoods there was, inevitably, much suffering. Many men and boys left their families on merchant vessels and whalers, and still others, especially in and around Schooner Bay spent their lives in commercial fishing businesses. By far, fishermen lead more dangerous lives than either merchant seamen or whalers. Young families were torn apart by tragedies at sea and there was a great need for someone or some organization to care for the widows and children left behind. Rebecca Hadley had lost both her father and older brother in fishing accidents. She felt all too keenly the anguish many of her peers felt. It was with this in mind that she approached Eliza and Jonas with the idea of establishing some place where people could go for assistance. Hope House was born.
Through the years, Hope House had provided shelter and food for those women and children left with nothing by the death of a spouse or parent. It evolved, by necessity, into an institution that provided food, shelter, and medical care to any in need. Rebecca had spent long hours at Hope House and cajoled and pestered her neighbors into helping, too; both with in kind gifts and money. Now, Carolyn Muir was poised to tell the story of Hope House in an effort to raise funds to sustain the one hundred and twenty-year-old organization.
Kate and Rebecca stepped on to the porch of Gull Cottage just as Carolyn opened to the front door to greet them. "Welcome." She led them into the residence and they headed for the parlor where Martha had laid out some cookies and lemonade.
"Here are my diaries," Rebecca said as she handed two leather-bound volumes to Carolyn. "I hope they help."
"Oh, super. I sure do appreciate this and your willingness to share your private papers and experiences with me, Rebecca" Carolyn said.
"I am just pleased to help," the spirit replied.
Carolyn flipped through the pages of one volume of the diary as Kate poured some lemonade for her and Rebecca.
18 December 1852
The snow came with a vengeance today. Several inches have fallen since dawn and I fear for those without any means of warmth. Zebulon has hitched the sleigh to Bess and will take me into town to Hope House. So many suffer so miserably in this season and with Christmas soon upon us, I know we shall soon be overwhelmed. But, I have been encouraged that those who can provide will help those who have nothing.
20 December 1852
We have ten families seeking refuge at Hope House and we are positively bursting at the seams. Many of the young ones are ill. The catarrh has been prevalent in the area and more fierce than usual. Thank the Lord for Doctor Bender. He has tended to so many, and without payment. He is a Godsend to us.
24 December 1852
It is nearly midnight and my children will be waiting for the arrival of St. Nicholas. Our holiday will be meager by any standards as the snow has been so heavy that supplies have been long in arriving in Schooner Bay and the harbor is clogged with ice. No ships have been able to dock to off-load their cargos and they lay at anchor in deeper waters waiting for a break in the weather. Luckily, the fishing skiffs were able to reach them and bring the crews in for a respite. But, I must not lose sight of the day and the joy we shall feel for being together as a family… Zebulon, Levi, Abraham, Rachel and I shall enjoy the day as we always do. Our dear neighbor, Daniel Gregg, will be joining us for Christmas dinner. It's been nearly two years since we have seen him. His voyages have taken him to many lands and the children so love to hear his tales. I have hope that one day Daniel will find a woman to marry and raise a family. He has had such sadness in his life. Zebulon and I are only too pleased to have him with us.
"Oh, Rebecca, your diaries have told me so much. Thank you for sharing them with me," Carolyn said to the spirit. She closed the well-worn cover of the ancient volume with care.
"It's been my pleasure to share them, dear. When Kate told me that you wanted to do a story about Hope House and its one hundred and twentieth anniversary, I was only too happy to have you read them."
Many underserved people in the area still relied on the services of Hope House, although now they were affiliated with social services in Portland, Augusta and Keystone.
"I hope to have the story completed by next week and the Portland Register has agreed to run it. We're all hoping that the publicity helps with the capital campaign. "
"No one more than I. Oh, how our lovely building does need fixing up!" Rebecca agreed.
"There have been plenty of businesses willing to donate in-kind gifts and I heard from Deke Tuttle that Shoemaker has even agreed to do some of the renovation work for free. He must be using it as a tax write-off," Carolyn chuckled,
"That's the only way that skinflint would agree to do anything for free. Honestly, he makes Claymore Gregg look like Albert Schweitzer!" Kate added.
Carolyn sat curled up on the window seat in the parlor with Rebecca Hadley's diary. The images relayed of the harshness of the Maine winter were vivid in Carolyn's mind and made a stark contrast to the humidity and heat that had settled over Schooner Bay in mid-July. Carolyn took a long sip of her iced tea and thought about the hardships people endured in the Nineteenth Century and told herself that not having air conditioning wasn't that bad compared to what Rebecca Hadley had gone through. She just couldn't imagine standing over a hot stove preparing meals and having to wear all those clothes. Never mind how miserable the winters were with no real heat and no snow tires! Yes, she had to admit she was a Twentieth Century girl and glad of it. She loved her creature comforts and modern conveniences.
"My dear, may I fetch you another drink?" the ghost of Gull Cottage asked her as he materialized next to her on the seat.
"Oh, that's very sweet, Daniel, but I'm fine with this." She reached out for his hand. "Where have you been?"
"The children and I have been out on the Surprise, you know the Regatta is up-coming and the more time they spend on the boat, the better."
"I see, still putting the crew through their paces, eh?"
"Well, flying that spinnaker will be a task. But, I'm sure Candy is up to it." The seafarer smiled, "she's been very conscientious about it."
"That's my girl."
"Indeed. And, what have you been working on?"
"I've just been reading through some of Rebecca Hadley's diaries. She and Zeb led the most inspirational lives. I'm so glad they agreed to share their personal papers with me. I only hope I can do them justice in print." Carolyn stared somewhat absently out the window. "If my story on Hope House can reach people, there's a chance of making the goal of the capital campaign and revitalizing the building. So many still depend on Hope House."
"I'm certain your article will be top-notch, my dear. You have a talent for writing. Never doubt that." Daniel said.
"Sometimes I don't know. But, this article is so personal to me. Knowing Rebecca and all the good she did for people." Carolyn smiled at Daniel and gently squeezed his hand. "How she looked out for you. I feel that I owe her the honor of a story that will make people take notice."
"People will."
"I hope so."
"If they don't, I'll scuttle them," Daniel replied, a smirk on his face.
"I know you will," Carolyn said, "and thank you."
"Mom! Hey, Mom!" Candy hollered as she burst in through the front door.
"In the parlor, Candy."
Candy scampered in and went to her mother. "Mrs. Hadley said to remind you about the birthday party. We're supposed to bring something."
"Birthday party?" the Captain asked. "What poor soul are you surprising now?"
"Rebecca Hadley," Candy answered. "Her birthday is coming up and it's the same day as the founding of Hope House. Don'tcha think that's neat, Captain?"
"Coincidental might be a better word." He gave Carolyn the look that asked what she had been meddling in now.
"I am not meddling, Daniel, and I know that's what you're thinking. The whole thing was cooked up by Zeb and Kate. They wanted to do something special for Rebecca. You can understand that, can't you? It's not everyday one celebrates their one hundred fifty-fourth birthday!"
"Well, I suppose if Zeb has agreed." Daniel stroked his beard. "When is this gala to occur?"
"On her birthday…" Candy answered with some of her best eye-rolling.
"July 18th," Carolyn clarified the date for the seaman.
"Ah, that's only a few days off."
"Well, it won't be very big, just us and the Hadley's. Zeb wondered if you might want to ask Brendan and Caswell, too. He did say how they enjoyed meeting some of your shipmates. I have to agree. Brendan is such a dear and, well, you know Caswell can be very entertaining."
"I know that all too well, Madam." Daniel said getting to his feet. "I shall discuss it with Zebulon. "
"Where's Jonathan?" Carolyn asked.
"He's over at the Hadley's. He and Simon were going to go clamming," Candy answered.
"Oh. Well, Daniel, if you're going over the see Zeb, please send Jonathan home, Martha will have dinner ready in about an hour."
"Aye. Clams and all or just the boy?"
"Just the boy, if you please. The last catch of clams barely got eaten, unless you intend to have them?"
"There is a limit to the amount of clams that even I can eat, my dear. I shall return anon with Jonathan and we shall see you two lovely ladies for dinner," the Captain announced as he disappeared.
14 July 1855
This summer has been hotter than any of us can remember. Yesterday Henry Hassenhammer actually fried an egg on the bricks in front of the Inn! The heat has brought both good and bad with it. The children have been enjoying themselves at the shore each day and somehow have managed to talk Grandma into making ice cream twice since the Independence Day celebration. But, the hot weather has also brought with it a rash of illness. Many of the men who served in the Mexican War have suffered a recurrence of malaria and have come to Hope House for treatment. I worry for our dear friend Daniel Gregg. I don't know if he had the sickness, but I have seen how those with it suffer. Dr. Bender has sent to Portland for more quinine.
18 July 1855
Today I remember my birthday. I find that I have not been overly bothered by turning thirty-seven, but I can't believe how the time has flown! Zebulon was so sweet this morning when he reminded me that he will always be older. Rachel made a cake to celebrate and I received the most beautiful Brussels lace handkerchiefs.
19 July 1855
Ephraim Gilbert passed away very early this morning from a recurrence of malaria. Dr. Bender tended to him valiantly, but the fever never relinquished its grip. He was only thirty-one and left behind a pretty young wife and three small children. I am heartsick for his family. Certainly the whole village will turn out for the funeral. I expect a deep sadness to descend over the town for a number of months. I pray for guidance and courage and for Ephraim's family who will so desperately need help in the months to come.
Carolyn sat back in her desk chair and pondered the last entry. Death came so suddenly it seemed. If only they had had the antibiotics and other medicines available now, Ephraim Gilbert might not have died. Her thoughts turned to Bobby and how sudden his death had been and how even the most modern advances could not save his life. He had suffered a massive head injury in the car wreck and died instantly. Then she looked at the fireplace and said a silent prayer that someone had had the wherewithal to remove the gas heater that malfunctioned on that November day in 1869. She felt the tears trail down her cheek and wondered for the hundredth time why she was crying over Daniel's death. If he hadn't died when he had he would have died sometime and things may have turned out so very differently for the two of them. She knew in this fated love affair they had things had to happen just as they did. She hated that she cried for her lover and his death more than she had cried over her husband's. But, she had come to realize in the last year that she loved Daniel Gregg more than she had loved Bob Muir. She wiped the tears off her face and set about writing the article on Hope House and Rebecca Hadley. She wanted it to be the best article she had written; so much depended on the success of the capital campaign.
14 September 1855
Our dear friend and neighbor, Daniel Gregg, arrived back in Schooner Bay after more than two years away. He brought such exciting news with him that at first I thought perhaps he had taken a bride, but he has been made Captain of his own ship! Oh, we are all so pleased for Daniel, Zebulon is especially happy, for he made a promise to Daniel's father, Joseph, that he would look out for Daniel as much as possible. Zebulon assures me that it is quite an accomplishment for Daniel to have made captain at only thirty years of age. I don't believe there was ever any man more proud than Daniel was today when he brought his barkentine into the harbor. We hope he can stay with us for a little while.
17 September 1855
Zebulon and Daniel Gregg have been working to repair the sails on Daniel's ship, Destiny. It's a big job, but the men at the sail loft have risen to the task. I am grateful that Destiny needs almost a completely new suit of sails as it means Daniel will be with us a good while and it has been so long since he has been here. We do so enjoy having him.
21 September 1855
Our Levi has become engaged to Elizabeth Keenan! Oh, I am so pleased. Levi is young and must still do his service to the Union, but I am so delighted. I know that Zebulon is worried that they are too young, but with a long engagement, I believe they will have a wonderful marriage.
Carolyn had learned so much about life in Schooner Bay and the Hadleys, but she had also learned about Daniel. There were times when she wanted just to hear what his daily life was like. His memoirs had been more about the fantastic and unusual adventures his life at sea had brought, and less so about the mundane and commonplace, but those were the things that Carolyn found so fascinating about him. He was at times completely baffling to her and at others like an open book. She so wanted to know more about his childhood and his family. She felt that Rebecca and Zebulon had been a surrogate family of sorts to Daniel and she knew that he considered Brendan to be like a brother, but that was no substitute for really knowing what Daniel's mother and father had been like. He very rarely spoke to her about his early life and she knew when not to press him. Perhaps Rebecca would provide her with some details.
"I brought you a cup of coffee, my dear. I wasn't certain how much longer you would be working on the article," Daniel said as he placed the mug of steaming java on her desk.
"Actually, Daniel, the article is finished. I was just reading a bit more of Rebecca's diary before I return it to her." She took a sip of the coffee and smiled at the seaman, "Mmm, delicious. You know, there's quite a bit about you in this diary."
"Really?" He asked sitting in the chair opposite her. "I had no idea."
"Oh yes, there are lots of interesting things about you in here."
"I may have to peruse this volume then." He picked up the leather-bound book and flipped through a few pages. "Well, I'll be. There are things about me in here. I never knew Rebecca recorded these events! Did you come across any thing untoward?"
"No, blast it! It's all very complimentary and caring. Rebecca and Zeb really looked after you, didn't they?" Carolyn asked. She wanted to hear what his response would be even though she was pretty sure she already knew it.
"I did not need looking after! Zeb Hadley was more of an uncle to me than my father's brothers ever were and that was the extent of it. I did often stay with Zeb and Rebecca when I was in Schooner Bay, before Gull Cottage was completed, but I certainly did not need to be looked after," he blustered, but Carolyn thought that perhaps he protested a little bit too much.
"Well, that was what I meant, Daniel. They took care of you while you were here. Saved you from having to stay at the Inn."
"Indeed they did. I always enjoyed visiting with them and their children."
"From the diary it sounds as if they loved having you, too," Carolyn noted.
"Zeb and Rebecca have always been very kind to me."
The morning of July 18th was a sunny one and the WSBR weather man predicted that the temperatures would not be a hot as they had been over the weekend, even though it would still feel like summer. At the Hadley cottage preparations were under way for Rebecca's birthday celebration. It had been many years since the household had seen such an event and Zebulon had taken care to ensure that things would be just so for his wife.
"Ah, Parker, my boy, I wonder if we have everything?" the spirit asked his descendent.
"I think we do, Zeb. Kate and the boys have all the foods prepared for the feast. Carolyn is bringing a few things. I can't vouch for the fact that Rebecca will approve of the menu, but I do know there's plenty to feed everyone."
"Even with the Captain and his shipmates?" Zeb asked with a laugh.
"Even with," Parker assured him.
Carolyn Muir was up and out of the house early that morning to get to Portland and the office of The Register. The editor had promised her a mock-up of her article about Hope House and Rebecca Hadley and Carolyn wanted to retrieve it and return to Schooner Bay well before the start of the birthday party.
"Carolyn, your article was just perfect. Exactly what we needed for this edition," Max Williams, the editor of The Register told her. "I wish I could keep you on as a full-time columnist."
Carolyn looked over the mock-up and smiled. She had to agree that this was one of her better pieces and she was glad for that; she'd worked hard to make sure it was. "Max, you know I'd jump at the chance to do a column!"
"I know you would, and I'm working on making it happen. We have an editorial meeting with the publisher in August and I'm certain there are going to be some changes made. Papers across the country are revamping and adding Life and Style sections and I'm hoping we can work in a weekly column for you."
"Really? Max, you know that sounds absolutely ideal….as long as I can still file my copy from Schooner Bay!"
"Certainly! Part of the plan is to expand our coverage to some of the surrounding areas, and while I don't want to compete with weeklies like the Beacon, we would like to have stories that are of interest to more than just our readers here in the Portland metro area," the editor explained.
"Just let me know, Max, and I'm sure we can come to some kind of an arrangement."
"I will Carolyn. Give me a few weeks to catch up here and I'll be bugging you for some more articles and, I hope, a column."
Carolyn collected the mock-up and several copies of The Register and headed back to Schooner Bay. Normally, when making the two-hour drive, she would have hit the department stores, but today, she had bigger plans. She did make one stop, at a specialty grocery store to get the junket for making homemade ice cream and then she was back at Gull Cottage by just after one o'clock.
"Jonathan did you find the red wagon?" Candy asked her brother. She was carrying the tub for the hand-cranked ice cream maker.
"Yah, it's right here." He replied. "Hey, there's not ice cream in there yet, is there?"
"No, Martha is bringing all the ingredients and then once we get over to the Hadleys she said we can all take turns cranking it."
"Wow! Cool!"
Martha had promised Kate Hadley that she would reveal her grandmother's special recipe for Peach Melba ice cream later that evening after everyone had tasted it. For now she planned to keep it a secret and she personally placed the box with all the makings in the wagon herself. Carolyn had promised to bring a couple dozen ears of corn and they brought some extra sodas.
"Ah, Martha, my dear girl," Lord Caswell said to the older woman as he materialized next to her in the yard. "Might I put these few bottles in your wagon?" the spirit asked. He was carrying two growlers of cider.
"Well, what do you have there?" the older woman asked. She and the spirit enjoyed a flirtatious and friendly relationship.
"Just a few samples of the finest scrumpy made in Somerset!"
"Scrumpy? What on Earth is that?"
"My dear woman, it is the nectar of the gods! Scrumpy is the fluid that rejuvenates, delights and intoxicates anyone who drinks of it!" Caswell announced with a flourish. "It's only the finest hard cider known to Christendom."
"Oh, I see. Well, it looks as if you've brought enough for an army." Martha laughed.
"You have not witnessed our friends the Captain and Mr. Darcy around scrumpy!"
"No, that's true. Well, just put them in here with everything else that's going over to the party." Martha laughed at Caswell's boyish grin. "Sometimes I wonder what I'm doing living here, surrounded by ghosts."
"Martha, my love, consider yourself amongst the lucky few who shall have the pleasure of my company for the foreseeable future." Caswell spoke to her with great affection. "As for the other specters of your acquaintance, all I can say is breeding will out, my dear."
Easter 1858
I have always looked forward to the Easter holiday with much joy as it marks, for me, the start of Spring, and it does seem as though Spring has come early to us. The weather has been so mild that we will all be very much disappointed if it doesn't last. Zebulon and Levi have been working very hard recently to get many of the boats in the area ready for the new fishing season. The weather seems to have made all God's creatures take notice and some of the local fisherman has already been out on the great banks for many weeks. It's a hard life and I am pleased that my own sons have not been disposed to go off to sea, although Abraham has been speaking to Daniel Gregg to see if there might be a position available for him aboard the Destiny. I pray that Daniel has the foresight to say no, but I am well aware of the lure of the sea. I will just have to bide my time.
13 April 1858
Abraham has decided on a life at sea. I knew that he would choose this and I cannot help but be down-hearted at his choice. It is a hard life and not one I want for my son. He has been spending time with Captain Gregg and, while I don't blame Daniel in any way, I do know that he has been an influence on Abraham. Daniel has agreed to let Abraham work on Destiny as a crewman for the next several months while they are off to England and Scotland. I hope that this voyage will show my son the hardships of that kind of life. Zebulon and I are both comforted by the fact that Daniel has agreed to look out for Abraham, but he told us explicitly that he will get no special treatment; every man must pull his own weight. The days will pass slowly I know.
18 April 1858
The Destiny left Schooner Bay on its voyage, first to Philadelphia and then over the Atlantic to Bristol and Glasgow. Abraham seemed happy to be a part of the crew, and I hope he does a fine job. He will return to us so much more a man than he left. Oh, a mother's heart must bear so much.
Carolyn had never known until that moment that the Hadley's son had been a crewman on Daniel's ship. He had never mentioned it while they were writing his book and she wondered if something had happened to the boy that Daniel did not want to relate. She would ask him about that, she had to know. She closed the cover on the book and placed it in her bag along with the copies of The Register and headed downstairs to meet the rest of the "crew."
Jonathan and Candy pulled their old red wagon, now loaded with goodies for the party, along the wooded path to Hadley's Cove, chattering to Martha about just how to make the ice cream.
"I hope someone remembered to get plenty of ice!" the housekeeper announced.
"I checked with Kate earlier and she said they bought several bags. There should be plenty," Carolyn replied. She was trying to listen to what the Captain and his two mates were discussing in such hushed tones. The most she could make out was "scrumpy" and "cigars," and she hoped she had misheard at least one of those things. This was supposed to be a birthday party for Rebecca Hadley and not shore leave for three drunken sailors.
Kate and her boys had things outside prepared for the party. The picnic table was covered in a red and white checked table cloth, a giant bouquet of daisies placed on the center, the barbeque grill looked all set to go, and the afternoon sun left dappled points of light as it filtered down through the trees that crowded the Hadley's back yard and shaded the lawn in coolness.
Martha set to work almost right away, taking the inner tub to the ice cream maker into the house along with the secret ingredients for the Peach Melba ice cream. Carolyn put her two children and the two Hadley boys to work peeling the ears of corn so they would be ready for boiling. Zeb had asked that everything be prepared to start as soon as he returned with Rebecca at "precisely five-fifteen."
When husband and wife materialized into the back yard of the cottage everyone was waiting for them and a general outcry of "Happy Birthday" was given.
"Oh, I don't know what to say…" Rebecca stammered; she was truly touched by the best wishes of her family and friends. "This is quite a surprise."
"Ah, then my plan has worked. I did want to mark this special day for you, my dear, as it is not only your birthday, but also the anniversary of the founding of Hope House," Zeb stated. He placed a loving arm around his wife's shoulders and drew her near. "I knew when you, Dr. Bender and Eliza Frick started Hope House that it would be a legacy, and I have been proven right."
"Thank you, husband," Rebecca accepted the kind words of her mate. "I can tell you there were days when we thought ourselves completely mad for undertaking such a project, but the good we did for Schooner Bay was repaid to us a thousand fold."
"Let's not forget the good Hope House still does," Carolyn interjected. "And, I am pleased to announce that the capital campaign is only five thousand dollars away from its goal! I spoke with Deke Tuttle just before we came over."
"Oh, Carolyn, that is good news. I am certain we'll make it!" Rebecca was more than happy to know the fundraising was going as planned.
"I have here a few copies of today's edition of the Portland Register that contains a news article that might be of interest to all of you." Carolyn passed out the few copies of the paper she had. "It's on the front page of the Metro section." There in glorious black and white was the headline: "Hope House marks 120 years of giving". Everyone was silent as they read the article, heads nodding at certain words or phrases.
When she finished reading the article, Rebecca Hadley had tears rolling down her cheeks. "Oh, Carolyn, what a lovely story. Thank you so very much for your kind words." The spirit gave her human friend a grateful hug. "I feel so humbled by your praise."
"Rebecca, I wanted to tell the real story of Hope House and all that you did for the people in and around Schooner Bay. Without you, Dr. Bender and Eliza, many would have suffered."
"Carolyn's right, Rebecca. You deserve all the accolades today. Hope House has provided comfort and healing to many," Daniel added.
"Now everyone in Maine will know that our Grandma Rebecca is the best!" Simon added wrapping his arms around her in a hug only a grandchild could give.
"Hear! Hear! Well spoken, lad," Lord Caswell chimed in.
Zebulon turned to his wife and placed a sweet kiss on her lips and held her in a gentle embrace. "My dear, your foresight and generosity are enduring and I can think of no better birthday tribute to you than that."
Parker and Kate looked at each other and smiled. They could hardly believe what they were witnessing. No one in Concord would ever believe that they had celebrated the birthday of a ghost along with the anniversary of the founding of Hope House. They both recognized that, thankfully, they had Carolyn Muir as an ally. Kate moved to give her friend a gentle hug. "Thank you, Carolyn, for the story and for sharing the day with us"
"Oh, Kate, you know that we're in this together. Our secrets keep us close!" The two women laughed.
"Well, let's get this show on the road!" Parker said, "Who's ready to eat?
The birthday picnic feast had been heavily influenced by Simon and Jack, who insisted that, "Grandma Rebecca told us just the other day that hamburgers were her new favorite cook-out food." So, Parker set to work grilling the burgers Kate had prepared. Along with that they had the corn of the cob Carolyn brought, big slices of farm-fresh watermelon, macaroni salad, assorted bits of things on toothpicks, cheese puffs, and Martha's secret recipe Peach Melba ice cream would accompany the birthday cake Kate had made.
Lord Caswell was busy assisting Martha with the preparations for the ice cream and had agreed to take the first turn at cranking the old-fashioned ice cream maker, but only in exchange for the first taste once the finished product was ready. As he was totally occupied flirting with the housekeeper and cranking the ice cream, he did not see Brendan and Daniel open the one of the growlers of cider.
"Caswell, another fine batch of scrumpy you've provided us with!" the Captain called to his mate. "I'm sure I don't know what you're going to drink."
"Unhand that brew, man or I'll have your head!" the Englishman shouted. "Unless you intend to offer some to the founder of this feast!"
Daniel poured some cider for anyone who wanted some. Zeb took a glass and agreed that it was quite tasty and made for a refreshing change on a summer afternoon.
"Caswell, why don't you just start making your own scrumpy?" Brendan asked. "It could be a whole new business venture for you and then Danny and I could be the official tasters."
"Aye, I'll second that. You'll need some fine quality control and there's none better or more experienced than Darcy and I." Daniel swigged down the rest of his cider and poured himself another.
"Go into business with you two louts? Surely you jest! I'd sooner be cornobbled!" Caswell was still busy cranking away at the ice cream, but soon gave over to Jonathan who was desperate for a chance.
As the afternoon gave way to evening the party turned into more of a chance for Rebecca to tell some stories of Hope House and how things had grown there in the years. Although much sadness had passed through the doors of the institution there had always been a sense of joy and comfort in all things, even in the face of grief.
"Then here comes Daniel with this scrap of a kitten, no bigger than the palm of his hand and he brings the little mite in through the back door of Hope House and right over to me, 'Rebecca, just look at the poor fellow, he needs care, too,' he says with that pouty face of his. Turns out the kitten was the only survivor of a litter of one of the cats down at the docks and Daniel wanted to keep him, but Ajax wouldn't stand for it. Ajax, of course being one of Coral's offspring, and was now the cat who lived aboard the Destiny. So, I agreed to take the kitten in and hand rear it." Rebecca began.
"Well, there was no way I could keep it. Ajax was hopping mad and we were due to shove off the next morning for Barbados. I couldn't very well have just left the poor thing," Daniel explained. "I think things turned out for the best between you and Clarence."
"Indeed. Clarence turned into one of the best mousers in the county and also helped keep the beetles down. But, he was best at providing comfort to those who needed it. He would entertain the children, yet he had a sense of when someone was dying and Clarence would just lie down near that poor soul and stay with them until they passed. I'll never forget how he was when old Elmer Crane passed from the cholera. Clarence curled himself up next to Elmer and stayed with him until Elmer died; never left his side. You could see the gentle spirit of that animal."
As the twilight ended, fireflies rose from the grass and shared their flickering dance with everyone. The soft chirping of the crickets was punctuated by the low, mournful call of a pair of loons out in the cove. Caswell pulled his fiddle from its case and began to play a gentle aire.
The song had long been a favorite of Daniel Gregg's and he found himself softly singing the words while his shipmate played. He took Carolyn's hand in his and held it gentle, resting them on his lap. "Twinkling stars are laughing, Love. Laughing on you and me."
After a while, Caswell segued into a true Virginia reel and few other faster songs. The spirits knew the dances and took the opportunity to teach their human companions a thing or two about "what dancing is really like," Brendan said as he twirled Candy around.
As the time grew later yawns became more plentiful and everyone decided that the party had been a success, especially Martha's Peach Melba ice cream that went so perfectly with the chocolate creme cake that Kate made. The two gourmands exchanged recipes. Everyone else helped clear the dishes and clean up.
"All right, crew, we should be shoving off for Gull Cottage," Daniel said. He gathered the parts of the ice cream maker and placed them in the red wagon. "Good night, Zeb," the seaman shook hands with his old friend and gave Rebecca a gentle kiss on the cheek. "A very happy birthday, Rebecca, and congratulations to Hope House."
"Thank you so much, all of you, for making this a most memorable birthday for me and for Hope House," Rebecca said. "Oh, drat, I told myself I wasn't going to cry."
"Now, my dear, let us retire, it's been a long day for you," Zebulon lead his wife into their house.
27 October, 1859
This morning there was truly frost on the pumpkins! All the young children in town are so excited about Beggar's Night. The crispness of the air is refreshing. Things at Hope house have calmed for a bit, but it won't be long until we are very busy. We have heard that influenza has struck out West and we hope it won't come here.
31 October, 1859
Tommy Galloway and Rupert Watson have done a delightfully frightening job at recreation of the ride of the Headless Horseman. Everyone had a tremendous time on the hayride. Most pleasing of all was the beggar who came calling early this afternoon – our dear friend, Daniel Gregg has returned from his voyage and stopped by on his way into town for a few things for Gull Cottage. His home is truly a showplace and Zeb and I are so delighted for him. I hope now that he will take a bride and perhaps settle down a bit. Zebulon reminds me that Daniel enjoys his life at sea and the right kind of woman for him seems elusive, but I have hope. Daniel delighted all of us with a few of his tales this evening while he was over for dinner.
4 November, 1859
Levi's wife Elizabeth is pregnant with their first child and we are all so happy. I am finally going to be a grandmother! Zebulon says he's too young to be a grandfather, but Abraham and Rachel are thrilled and I have never seen our Levi as excited, he treats Elizabeth with such tenderness. Today I realized how truly blessed we have all been.