"Carol Gregg Presents…"
Part Seven
A Ghost and Mrs Muir Story
By TunnelsOfTheSouth
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NOTE: I was working on ideas for continuing Carol Gregg Presents when my lovely reviewer, Margaret, messaged me with her thoughts of bringing Miss Elvira Grover back along with Captain Figg, which caught my attention and made me think of how it could work. Here is what I crafted out of her intriguing idea.
Thank you for taking the time to contact me and putting your thoughts out there. The Carol Gregg Presents party continues…
"A heart well worth winning, and well won. A heart that, once won, goes through fire and water for the winner, and never changes, and is never daunted…"
Charles Dickens, Our Mutual Friend
"Well, I never…" Martha marvelled, sitting at the kitchen table, reading the morning paper. "Will you look at this…" She turned the paper to face Carolyn, pointing to an article. "Some people fall into muck and come up smelling like roses."
"I don't believe it…" Carolyn breathed, scanning the article quickly. "You're so right."
"I guess, every cloud has a silver lining, for some people." Martha chuckled.
"What has your attention, Madam?" Daniel inquired, materialising in a vacant chair.
"This…" Carolyn turned the paper toward him. She pointed to the article. "It seems Miss Evelyn Montgomery has entered the world of literature with a best-selling cookbook based on an extensive collection of nineteenth-century recipes her brother, Mr Peregrine Montgomery, uncovered in his ongoing research into Maine sea captains."
"I don't believe it!" Daniel scanned the article with raised eyebrows.
"It seems your unfortunate housekeeper lives on to upset the stomachs of a whole new generation." Carolyn laughed. "I guess you could call it Captain Gregg's revenge."
"Well said, Mrs Muir, very well said, indeed," Daniel approved, joining the two women in laughing with delight.
※※※※※
Mrs Sarah Colman stood before the open doorway to Daniel's apartment as the newly married couple ascended the first-floor staircase. She was very curious to meet the woman the Captain had married so unexpectedly.
When Mr Jarvis had sent word from the Carolyn there had been recent nuptials and the rooms were to be opened, the housekeeper had abandoned her baking and hurried to dust and clean the apartment to make it ready. She was not about to be found slacking in her duties.
Sarah's husband, Nate, followed close behind the couple, carrying a collection of luggage in his large, capable hands. He grinned when he saw his wife hovering at the top of the stairs.
"It's pleased I am to see ya back with us, Captain." Mrs Colman smiled as she dropped a quick courtesy, turning aside from him at the same moment.
"I see you received my message," Daniel replied, drawing level with her.
"Yes, indeed. Your Mr Jarvis was most attentive to your requirements. Hot water, clean linen, windows wide open and the fires to be lit in every room. Everything is as you ordered."
As she spoke, she was studying Carolyn with open curiosity. "And he also said you would be bringing a pretty young lady with you. But he never said how pretty."
"Mrs Sarah Colman, may I introduce my wife, Mrs Carolyn Gregg," Daniel replied formally, as Nate carried their bags into the rooms and re-emerged.
The sidelong look the housekeeper slanted Daniel spoke of her deep curiosity that he'd finally married one of the petticoated lovelies he often brought to his lodgings whenever he was in London. But Sarah could see immediately that Carolyn was nothing like any of the previous women who had enjoyed her new husband's intimate attentions.
"I'm very happy to finally meet you." Carolyn held out one hand, which the housekeeper took carefully, unsure of this oddly masculine form of greeting. "I'll admit to being curious about you, as well. The Captain tells me you keep a good and comfortable house."
"Well, Mrs Gregg. I am but a humble woman…" The housekeeper smiled as she preened a little. "But never let it be said that I can ever be found wanting. I've known our good Captain for years beyond counting and—"
"Mrs Coleman…" Daniel interrupted, clearing his throat pointedly.
His sharp glare at the older woman warned her to mind her tongue and her manners. He would tolerate no idle or malicious gossip finding its way to his wife's delicate ears.
"Pleased to meet ya." The housekeeper nodded at his look as she made another quick courtesy. "Be pleased to come inside, if you will." She indicated the doorway behind her, stepping aside to allow them both to enter.
"Thank you, Mrs Coleman. That will be all," Daniel replied repressively, as he followed Carolyn into the apartment, shutting the door firmly behind him.
"Curiosity never did the little cat any favours." Nate chuckled. "And your face couldn't say it any clearer, woman. Best you curb your gossiping tongue, else the Captain and his lady might decide to seek out new lodgings."
"Well, I'll thank you to mind your tongue, Nate Coleman," his wife huffed as she climbed the stairs to their attic apartment. "Now, make yourself useful. I need more coals for the fire. I have baking that needs doing."
"Yes, my dear…" Still chuckling with rich delight, her husband headed downstairs to the coal cellar.
※※※※※
Carolyn stood at the bedroom window of Daniel's apartment, looking out over the city. She'd risen from their bed in the early morning, wrapping her naked body in a silk robe before drawing back one curtain to stare out at the shadowed cityscape.
The warming fire in the grate had burned low, and the early morning chill was creeping into the room, making her shiver. As she rested her forehead against the cold windowpane a tear ran down the curve of her cheek. She sighed as she brushed it away with the back of her hand. But another quickly followed and a quiet sob broke her silence.
Suddenly, warmth surrounded her as her husband came up behind her, wrapping his strong arms around her slenderness and drawing her back to rest against his solid masculine strength.
"You are troubled, my love," he whispered. "Tell me what ails you so…" He leaned down to kiss her tears away.
"This is all so beautiful, so magical…" Carolyn sighed as she leaned her head back against his shoulder. "We have everything we could ever need, except…"
"Except?" Daniel prompted when she didn't continue.
"I miss my children…" Carolyn faltered. There she'd said it. She felt relieved.
"Of course, you do. You are their mother and you need them." Daniel rocked her slowly from side to side. "I miss them too. We will see everyone again soon. The new cargo will be loaded aboard in a week's time and we will sail for Maine on the tide."
He laughed softly, the rumble of his amusement flowing through into his wife. "I even find myself missing Martha's quick wit, amazing as it may seem."
"Yes," she replied. "But I do wish they were here, with us, now. To see all this…" She waved a hand at the great city sprawled beyond the window.
"Right now?" Daniel drew back, his hands moving down her barely covered nakedness in appreciation before settling over her lower abdomen, his fingers spreading out across the feminine angles of her upper thighs.
"Well, no… not right now." Carolyn's breath caught as his intimate exploration continued further beneath the cover of her robe.
"If you wish to return sooner, please just say the words and I will order it so," her husband reassured her. "I would not keep you from those you love for any longer than is needed."
Carolyn caught his hands, bringing them up to her lips before she turned within his embrace. "You kept me from sleep last night."
"Ah, but that was for a very different reason…" Daniel drew her up almost clear of the floor as he lowered his mouth to hers and for a long while there was silence in the shadowed room.
Finally, Daniel pulled back to rest his forehead against hers. "Never hide what you are thinking and feeling from me," he commanded softly. "How can I know what I must do if you refuse to tell me."
"Aye, aye, Captain…" Carolyn saluted him naughtily, her damp lashes sweeping down.
"For that little piece of insolence, there is a forfeit to be paid…" Daniel cupped her bottom with his hands, lifting her high against him.
"Oh…?" Carolyn's legs parted to encompass his waist almost by instinct as he turned, carrying her back to the bed, tumbling her into the mound of sheets and blankets covering the deep softness of the thick feather mattress…
※※※※※
"Ladies and gentlemen…" Elvira Grover waved her hands impatiently. "Please, settle down. I called for this extraordinary meeting to make my dearest wishes known. I do not see the need for such a furore over a simple announcement."
But the dissenting noises went on in spite of her best efforts to quiet them. Taken by surprise, the members of the Schooner Bay Historical Society gathered in her living room for this unexpected morning meeting were paying her no heed at all as they discussed her outrageous proposal.
"I tell you it's not right!" Zac Petersen shot to his feet. "I thought we'd put the whole idea of your erecting a statue of that darned foolish Captain Figg to bed years ago! Why drag it up again now? It makes no sense that we can see."
"Do not shout at me!" Miss Grover demanded tersely. "And I will thank you to talk well of my illustrious ancestor. It was all very badly handled all those years ago. I mean to set things right this time."
"Illustrious…" Zac shook his head, looking as if he'd just discovered a bad taste in his mouth.
"But, Elvira, think of the expense," Sam Richards protested, fully aware of how much it had cost the society the last time the ultimately disastrous idea had been enacted.
Despite his seat on the town council, he still maintained an interest in the society, if only to keep an eye on their president's increasingly alarming agenda. He doubted the townsfolk would be very happy with the idea of Figg's statue being erected in their town.
"I didn't ask for your opinion, Sam Edwards," Elvira zeroed in on him with narrowed eyes, as she always did. It still rankled that he'd taken over control of her beloved society, and had only relinquished the role for a higher standing in the town. "I'll thank you to keep out of the discussion."
Sam ignored her glare of wrath. "You were happy enough when you decided to write a novel involving your Figg. We agreed. Then you had the bright idea of a non-fiction book about him. We could accept that expense too."
He shook his head. "But, surely that was enough? Why do we need to revisit the whole idea of putting up a statue in his honour when it's been proven the man was a coward?"
"He was proven to be no such thing!" Elvira looked scandalised, raising a hand to her lips. "How could you? I have become convinced that it was all a smear campaign to blacken the good Captain's name."
"You would try to prove black was white if it suited your purpose…" Sam shook his head.
"It's true I had planned to have my ancestor immortalised by a writer of non-fiction works," Elvira ignored the remark. "But, sadly, the man proved to be inadequate in all areas of naval history. Now I have found someone new."
She looked around the room, seeing she finally had everyone's attention. "I made extensive inquiries and I have paid well to engage the services of an experienced Maine naval historian. Mr Montgomery has assured me, by telephone only yesterday, that it's possible Captain Figg's precious name was blackened by forces who went out of their way to besmirch his memory."
"What forces?" Zac Peterson demanded to know. "And why are you bringing that nosy, impertinent Montgomery fellow back to town? We only just got rid of him last time."
"All will be revealed in good time." Elvira sighed dramatically. "Let's just say that it's possible a certain jealous midshipman aboard the dear captain's Marlin had reason to bring him down by paying to have that scandalous addition made to the gravestone once the poor man was dead. A case of pure spite."
"I don't care who paid for what." Sam Edwards shot to his feet. "What I want to know is who's going to pay for your precious foible this time? I'm certain the town council won't be voting to put up any money."
"I have already been in touch with your president," Miss Grover assured him smoothly, waving a dismissive hand. "After some productive discussion, he came around to my way of thinking. And he agreed that the midshipman I mentioned may have been responsible."
She lifted her chin. "I am sure the proof will be found, and soon. Therefore, what better way to honour such a great man as Captain Figg who did so much for this town?"
"Claymore Gregg would sell his grandmother if he thought it would make him a profit," Sam replied through set teeth.
"As president of this society, I have made my decision." Elvira shrugged. "I still have all the plans and drawings. Work will begin as soon as Montgomery has completed his investigations and brought me his conclusions. I am sure they will be favourable."
Her look dared anyone to defy her wishes. "Good, that's settled, then. Now, shall we go on with other business before we partake of tea and cakes?"
Unseen by his hostess, Sam Richards leaned closer to Zac Petersen. "My place, after the meeting? I'm not standing for any more of this Figg nonsense. The town has had enough of him."
"From the looks on their faces, so have a lot of us." Zac shook his head. "Claymore Gregg might be on Elvira's side, for now. I say the town council must call an emergency meeting and scupper the whole deal. Save us a lot of money and grief."
"What we need is a proper town identity to put up a memorial to." Sam shrugged.
"Claymore would be the one to know who that could be," Zac agreed. "He's got files on everyone and everything that goes on in this town, right back to Adam and Eve. We just need to convince him to let us take a good look at his records."
"Then, for once, our town president will do the right thing and find us a real hero." Sam nodded with satisfaction. "I'll phone him as soon as I get home and tell him we're calling a meeting and he'd better attend."
※※※※※
Late the following afternoon, Carolyn finally managed to get five minutes to herself. She was on her way down to the kitchen to snatch a hasty sandwich and a welcome cup of coffee when the telephone rang.
"Oh, blast…" She sighed as she leaned over the railing to consider it, wishing she didn't have to answer the strident summons.
She was fully aware the Captain was waiting impatiently beside the typewriter to continue with the final draft of their latest manuscript. He'd allowed her to take a break for some much-needed sustenance on the understanding she would hurry straight back so they could get it finished today.
With Martha away for the week, visiting her sister in Florida, and Jonathan staying overnight with friends, it was a perfect opportunity to get some serious writing done. They were already well behind with their current deadline and both their tempers were becoming badly frayed.
She knew there would be no more time for dreams and nineteenth-century adventures in London until their manuscript was finally complete. Even though their last shared dream had only been the previous night, she was already missing their new intimacy and closeness.
She really wanted to know what happened next, but Daniel refused to tell her what he was planning for them when he finally decided to grant her another dream.
"I miss Martha bringing me coffee…" Carolyn shook her head regretfully. "Of course, he doesn't have to eat," she muttered crossly, as she stepped down into the foyer and walked to the hall table.
Politeness pushed her into picking up the phone and putting the receiver to her ear. "Hello?"
"Carolyn, at last…" her mother sighed down the phone line. "I was beginning to think you weren't home. We don't hear much news from you these days," Emily Williams complained. "You're always too busy to talk or dashing off somewhere else."
"I'm sorry I haven't been in touch, Mother. It's just how my life has worked out," Carolyn apologised contritely. "I always seem to be chasing deadlines these days."
"Well, it's just as well I phoned then because I want to talk about you. Jonathan will be leaving for college soon. When he and Candy finally move on you will be all alone in that big, old house. Surely you can see that will not be good for you."
Her mother paused, then said, "Owen Mitford is finally back in town. He said he still misses you and would love to see you again. He's still unmarried. It seems he's never gotten over you."
"Oh, Mother…" Carolyn sighed. "Thank you for your concern. But, Owen is in the past and he will remain there. You know I'm very content with my life as it is. And I have Martha for company."
Of course, she couldn't say anything about the ghost of the man she did have in her life. Of how his nineteenth-century values had so infiltrated her whole being she no longer needed anyone else.
"Living in a big house in the middle of nowhere spending all your time writing those magazine articles…" Emily Williams tut-tutted regretfully. "You should be looking for a real-life romance, not spending all your time writing about them. You aren't getting any younger, you know."
"Thank you, Mother…" Carolyn's brows rose. "You know my writing has always paid the bills." She shook her head, knowing that she couldn't tell her mother the whole truth. "I'm sorry, but this really is a bad time. I must go. I have a deadline I can't miss. I promise I'll call you soon. Goodbye."
She replaced the receiver before her mother could protest. At the same moment, the front doorbell rang.
"What now?" She frowned in annoyance at the sudden noise and the extra delay.
The bell no longer uttered its strangled chirp. The sharp summons echoed throughout the house. Under the stern threat of vaporising all his great-nephew's precious bank accounts, Daniel had made sure Claymore came out and fixed everything that required his reluctant attention.
"This is ridiculous…" Carolyn shook her head as the doorbell sounded again, more imperious this time. She walked toward the door with reluctance.
"Whoever it is, get rid of them!" Daniel commanded, materialising at the top of the staircase, looking down into the foyer with an impatient glare. "First the telephone, now this! No more delays, Madam! We are close enough to be sailing into safe waters if we are left alone."
"It's not my fault the whole world wants to get in here," Carolyn whispered fiercely as she opened the door.
Miss Elvira Grover was standing on the porch, her white-gloved hand raised to press the bell again. "Oh, Mrs Muir, you are home! How wonderful! How advantageous!" she declared breathlessly. "I just had to see you. It couldn't wait. I have something very important I must tell you."
"Good afternoon, Miss Grover," Carolyn replied formally. "Um… I'm afraid I'm rather busy. What can I do for you?"
"Oh, surely one is never too busy to receive important guests," the older woman chided her. "And, as I told you before, it is considered a courtesy to allow your visitors inside. Being forced to converse on the doorstep is such bad manners."
"I'll show her bad manners," Daniel threatened, raising his fist.
"Please, won't you come in, Miss Grover?" Carolyn invited with false sweetness, standing aside to indicate the living room.
"Thank you, my dear…" Elvira swept past her majestically. "And since I know you pride yourself on being a dutiful hostess, a cup of tea would be most welcome, thank you."
"A cup of tea… Of course, coming right up…" Carolyn turned toward the kitchen, raising helpless eyebrows at Daniel as he appeared at the bottom of the stairs, his arms folded belligerently.
"Allow me to show this busybody on her way. We have work to complete. Go back and tell her you are fresh out of milk and sugar."
"Behave!" Carolyn commanded beneath her breath as she continued walking into the kitchen to put the kettle on the stove. "I'll give her tea, listen to what she has to say, then I'll show the woman the door. It should only take half an hour."
"Half an hour we do not have!" Daniel reminded her severely. "Very well, I will await you upstairs. Even if we must work all night, we will finish this manuscript. If you are not up there in that time, I will shift that harridan on myself!" He vanished with a hiss of displeasure.
"Aye, aye, Captain…" Knowing how capable he was of enforcing his commands, Carolyn raised helpless shoulders as she set the tea tray and hurried with it back into the living room.
Miss Grover had removed her gloves and was seated primly on the couch with her hands folded in her lap. She was staring up at the Captain's painting above the fireplace with a look of deep displeasure on her face.
"I don't know why you keep that man hanging up there." She turned to Carolyn, pointing at the portrait. "There is something about the set of his chin that I cannot bring myself to like," she complained. "And there is a shiftiness about the eyes. No doubt he was going bald beneath that cap. My Captain Figg had a fine head of hair."
"I beg your pardon?" Carolyn blinked at the outrageous comment.
Daniel's thick dark curls showed no sign of thinning out. She should know. She had run her fingers through them only the precious evening as they'd laid in bed together in London, their tired limbs lazily entangled as they watched the sunrise beyond the window to illuminate the great city.
She sighed inwardly at the sensual memory. What she wouldn't give to be back there, right now. Life seemed to be easier and more simple. Instead, she was facing this imperious woman who didn't know how to take no for an answer.
"Oh!" Miss Grover jumped as lightning flickered and thunder suddenly rumbled around the house. "You know, you do have the most unusual weather out here. It was fine and clear in town."
"We don't pay it any heed…" Carolyn set the tray down on the coffee table before the couch. "It comes and goes at will. It's usually over as soon as it begins." She glanced up at the ceiling with a frown and the storm subsided.
She poured the tea quickly, handing Miss Grover her cup, but Carolyn didn't sit down. She sipped the hot brew, hoping her guest would do the same and take her leave.
"What can I do for you?" she was forced to ask.
Miss Grover ignored the question, returning her attention to the portrait. "And he does have the look of a man who was quite capable of doing underhanded things."
She looked back at her hostess. "In his journals, my dear Captain Figg wrote that he never liked him. If you remember he did describe him as an impertinent, good-for-nothing. Now that I look at him, I can understand why."
The sudden, menacing stillness of the air in the room made Carolyn swallow tightly. "I can assure you that Captain Gregg never did anything underhanded. What an outrageous idea!"
"I have my sources," Miss Grover replied huffily, sipping her tea. "I decided against my first choice of non-fiction writer," she informed Carolyn loftily. "I have now paid a goodly sum to engage the services of a proven writer of naval history. He has promised me swift results. In fact, he seemed especially excited at the very mention of the Gregg name."
She raised her brows. "I do believe you know the man. He is the one who put me onto the whole idea of your Midshipman Gregg being the one who carved the extra line on my dear Captain Figg's gravestone after the poor man had died so heroically."
"I have no idea what you're talking about." Carolyn put down her teacup and indicated the painting. "But if you are referring to the man who built this house, his formal rank was Captain. I will thank you to use it and not spread such false and unfounded rumours."
"If you say so. I have no proof of that either." Miss Grover raised her shoulders with disinterest. "Well, my historian certainly knows you both," she continued sweetly. "In fact, he said he will be delighted to make your acquaintance again. He's coming to town once he has uncovered proof that it was indeed this Gregg of yours who blackened my ancestor's good name."
"If you have come here only to spread poisonous lies, you can leave." Carolyn frowned at her in consternation. "Does this misguided historian have a name?"
She kept a wary eye on Daniel's portrait above the fireplace. The chilly silence in the room intensified but no thunder sounded nor lightning flashed.
"Why, it's none other than Mr Peregrine Montgomery," Miss Grover told her with a satisfied smile. "He was here in town about two months ago. I encountered him quite by chance one morning and liked him immediately. I believe then he was then attempting to research your so-called Captain Gregg, but it seems he met with some rather confusing opposition. Now I can guess why."
She frowned at Carolyn. "You did not want the truth to come out. Well, he will be back in town as soon as he has completed his research into righting a terrible wrong."
"Well, you can tell him he needn't call on us, here," Carolyn told her repressively.
Elvira shrugged as she leaned forward to place her empty teacup on the tray. "I'll have you know that Claymore Gregg has already agreed to my plan. At least, he is one Gregg I can deal with honestly. He is more than willing to see the statue of my illustrious ancestor erected in the town once his good name has been cleared. For a donation to the town's coffers, of course."
She arched an eyebrow at her hostess. "I believe he was quite shocked to discover his ancestor could be so underhanded and devious. It sorrowed him."
"Captain Gregg was no such thing and you know it!" Carolyn defended her love stoutly. "He was a decent and honest man who deserves to be left in peace. Claymore is not a man to be trusted. He serves his own interests."
Elvira regarded her with disdain. "We only have your word for the content of your Gregg's character. You live in his house and I believe you're half in love with the memory of the man. So sad to see such a young woman pining away for someone you cannot have."
"I think you had better leave…" Carolyn stared at her uninvited guest in total bemusement.
There was so much she wanted to say but words failed her. She almost wished she'd allowed Daniel to evict her just to wipe the look of superiority from her face.
Miss Grover stood up, drawing on her gloves. "I should have seen it before. You will do and say anything to further the man's cause at the expense of my Captain's reputation. While I, on the other hand, am interested in the ultimate truth and the redemption of Captain Figg's good name. I will see his statue raised in the town as is only fair and right."
She turned and walked away toward the front door, only to stop beside it with an inquiring look toward Carolyn.
"Goodbye, Miss Grover…" Carolyn hurried to open the door.
"Goodbye…" Her unwelcome guest swept out, looking well satisfied with her impromptu visit.
"I won't say it's been a pleasure," Carolyn muttered, shutting the door with unnecessary force before leaning back against the wood with a deeply regretful sigh.
※※※※※
"That blasted bonehead!" Daniel fumed, walking back and forth behind Carolyn's chair as she sat at her typewriter. "How dare Montgomery show his face in my town again!"
"He's coming back because Miss Grover said she's paying him well for his services." Carolyn watched his movements warily. "She's fully determined to exonerate Figg at your expense. Then she can erect that hero's statue to him with a clear conscience."
"Over my dead body!" Daniel shook his fist in fury. "Figg was no hero!"
"Yes, well, that seems to be the issue." Carolyn sighed, shaking her head. "You are dead, so you cannot defend yourself against such scurrilous accusations. Montgomery is going to have his revenge on you after we managed to drive him out of town. No doubt he also has your sea journals firmly in his sights."
"After his last unwelcome visit, I quickly made a point of removing all references to my naval career I found in any state and local archives over the last hundred years. Montgomery discovered nothing of interest, no matter how deep he dug. It took some doing, I can tell you. I have everything safely stowed away in the wheelhouse."
"And you think that will stop him digging and deeper?"
"He found very little on me." Daniel took another turn about the floor. "I did, however, leave behind some intriguing anecdotal evidence of Figg's drunken cowardice in the face of the enemy. I placed it where the likes of Montgomery would be sure to find it. I will make sure he looks in that section, again."
He smoothed the line of his moustache. "Rather clever of me, I thought. A first-hand account penned by a young seaman who actually was there at the battle of Veracruz."
"But written in more modern times?" Carolyn smiled.
"If needs must…" Daniel shrugged. "While stowing away the information I'd gathered, I found some more journals written by my late, unlamented housekeeper. Those I should have consigned to the fire, but they may yet be of use as a bargaining tool."
He smiled mirthlessly. "It's a shame Montgomery obviously hasn't partaken of some of her recipes as I was once forced to endure them. His weaker digestion would have confined him to his sickbed for some weeks rather than disturbing our peace once more with his impertinence."
Carolyn shook her head. "We still need to make a plan to circumvent what we're faced with. We cannot allow either of them to get away with such slander."
"Yes, but before all that, we must complete this manuscript." Daniel returned to his chair beside her. "Impertinent interruptions, be hanged. We have only days left before the deadline. I think dealing with Montgomery must wait until we have paid your bills."
"What are you going to do about Claymore's treachery?"
"Leave that spineless jellyfish to me," Daniel replied grimly. "Once we are done here, I'll make him regret the day he was ever born."
"Poor Claymore…" Carolyn rested her fingertips on the typewriter keys, ready to begin. "He never seems to learn to leave well enough alone."
Daniel shrugged. "If there is any mention of a fee involved he always loses all caution and wit. He will be brought to see the error of his ways. His connivance will not be tolerated."
There was a long silence between them as they both concentrated on the final draft of their manuscript. As the hours ticked slowly by with the clattering of the typewriter keys, Carolyn's nerves stretched and finally she had to give voice to her troubled thoughts.
"And London…?" she ventured softly.
Daniel regarded her with real regret. "London will have to wait, I'm afraid." He sighed deeply. "As much as it pains both of us to admit it."
"Yes…" Carolyn replied regretfully, stiffening her body along with her resolve. "London will have to wait…"
They shared a long look before they returned to the task at hand and London was not mentioned again. Time ticked inexorably onwards, and it wasn't until the bedside clock finally struck the hour of one in the morning that the final draft was completed to Daniel's exacting satisfaction.
Carolyn sighed as she stretched her arms above her head, arching her back. "Thank goodness, that's done!"
"I think it worked out well enough in the end. 'The Captain's Gamble'…" Daniel mused, studying the title page on the neat stack of paper. "An excellent title. We will meet the deadline if it makes the mail by tomorrow afternoon."
He looked back at his love. "I am sorry I was so hard on you before. You did not deserve the sharp edge of my tongue."
"I forgive you…" Carolyn moved her hand next to his where it rested on the desktop. How she longed to be able to touch him once more.
"Get some sleep," Daniel prompted softly, staring down at her hand next to his. "I will retire to the Wheelhouse and formulate how we are going to divert Miss Grover from her disastrous course. She could drive us all onto the rocks."
"Montgomery seeks to blacken your name to advance his own cause. And Elvira Grover would pay anything to have Figg's reputation restored."
"Go to bed…" Daniel urged again. "You're tired and tomorrow will be a long day."
Carolyn glanced at the bedside clock. "Make that today."
"Go…" Daniel prompted, pointing toward the bed with his bearded chin. "Sleep well, my dear…"
"How can I without you beside me to hold me in the night?" Carolyn whispered.
"Ah, do not say such things…" Daniel passed a hand over his eyes. "You know how much I wish we could be together, always…"
"Yes, I know…" Carolyn swallowed tightly as she got to her feet. "Very well. I will bid you goodnight, then…"
"Goodnight…" Daniel sighed, watching her walk away from him before he slowly dematerialised.
※※※※※
Peregrine Montgomery sat over his dinner, mentally reviewing the scarce few facts he'd managed to glean about the mysterious Captain Daniel Gregg. All were second or third-hand accounts written long after his death and there were precious few of those.
If he didn't know better he could swear someone had been before him and removed all references to the man. It annoyed him that the real Captain was still deeply elusive, almost as if he didn't wish to be found, which was absurd.
From what he had been able to uncover, Captain Gregg was said to have been as straight and true as an arrow with an enviable reputation for fair dealing. The idea of his interfering in any way with a fellow naval man's gravestone was completely implausible and wrong.
Of Captain Figg, Montgomery had uncovered one telling document written by an anonymous hand just before the battle of Veracruz detailing the man's cowardice in the face of the enemy. Figg had not covered himself in glory, very much the opposite, leaving his hapless crew to fend for themselves.
Montgomery had begun to suspect that Miss Grover was utterly blind when it came to her ancestor. She only wished to hear her own ideas and not the truth. He would telephone her first thing in the morning and refund her generous payment, much as it pained him to do so.
But he now had more pressing things on his mind. His sister, Evelyn's, unexpected success with her cookbook of nineteenth-century recipes that he'd inadvertently brought home from Schooner Bay, had been a runaway hit. So much so, its sales had well eclipsed those of her brother's drier, more ponderous tomes.
The very moment he'd been foolish enough to mention Schooner Bay and Miss Grover's offer, Evelyn had taken to nagging him constantly to return to the coast immediately and find her more recipes. She had actively encouraged him to accept the Grover woman's offer when he was about to turn it down flat.
"You simply must go back, Peregrine! You must!" Evelyn declared from across the dining table. "I don't care about those journals you say you chased all over Boston looking for. My readers expect more from me and more you will find. I have made promises to my publisher that I will fulfil."
"But I am not welcome in their precious town," her brother replied. "And I am far too busy to spend my time going on any more wild goose chases. Looking for that Gregg woman cost me time and money. You go, if you're so keen on the idea."
"Oh, you must know I cannot," his sister said in a scandalised tone, her pale blue eyes filling with unshed tears. "I have my next book signing tomorrow and the ladies from my reading circle are taking me out to lunch afterwards to celebrate my success. If I publish my promised second volume of recipes, I'm going to be voted in as their next president."
She drew out her handkerchief and wiped her eyes. "Wouldn't that be just so wonderful?"
"Wonderful," Peregrine replied dutifully, frowning at his food.
Ever since Evelyn had become a published author he'd had little peace. His sister's social circle had expanded dramatically and Peregrine deeply resented the constant flow of female visitors coming and going into his home. He often retreated to his study and locked the door, simply to get a quiet place to think and complete his own work.
His sister stared at him and sniffed reproachfully. "You're the one with time on your hands. You said your last manuscript is complete. You will ensure the success of my election by telling that Grover woman what she wants to hear and then find me some more recipes. What could be simpler?"
"I will not lie, not about a naval man," Peregrine tried to stand his ground. "So far I've found nothing to indicate Captain Gregg had anything to do with the extra line on Figg's gravestone. It seems Figg was indeed the coward and the fool everyone said he was. I have that from a first-hand account of someone who was there at Veracruz. What was carved on Figg's stone was put there when they buried him. It seems he was deeply disliked in the town."
"Well, if Gregg didn't do it, then he didn't…" His sister had lifted a shoulder. "I care not a jot either way for such things. All I want you to find are more recipes. Now you will drive back there tomorrow. The election is next week and I will not be made to look like a fool by having nothing to present. I have my reputation to think of."
"l will go when I have finished my own work. But it will be in time for your precious election." Peregrine gave in with ill-grace, knowing he would be allowed no peace to pursue his own work until he did. "I wish to talk to Mrs Muir again, anyway. I have a few unanswered questions."
"Good. I'm so happy you are seeing it my way."
"Is there any other way?" Peregrine shook his head as he pushed aside his uneaten food and left the table for the sanctuary of his study. "Women…"
※※※※※
After sleeping through the strident call of her alarm clock, Carolyn got up slowly and dressed. All she wanted to do today was stay in bed and read a good book.
"No chance of that…" She yawned as she stood before the mirror, tidying up her hair before going to the bathroom to get ready to face the day ahead.
When she returned to the bedroom there was no sign of the Captain, or any plans to circumvent Miss Grover's intentions. Their manuscript was lying on the desk, neatly enveloped and with the address written out on the front. The required stamps had also been attached, all ready for posting.
"Thank you, Captain. I'll go into town as soon as I've had breakfast." Carolyn looked around the room but received no response.
Then she saw a note had been left in the typewriter. 'I have gone to see Claymore. You looked so beautiful, sleeping like an angel, I forbad to wake you… Daniel.'
"Poor Claymore. He brought it on himself." Shaking her head, Carolyn walked downstairs to make herself some toast and a large mug of strong black coffee.
※※※※※
Claymore hummed to himself as he studied his reflection from all angles in his shaving mirror. "Life is good…" He chuckled, patting the last of the shaving cream from his chin. "But I'd look better with a nice tan."
Winter was approaching and another fact-finding mission by the town council was being planned. It had been unanimously agreed that they would return to the Caribbean this year.
Claymore couldn't think of anything more perfect. "Two whole weeks without him." He sighed, luxuriating in the idea. "Heaven…"
He went on humming as he reached for his spectacles, placing them over the bridge of his nose only to discover Captain Gregg's stern visage had joined his in the mirror. Claymore yelped, placing a hand over his racing heart.
"Oh, I do wish you wouldn't do that!" He turned, waving his free hand. "Shoo! Shoo! Go away! You're going to make me late for an emergency town council meeting, this morning. They've got something important they want to discuss."
"I'm not going anywhere and nor are you. Not until we have discussed the unwanted return of a certain naval historian to this town."
"That's nothing to do with me!" Claymore flapped both hands, scurrying around Daniel. "I didn't ask him to come back. Elvira Grover did."
"Ah, so you do know who I mean…" Daniel followed him menacingly. "And you have been very busy blackening my name with that dreadful woman."
"She came to me looking for information. Her mind was already made up. I didn't confirm anything she didn't already believe."
Claymore fell back into a sitting position on the side of his bed. "She wanted to repropose the idea of the town erecting that statue to Captain Figg and she was willing to pay for it, handsomely. It seems he was a hero, after all, you know."
"He was nothing of the kind!" Daniel raged at him. "He was a drunkard and a cowardly dunderhead who almost got us all killed! I should know, I was there!"
"There, you see!" Claymore stabbed an accusing finger. "You've done nothing but try and blacken the good Captain's name for the last hundred years. Miss Grover is sure it was you who carved that extra line on Figg's grave. She said that Montgomery fellow is bringing her the proof."
"Shall we discuss your grave, Claymore?" Daniel inquired silkily as he loomed over him.
"N…n…n…no…" Claymore cowered back. "Look, my hands are tied. Elvira Grover offered a substantial amount of money to the town's improvement fund and I couldn't see what harm it would do. You are dead, after all. What could it hurt?"
"Figg is also dead. But, you would seek to elevate his deplorable reputation at the expense of my good name? Remember, Claymore, you share that name."
"I told you I never wanted to be a Gregg…" Claymore stammered. "I can always change my name by deed poll. I can do it first thing tomorrow."
"Such cowardice would change nothing. And this town improvement fund of yours…" Daniel's eyes narrowed as he folded his arms. "That pays for all your winter jaunts to the Caribbean and anywhere else your larcenous little heart desires to go. Fact-finding, I believe you call those trips."
"It's all fair and legal," Claymore wailed. "Voted for by the town council. We need those trips. We must see how other towns conduct their business."
"Instead of investing in making sure this town is run properly. You do not deserve the Gregg name, you quaking jellyfish!"
"If I'm a jellyfish, then it's all your fault." Claymore stabbed an accusing finger. "You're always dropping in to order me this way and that. I never get a moment's peace. I do have a life, you know."
"Yes, you do…" Daniel shook his head regretfully. "And yet, you squander such a precious gift by grabbing at all the shiny, cheap trinkets and baubles dangled in front of you instead of acting like a man and doing your duty."
"We can't all be like you, Uncle…" Claymore shook his head. "So sure, you're right, all the time. Well, maybe this time, it will be different. Maybe I will win something, for a change."
"You will win nothing at the expense of my reputation," Daniel told him. "You will withdraw your offer to erect a statue of Figg and you will do it today."
Claymore quailed. "But what will I tell Miss Grover? She'll want to know why."
"I think you can safely leave that unsavoury task to Montgomery. He is in possession of incontrovertible proof that Figg was a coward and a blackguard. He will be in town soon enough to visit his employer."
"An account written by you, of course." Claymore shook his head.
"Who better? I was there, after all. I saw the man at his worst and he deserves everything he got, including his unfortunate epitaph."
"But what about the money?" Claymore dared to ask. "Are you going to make me return all of it, like last time?"
"I don't care about the money." Daniel shrugged. "Mayhap it will teach that harridan a goodly lesson not to bite off more than she can chew. You may run away on your little trip and keep telling yourself you're making a difference."
He half-dematerialised then paused. "But always remember, no matter where you run to escape me, no matter how far, I will always holds the lighted match over your precious bank accounts. With one sweep of my hand, I can make them all disappear, forever."
"Forever…" Claymore squeaked, his face losing all colour as he rose slowly to his feet. "You wouldn't dare."
"Test my patience and find out…" Daniel shrugged before he fully disappeared, leaving his great-nephew to stare after him in resignation.
"It's always me… Why is it always me…" he bemoaned his lot, as he reached for his clothes and made ready for his emergency town council meeting.
※※※※※
Leaving the front door open, Carolyn sat down on the porch seat beside it to enjoy the early morning sunshine and fresh air while eating her breakfast. The luxury of having nothing to disturb her peace for a few precious minutes was very soothing. But her solitary enjoyment was short-lived.
A fast-driven car drew up before the front gate and Alice Peterson got out followed by Eileen Vogel. They both waved to Carolyn as they hurried through the front gate and up the path.
"You'll never guess…" Alice confided breathlessly, as she reached the porch first.
"Yes, you haven't been in town, so you won't know about what's been going on at the Historical Society," Eileen added.
"Good morning, ladies…" Carolyn smiled at them as she got to her feet. So much for the peace of a sunny morning… "I'm afraid Miss Grover has already beaten you to my door. Yesterday, she was very full of all her news."
"Oh, I see…" Alice's face fell. "Well, our menfolk are calling an emergency town meeting right now to talk about the statue idea. They're going to tell her, no."
"I want to know what we're going to do about Elvira Grover inviting that scoundrel, Peregrine Montgomery, back to town without even asking anyone if we wanted him here," Eileen said stoutly. "He upset a lot of people last time, with all his nosy questions."
Alice leaned closer. "And Elvira's been saying some very nasty things about your Captain. Sam Edwards had it from Claymore Gregg that she's blaming him for that last line on Figg's gravestone."
She lifted her chin. "I, for one, do not believe a word of it."
"Of course, it's all completely untrue. Elvira is twisting the truth to suit her own agenda." Carolyn became aware Daniel was now standing close behind her, listening intently. "She wants that statue put up to his memory."
"Well, I think Montgomery wants to blacken the Captain's good name because he couldn't find out anything about that mysterious writer, Carol Gregg." She winked significantly at Carolyn. "He didn't like being sent running off to Boston last time, I can tell you."
"Possibly." Carolyn shrugged. "Whatever his motives this time, we cannot allow him to drag the Captain's good name and reputation through the mire."
"Not if I have anything to do with it," Daniel commented grimly. "I have dealt with Claymore. He has been made to see the error of his ways. I will drop in on this council meeting later, to make sure they're on the right tack."
"We should go inside and make our plans…" Alice Petersen nodded toward the open door. "The four Musketeers unite once more!" She giggled. "Well, five, if you're gonna count your Captain on in this, which of course, you should. It's his good name on the line, after all. Is Martha home?"
"No, she's away until the end of the week. But I'll be sure and tell her when she gets back." Carolyn indicated they should all go inside.
"I don't think the Captain would like to be left out of anything that involves his good name and reputation," a young male voice said from behind them. "He's rather fond of keeping both intact."
"Good, you're back just in time, Jonathan," Daniel acknowledged. "I could use some back-up from a man in the face of these two blathering women."
"Glad to be of use." Jonathan grinned.
Carolyn linked arms with her son. "Wonderful, you're home just in time," she said for the benefit of her visitors. "We're about to plan something devious and underhanded and sneaky."
"Oh, then count me in!" Jonathan laughed, kissing his mother's cheek. "I haven't been devious for at least a month!"
※※※※※
"We simply cannot allow that awful man to go around asking his impertinent questions about you," Alice Petersen declared, sitting down on the couch in the living room.
"I'm really grateful for your support," Carolyn replied. "But I'm afraid he may have more pressing business on his mind. Last time he removed a set of recipe books from this house and his sister has had great success with their publication."
"Oh, I heard about her." Eileen nodded. "Awful recipes, but beautifully presented. Everyone simply had to have a copy. It's rumoured she's about to publish a second volume."
"Well, it may be that Montgomery is coming to town seeking more recipes for her. Martha was told that Evelyn Montgomery will secure the presidency of the Bangor Ladies Reading Circle if she can repeat her success with a second book. It seems she will not allow anything to stand in the way of her ambitions."
"If it's recipes he seeks, then recipes he shall have," Daniel commented from the window seat. "I knew those journals I found would come in handy."
"Yes, well, without evidence, Miss Grover can't go ahead with her idea of a statue to Figg," Carolyn continued.
"If only we could find some more of those recipe books…" Jonathan took his cue from the Captain. "I'm sure if I took some time and looked around in the attic, I could come up with more." He grinned at Daniel. "There's all sorts of junk up there.
"Good lad," Daniel approved. "I'll show you exactly where they are."
"But do you think Montgomery will drop his commitment to Miss Grover in exchange for them?" Eileen worried the point.
"I think he's a driven man." Carolyn shrugged. "He's caught between two women, both with their own cherished agendas. But he doesn't live with Miss Grover…"
"Excellent point, my dear," Daniel commented. "As soon as these two fawning chatterboxes have taken their leave, Jonathan and I will take care of everything. You have a manuscript to post, Madam."
"Well, ladies, I do think we've hit upon a possible solution. We will sort Montgomery out the moment he arrives." Carolyn stood from her chair. "Now, don't let me keep you…"
"Oh, yes, of course…" Alice jumped to her feet. "You are a very busy woman…" She winked. "Your next book we are all really looking forward to reading. The ladies' reading group is so excited."
"Well, for you all to be able to read it, I need to mail off the manuscript first," Carolyn escorted them to the front door.
"Oh, how exciting," Eileen enthused happily. "We've never known a real-life, best-selling author before. It's delicious."
"That is still our secret…" Carolyn warned as she held the door open for them.
"Oh, of course, of course," Alice reassured her hurriedly, putting one finger across her mouth. "Our lips are sealed."
They left the house, talking between themselves in excited tones. Carolyn shut the door with a sigh.
"Deftly handled, Madam," Daniel approved, appearing beside her. "Now we must net Montgomery and give him what he wants. I have told Jonathan where to look for those journals. If more are required beyond those, I am quite prepared to pen them myself. I am known for my excellent hand."
"Yes, but I'm still worried." Carolyn turned to him. "Montgomery could ruin everything. He's not a man to be so easily fooled."
"Nor am I, my dear. Nor am I…" her love reassured her softly. "Now if you will excuse me. I have a town council meeting I must attend. I want to make sure Claymore will keep to his end of the bargain."
※※※※※
"This whole Figg business has gotten way out of hand," Sam Edwards told the emergency town council meeting. "Elvira does not run this town. But you've allowed yourself to be a party to her silly scheme." He pointed an accusing finger at Claymore.
The rest of the council members murmured their agreement.
"It ain't right," Ed Peevy spoke up. "That Grover woman has bats in her attic if she thinks we're gonna go there again. From what I've been told, Figg was no hero. His gravestone proved that."
"Miss Grover swears she will soon find proof Figg was slandered after he died," Claymore replied.
"And by Captain Gregg, who ain't alive to defend himself either," Ed shot back. "Well, my Martha says she don't know of a straighter, more honest man than the Captain. And for you, Claymore, to be taking sides against your great-uncle…"
He shook his head sorrowfully. "He ain't alive to defend hisself, neither."
"I was doing it for the good of the town," Claymore tried to state his case. "Miss Grover made a generous contribution to our annual fact-finding fund. I didn't see the harm in it."
"That's as well may be," Sam retorted. "But you need to take back your permission to erect that statue and you need to do it today."
"Elvira will not be happy…" Claymore sighed.
"Better she's let down now and not after we've expended all our funds on that foolish statue and cannot go on any more of our fact-finding missions," Sam reasoned sensibly.
He looked around the assembled group and they all nodded their agreement.
"Oh, all right…" Claymore's face paled at the thought of losing the Caribbean trip. "Since you put it that way…"
"Put it to the woman any way you want," Zac Vogel spoke up. "Just do it so I can get me some peace in my own house. Alice's done nothing but nag me to sort it out ever since she first caught wind of the whole idea. She's been running around town telling anyone who'll listen."
Claymore opened his mouth to reply, just as he noticed the office curtains move slightly, as if someone, or something, had pushed past them. The air in the room suddenly carried a decided chill. Claymore shivered, losing his train of thought.
Sam Edwards filled the sudden void. "Then, if the townsfolk still want to erect a statue, we need to go through your records, Claymore, and come up with a real hero. Your great-uncle could be a candidate. Wasn't he once the town champion of the Centennial games?"
"He was. But let's leave that troublesome issue aside until we've come back from the Caribbean," Claymore qualified, feeling a cold breeze blowing around the back of his neck and the grip of a strong hand on his shoulder.
He swallowed a yelp of fright, knowing exactly who was in the room with them, listening and judging their every word. He quailed at the idea of making any rash promises that could land him in even more trouble.
※※※※※
"What do you mean, you're rescinding your permission for the statue of my dear Captain Figg?" Miss Grover stared at Claymore.
"I'm very sorry, but the townsfolk have made their position very clear. They feel it would be inappropriate…" Claymore squirmed in his seat on her antique couch.
He was bolstered by the knowledge that the town council was firmly behind him. "It seems I… we made a rather serious error of judgement. That has now been corrected."
"But, I paid you handsomely for your judgement to go my way," Elvira reminded him with raised eyebrows. "Was it not enough?"
"No, no, it was a most generous donation to the town's coffers. Most generous." Claymore swallowed tightly, seeing horrifying visions of the old lady's dollars flying beyond his grasp.
"This is all Sam Edwards' doing!" Elvira declared. "He's always interfering with my dearest wishes. I saw him talking to Zac Petersen behind my back at our meeting."
"Certainly not." Claymore shook his head. "This morning, after being presented with certain facts, the council came to a unanimous decision."
"Your council means nothing to me," Miss Grover huffed her disinterest. "If there is to be no statue, then I expect a full refund of my money."
"Um, sorry, no. Already been spent on the town's improvements," Claymore admitted hurriedly. "You did say it was a donation…"
"You're all conspiring against me and the memory of my dear Captain Figg!" Miss Grover resorted to the use of her handkerchief, dabbing at her eyes. "The town deserves a statue!"
"Not at all…" Claymore hurried to reassure her. "In point of fact, there is now discussion on erecting a statue to a town hero, after all."
"Oh?" Elvira lowered her handkerchief, her eyes brightening with hope. "Who?"
"We haven't decided yet. But there is one candidate who stands out." He drew a steadying breath. "The vote was for a more appropriate figure for such a great honour. He was a champion of the town's Centennial games, you know."
"Who it is?" Miss Grover demanded again in a furious tone.
Claymore cast a hasty glance around the room, but he felt they were unobserved. "My great-uncle, Captain Daniel Gregg."
"Oh!" Miss Grover's face fell and she took refuge in her handkerchief, crying angry tears. "How could you!?"
"Sorry, can't stay…" Claymore jumped to his feet, settling his hat on his head. "I'll see myself out, shall I?"
He scuttled out of Miss Grover's living room and made good his escape. He didn't wish to hear another impassioned demand that her donation be paid back. Besides, it had already been spent on first-class airfares to the Caribbean.
※※※※※
Three days later Peregrine Montgomery brought his car to a halt at the edge of Schooner Bay. He stared down into the settlement nestled neatly against the shore. He deeply resented being drawn back to this small seaside town, but his sister would not be satisfied until he had secured what he came for.
Last time he'd spent days running all over Boston looking for the elusive Miss Carol Gregg, the romance author, who was said to be in possession of sea journals Peregrine was extremely keen to get his hands on. But he could find no trace of the woman.
He'd begun to suspect that somehow Carolyn Muir was behind it all. That she was, in fact, the elusive author he was seeking. Everything he had so far uncovered seemed to link back to her. And the looming spectre of a deceased sea captain who appeared to haunt all the strange goings-on at Gull Cottage.
"Could there actually be a ghost involved with Mrs Muir?" he wondered. "It sounds unbelievable, but it would explain a great deal…"
Or had he simply been duped by a set of coastal dwellers intent on protecting their own? This time he was not only going to uncover Miss Gregg's identity, he was going to make a deal with her that would serve to keep his sister from nagging at him day and night.
"Or, my name is not Peregrine Montgomery," he declared to the wheeling gulls before he put the car in motion and coasted down the hill toward the town's main street.
※※※※※
Carolyn walked out of the General Store, carrying her groceries. Having mailed off her manuscript to her publishers, she felt she could breathe again. All that remained was to deal with Peregrine Montgomery the moment he showed his face in town. With the town council firmly behind them, surely that wouldn't be too hard a task.
A smile curved her mouth. And then there would be time to continue the wonderful dream she and Daniel shared.
"London no longer needs to wait…" she said softly, her heartbeat picking up with anticipation.
"Are you planning a trip away, Mrs Muir?" an unwelcome voice inquired from behind her.
Carolyn gasped as she turned to encounter Peregrine Montgomery's narrowed, impatient gaze. He appeared to be as pleased to see her as she was to encounter him.
"I… don't believe that is any of your business," she replied repressively, realising she'd spoken loud enough to be heard.
She looked away as she stepped around her assailant and walked quickly down the sidewalk toward her car. But Montgomery turned and followed, easily keeping pace with her.
"I'm going to give Elvira Grover her money back. I know Captain Gregg didn't do what she said he did." He put a hand on her upper arm. "Look, I haven't come here to upset you. I only wish to acquire more of those recipe books I found last time. I will pay you anything you want."
"Let me go!" Carolyn declared in a furious tone, trying to pull away from him, but his grip was too strong.
Instantly, Daniel appeared behind the historian, his expression full of fury. "Just say the word, Madam!"
"No, I can handle it…" Carolyn murmured, stiffening in Montgomery's hold.
"He's here, isn't he?" The historian looked all around. "I can almost feel him…"
"I don't know who you're talking about." Carolyn pulled her arm from his slackened grasp. She put the bags of groceries on the hood of her car and opened the driver's door. "You're not welcome here, Mr Montgomery. I suggest you go home to Bangor." She snatched up the bags and pushed them into the passenger seat.
"If it were only that easy," Montgomery replied in a driven tone. "I cannot return home without those books. My life would not be worth living."
"You stole from my house. I have nothing for you…" Carolyn shook her head, warily watching Daniel looming behind the man, poised to strike.
"If I could talk to him," Montgomery persisted. "Think of all he could tell me. I would make him famous."
"None of us want that. Not now, not ever. We just wish to be left in peace. Goodbye, Mr Montgomery." Carolyn got into her car and slammed the door shut.
"You won't get rid of me that easily…" The naval historian looked after Carolyn's departing car. "Nor will you, Captain…"
He glanced around again. "But perhaps we can come to a mutual arrangement. You have something I want and you wish to be left alone. I'm sure we can bargain for what we both want." He waited, but nothing stirred.
"Very well. We will talk again, soon." Shrugging he turned toward his own car.
He had an appointment to see the Grover woman and give her his findings. He doubted she was going to like what he had to say, but he was a stickler for the truth.
He would not besmirch a man who didn't deserve it. Not for any amount of money.
Daniel materialised and gazed after the historian. So, the man was willing to bargain? Daniel stroked his beard. Perhaps there was a way out of this quagmire, after all.
※※※※※
"You are abandoning me, as well, Mr Montgomery?" Miss Grover sniffed, making full use of her handkerchief. "I thought you would bring me concrete proof Gregg was a fraud and a liar. Instead, you besmirch my Captain Figg's good name."
Peregrine looked extremely uncomfortable. He detested crying women. It was his sister's ultimate weapon if she could not get her own way.
"I'm sorry, Miss Grover, but the little I did discover about Captain Gregg only pointed to the fact he was a fair-dealing and honest seaman. I will not bring such a man down for my own ends or yours."
"Fiddlesticks!" Elvira retorted sharply. "Have you asked his relative, Claymore Gregg? That man took my money and denied Captain Figg's rightful place in history. Now they are considering putting up a statue to that awful Midshipman Gregg! I tell you it's intolerable! I have never been so used and disappointed! My own society has turned against my wishes, as well. They held a meeting behind my back. I should wash my hands of them all."
"Perhaps it would be for the best…" Peregrine soothed. "I did find some references to your Captain Figg not being the hero you claim him to be. There was one anonymous, first-hand account of the battle of Veracruz which bears that out. I urge you to drop the whole idea before the truth comes out and you are made to look too much of a fool."
"Is someone paying you to say that?" Elvira demanded to know. "I suspect Gregg and the town council are behind it. They are all against me."
"I am my own man…" Montgomery drew himself up to his full height. "I answer to no one."
He pushed one hand into the inner pocket of his suit coat and drew out Elvira's check. "So, there are no further misunderstandings…" He placed it carefully on the coffee table between them. "I think this settles our account. There will be no further business dealings between us."
"It settles nothing," Elvira snapped. "You have not heard the last of this."
"Oh, I think I have…" Montgomery settled his hat onto his head. "I have another, more important mission which I must attend to immediately." He tipped two fingers to his brim. "I will bid you goodbye, Miss Grover."
Elvira didn't reply as he left the room. She sat staring into the middle distance, her face set like a mutinous teenager who'd been cruelly denied a much-promised treat.
"Men…" she muttered finally, lifting her eyes to the portrait of Captain Figg hanging above her.
※※※※※
Montgomery approached the front door of Gull Cottage cautiously. His last visit here had ended in mysterious circumstances with him carrying away the recipe books that made his sister famous. But he had no memory of how he'd acquired them.
He remembered entering the house but never leaving it. Now he had returned to make a deal.
He was willing to drop his demands to secure Captain Gregg's sea journals in exchange for sole ownership of the recipe books. And any further volumes that may be found.
He was sure there were more. He simply had to convince Carolyn Muir to part with them.
He raised his hand to use the brass knocker and saw the door open, then swing inwards silently. He peered into the shadowed interior.
"Good afternoon, Captain," he addressed the silence.
"Hello, Mr Montgomery…" Carolyn Muir appeared from the kitchen. "You don't seem to know how to take no for an answer," she commented repressively.
"I think you'll find I'm here by ghostly invitation," Peregrine replied with a suggestive glance at the Captain's portrait in the living room.
"We both know there's no such thing as ghosts," Carolyn told him with an annoyed look. "What can I do for you?"
"I think you know, Mrs Muir, without my telling you." Peregrine stepped inside, removing his hat.
"You think to invade our privacy once more for your own ends." Carolyn shrugged.
"I seek more of those recipe books I went away with after my last visit. As I told the Captain, I'm willing to bargain for their recovery. And pay well."
"We don't need your money, Mr Montgomery." Carolyn raised her shoulders.
"Then, may we trade?" Peregrine moved slowly toward the open door of the living room so he could get a better look at the Captain's portrait.
Daniel appeared beside Carolyn, watching their uninvited guest closely. "The man said he is willing to trade, my dear. We share a mutual desire for the peace of hearth and home. I think we should hear him out. I can see a clear way out of our present predicament."
"Yes, but at what cost?" Carolyn whispered in an aside.
Peregrine turned back to her, but he looked beyond her. "Oh, I am quite willing to leave you all alone. In exchange for those recipe books. I too wish for the peace of my life to be restored. I cannot work or think, but for the constant nagging of my sister to provide her with what she demands."
"Let me get this straight…" Carolyn frowned at him. "You will settle for more of the recipe books and give up your search for Captain Gregg's journals?"
"Regrettably, yes." Peregrine sighed. "My research into Captain Figg did end in my finding he was indeed a coward and a fool. I gave Miss Grover her money back. She was not at all pleased with my findings."
Again, he looked past Carolyn. "I uncovered a mysterious, first-hand, anonymous account of a man who was there at Veracruz proved to be interesting reading. It was a chance find."
He smiled thinly. "The document was not where I found it the last time I visited that particular section of the library."
He shook his head. "Now, I cannot return home if I do not secure those recipe books. My immediate future is in your hands."
"Don't keep the man in suspense, my dear," Daniel commented. "I've told Jonathan to bring the journals down. Better the man doesn't go searching through the house again."
Carolyn stared at her visitor. "If I agree to your terms, this will be the end of your research into the Captain?"
"Regrettably, yes." Peregrine shook his head. "The little I was able to find points to his complete honesty and integrity. I would like to have known such a man."
Again, he addressed the empty space beside Carolyn. "Sadly, it seems it is not to be…"
"I don't know who you think you are talking to, but we're alone here."
Peregrine raised his eyebrows disbelievingly. "Are we? Are we, really?"
"My son, Jonathan, has been searching up in the attic. I believe he's found what you are looking for…" Carolyn stepped into the open doorway to the living room, blocking his view of the painting. "He will be down any minute now."
"You know, I have come to admire you, Mrs Muir." Peregrine gazed down at her. "You certainly are a woman to be reckoned with. Your whole town is to be commended for keeping your secret."
He glanced back to the Captain's portrait. "And his…"
"I didn't think naval historians were given to such flights of fancy as believing in ghosts." Carolyn shrugged.
"I thought so once. But you might be surprised what I have come to believe, Mrs Muir." Peregrine's eyebrows rose. "Or should I call you, Miss Gregg? You know, that was a fine wild goose chase you sent me on, all the way to Boston for nothing."
"You are very much mistaken, Mr Montgomery," Carolyn shook her head. "I write articles for a woman's magazine. Not novels full of lurid flights of fancy."
"'The lady doth protest too much, methinks,'" Peregrine quoted softly. "Don't worry, your secret is very safe with me, Mrs Muir. I will not bother you again, as long as my sister is supplied with a steady supply of those most dreadful nineteenth-century recipes books."
He glanced to the spot where Daniel was standing. "I trust the Captain's hand is still fair enough to fool a woman only too willing to believe they are the genuine article."
"He sees more than he understands," Daniel mused. "Perhaps there is hope for the man, yet."
Carolyn returned to his side keeping her back to her unwanted visitor. "Don't encourage him," she instructed beneath her breath. "The sooner he's gone the happier I'll be."
Daniel raised his brows, his gaze intimate and sensual. "London awaits?"
"Oh, yes, please…" Carolyn sighed. "And soon…"
At that moment, Jonathan appeared at the head of the stairs and hurried down, carrying a small stack of dog-eared and stained journals. "I think these are what you are after," he said, approaching his mother and their unwelcome visitor.
"I would have preferred them to have been the Captain's missing sea journals…" Montgomery accepted the stack with a sigh. "But needs must…"
He tucked them under one arm, replacing his hat on his head with his free hand. He looked around the house with a look of real regret on his face.
"If, one day, Captain, you decide to change your mind and talk to me. I promise I will never betray your confidence."
"Goodbye, Mr Montgomery…" Carolyn urged him toward the open front door.
He resisted for a moment. "And when you uncover more of these recipe books, you have my telephone number…" He smiled wryly. "It will make my life bearable."
Carolyn closed the door behind him before leaning back against it. "The man is incorrigible, and you encouraged him," she accused Daniel.
"For a moment there, I'll admit to being tempted to reveal myself to him," Daniel admitted.
"Then we would have had no peace," Jonathan replied drily. "As it is, everyone seems to be keen to push their noses into our business. College will seem very dull, compared to living here. But I am going to miss it."
"I couldn't put it better myself," Carolyn approved, pushing away from the door to hug her tall son. "Now, Martha will be home later today. If she finds her house in this state we will all be in serious trouble."
"Housework…" Both men groaned in unison.
"Someone's gotta do it," Carolyn assured them, with a relieved smile. "And there's no one here but us."
Her eyes met Daniel's and they shared a smile. With the darkness of the night would come the long-awaited return to their dream life in London. Carolyn wondered what he had planned for her…
※※※※※
Carolyn stood nervously in the middle of their London bedroom. The night was drawing in and the room was lit with many candles and the blaze of the fire.
She breathed in deeply once more. She'd spent more than three hours with Mrs Coleman, being made properly ready for a night out with Daniel. It was an entirely new experience to go out walking among people she'd only ever read about.
"'Tis but another inch more and it's done," Mrs Coleman told her. "But you really do need to breathe in just a little more."
"If I breathe in anymore I may very well pass out," Carolyn replied honestly but managed to do as she was bid, holding her breath for what seemed like minutes rather than seconds.
"There!" the housekeeper declared with satisfaction as she managed to tie off the laces at the back of Carolyn's ball gown to her satisfaction. "Now turn around and let me look at you."
"If I move I think I might break something…" Carolyn laughed, turning obligingly before the long bedroom mirror.
"Oh, I swear you make such a picture," the housekeeper clasped her hands together. "The gentlemen will certainly be rushing to fill your dance card and no mistake."
Carolyn studied her unfamiliar image in the room's full-length mirror. She was now dressed in a white silk, off-the-shoulder gown with short, puffed sleeves and ruched duck egg blue chiffon overlaying the wide skirt. The gown flowed outwards around her over a lightweight cage crinoline tied at her waist, serving to emphasise the slender curves of her upper body to perfection.
The gown was a gift from her husband, along with all the necessary accessories. Daniel had made good his escape the moment Mrs Coleman had arrived to help Carolyn to dress for the evening. He'd assured his wife he would be back before dusk.
Carolyn submitted to the housekeeper assisting her to dress. She was aware she could not have completed her toilet alone, given all the lacings and fastenings.
Her face and neck had been cold-creamed and then washed clean with warmed rosewater. The delicate application of carmine to her lips reddened them without being noticeable. It seemed the obvious application of too much make-up was deeply frowned upon in these more rigid times.
"I almost don't recognise myself…" She turned slowly before the mirror, looking at her reflection from every angle.
As befitting a married Victorian lady, Mrs Coleman had insisted on dressing her long blond curls up into an elegant bun at the back of Carolyn's head, leaving her neck and shoulders bare.
"I can't say I have ever dressed a prettier lady…" Mrs Coleman pulled out her kerchief and dabbed at her eyes.
"I am not a lady." Carolyn shook her head.
"You're the Captain's lady and that's good enough for me. You'll break hearts tonight. That I swear."
Carolyn breathed out cautiously. "As long as it's not me who breaks."
"Fiddle-faddle, Mrs Gregg. Why, it's laced so loosely it may yet fall off if you should move unwisely. Maybe we need to tighten the laces just a little more…"
"No, please, I beg of you, no more," Carolyn gasped, preventing the older woman's advance with an upraised hand. "I can barely breathe as it is."
"Very well…" The housekeeper shrugged, returning her kerchief to the pocket of her apron. "Now, I've laid out your fur wrap, fan, evening gloves and reticule on the bed. Make sure to collect them all before you leave."
She surveyed her work critically. "The Captain will be back soon. You make such a handsome couple he will need to be wary, else you're stolen from his side by eager young suitors."
Carolyn frowned with concern. "Daniel said it is only a supper dance we're attending tonight. Something intimate."
"Oh yes, most certainly," Mrs Coleman reassured her. "Lady Cavendish gives the best supper dances of the season. It will a sad crush, but you will meet all the right people there."
The door to the bedroom opened behind them and Daniel walked in. He stopped short at the sight of his beautiful wife. His lips moved but he didn't speak.
"See, struck dumb with awe. I knew he would be," Mrs Coleman chuckled as she dropped a quick courtesy and left the room, closing the door behind her.
"I do not think I have seen you looking more beautiful…" Daniel whispered, advancing slowly. "If only our time together was something more substantial than a dream…"
Carolyn turned to him. "I know…" she whispered, blinking back tears at the look of longing in her husband's eyes.
Daniel shook his head. "But something important is still missing…"
"What…?" Carolyn surveyed her reflection critically.
Daniel didn't reply as he drew a long, red velvet box from his coat pocket. Holding it out he opened it to show her the contents. An exquisite choker made up of three linked strings of luminous pearls gleamed in the candlelight. A small rosette at the front was centred with a sparkling diamond.
"Oh, Daniel…" Carolyn reached out one hand but she did not touch it. "But I couldn't. It looks expensive."
"Nothing is too expensive for my love…" Daniel countered, taking the choker from the box before turning her around so her back was to him.
In the mirror, they made the striking couple the housekeeper had predicted. Daniel's severely cut black evening wear and white shirt with its high black stock contrasted well with Carolyn's white silk and blue chiffon.
Daniel reached around to place the choker against her throat, fastening it at the back with silver hooks. It sat high, emphasising the elegant white column of her neck.
"If we had not accepted Lady Cavendish's invitation for tonight…" He pressed a kiss to the scented curve of his wife's naked shoulder, his hands caressing her bare upper arms. "I would take great delight in unlacing this gown and…"
"Don't tempt me…" Carolyn's breath hitched in her throat as she dropped her head forward. "It's taken me hours to get into it. Besides, we can't spend all week confined to this room…"
"Why not?" Daniel continued his exploration, running his lips up the side of her neck to the shell of her ear.
"Because I want to see the city. Smell its smells, see all its sights and meet its people. This is the realm of Dickens and Wordsworth…"
"Then I guess we must go out," Daniel chuckled wryly, only seeming half-convinced. "And since you are so keen to meet people, I know of one who has promised he will attend the dance tonight."
"Oh, who?" Carolyn turned eagerly from the mirror, taking hold of his arm and shaking it. "Tell me, tell me now!"
Daniel smiled down at her. "I do believe your Mr Dickens has promised to be in attendance tonight. If you wish, I shall introduce you."
Carolyn stared up at him, lost for words. Was she truly going to meet one of her literary idols face to face in this incredible setting of eighteen-sixty-four London? In the company of the man, she had come to love more than life itself?
"Thank you, my love, for such a wonderful dream…" she breathed, reaching up to kiss her husband.
There was a long, intimate silence in the bedroom, underscored by the soft crackling of the fire. Its flames outlined their closely merged shadows moving across the wall…
※※※※※
"No thief, however skilful, can rob one of knowledge, and that is why knowledge is the best and safest treasure to acquire..."
L. Frank Baum