When they entered the house, Carolyn and Marjorie went to the kitchen to help get supper on the table. They knew Daniel would be having a word with Ralph and were initially hesitant about it. A short discussion became necessary when he told them he wanted to speak to him alone. They remained out on the porch talking for several minutes before he was able to bring them around to his way of thinking with an assurance that he was only going to 'talk' to him, not give him the thrashing he deserved.

Carolyn was still concerned about what he would say and prayed Ralph wouldn't do something to push Daniel over the edge. She knew he'd had enough of her father-in-law's rudeness toward everyone and saw his eyes flash when he saw him grab Marjorie's arm so roughly. She really thought he was going to punch him and was convinced that Ralph's quick retreat to the house was the only thing that stopped Daniel from confronting him. He was obviously holding his temper in check, but, whether it was because of the children, Marjorie, or herself, she didn't know. What she did understand was that he was making an extreme effort to do so, and she loved him all the more for it. She just wasn't sure how long he could keep it up.

XXXX

He found the arrogant bully in the living room, pouring himself a brandy from the bottle that came the Inn. It hadn't been opened before dinner but now looked as if Ralph had poured himself more than a few drinks while they'd been gone. Daniel stood quietly in the doorway just watching him.

The older man's focus was on filling his glass, and it wasn't until he lifted the snifter to take a drink that he caught sight of the seaman. He hesitated slightly before taking a sip, then threw back the contents, emptying the glass. Without acknowledging the seaman, he refilled the glass and returned to his chair by the fireplace to enjoy his drink without saying a word.

The captain entered the room and went to the side table to pour himself a brandy. As he casually moved across the room to take the other seat by the fireplace, his eyes never left Ralph, but he still didn't say anything.

"This is pretty good . . . not as good as the Madeira served yesterday . . . but good," the older man said, taking a sip as he looked at the captain. "I see you finally got away from the women."

Daniel broke eye contact with him and examined the rich amber liquid in his glass. Holding the bowl of the snifter in his palm, he gently swirled its contents to warm and release the aroma of the brandy. He didn't respond to his remark, nor did he look at him.

It was either being ignored or the growing silence that bothered Ralph, and he stumbled over his words as he tried to steer the conversation to what he was really interested in.

"I'm glad you're here. We . . . ah . . . left some unfinished business . . . when we were . . . ah . . . interrupted earlier. I . . . ah . . . think this would be a good time to . . . pick up where we left off."

Daniel realized Carolyn's father-in-law still thought he could buy him off; that he would actually take money to end his relationship with Carolyn and the family. Disgusted but, at the same time, intrigued, he wondered just how far the overbearing, petty-minded conniver would go. He still didn't reply, only stared at him indifferently.

"You know . . . resume our 'negotiations,'" Ralph added, aggravated that the sailor was making him bring the subject up.

The captain looked away as if bored and focused on his brandy.

"We can talk about whatever you want to after Candy and Jonathan have gone up to bed; now is not the time. I think we can both agree that what you and I will be discussing is not something either of us would want them to overhear."

"No. I suppose not," Ralph answered, feeling things were finally moving in the direction he wanted. Although, he would have preferred not to have to wait, he was confident he would be rid of the interloper sooner rather than later.

"In the meantime," the captain began, "Enjoy your brandy." Lifting his glass, he smiled and gave a brief toast. "Cheers," he said. The other man raised his glass with a satisfied smirk, until the seaman added, "The bar is now closed."

Ralph's face fell, as did his drinking arm.

"It would be best if we had clear heads when we talk later . . . don't you agree? After all, we wouldn't want a repeat of last night, would we?" Daniel said, still swirling the brandy in his glass. "I wouldn't want to be accused of taking advantage of your impaired condition during our 'negotiations.'"

The self-important man glared at the sailor he considered irrelevant and below him in every way.

"While I have your attention, though, there is something that needs to be made perfectly clear," Daniel said pointedly.

The angry glare didn't falter.

"As a guest in this house, you are to treat the ladies and children with the respect they deserve."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Ralph replied flippantly, lowering his eyes to take another sip of brandy.

"I think you do," Daniel said coolly. "You will speak politely to Candy and Jonathan and treat them as the precious gifts they are. The same goes for the ladies."

Ralph couldn't hide his smirk, but it had no effect on the seaman.

"And you are to treat your wife with the respect she entitled to. If I see you lay a hand on her, like you did a few minutes ago, you will wish you hadn't."

"Are you trying to intimidate me?" Ralph scoffed.

"I find it unconscionable that the subject even has to be brought up, so take it however you want . . . But don't doubt that I mean what I say," the seaman replied, taking his first sip of brandy.

"Ha! You have a lot of nerve, Captain. What gives you the right to tell me how I should treat my wife?"

"You are a guest in my home, sir."

"Your home?!"

"Regardless of who's living in it, Gull Cottage is mine and always will be. I will not tolerate disrespectful behavior toward any woman, child, or guest in it . . . by anyone! I don't care if you are their husband, grandfather, or father-in-law!"

Ralph stared at him.

"Am I understood?" Daniel asked, in a low cold tone, with a stare to match.

Ralph didn't reply immediately but, after a moment, he smiled, raised his glass as if agreeing with him, and sipped his brandy. To get what he wanted, he was prepared to give this 'sailor' the impression he would go along with him, but he had no intention of letting anyone tell him how to treat his family.

XXXXX

The atmosphere around the table was not what anyone expected. When Ralph joined the family in the kitchen, it seemed the warning his wife had given him earlier, and the thinly veiled threat the captain had delivered, had finally gotten through to him. He was polite, complimented Martha on the meal, and engaged everyone in conversation, including the children. To maintain civility, the family participated, albeit, without their usual enthusiasm.

Marjorie watched her husband suspiciously. She'd seen this side of him before and had even suggested he behave this way earlier. This was the Ralph Muir who charmed potential investors, attractive women, or anyone else he thought could benefit him in some way. The same man who had won over her father and courted her a lifetime ago. As she watched him, she couldn't help but wonder "why now?" What made him decide to turn on the charm, after behaving so badly since their arrival? She was sure he was up to something.

Carolyn obviously had her own doubts about his improved attitude. She really hadn't thought the talk the two men had was going to be all that effective and was sure that didn't have anything to do with the change. She knew what her father-in-law was capable of and, more than once, exchanged a look of skepticism with Daniel at something Ralph said. She couldn't imagine what he hoped to gain from his radical change in his mood. Even if he hadn't acted the way he had the last three days, she was never going to agree to his plan that they move back to Philadelphia to live with him. Gull Cottage, with Daniel, the children, and Martha, was where she knew she belonged now, and she knew that above all else.

The captain knew too many men like Ralph Muir to be taken in by his sudden reinvention of himself. He was certain the man believed they shared the same lack of character, and, if he negotiated well, the seaman would take the money offered to break off his relationship with Carolyn and the children. Mr. Muir's amiable façade would last only until he got what he wanted . . . or didn't get what he wanted. In either case, the result would be the same; his true self would resurface. Understanding that, Daniel knew when the evening's discussion failed to produce the result Ralph wanted, the nasty man would revert to form, and things would turn ugly. He really couldn't understand why he continued to believe he could force the family to move back to Philadelphia and into the Muir's house. Even if he thought he could buy him off, Carolyn had already said no to his proposal, and the children, through their avoidance of him, had made their feelings for him perfectly clear.

Candy and Jonathan were cautious throughout the meal, but they tended to take people at face value and wanted to give their grandfather the benefit of the doubt. His behavior had been anything but affectionate since his arrival, and, while they were more than leery, they were relieved that he seemed to be in a better mood. On the other hand, they were having a wonderful time with their grandmother and were torn as to what they wanted the outcome to be. They hoped his improved spirits would last the remainder of the visit but didn't think that would be the case. They'd prefer that he leave sooner than later, but that would mean their grandmother would have to leave too.

Martha took whatever Ralph Muir said with a grain of salt. She had never liked him, didn't trust him, and just wanted him to go. The children's grandmother could stay, but it was time for that disagreeable old 'so-and-so' to leave and go far, far away. She was less than pleased with the negative impact his presence was already having on Candy and Jonathan. As a result of the love and affection their mother and the captain showered on them, they were happier than she'd ever seen them. Their grandfather's presence and inexcusable behavior was having the opposite effect. The children's reserved demeanor at dinner was an indication of that. Ralph Muir was the last person they needed to see regularly . . . if at all.

Even Scruffy had an opinion of their house guest. He didn't like this man any more than he liked the one that showed up the previous week. The lady with him was very nice, and often gave him a treat, but he was very aware of change in everyone's mood when the man with the grumpy voice was around. The pup took his role as family protector seriously and was diligent about staying close to the youngest of his pack these days. Even he knew he wouldn't have another relaxing day until that man left.

XXXXX

After supper, the men and children were shooed out of the kitchen, so the ladies could clean up without them being underfoot. As a result, Daniel found himself on the porch with Ralph, while Candy and Jonathan played their own version of baseball in the yard with Scruffy.

"Cigar?" Ralph asked.

Daniel thanked him and sat in the wicker chair next to him.

After the cigars were lit, the older man looked at him.

"Captain, with Candace and Jonathan occupied, I'd like to get things settled while we have a few minutes."

"And what things might that be?" Daniel asked, already knowing the answer.

"Damnation, man! Do I have to spell it out for you?!"

"If your referring to our earlier discussion, I can't fathom what you don't understand. We'll discuss whatever you want, after Candy and Jonathan have gone up to bed. I refuse to talk about it until then."

Ralph shook his head but didn't reply.

"Right now, I'd be happy to talk to you about anything you'd like, as long as it doesn't involve the children or their mother."

It was quiet on the porch, as the two men smoked in silence. It wasn't long, though, before Jonathan ran to the steps to ask the captain if he wanted to play with them. As an afterthought, he invited his grandfather to join them, but Ralph thanked him politely and declined the offer.

Not seeing any reason to stay with the brooding man, Daniel excused himself and went into the yard with the children. As Ralph watched him leave, his angry thoughts ran unabated through his mind.

'It's high time Jonathan, and his sister, stop being a nuisance and learn their place,' he thought. 'How are they ever going to be worthy of the Muir name when their unruly behavior is encouraged by their mother and that . . . that . . . sailor?! When I get them back to Philadelphia, I'll whip them into shape so fast their heads will spin. They'll know who the head of this family is and understand how children of the upper class should behave. I'll make damn sure all this racket they make stops. Those children will be seen and not heard in my house.'

His thoughts were still focused on how things would be when he finally controlled the children and their ridiculous mother, when Jonathan and Candace's happy screams and laughter filled the air. He cringed at the sound, but the combination of their laughter and that of the captain's, made him even angrier.

That's where things stood when Carolyn and Marjorie came out to join them. Ralph was sitting in a chair, with an unpleasant expression on his face, not the least bit interested in what his grandchildren were doing.

Before the ladies laid eyes on the captain, they heard him laughing and playing with Candy and Jonathan in the yard. The scene left no doubt of the love and affection the three held for each other, and it pleased both women.

Seeing their mother and grandmother, Candy and Jonathan shouted an invitation for them to join them, which made their grandfather wince again. Not noticing his reaction, the ladies called back declining their offer and then made their way to the swing.

Daniel pulled the children aside and spoke quietly with them for a moment, and they all, including Scruffy, returned to the porch.

"Where's Martha?" Candy asked.

"She has a few letters she'd wants to write so we can take them to the post office tomorrow," her mom explained.

"Oh."

"Why don't you both come sit with us on the swing?" Marjorie asked, patting the space beside her.

"Okay!"

Candy and Jonathan sat between their mom and grandmother, while Scruffy curled up close by, making sure he was between the children and the mean man.

The ladies, and the youngest Muirs, talked about the fun they'd had all day, but no one missed that the men weren't speaking to each other. The children knew their grandfather's grumpiness impacted everyone, and, despite his behavior at dinner, could see his good mood didn't last long. They couldn't help being worrying about the captain being stuck with him.

Daniel had no interest in speaking with Ralph Muir but wanted to ease the tension on the porch. He'd seen the children looking toward them and knew that stress created by Ralph Muir's presence was affecting everyone.

After blowing the cigar smoke out slowly, he turned and faced the disagreeable old sot. He casually asked him about the Muir Company to get him talking, and it worked. Ralph went on and on about the expansion they'd completed a few years earlier, his offices in Philadelphia and Newark, and what he hoped to do in the next few years. Through it all, he never bothered to ask the seaman anything about his life or business . . . with one exception. He was unusually interested in when he would be sailing again. Daniel didn't know what, if anything, he'd been told, so was vague in his reply.

"I'm not sure. There are a few unresolved details that will have to be worked out first."

"Oh? Carolyn mentioned you would only be in port a short time. It sounded as if your schedule was already determined."

"I thought it was, but a few things have come up, as they are wont to do. I'm sure you have similar issues in your business."

That one comment was enough to get Ralph going again. As one dull story led to another, Daniel began to wonder just how long he could go on. If Carolyn hadn't interrupted, by reminding the children they needed to get ready to take their baths, he probably would have talked the rest of the evening.

"Oh, Mom!" her son automatically whined.

"Now, Jonathan . . ."

Seeing her opportunity, Candy immediately spoke up.

"I'll go first!"

"That's my girl. Why don't we get started then?" Carolyn said, giving her a gentle squeeze. Then, looking at the captain, inquired, "Daniel . . .?"

Not needing to be asked, he took a long, last pull from his cigar and put it out in the ashtray. Standing, he bowed toward Marjorie and then Ralph.

"Mrs. Muir. Mr. Muir, if you'll excuse me . . . duty calls."

"Now what?" Ralph asked, annoyed by the interruption.

"If the children are going to bathe, the ladies will need me to take the water upstairs for them."

The older man just looked at him, wondering just how henpecked this 'man of the sea' was already.

"Oh, how nice to have someone around to help with that heavy chore," Marjorie said, looking at her daughter-in-law. "I would imagine it takes you and Martha quite a few trips to get enough water upstairs."

"The children help too, but you're right. Thank goodness there's a drain in the tub, and we only have to take the water up."

"A drain? What a wonderful idea!"

"We don't have to bother with all of that, Ralph said smugly. "We have servants to take care of such manual labor."

Daniel ignored Ralph's comment and replied to Marjorie.

"Now, if they would only come up with a way to heat water and deliver it directly to the tub and kitchen sink," Daniel added.

"It'll never happen," the older man added confidently.

"Really? It surprises me to hear you say that. I would have thought, in your line of business, that it would be something you'd have people working on."

"I'm too busy with the current lines of business to take on something as unlikely as that. I still say it can't be done."

"I wouldn't be so sure. When I was in London over Christmas, there was an article in the paper about a man who had developed a way to heat water in the pipes. I think his name was Maughan; he called his device a 'geyser' after an Icelandic gushing hot spring," the captain explained.

"His invention makes cold water, at the top, flow through pipes that are heated by hot gases from a burner at the bottom. The hot water then flows into a sink or tub. It sounded promising until the article pointed out the safety issues. Apparently, there's no flue to remove the heated gases from the washroom, or wherever the water was going. It was discovered that the build-up of gases could lead to people being poisoned."

Carolyn shivered unexpectedly.

"If that's the case, I can do without that convenience," she remarked, unsure of why the thought frightened her so.

Daniel noticed her reaction and gently squeezed her arm.

"Don't worry, my love, regardless of how convenient hot water flowing to the second floor would be, Gull Cottage won't be equipped with such a device unless it's safe."

She smiled and patted his hand before they broke contact.

"Well, since we don't have anything to make the process any easier right now, we'd better get a move on," she said, looking at the children with a twinkle in her eye. "All hands turn to!" she commanded and saluted.

Candy, Jonathan, and Scruffy immediately lined up and marched into the house ahead of her.

Daniel shook his head and smiled at his lady.

"Madam, shall we?" he asked, presenting his arm.

"Aye, aye, Captain."

Marjorie watched them go into the house, pleased that Carolyn and the children seemed to have found happiness. Ralph, of course, was not the least bit impressed.

"What kind of a man puts up with being treated like that?"

"I'd say, a kind one, who is very much in love," his wife replied wistfully.

He looked at her as if she had lost her mind but didn't reply. Marjorie looked at him briefly and then turned her attention to the darkening sky and the sea in the distance. Captain Gregg had built this beautiful home, with a lovely view, that would serve the family well. She was truly happy for Carolyn and the children and expected they would find a lifetime of happiness and contentment here at Gull Cottage.

Ralph glanced her way and noticed a faraway look on her face. After what he'd witnessed earlier, he decided she must be thinking about that broken-down sailor.

"You women amaze me," he said in disgust. "What is it about common sailors that makes you lose all sense?"

"What are you talking about?" she asked, pulling herself out of her musings.

"Carolyn and that captain, and you with that broken-down sailor."

She rose from the swing and walked toward him.

"Ralph, I think you're the one who has an issue with seaman. Carolyn has found herself a good man, one who treats her with respect and consideration, and who obviously loves her and the children very much. She'd be a fool to let him get away. As for Colm, he was a good and caring man all those years ago when he asked Abbie to marry him, and he still is. I think you would be well served to take a few pointers from both men," she said, leaving him alone on the porch.

XXXXX

Reaching the kitchen, Daniel, Carolyn, and the children found Martha tending the bath water in buckets on the stove.

"Captain, the first batch will be ready to go up in a few minutes."

"Thank you for getting them started. Just let me know when they're ready," he replied.

"Candy and Jonathan, you may as well go up and get ready," their mother prompted them.

"Gee, Mom, Candy's going first, why do I have to go up now too?!"

"Well, I guess you're right. I'll tell you what; while you wait for your turn, you can take Scruffy out one last time. When you finish, you can spend a few minutes reading before it's your turn."

"O-kay."

"That's a good lad; go on now," Daniel instructed, patting both heads as Candy headed for the stairs and Jonathan and the dog toward the back door.

"Martha, may I ask a favor?" the captain said, turning to her.

"Of course," she replied. "You can always ask, but I can't guarantee I'll agree to it."

"Point taken," he replied. "It's nothing untoward; I promise," he said smiling. "Mr. Muir drinking already doesn't bode well for the conversation we hope to have with him tonight. Would you mind removing the liquor from the living room?"

"Ah," she nodded. "That's a favor I can grant. I'll be back in a few minutes. Keep an eye on the water for me."

She wasn't out of the room five seconds when Daniel had Carolyn in his arms.

"And what about you, my love. Will you be taking a bath tonight?" he asked, waggling his eyebrows.

She chuckled and rested her head against his chest, receiving a gentle kiss on her hair.

"As a matter of fact, I would like to have a bath before I turn in."

He smiled and his eyebrows did another little dance.

"Daniel stop," she said swatting his chest, laughing with him.

As was often the case, their banter turned into sweet kisses in the blink of an eye. They were so caught up in each other, they didn't hear the front door open and close softly.

Marjorie walked through the foyer and started into the kitchen, but, seeing the couple in each other's arms, changed direction so as not to interrupt their private moment. She went to the living room where she found Martha removing the liquor tray. She immediately made the connection of what she was doing and why.

"Thank you, Martha; I think that's best."

"You're welcome, Mrs. Muir."

"Carolyn and Captain Gregg seem very well suited for one another . . ."

"Yes, they are. He's very good to her and the children."

"I can see that. How do they handle his absence when he's away for long periods of time?"

The question made Martha uncomfortable. Not that she doubted Mrs. Muir's sincerity or concern; she just didn't like talking about her family to anyone . . . relative or not.

"Ma'am, I think that's something you should ask Mrs. Muir," she said politely.

Realizing what she'd done, Marjorie replied.

"Yes. You're right. I'm sorry; I didn't mean to put you on the spot."

The housekeeper nodded and started toward the kitchen. Marjorie, not sure of the situation in there, called to her in a slightly raised voice.

"Martha!"

Startled, the housekeeper turned around.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Thank you for all you do for Carolyn and the children. I really appreciate it."

"You're welcome, Mrs. Muir. It's my pleasure."

The raised voices in the hall were all the couple needed as warning, and they quickly separated.

When Martha entered the room, followed by Marjorie, Carolyn was over by the stove, checking the water, and the captain was at the sink, feigning interest in something out the back window.

"Daniel, I think this water is ready to go up."

Turning back toward the room, he acted as if he were just noticing the ladies had entered the room and smiled at them both. Going over to the stove, Carolyn handed him two potholders to protect his hands.

"Don't burn yourself," she reminded him.

"Yes, ma'am," came his exaggerated reply, as he lifted one, then another, large bucket of water from the stove.