When Ralph finally made his way into the house, he went immediately to the living room for another glass of brandy. Not seeing the liquor tray, he wondered where it had gone and started opening cabinets trying to find it. He went through the living room, the alcove, and even the dining room and still came away empty handed.
Frustrated at not being able to find anything to drink, he wandered into the kitchen where Martha was reviewing a recipe. She looked up as he reached the door.
"Where is everyone?" he asked.
"They're all upstairs."
"Everyone?" he asked suspiciously.
"Yes, sir. Captain Gregg just made the last trip of the first batch of hot water, so the children can get started with their baths. Their mother has gone to her bedroom, and their grandmother mentioned she was going up to the guest room."
"I see."
"Can I get you anything, Mr. Muir?"
"Yes, Martha. Do you have any more of that excellent Madeira that was served last night?"
"I'm sorry, sir, but that was the last of it."
"Oh," he replied, his disappointment evident. "Then how about more brandy? It seems to have disappeared."
"Sir, if it's not in the living room, I don't know where it's gone. I do have some cooking sherry if you'd like a glass?"
She bit back a smile at the expression on his face.
"No. That's all right. You don't have anything else?"
"Would you like a glass of water? The children's pitcher is over there on the tray. I'd be happy to get you a glass."
"No. No, thank you," he said in disgust. As he left the kitchen, Martha couldn't help hearing him grumble, "That damn sailor did close the bar."
XXXXX
Marjorie was closing the door to the guest room when Candy came out of the washroom.
"Feeling better?" she asked.
"Oh, yes! I really like going first."
Her grandmother chuckled.
"I remember those days and agree with you completely. Would you like me to help you dry your hair?"
"Yes, please!"
Together, the oldest and youngest Muir women went down the hall. In the nursery, they found Scruffy in his basket and Jonathan lying on his bed reading Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
"I knew you'd like it," his sister said smugly.
"Yeah, it's a little harder to read than my Don Speed books, but it is pretty good; even if it is about a girl," he added mischievously.
Candy shook her head at her brother. The expression on his face reminded her of the captain, when he was teasing them, and she almost told him that but, with her grandmother in the room, kept the thought to herself. She knew both of their grandparents thought Jonathan looked like his father, when he was a boy, and didn't want to hurt her feelings.
"The tub's all yours."
"Okay, thanks," he replied, closing the book.
Marjorie was pleased that the children got along so well together. It reminded her, very much, of the relationships she'd had as a young child with her own brothers and sister. Watching Candy and Jonathan, and seeing how comfortable they were with each other, she couldn't help thinking about their father. If she and Ralph had been blessed with more children, she wondered if having siblings would have changed the kind of man Bobby grew up to be?
Her thoughts were interrupted when Jonathan, with his nightshirt draped over his shoulder, walked by in his robe. She gave his hair a tussle and received a happy smile in return as he left the room.
While working on Candy's hair, the 'ladies' talked about a wide array of things that interested them both. When it was as dry as she could get it, Marjorie quickly put her hair in a loose braid. As she finished, they looked at each other in the mirror.
"Golly, Grandmother, you sure did that fast!"
"I've been doing it a long time," she said, putting her arm around her.
"But braiding your own hair is a lot different than doing someone else's. How'd you get so fast?"
"My mother and sister taught me how."
"Your sister, Abbie?"
"Yes."
"She didn't mind you braiding her hair, even though you were younger than she was."
"She did at first, but the better I got at doing it the less she complained. It also helped that she liked not having to do it herself."
"You're lucky you had a sister; brothers don't want to have anything to do with braiding hair."
"I did have a brother. Actually, I had two, but you're right, they showed no interest in doing anything with our hair . . . other than pulling it."
"You 'did have?'"
"They died when they were about your age and Jonathan's."
"Both of them . . . at the same time?"
"Yes. They drowned," she said quietly.
"What happened?!"
"We'd had a heavy rain that summer, and the boys were playing in the creek with their friends. Will, the youngest, waded out too far, was knocked down by the force of the water, and went under. My older brother, John, tried to save him, but they were both swept away."
"Oh, I'm so sorry," Candy said; the tears in her eyes matching her grandmother's.
Marjorie blinked rapidly to control those threatening to spill. The loss her family had suffered was the trigger, but it was the reaction of her compassionate granddaughter that touched her so. Smiling through the tears, she gave her a warm hug.
Seeing how the memory had affected her, Candy took a clean hanky from the drawer and dabbed her grandmother's cheeks. When she finished, Marjorie took the handkerchief from her and returned the gesture and hugged her close.
In one respect, the visit from her father's parents had been exactly what she expected, but it also included an unexpected and wonderful surprise. Candy hadn't really looked forward to them coming but was finding the more time she spent with her grandmother the more she wanted to be with her. They'd never spent time together like this in Philadelphia and seeing this different side of her grandmother made the young girl very glad she had come. She only wished her grandfather had proven to be as caring and fun, instead of the gruff old bear he was most of the time. He was behaving exactly as she'd expected him to, and his attitude toward her was unchanged from what it had always been. Candy was finally convinced that she would never win his affection and decided to stop trying. What she did want to do was make sure her grandmother knew how much she loved and appreciated her.
"Would you like to read my essay, Grandmother? It's not quite finished, but, if you have time, I'd like to know what you think."
"Sweetheart, I would be honored to read your essay," she replied with a smile and another hug.
XXXXX
The captain was coming down the hall with a fresh batch of hot water when Jonathan came out of the nursery.
"Is that for me?"
"Aye lad. Unfortunately, bath water doesn't stay warm long, and we can't have you catching a chill, now, can we?"
"No, sir. Thank you."
In the washroom, Daniel felt the water in the tub and let some of it go down the drain. Then, he put the stopper back in and added the fresh hot water.
"There, that should hold you, just don't linger too long, and be sure to let the water out when you finish."
"Yes, sir."
"And don't leave a ring around the tub," the captain reminded him as he left the room.
XXXXX
He was coming down the steps, with the empty buckets, just as Martha was coming out of the kitchen.
"Pardon me, madam, but do you know where I might find the lady of the house?" he asked smiling.
She waited until he reached the foot of the stairs and then motioned for him to follow her into the kitchen. Pulling him away from the doorway, she took the buckets from him and spoke in a low tone.
"The lady of the house went out front to get some fresh air. Her father-in-law is in the living room, and she didn't really want to go in there."
"Is she all right?" he asked.
"I think so. She's just had enough of Mr. Muir, and I think she wanted to avoid him."
"Thank you, Martha," he said, kissing her cheek.
XXXXX
Carolyn hadn't ventured off the porch. She was looking out at the horizon, marveling at how the moon and stars lit up the heavens and the bay below. She'd come outside to gather her thoughts about the storm that awaited them and couldn't help wishing that her anxiety could be driven away as easily as the stars and moon did the darkness of the night.
As trepidation filled her thoughts, she looked down to see a small branch on the porch ledge and picked it up. With a feeling of unease, she sat down and absently stared at it. She was so completely lost in thought she didn't hear Daniel come outside. It wasn't until his hand appeared close to hers that she was pulled from her musings.
"Good evening, Captain," she said, with a smile that wasn't quite convincing.
He sat down beside her, hoping he could ease her concern.
"Good evening, my love. You'll be happy to know that Jonathan is taking his bath, so phase two is well under way," he reported.
"Thank you for taking the water upstairs; it makes it so much easier."
"I couldn't very well have you and Martha toting buckets of hot water upstairs, while I sat out on the front porch like an oriental potentate, now could I?"
"I can't see you doing that under any circumstances."
"And you never will," he said. Taking her hand, he glanced at the sky and then set his eyes on her. "So, for now, the interruptions of the day have been quieted, the moon is full, the sky studded with stars, the air is balmy, and the barometer is steady."
"You do a lovely weather report, Captain, but I'm afraid that only applies out here. There's a completely different weather pattern inside," she reminded him, threading her fingers through his. "I suppose it won't be long before we have to sit down with Ralph and have our 'discussion?'" she sighed.
"I'm afraid so. I know he's anxious; he's already tried to talk to me several times. Apparently, he still believes he can buy me off. He's brought the subject up at least twice since he made his original offer."
"Since we returned from the beach?"
"Yes. He tried to talk about it before supper and then again afterwards . . . shortly before you and Mrs. Muir joined us on the porch. It seems he's determined to have his way. I get the impression he believes, if he throws enough money at a problem, he can make it, or, in this case, 'me,' go away. He must think that will cause you to change your mind and agree to his plan. The fact that you've already told him 'no' has had no impact on him at all."
"And that was before he learned about you . . . but then 'no,' is not something he likes to hear, especially from a woman. He's used to getting his way, or, as we both know, buying off the person standing in the way of what he wants."
"He obviously thinks I'm the reason you don't want to move back to Philadelphia."
"I wouldn't be surprised, but he's wrong; just as he's wrong about most things related to the children and me. While you are certainly a big part of why I wouldn't leave Schooner Bay, I would no more move back to Philadelphia, to live with or near him, than marry another man like Robert."
"Perhaps you should tell him that."
She looked up at him, surprised at the suggestion.
"Carolyn, are you worried about hurting his feelings? He's not the least bit concerned about hurting yours, Candy's, or even Jonathan's . . . his supposed 'heir apparent,'" he remarked.
"Maybe that's it. Despite everything we've been through, I don't want to put up barriers between the children and their grandparents," she admitted. "But, at the same time, I don't want Ralph influencing Candy and Jonathan any more than he already has. I also worry about what will happen when he realizes he's not going to get his way. I don't know if he'd try to keep Marjorie from seeing the children or something worse," she admitted. "Daniel, what if he tries to take Candy and Jonathan away from us?"
"My love, we will never let that happen," he said, pulling her into his embrace.
"That's what my father said, when I first voiced my concern before Robert died," she said, her head on his shoulder.
"A wise man, your father; I look forward to meeting him," he said, kissing her gently. "Carolyn, we will never let that tyrannical bilge rat take the children away, so I don't want you to concern yourself with the possibility. I am having second thoughts about one thing, though."
"Oh? What?"
"Me not talking to him privately."
She looked at him for an explanation.
"My love, if you believe he would try to take Candy and Jonathan away from you . . . and I see that as a real possibility . . . perhaps I should talk to him alone; at least for part of the conversation. If he thinks he can buy me off, he must believe I'm as unscrupulous as he is, and it could be a good idea to string him along with that notion. He might show his hand, putting us in a better position to know what his plans are."
"Oh, Daniel, it all sounds so 'cloak and daggerish.'"
"I agree, but it's better that we know what his ultimate objective is," he replied, looking at her intently. "Your father-in-law strikes me as a man who will do whatever he has to, to get what he wants, and I don't think he worries about ethics or propriety."
"Certainly not in his personal life," she said sadly.
"No, and, if he can't be bothered to treat his family honestly or fairly, I doubt he's any different in his professional life."
"Perhaps you're right. The more we know of his plans the better we can prepare to fight him, but I do want to be included at some point. He needs to know the decision to stay in Schooner Bay is mine, and no one else's."
"Believe me, he will be made aware of that before he goes to bed tonight. There will also be no question that he will be in for the fight of his life if he even thinks about taking the children away from you."
"Away from us," she corrected him.
"Thank you, my love," he said kissing her.
"Daniel, I hope you're right and this works."
"I'm confident it will. In the last 24 hours, Ralph Muir has proven himself to be a pompous blowhard who doesn't shy away from touting how smart he thinks he is. If he's convinced I'll take money to break off my relationship with you, he'll let his guard down and feel the need to brag about just how clever he is."
She looked at him, and he could tell she was unsure.
"There's something else I've learned about him."
"What that?"
"Your father-in-law has underestimated you from the moment he met you. He has no idea of who you really are, or the fight you will put up to safeguard Candy and Jonathan. Carolyn, you have already proven that you are a lioness when it comes to protecting the children. I don't see that changing because the threat is closer to home."
She leaned into him and sighed.
"You're not alone in this, my love. You have me, your parents, Martha, and any number of friends here who are willing to fight with and for you," he said. "I would imagine there might even be a few cousins in the Philadelphia area who would come to your assistance as well . . . and I don't mean Hazel and Harriet."
She gave him a half smile.
"I just pray it doesn't come to that."
He looked at her tenderly.
"Do you remember when, shortly after we shared our feelings, I told you I thought God had a plan for us?"
She met his eyes and nodded.
"I can't believe His plan doesn't include all of us being together as the family we already are in our hearts. Married or not, you and I, Candy, Jonathan and Martha are family . . . and I will never let Ralph Muir, or anyone else, tear us apart."
Her arms went around his waist, and she held on tight.
"Oh, Daniel. I love that you're always here for us. I know this sounds strange, but, whether you're with me or not, I feel your presence."
He held her close and kissed her gently.
"I wish I could always be with you."
"I know you can't be here physically all the time, but you are always with me."
They gazed at each other momentarily before coming together in a heated kiss. It was as if, through their passion, they were gaining strength from each other for the coming storm.
"I love you, Daniel. You give so much of yourself, and you make me stronger than I've ever been before."
"I love you too, but you've always been strong; I had nothing to do with that"
"That may be, but it took your love to help me see it," she smiled.
"Carolyn, you could handle this if I weren't here."
"Yes, but I'm glad I don't have to fight this raging storm alone," she said, nodding toward the living room where Ralph was.
He smiled and gave her another soft kiss.
"Are you ready to go inside?"
"I suppose so. I really should go upstairs to see if Candy needs help with anything."
Standing, Daniel took her hand and pulled her into his arms.
"Let's go check on our girl," he smiled. Seeing the worry in her eyes he added, "My love, we will get through this together and be stronger because of it."
XXXXX
They went directly upstairs to check on things. When Carolyn stuck her head in the nursery, it seemed her services weren't required after all. Her daughter's hair was already dried and braided, and her grandmother was reading what looked like Candy's essay. Not wanting to interrupt them, she quietly closed the door, and she and Daniel started down the hall. Before they got far, Marjorie came out of the bedroom.
"Carolyn? Captain?" she called quietly.
Surprised, they turned around.
"I wanted to catch you before you went down," she said softly. "I think it's likely that Ralph is going to want to talk to you again about his plan," she said.
The couple exchanged a glance.
"Regardless of what he says or threatens, I want you both to promise me you won't give in to his demands. He's a bitter old man, too blinded by his arrogance to see that you and the children are exactly where you belong. Be careful, though. He'll do anything to get want he wants, and he doesn't care who he walks over to do it."
"My dear Mrs. Muir. That is something you need not be concerned about," Daniel replied.
"We have no intention of giving in to his demands," Carolyn assured her.
"I was sure you wouldn't," she said with a slight smile. "But I wanted to warn you and let you both know you have my full support. I will never go along with his ridiculous idea.
Carolyn gently squeezed her hand.
"Thank you. That means so much to both of us . . . actually . . . to all of us."
XXXXX
Finishing his bath, Jonathan returned to the nursery where Candy and their grandmother were talking about her essay.
"This is very well written, dear. It sounds like you both are kept busy with your chores but still find time to have a lot of fun."
"Even though we don't always want to do the work, we know Mom and Martha count on us, and Bonhomme really depends on us being there to take care of him."
"Yeah," Jonathan agreed. "But we still have time to play. Sometimes our friends come up here, or we go into town, but they seem to like coming up to Gull Cottage best."
"There just so much to do. I love it here," Candy said happily.
"Me too!" her brother added.
"I can see why you would," Marjorie smiled, taking note of her grandson's hair. "Come over here, Jon; let me help you. You shouldn't be going to bed with wet hair."
She spent the next few minutes towel drying his hair and, when she finished, was asked if she'd like read to them.
"I'd be delighted, but what about your mother and the captain?"
"I'll go tell them you're going to read to us tonight," he said, running to the door.
"Jonathan!" his grandmother called, stopping him before he could get away. "Don't you think you and Candy should say goodnight to everyone before you get settled up here?"
"Oh yeah. Come on Candy," he replied, and both children headed for the door.
Marjorie smiled at their eagerness and called out one more time.
"Wait for me!"
XXXXX
Downstairs, the darkened kitchen told them no one was in there, and they quickly went to the living room, where they found the rest of the family.
Carolyn looked up and smiled.
"You both look scrubbed and ready for bed."
"Yes ma'am. Grandmother said she would read to us, so we came down to say goodnight," Jonathan explained.
They went to Martha first, who stood to accept their hugs. As they moved on, she walked over to the doorway to say goodnight to their grandmother.
When Candy and Jonathan got to their grandfather, they asked if he'd like to join them, but he declined, and gave each child an unexpected, and seemingly heartfelt, hug goodnight. Reaching their mom and the captain, they gave them a hug and a kiss and quietly asked if they'd be up to tuck them in later. Assured they would, the children happily went back upstairs with their grandmother.
Martha watched them leave then turned back to the others in the room.
"If you'll excuse me, I have a few things to do before I turn in. Mrs. Muir, the water for your bath is on the stove ready to be heated when you want to go up. Goodnight, all."
Carolyn and the captain rose to say goodnight.
"Martha, you can chalk up another successful dinner," Carolyn said, hugging her. "Goodnight . . . and thank you for everything."
Daniel kissed the older woman's cheek.
"Goodnight, Martha. Thank you for all the work you put into the day. The food was delicious, and everything was perfect."
"You're welcome, Captain. Goodnight," she said, glancing at Mr. Muir who ignored her, before heading down the hall.
The captain gazed at Carolyn, then, pulling his attention away from her, addressed her father-in-law.
"Mr. Muir, please excuse us for a few minutes; we have something to attend to. I'll be back shortly.
Taking Carolyn by the elbow, Daniel guided her out of the room and down the hallway toward Martha's room, so Ralph couldn't see or hear them.
"Are you going upstairs while we have our 'discussion?'" he asked in a low voice.
"No. I think I'll stay down here. I'll find something to do."
"All right," he replied, hugging her to him. "You told me, not too long ago, to trust you if I heard you say something outrageous to Blair Thompson."
"Are you telling me you might be doing something similar during your 'negotiations?'" she asked quietly.
"Yes. If we hope to get any information out of him, it will most likely come to that. When I talk to him, I'll be playing it by ear . . . taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves," he replied smiling.
"Daniel, I trust you implicitly," she reached up and kissed him.
"Do you remember our bit of playacting at the Seafarers Ball?"
A smile spread across her face as she recalled the impromptu act they put on when Daniel stole the last dance with her from a prospective suitor.
"I do."
He smiled and kissed her again.
"'I do' like the sound of those words spoken by your beautiful voice," he said tenderly. "I want you to follow my lead again now. Before I go back in there, I'm going to raise my voice as if starting an argument with you. Are you game?"
"Oh, yes."
"Good. Let's give that blasted sea slug the impression things are not as they appear between us."
She nodded her agreement and received another tender kiss in response.
He let go of her and moved back a step or two. Gazing into her eyes, he smiled and winked.
"Carolyn, why do you always have to be so stubborn! This conversation is between your father-in-law and me; there's no need for you to be involved!" he said loudly.
She cocked an eyebrow at him and bit back a smile.
"This is my life and my children you'll be discussing! I have every right to be included!"
"When are you going to learn that these things are best left to the men?! Now go! Find something to do. Surely, you have some sewing or knitting to do, so your father-in-law and I can get this settled without you being in the way!"
"Daniel, what's gotten into you?! I can't believe you'd speak to me like this!"
His mischievous smile told her he was about to say something that would make her blood boil.
"Madam, it's time you learned your place! You're too independent for your own good!" he practically shouted.
Her eyes flashed, and she drew her left arm back as if to slap him. Surprised, he took another quick step back but, instead of aiming for his face, she clapped her hands together.
"How dare you speak to me like that!"
About that time, Martha opened her bedroom door, wondering what was going on. She looked out just in time to see Carolyn give Daniel a quick kiss. In stunned silence, she watched her friend stomp down the hall, as if angry. Passing her, the smiling young woman put her index finger to her lips and went into the dining room, slamming the door behind her.
As if on a swivel, the housekeeper's head turned back to the captain, who looked quite pleased as he watched the door slam. Seeing the perplexed look on Martha's face, he put his index finger to his lips and winked. She watched in wonder as his face turned angry, and he went back to the living room, rubbing his right cheek.
When he was out of sight, she heard the door to the dining room open and turned back to see Mrs. Muir's head peeking out of the partially opened door. Seeing the coast clear, Carolyn came down the hall and motioned for them to go into Martha's bedroom.
XXXXX
When Daniel returned to the living room, Ralph was looking smug.
"Robert always said she was a feisty little thing," he remarked.
"Yes . . . well . . . some women don't know their place," a seemingly disgusted Daniel replied, rubbing his cheek.
"Shall we get down to business?" the older man asked.
"And what business might that be?"
"Come, come, man; don't try to play games with me."
"Are you referring to the 'negotiations' you want to continue?"
"What else?"
"I couldn't say. You're the one who's been so anxious to talk all afternoon, and since I've already responded to your offer . . ."
"Based on the argument I just overheard, I have the feeling you'd like to reopen our 'negotiations.'"
"Let's just say, I might be convinced to entertain a better offer."
Ralph laughed, believing he'd found the way to get what he wanted.
XXXXX
As Carolyn quietly closed the bedroom door, Martha looked at her friend.
"Mrs. Muir, what is going on around here?!"
"Shh," she replied, to get her to lower her voice. "The men are deciding our future."
"What . . .?!"
"At least, that's what Ralph thinks is going on."
"So, that argument in the hallway . . .?"
"Was just a little show to make him think Daniel would walk away from us . . . if the price is right."
"Mrs. Muir, I don't understand."
"It seems my esteemed father-in-law offered him money to end his relationship with me and the children."
"He didn't?!"
"He did," Carolyn confirmed. "Daniel told me about it when we were walking on the beach. Later, when we were out on the porch and he'd had time to think about it, we talked and decided it would be better if he spoke to Ralph alone, to find out what he's up to."
"Don't we already know what he's up to? He wants you and the children to move back to Philadelphia to live with them."
"That appears to be his goal, but we're both more interested in what he'll do when I refuse."
"But you've already done that."
"Yes, but it seems he's decided Daniel is the reason I didn't accept his offer. Apparently, Ralph is under the impression that, if he can get rid of Daniel, the children and I will willingly return to Philadelphia."
"So, he thinks Captain Gregg is as unprincipled as he is."
"It would seem so."
"Does Mrs. Muir know about his plan?"
"She does, but she's very supportive of my relationship with Daniel. When we were upstairs, she warned us that Ralph wanted to talk to us, but that we shouldn't give in to his demands."
"As if you would."
"You'll be happy to know she agrees with you. She just wanted us to know we have her support."
"That's good, but what do you think he'll do when's he's finally convinced you won't go back with him?"
Carolyn was slow to respond.
"Mrs. Muir . . .?"
"I'm worried he might try to take the children away from us."
The shocked look on Martha's face said it all.
"Mrs. Muir, you don't really think he'd do that? Surely, he's not that despicable."
"Knowing him as I do, I can't run the risk of underestimating how far he'd go."
"Oh, dear; that hadn't occurred to me. We can't let that happen. The last thing the children need is Ralph Muir in their lives regularly."
"I agree."
"What should we do?"
"Well . . ." she said conspiratorially. "You know the bench just outside the living room . . .?"
Martha smiled and nodded enthusiastically.
"Let's go!" Carolyn said quietly and opened the door.
Author's Note
And then there was one.
I hope you're not too annoyed with me for stringing out the confrontation between Daniel and Ralph. I promise it will happen next week. My plan is for the end of Part Three, Chapter 23, to be released next Friday along with the epilog. The only way that could change is if I get creative this week and add to the short ending I wrote. If I do, I might wait until the following week and release the epilog as its own chapter. It's anyone's guess at this point.
As always, a special thank you goes to Mary; she has made this possible. I don't know that I'd have been inspired to try my hand at fan fiction if it hadn't been for her own wonderful stories, and her encouragement over the rough draft I sent her initially. Thank you, my friend.
Just a reminder, I write and edit after Mary has proofed my work, so any and all errors are mine. I hope you all have a wonderful week and stay safe and well. Peggy