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The next few days passed in a pleasant blur of experiences and sights for the visitors from Schooner Bay, Maine. As Aiden and Cara escorted the family out and about Dublin and the surrounding countryside, the Kiely's and the Gregg-Muir clan acclimated to one another nicely. The brother and sister duo were easy-going, friendly, knowledgeable and were great with Candy and Jonathan. Aiden was an old pro negotiating the twisting back roads and busy highways and he obviously had all the local knowledge he needed to acquire the best parking spots for their touring van. Martha was her usual affable self, enjoying the trip immensely and willing to do her part in seeing to it that Daniel and Carolyn enjoyed some genuine "honeymoon" alone time. An informal schedule of each day's itinerary was worked out allowing the family to spend part of each day together, but left precious hours whereby Daniel could whisk his Carolyn away and they could be together as a vacationing couple, sans the responsibility of caring for their youngsters. Carolyn was relaxed and contented, enjoying the peace of mind afforded to her knowing her children were under the watchful, loving eye of Martha Grant and experienced, energetic tour guides who kept Jonathan and Candy on the go, entertained, and happy. Whenever the family reunited for a shared meal the kids rambled endlessly about feeding the wild ducks at the zoo, the lunch time picnic on St. Stephen's Green where the game was chasing and scattering the pigeons or the boat ride on the Liffey. Daniel kept the pair well-funded with Irish pounds each day and the shops on Grafton Street were a favorite of the blossoming fashion-sense of Candace Muir, who was so much like her lovely mother. Martha, meanwhile, encouraged Jonathan to spend less money on candy and tourist junk and save some funds for an extra special keepsake which would no doubt catch his eye before they departed for home. "You know Jonathan, that money won't burn a hole in your pocket. Save some," she advised.
Daniel enjoyed rekindling memories of the times in his youth and former life when he had been in Dublin. He took it upon himself to take Carolyn to the campus of the prestigious Trinity College where he knew she would marvel at the ancient, cathedral-like library where they stood in line to see the sacred Book of Kells. Carolyn couldn't help but to be fascinated by the historic colorful illustrated text, hand-written and hand-painted by Irish monks around the year 800 A.D. which told the Biblical story of the Four Gospels. "Amazing the paper hasn't disintegrated after all these years," she wondered aloud. She felt Daniel's protective hand on the small of her back as other tourists crowded close.
"That's not paper, it's actually vellum—made from the skin of young calves," he explained.
"Oh, my!" was her surprised reaction.
"Yes, I believe close to 200 calves gave their lives for the creation of the text," he gently put pressure to her back, and they stepped aside for others at the viewing window.
"Poor babies," Carolyn sympathized. "Must have been hard on their mama's seeing them being led off to the monastery's slaughter pen."
"Aye, that's true enough. Sheep don't have it any easier here, though," he mused. "We do love our mutton stew and lamp chops." They were back outside in the sunshine, strolling across the campus courtyard. Daniel spotted an empty bench as he took her hand and they strolled over to sit under the shade of a mighty oak tree. Carolyn settled next to him and placed the oversized bag she was using as a purse and carry-all beside them. Ireland's summer weather was notoriously fickle, and a brief rain shower was the norm. A rainy mist would creep in, umbrellas would pop up like crocuses in Springtime and just as quickly the clouds swept out across the Irish Sea and sunshine and warm temperatures would prevail once again. The Kiely's advice was to have a cardigan and umbrella handy for outdoor adventures to foil Mother Nature's mild tantrums.
Carolyn sat back and relaxed against him as his arm automatically encircled her shoulders in a possessive embrace. They enjoyed quiet companionship as Carolyn tilted her head back and looked at the blue sky and puffy white clouds peeking through the bright green tree leaves. Then she wondered, "You know, there's something we never talk about and I am hesitant to bring it up…," she began.
He smiled curiously as his thumb caressed her shoulder lightly. "What's that, love?"
"Religion." She said simply. His head tilted towards her own as he reached over to brush wayward bangs from across her eyes. He said nothing and waited for her to continue. "This university was founded by the English for Protestants."
"Aye, it was. But Catholics are admitted nowadays," he patted her shoulder for emphasis, "—and women." He smiled playfully at her.
"Daniel, I'm assuming because you grew up in what is now the Republic of Ireland you were raised Catholic."
He nodded, "Tis true."
She chose her words carefully, not knowing if she was treading into deep waters. "We attend the Methodist services at home…I…well…that's because of my religious upbringing from my parents. Bobby never was one for church," she faltered at the memory of her first husband but went on, "but I want the kids to have basic knowledge and an understanding of Christian tenants."
"Aye, as they should—specially to treat others as they themselves wish to be treated."
She reached to take his hand which had been resting in his lap. "You are their father now, Daniel. I want you to always think of Candy and Jonathan as if they are your biological children."
His blue eyes took in her earnest expression. "I love them both dearly. I would give up this new life in a heartbeat to save them from harm. You know that, don't you, Carolyn?" His tone was soft but sincere.
She squeezed his hand as her lower eyelashes collected silver tears which she brushed away quickly. "I know you do; Daniel and they both love you very much. I just want you to know…if you ever wanted to share with them…I mean we could go as a family…there's a Catholic congregation in Skeldale," she trailed off uncertain of her words or what exactly she was suggesting.
He relaxed, smiled and his arm tightened about her. "Oh darlin', I was never one for too much of a good thing, I suppose. True, it was important to my mum and she had me baptized and confirmed—had to go through catechism lessons with the other lads but as I got older…well, things happened in our village and let's just say whatever respect I had for the Church dissipated. Then I went off and joined the British Navy, and then through God's mercy and grace fell in love with a Methodist beauty as a result of an extraordinary set of circumstances," he wiggled his eyebrows playfully. "The children get plenty of Bible teachings at Sunday school—they need not attend a Mass to know the Ten Commandments." He abruptly stood up. "Let's walk, shall we? It's about time for a spot of lunch, isn't it?" he looked at his wristwatch, a Christmas and wedding day gift from his bride.
Carolyn didn't release his hand as they walk. "What happened?" she pressed.
"Hmm?"
"What happened in the village that made you change your mind about the Church?"
Daniel impulsively swiped a hand through his tangled curls. "It was a different time. I hope things have changed."
She tightened her grip on his hand. "Daniel?" she prodded.
His expression shifted, he smiled sadly. "My best friend fell in love with the daughter of the local magistrate. Her father never thought Michael was good enough for Kitty…any road…young love and all…she became with child. Michael was young and strong and desperately wanted to marry Kitty, but he was just a common field hand. Her father wouldn't give his blessing. Kitty was whisked away by the nuns and when she finally returned to Ballyrossclare—it was without the babe. Michael was devastated. He never saw his child. When he tried to made inquiries, he was shunned at the gates of her home, and by Father Thomas, the parish priest. Michael sold his favorite horse to get the pounds he needed to travel to Galway and the orphanage. It 'twas no use, the nuns barred the door to him." Daniel's eyes clouded with the pain he felt for his friend of long ago.
Carolyn dipped her head and averted his eyes as she spoke in sympathy, "Yes, I've heard about the orphanages and unwed mother homes…"
"It was brutal and cruel. Michael loved Kitty and he would have walked through hellfire to provide for them both," Daniel's tone was tinged with bitterness. "Michael never got over it—took to the drink and blamed himself for wrecking Kitty's reputation and loss of their child. He was drunk one night, stumbled into the river and drowned. I left the village not long after, was hired on a ship out of Cork. When I turned 21 I went to England and joined the naval ranks." He leaned in close and poignantly whispered in her ear. "I want to take you to Ballyrossclare. We'll visit the graves of three people: my mum, my dad and Michael. God rest their souls." He pressed his lips against her temple for a long moment.
Carolyn nodded in understanding as she put her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest. "Candy and Jonathan are so lucky to have you in their lives. It makes me love you all the more, my dear Captain Gregg." He heard the tell-tale sniff of her attempt to hold back a sob; he had not intended to reveal such strong emotions and memories. He chalked it up to being back in the land of his birth.
"Come now, my darling, let's head over to The Brazen Head. It has the distinction of being Ireland's oldest public house. I hope it hasn't changed much since I last had a pint there. It is a bit of a stroll or we could hail a cab if you like?"
Carolyn Gregg smiled up at her him and stood on her tiptoes for a sweet, lingering kiss. "We have the whole afternoon for ourselves and I've got my comfortable walking shoes on. Lead the way, good sir." She laced her fingers through his as they ambled leisurely enjoying the sites of Dublin, the weather and each other. Less than an hour later the Captain and Mrs. Gregg had made their way down Bridge Street and spotted the ancient pub. Carolyn marveled at the gigantic blooming hanging baskets of brightly colored petunias which seemed to offer a welcoming greeting to customers. "I can't get over the spectacular flower displays every building seems to have in this country. Just fantastic, lovely blooms."
Daniel held the door open for her, "Aye, perfect summer weather for the flowers. Good mix of rain and sunshine. Mild temperatures thanks to the Gulf Stream bringing up the warmer waters from the Caribbean. My personal favorite is the holly. Jolly little vines. You have the green thumb in the family, love. We should try to get some started at Gull Cottage—perhaps shaded by Duex." Daniel spotted a table in the back room, nodded in the direction and then took her elbow to escort her. As they passed the old wooden bar, he gestured to the barmaid for two lunch menus.
"Doo?" she asked curiously.
Daniel held the chair out for her as she took her seat. "Yes, Duex. That's what I have decided to christen Monkey Puzzle Tree, Number Two."
"Oh." She said simply. "Makes sense." The waitress brought over their menus and took their drink orders. Daniel order a pint of Guinness and Carolyn settled for a tamer glass of lemonade. After a moment of perusing the menu choices she decided on the fish and chips while Daniel smiled and nodded in approval when he saw the Dubb Linn stew offering. After ordering Carolyn excused herself to use the washroom. When she came back, she took a few moments to linger and gaze at the many framed photos, maps, newspaper stories and other artifacts decorating the walls of the old pub. She was standing at the end of the ancient bar when she suddenly felt a chill. She shivered slightly and frowned looking overhead for the offending air duct. She came back to Daniel rubbing her arms. She reached inside her bag and pulled out her cream-colored cashmere sweater, a Christmas gift from her parents. Their drinks had been delivered to the table and Daniel was admiring the shamrock the bartender had drawn in the foam after he had pulled the pint and it had settled properly.
He looked up to see Carolyn wrap the cardigan around her shoulders. "Cold darlin'?"
"Mm, just a sudden chill," she dismissed his comment. "So, what have you planned for this evening? I hope it isn't too fancy. I left my best ball gown at home, I'm afraid," she gave him one of her radiant smiles and his heart thumped in his chest. He would never get over how beautiful she was and the miracle which brought them together.
He reached across the table and took her hand in his. "Anything you'd like. What's your fancy?"
"I think we owe Martha, Cara and Aiden a night off. Don't you?"
"I expect you're right. They've been doing a yeoman's job of keeping Candy and Jonathan entertained."
Just then the waitress brought over their steaming plates. "On your guard—plates are hot," she warned. She set them down carefully and tucked her potholders into her front apron pocket. "Enjoy your meal." Carolyn read the embroidered name on her Brazen Head polo shirt.
"Lacey—if I may ask?"
"Aye, certainly. How 'bout ye? Need a cuppa tea or coffee?"
"No thank you. But my husband and I are wondering if you have any suggestions for evening entertainment in Dublin tonight which we could bring our children to?"
Lacey thought a moment. "Well, the kiddies will have to be out of the public houses at 9:00 p.m. They're right welcomed for dinner, but city codes determined when the pubs are off limits for the younger crowd—so no pub crawls for them, eh? But tell you what—there's a corker of a festival going on down at Herbert Park—tis Fringe Festival time. Good craic: magicians, storytellers, comedy shows and the like. Plenty of fun things your kids will enjoy, I imagine. Then there's many a ghost tour you can sign on for…if'n your young ones can handle an imaginary fright." Mr. and Mrs. Gregg shared a meaningful glance and smile. "Anyway, if you are staying at one of Dublin's hotels the staff there can point you to some appropriate activities as well. Enjoy your meal!" she said pleasantly and headed back to the main bar area to wait on new patrons.
"Ghost tours!" Carolyn chuffed in amusement and picked up a piece a cod and took a bite. "Ooh! Hot!" she gasped. She reached for her lemonade.
"She did warn you," Daniel pointed out. "Besides," he moved his head to gaze beyond where his wife was seated. "Ghosts in Ireland are everywhere." He jutted his chin in the direction of the antique bar in the main room of the saloon. "Take that odd fellow seated at the far corner bar stool. He's a rude one, he's been staring at us since we came in. 'Course I can't blame the chap. I imagine it's not often he sees a beauty the likes of you come into his haunt." Daniel took his fork and dug into his piping hot stew.
Carolyn swallowed her gulp of lemonade and made no pretense of subtlety as she turned in her seat to look behind her. "There's a what seated where?" she gasped.
Captain Gregg lifted his pint and took a sip. "Impolite to stare, love. Besides, I doubt you want him coming over here for a chat, do you?"
"You can see ghosts?"
Daniel smiled and continued eating his bowl of stew. "Aye, darling. Why you should be surprised by this, I can't imagine. Takes one to know one, comes to mind. May I steal a chip?" He reached across and helped himself.
A sudden thought came to Carolyn Gregg. "That's the spot where I felt the cold air, Daniel. I had to put this sweater on I got such a chill."
Daniel took his napkin and dabbed his mouth. "Aye. No doubt you have developed a certain sensitivity for spirits based upon our early relationship at Gull Cottage."
"Maybe. I know I got pretty good at sensing your presence. Scruffy was your real nemesis. He has doggie ghost-dar." she smiled and wondered how the little dog was adjusting to life in Philadelphia with her parents. He had been a puppy when he last spent time there. She went back to eating her lunch. After a moment she wondered, "Is he still looking this way?" Daniel assured her the apparition was still glaring at him.
"He knows I can see him. He's reading our thoughts." Daniel suddenly stood and glared back across the room where no living customer sat. He fixed his steely blue gaze at the spot and then eventually sat back down to finish his meal. "He's gone."
"What did you do?" Carolyn held a French fry aloft in mid-bite, her jade eyes wide in wonderment.
"I merely had a psychic chat with the man. Told him to bugger off and let us eat our meal in peace."
"Do you know who he is? Why he's haunting this place?"
Daniel tried to pluck another chip off her plate, but she playfully gave his hand a slap. "Give me a taste of your Dubb Linn stew if you insist on stealing my fries," she couldn't keep the smile off her lips as she tried to scold him like a misbehaving child.
He shoved his bowl across to her good-naturedly. "Have a taste. Basically, a lamb stew."
She took a forkful and didn't resist when he captured another French fry. "So, who is—was he?
"His name is Robert Emmet. He was hanged years ago and is still upset about his fate, apparently. Can't say I blame him."
Carolyn nodded her approval of the lamb stew and then went back to eating her fish. "I think we can take the kids to the festival in the park tonight, Daniel. One ghost a day is enough for me, we don't need to tour all the haunted spots in Dublin. Besides," she gave him sultry look and a knowing wink. "I don't want the kids to be up all night with nightmares—I have a different late-night activity in mind tonight for you and I, my love."
Daniel took another swig from his mug and met her eyes with desire of his own. "As you wish, m'lady." Carolyn suddenly rose from her chair and slithered sexily to his side. Daniel tilted his head up expecting a kiss. Instead, she took the napkin in her hand and tenderly wiped the Guinness foam from his mustache. She sat back down and snickered at his obvious disappointment. He protested by snitching another chip from her plate. "Wench!" he declared and then joined his wife in laughter as she giggled in delight.
Later that evening after dinner at the Hamilton House's dining room, Martha did indeed beg off attending the Fringe Festival. But instead of retiring early she opted to go along with Cara and Aiden to visit Dublin's Temple Bar district for a genuine Irish pub visit of her own. The Kiely's escorted her to Oliver St. John Gogarty's. The pub featured a ceili band playing traditional Irish tunes and the lively, friendly crowd spilled outside to the patio area on the warm early summer night. Martha couldn't resist clapping her hands and tapping her toes to the jigs and reels as they wound their way through the crowd. There didn't seem to be an empty barstool in the place but soon Cara noticed the threesome was being hailed to share a booth with a smiling couple. A middle-aged Irish couple with cheerful expressions were waving for them to join them. "We've plenty of room to ourselves here, missy. Come take a pew! Are you treating your granny to a pint tonight?" asked the woman.
"That we are, in a manner of speaking," Cara informed them. "She's visiting from the U.S. and she's never had a glass of Guinness. Can you imagine that?"
"Well, that's a shame, indeed it is. We'll soon right that situation!" her husband vowed. Aiden took the group's drink orders and then maneuvered back through the crowd to the bar to fetch their refreshments. He came back shortly with a tray of assorted adult beverages, including refills for their genial table hosts. Martha eyed the glass of Guinness and the shot of Irish whiskey which were meant to be hers. She felt a little dubious but was encouraged by her new friends to give them a try. "I'm not much of a drinker. Maybe a sip of champagne on New Year's Eve or a little taste of Mogan David for a wedding toast," she explained. But she was in good mood. She lifted the whiskey to her lips hesitantly and was advised to sip and savor the liquid. "What the heck! When in Rome—or Ireland!" She swallowed the fiery elixir, and her whole body did a shake and a shimmy in reaction. "Whoo! That'll heat your boiler in a hurry!" she exclaimed and laughed in enjoyment. "Oh! Oh! I know this song!" she suddenly announced and began to sing along with the rest of Gogarty's crowd and began pounding her fist of the wooden table along to the beat when the string band began playing "I'll Tell Me Ma."
Meanwhile across the capital city Jonathan and Candy Muir were having an equally fun and unique time under the watchful eyes of their parents. The festival was set up like a mini city with streets and boulevards of colorful tents, exhibits, concessionaires and side shows. They watched wide-eyed in amazement as a talented juggler was keeping his crowd entertained by tossing fiery torches into the air. As he was juggling, he kept up an amusing story and kept the crowd chuckling and wincing in empathetic pain when he came close to singeing his hands or hair. Jonathan's excitement was bubbling out of him when he spied a clown twisting balloons into various shapes. "Mom! Mom! Look! He's making balloon animals and stuff! Can I ask him to make me one?"
Carolyn bent at the waist to speak to him. "Yes, you may. Jonathan."
"Oh yeah. May I go ask the man?" She had barely nodded her head when he took off over the grass to join the other kids gathered around the clown dressed in colorful, puffy pants of zig zags and swirls and a big red, bulbous nose. Candy looked up at her mother and waited for the actual permission. "Go!" Carolyn laughed and waved her away. The girl sprinted after her brother. Carolyn smiled affectionately and slipped her arm around Daniel's waist. "This was a good choice. They are loving every minute of this."
"Indeed. Have they ever been to an actual circus?"
She pursed her lips and cocked her head slightly. "No, they haven't. Bobby's folks were going to take them to see Barnum & Bailey's in Philly one time, but the flu bug hit, and we had to cancel. They were so little I doubt they would have remembered it."
Just then a young woman flitted by in a revealing costume that garnered Captain Gregg's full attention. She wore a wispy outfit with fairy wings attached to her back. She had glitter glued to her cheeks and was randomly sprinkling some sparkly substance about her every few yards. Some of the blue and gold twinkles landed atop Carolyn's head and face as the nymph passed by the visitors from America. Daniel noticed his wife's new adornments and gently brushed his hand through her blonde hair then stooped to blow gently against her cheek. He punctuated his care with a quick kiss to her lips which she returned immediately as a reward for his chivalry. He looked down the row of tent stages and saw a pair of young, strapping lads coming towards them dressed only in black undershorts with some kind of message written across their backsides. Carolyn was distracted from her husband long enough to read their unusually placed signage. They were advertising one of the scheduled events and gave the address of the make-shift stage. "Circus freaks! Positively indecent," Daniel growled in disapproval.
Carolyn laughed good-naturedly. "Performance artists, dear."
"Prancing about in their skivvies is not art!"
"Maybe not," she mused. "But they sure were fun to look at!" She grinned at his shaken expression. Before she could tease him more her children came running up to them grinning from ear to ear. Candy was sporting a balloon hat made from a sophisticated tangle of balloons and Jonathan was pretending to be a swashbuckling pirate with his air-filled saber. The family ambled along taking in the rest of the festival events enjoying the uillean pipe music filling the air adding to the kaleidoscope of sights and the tantalizing smell of roasted peanuts and candy floss wafting on the evening breeze. Finally, Daniel made the decision it was getting late and it was time to head back to their hotel. Carolyn's right-hand clutched Daniel's as Jonathan clung to her left hand. Candy held on tightly to Daniel's right hand. The family wound their way through the festival crowd and back to a waiting line of cabs. This would be their final night in Dublin, the next morning Aiden Kiely would head the van south for the short trip to the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, their next home base destination in Ireland. County Cork and Ballyrossclare were beckoning Daniel homewards. He could feel its pull like the tides feel the Moon.