To Margaret:

As always your great reviews make me smile. I truly look forward to reading them. This means, of course, that I shall have to continue writing and making music videos to get some more lovely, insightful thoughts and comments. A new fic is in the works as we speak.

Regarding any new characters introduced into any of my fanfics, if they are not the original characters from the show then they are purely my invention. You asked about Kearns and Beaumont. They showed up in my mind one night and both said, "This is what we want to say, so go ahead and write it." The words are theirs I simply had to try and keep up.

Beaumont knew Daniel when they were both serving officers and they shared some great adventures. Kearns had retired by then and all three met up again in the spirit world. They were great fun to play with, and they were enjoyable to listen to. I loved the part where the Admiral had lost his eyeglasses, again.

And as always, Claymore got his dues… But wait, there's more…

I thank you for your reviews! Read on, McDuff and much Aroha for taking such a lively and enduring interest in what I do for joy. I am always striving not to disappoint. I also enjoy the journey as much as you.

Kia Kaha!

Judith

Chapter Ten

The Wedding Ball

"Oh, Daniel… I've been waiting for so long, hoping you would ask me…" Carolyn drew a shuddering breath, wiping the back of one hand across her tear-filled eyes. "Yes, of course, my love. Of course, I will marry you. How could you think my answer would be anything else but, yes, yes, yes!"

She took the ring box from his outstretched grasp with one trembling hand while impelling him to his feet with the other by tugging at his shoulder.

"Thank you!" Daniel rose in one fluid motion to sweep her into his arms, holding her so close he nearly forced all the air from her lungs.

"Not so tight…" Carolyn cautioned, laughing breathlessly.

"I'm sorry…" Daniel pulled back immediately, holding her with both arms around her slender waist. "Did I hurt you?"

"No…" Carolyn matched his embrace, gazing up into his face. She didn't think she'd ever seen him wearing a bigger or more relieved smile.

Still holding the ring box, and with her gaze on his, she brought her hands back around in front of her so she could slowly remove from her finger the wedding ring she had worn since the day she had first been married. She didn't look at it as she tucked it into the pocket of her jacket.

That small gold band was from another time and another life. Robert's ring was the past and now she had a future to look forward to with the man she truly loved with all her heart. Truly, with love, all longed-for and unexpected things suddenly seemed very possible…

"Thank you…" Daniel watched her action before he gently took the ring box from her grasp, opening it to take out the beautifully crafted antique diamond ring inside.

He held it out. "I was gifted this ring by the Bey of Tunis. He was a very old man with many wives and uncounted children. He told me I must keep the ring until I finally met the one woman in the world I would love utterly and could not live without." He took her left hand, slowly moving the ring onto her now vacant finger.

"I said I didn't think she existed. I'd already searched the world for her." He raised her hand to his lips and kissed it lingeringly. "The Bey replied, 'If not in this life, then maybe in the next. All you need to do is believe.'"

Daniel shook his head slowly. "He was a very wise old man."

"Yes, he was…" Carolyn held the ring up to the light, watching it sparkle. "You know, I prayed and hoped that somehow a much higher power than your terrible angel could work an even greater miracle for us than he did. One that would enable us to truly be together in this life without putting your eternal soul in danger."

She glanced up into the cloudless morning sky and sighed tremulously. "And now it seems all my prayers have been answered. Someone heard me and at times I have to pinch myself to be sure it's all real."

"It is real, my love," Daniel replied earnestly. "The old Bey was very right. We must believe it. That is all any of us can do."

"I do…" Carolyn breathed, touching a forefinger to the sparkling jewel adorning her hand. "Tell me, what plans are we going to make?"

"Unfortunately, ours cannot be a conventional, human wedding," Daniel told her gently. "It would not be possible."

"I know and I understand," Carolyn replied, going up onto her toes to kiss him sweetly. "There would be too many questions for which we don't have any answers. To have it on the marriage licence that you were born in eighteen-twenty-nine would raise more than a few eyebrows." She shook her head.

"Yes…" Daniel smiled. "And, sadly, we cannot tell anyone. At least no one in the human world, beyond Martha and the children. Of course, they can attend our wedding. But everything will always have to remain our little family's secret."

"We have kept your secret for the last two years. I know it will be all right. At least they can come to the wedding. I would like that."

"There is something else we need to discuss…" Daniel took her hand between his own. "The spectral fraternity already knows of my intentions. I consulted with them yesterday, to be sure it was even possible for us to wed. Admiral Kearns' said his wife, Mary, would be happy to help you arrange everything if you will allow her."

"That will be interesting, making my own wedding arrangements with the assistance of a female ghost. I would love to meet with her." Carolyn nodded. "We will have a lot to discuss. Perhaps we should make it tomorrow morning, while the children are at school and Martha is grocery shopping?"

"Thank you…" Daniel breathed in relief.

"Don't look so worried…" Carolyn smoothed the palm of her hand across his brow. "It will be all right. Everything will be all right. Trust me…"

She smiled as she went back into his arms, reaching up to bring his lips down to hers. Nothing came between them in that moment, not even the bright morning sunlight that began to trace their merged outlines in shafts of gold.

※※※※※

"Are you nervous?" Daniel asked anxiously the next morning, as they waited together in the living room for their wedding coordinator to appear.

"No, not really. Once I didn't even believe in ghosts… remember?" Carolyn teased softly, linking her fingers through his. "Now it seems I am going to be surrounded by them. I'll admit to being more curious than nervous."

She raised her shoulders. "I can't say it won't be surreal. But it will be interesting. I'm only sorry my mother can't be here."

"Yes, your sacrifices so we can be together have been many and burdensome," Daniel sympathised, as he raised her hand to his lips. "And they are deeply appreciated."

"I know…" Carolyn watched him caress the backs of her fingers. She moved closer, placing one hand on his shoulder to urge him upright. "But I wouldn't have it any other way…"

"Ah, good, the two lovebirds…" a woman's strong voice commented from behind them in the same moment. "All seems to be ship-shape, then? Excellent. I do like a well-ordered ship. My husband assured me, you knew what you were about, young man."

"Um, hello…" Carolyn turned, startled by the sudden appearance of not one, but four feminine ghosts.

"I see our young man has managed to make a decent fist of his proposal. Let me see your ring, my dear…" Mary Kearns walked forward to peer closely at the diamond ring on Carolyn's upraised hand, nodding her approval. "Ours has not been a wasted journey, then."

"Mrs Mary Kearns…" Daniel bowed to the upright, elderly lady. "May I introduce my fiancée, Mrs Carolyn Muir?"

"Of course, of course, the delightful reason we're all here. How-de-do, Carolyn. Now, we're all going to have a very comfortable chat."

The old lady smiled at her before turning to wave an imperious hand at Daniel. "Now, run along, there's a good fellow, and fetch us something decent to toast the happy couple. I hear you keep a very tolerable cellar…" She raised a commanding eyebrow at him.

"I'll go and fetch the sherry…" Daniel made good his escape.

"Men…" Mary Kearns sighed as she turned to Carolyn. "Now, my dear. My daughters have accompanied me because they all wished to help with your arrangements…" She waved her hand toward her three companions as she introduced them individually.

The youngest of them was Rebecca Beaumont, a sweet, shy young woman with a soft smile. Carolyn liked her immediately.

"Please, won't you all sit down?" Carolyn asked, indicating the various chairs.

"A very nice place you've got here," Mary Kearns approved as she took the chair next to the fire.

"Captain Gregg designed and built it all," Carolyn replied.

"Bricks and mortar…" The admiral's wife waved a dismissive hand. "It takes a woman to make a house into a home. And he never liked to have one aboard his ship."

Her keen eyes assessed her hostess. "I think we are going to rub along together very nicely. Now, shall we get started…?"

"I have made a few notes…" Carolyn sat down among the visitors trying hard not to find it too surreal that she was discussing her wedding plans in her own living room with a group of female ghosts dressed in beautiful nineteenth-century elegance. She kept glancing down at her ring finger, to make sure it was all true.

Daniel returned with a tray holding a decanter of a very acceptable sherry which went over well with the ladies. Then Mary Kearns' commanding voice chased him from the room and the doors closed firmly behind him.

"Now we can be truly comfortable, my dear," Mary Kearns observed to Carolyn. "Men know nothing about weddings, but think they know everything about everything. To keep the peace, we allow them their blissful delusion."

She laughed heartily before they all got down to the business of planning the wedding ceremony and party. It was agreed the wedding should be held in a week's time by the light of the full moon.

Trying to keep up with the conversation as she wrote it all down, Carolyn was impressed with the woman's organisational skills. Slowly the feeling of surrealism started to fade and she began to look on them all as old friends.

"Tell me, do you have a wedding gown, my dear?" Mary asked, looking up from the lists she had made.

"I'm afraid I eloped with my first husband," Carolyn confessed, her cheeks warming. "Much to my parents' horror. I still have my dress, but I have never had a chance to wear it."

"Well, then, it's well past time it was taken out and given a proper airing in its rightful setting," Mary reassured her with an understanding smile. "There will be no elopement this time. Not while I'm in charge."

※※※※※

"How did you fare, my dear?" Daniel asked solicitously after the chattering group of ladies had finally dematerialised and he was allowed back into the room.

"As I thought. Surreal, but interesting." Carolyn smiled as she shook her head, handing him a glass of sherry. "They are happy that Martha and the children will be coming to the ceremony."

"Then our little family will be complete." Daniel nodded. "When shall we tell Martha of our plans?"

"I'll sit her down and tell her the moment she returns with the children. I'll send them upstairs to play in their room. There'll be a great deal for Martha to digest and understand."

※※※※※

"I just knew there was something worrying both of you," Martha observed, frowning at Daniel. "Ever since Mrs Muir's parents went home. You haven't been yourselves. I was worried things were not well between you two. I'm so glad to know you're fine."

She accepted the glass of sherry that Carolyn handed to her. She took a long swallow before shaking her head at Daniel. "So, you're telling me now you can be both human and ghost?"

"It is how the boon has transpired," he admitted. "We still do not know the extent of its powers. Maybe we never will."

"Well, I for one, couldn't be happier for both of you." Martha huffed a sigh. "I've never seen a couple who should be more together than you two. Of course, I don't begin to understand any of it, so I think it's better left well enough alone. But, from what you have told me, the devil certainly had his sweet time with you. Remind me never to get on his bad side."

She smiled. "But I'm very glad some higher power worked this new miracle for you. I have never seen the two of you looking happier."

"We're sorry, Martha, but we couldn't tell you anything until now." Carolyn shook her head. "We needed to be sure everything wouldn't be snatched away again."

"And now you are?" Martha looked from Daniel to Carolyn and back again. "And you're planning to get married? Well, I think that's wonderful. It's all I've ever wanted to see."

She wiped her eyes on her handkerchief before taking Carolyn's hand to admire her engagement ring. "It's just so lovely."

"I never dreamed it could be possible," Daniel confessed. "It was only a distant and impossible desire. Now it is a wonderful reality."

"Well, I'm tickled pink." Martha chuckled. "That'll show that awful Owen Mitford." She slanted her head. "Mrs Carolyn Gregg. I like it. It has a nice ring to it."

"I'm afraid I can't ever be called by that name, Martha." Carolyn took Daniel's hand. "It would raise too many questions for which we have no answers. To the outside world, I will have to continue being known as Mrs Muir. To avoid anyone stumbling onto our secret. Especially Claymore. He would love to make mischief if he could. He's already been snooping around the house, trying to discover the whereabouts of the rest of the treasure."

"If I see him again, I'll be after him with my broom," Martha replied stoutly. "And I understand perfectly, Mrs Muir. Sad it has to be that way, but it's for the best. Especially since we know Cousin Harriet's likely to arrive soon to try and sniff out any new family secrets. That woman's tongue is far too loose and she loves to cause trouble, as we both well know."

She tucked her handkerchief away and became all business. "Captain, you may pour me some more of your excellent sherry while I go and cut us all a good slice of my cherry pie. Then you can both tell me what I can do to help."

"Are you trying to make me fat?" Daniel teased, patting his trim waistline.

"No way." Martha shook her head firmly. "My cherry pies never hurt anyone. You've eaten enough of it in the last few days to know better."

"I do indeed…" Daniel leaned down to kiss her cheek, as he once had done in their shared Christmas dream. But this time it was for real.

"Oh…" Martha put a wondering hand to her cheek. "Keep that up and I'll have to bake you a cherry pie every day." She smiled mistily before she hurried from the room.

"Now we need to tell the children our news." Carolyn smiled.

※※※※※

"You and the Captain are actually going to get married?" Candy asked breathlessly. "Oh, how neat!" She clapped her hands delightedly.

"So, are you gonna be my Dad, then?" Jonathan frowned up at Daniel.

Daniel went down on his haunches before him. "I will do my very best to fill that role for you, lad." Daniel nodded. "If that's what you want."

"Yeah…" Jonathan breathed, his eyes sparkling. "I think I'd like that… Dad." He winked.

"And since all of this has to always be our secret just as it's always been…" Carolyn took his small hand. "I would like you to be the one to give me away."

"Okay…" Her son looked somewhat dubious. "But I'd really rather keep you. If that's all right."

"I'll explain it all to you later…" Carolyn hugged him closely, smiling at Daniel over the boy's head.

※※※※※

The full moon rose slowly from the ocean, shining bright and clear. It illuminated Gull Cottage and all around with an unearthly light that concealed more than it revealed.

To the casual eye of anyone passing by on Bay Road, the house would appear quiet and dark, almost untenanted, so well was Captain Beaumont's elaborate spirit screen working. Even to Claymore's critical eye, as he sat in his car on the headland well beyond the cottage, it looked as if no one was home.

But he wasn't fooled. He could sense something was going on, but he could not put his finger on exactly what it was that raised the fine hairs on the back of his neck with alarm.

He massaged his abused shoulder where his great-uncle had seized him last week when Claymore had been unwise enough to intrude onto the property he still saw as rightfully his. It still hurt in both his flesh and his pride.

"Something's going on down there and I don't like it. I think it's past time I put in a call to Cousin Harriet…" He sighed roughly before he turned the key in the ignition and drove away.

Behind the spirit screen, lines of softly flickering, coloured paper lanterns had been strung between the house and the surrounding trees. They swung back and forth in the soft evening breeze, adding their own glow. A musical ensemble was seated inside the gazebo softly playing a waltz.

The wooden dance floor had been opened out on the grass and candles were placed all around. Couples were already circling the floor to the music, even as more arrived, materialising within the confines of the garden wall and joining the party.

Everything spoke of nineteenth-century splendour and timeless elegance. The cotillion Daniel had once mentioned to Carolyn. It was a night for high romance and a time where new memories could be made.

Daniel stood tall and proud in his full naval uniform in front of the wedding arch which had been set up before the gate. He grasped the hilt of his dress sword in one hand, his fingers flexing on the leather.

He watched the front door of Gull Cottage nervously, waiting for Carolyn to walk out into the garden and become his bride. He fidgeted with the fit of his collar, easing it away from his neck with one finger.

"It will be all right…" Beside him, Captain Beaumont smiled sympathetically, understanding everything his good friend was thinking and feeling. "Everything will be all right. I promise."

"I know…" Daniel breathed, just as the front door opened and the ensemble immediately stopped playing and struck up Handel's Water Music.

Veiled and wearing her lovely wedding gown, Carolyn began to pace slowly toward him, holding her bouquet in front of her while Jonathan held her free hand. He looked very excited and important in his role. His eyes were wide and he glanced all around with awe.

"Oh, neat. Look, Jonathan, lots of ghosts…" Candy smiled as she walked before them casting rose petals from her basket.

"It's just as well I put on my best dress…" Martha followed, looking around at the assembled ghostly guests with keen interest. Even to her sharp eyes, everything seemed in good order.

Chaplain Andrews waited for the couple to stand together before him. The vows they made, each to the other, were simple and from the heart. Captain Beaumont produced their rings and they were duly declared man and wife.

"Mrs Carolyn Gregg…" Daniel said softly, turning to his wife.

"It does have a nice ring to it, doesn't it?" Carolyn sighed as she handed her bouquet to Martha before she raised her veil.

The surrounding crowd broke into cheering as the groom bent down to kiss his bride for longer than was truly seemly, but no one minded. Least of all, Carolyn.

They finally fell apart to face the crowd and the cheering increased in volume. Everyone surged forward with gifts and hearty congratulations.

Candy and Jonathan hurried up to hug both their parents. They chattered excitedly about everything that had caught their attention. Behind them, a tearful Martha had resorted to her handkerchief, but she was also smiling.

She held out the bouquet. "Here. You'd better throw this now because you might not have any time later." She winked knowingly at them.

"Thank you, Martha, for everything." Carolyn took the bouquet before kissing her good friend on the cheek and hugging her close. "I don't know where I'd be without your help."

"Oh, go on with you…" Martha sniffed. "You've finally got someone else who'll look out for you now. I'm just glad you're finally together. You know how I love happy endings."

"I do…" Carolyn turned her back to the assembled crowd and threw the bouquet over her shoulder. To everyone's surprise and delight, Martha caught it almost on reflex.

"Perhaps we will soon be dancing at your own wedding." Daniel smiled at her, bending down again to kiss her cheek warmly.

"Yes, well, just don't tell Ed about this…" Martha warned, shaking her head. "It'll only give him ideas. Though I think he'd be marrying me for my cherry pies!"

"He loves you as much as we do," Carolyn reassured her.

Behind them the ensemble struck up a waltz and Daniel bowed to his lady. "May I have the honour of the first dance, Mrs Gregg?"

Carolyn took his outstretched, gloved hand, smiling. "Always, Captain Gregg, always…"

The assembled crowd pulled back, giving them space, as they stepped out onto the floor and began to circle slowly, savouring the moment. They only had eyes for each other. And if they didn't dance as far apart as polite society prescribed, no one commented.

"Did I ever tell you, that you waltz so very beautifully?" Carolyn leaned closer to whisper.

Daniel slid his arm across her back, drawing her close against him from breast to hip, his eyes on her soft mouth. "My dear, I have always danced beautifully with such a lovely partner…"

Carolyn smiled up at him as other couples began to join them on the dance floor. Soon they were one couple in the middle of many others. But they were no longer dancing. Instead, they were moving slowly together to a tune only they could hear.

When the music finally came to an end they drew apart with obvious reluctance. Taking her hand within his own, Daniel conducted his bride to the edge of the floor.

"This is how it was in my dream." Carolyn looked all around her. "Do you remember? That time I had the ague and you prepared that odd-tasting elixir for me. It's wonderful how incredibly timeless it all seems…"

"That's because it is timeless…" Daniel put his hands on her hips to draw her back to rest against him. "And it always will be. All we have now is time…"

He lowered his lips to rest beside her ear. "I love you very much and I can't wait to finally be alone with you. To love you as you should be loved…"

"Why, Captain Gregg…" Carolyn glanced up over her shoulder, her eyes full of loving mischief. "What are you planning, now that you've finally made an honest woman of me?"

In reply, Daniel's hands moved, caressing upwards along the length of her spine before returning to her hips, bringing her even closer against him. Once again he caressed her into full awareness of how much she was affecting him. But this time they both knew where such bold intimacy would ultimately end.

"You know very well, Mrs Gregg…" He shook his head before he kissed her with sensual intent. "I think we've both waited long enough. I'm planning on taking you to bed and soon..."

Carolyn shivered as she sighed. "Oh… Yes, please…" With warming cheeks, she glanced around the assembled gathering.

Martha was talking with Mary Kearns and the children were playing hide and seek through the crowd of ghostly guests. Everyone was occupied with their own entertainment and were not paying them any attention.

"It is a lovely party and everyone has been so kind and welcoming…" She looked back at her new husband. "But how soon can we slip away? Do you think anyone would notice if we suddenly were not here anymore?"

"Woman, you are incorrigible…" Daniel laughed softly, leaning down to stroke a lingering kiss over the side of her neck. "My thoughts exactly. I love you, my beautiful, beloved wife. I will always love you for all of eternity and beyond…"

※※※※※

Invictus

"Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeonings of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,

I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul…"

William Ernest Henley (1875)