Chapter Thirty-Four

A Very Spirited Encounter

The following afternoon Carolyn sat behind her desk, frowning at the telephone. She was loathe to touch it and mar their happiness. But she knew she needed to tell her parents their wonderful news before they told anyone else in the family of Daniel's unexpected existence.

"Before they tell the twins." Carolyn sighed, propping her chin in the palm of her upraised hand.

She was well aware her mother would be very upset she'd been excluded from attending their nuptials. But it couldn't be helped. There was too much at stake.

Seated beside her, Daniel watched her indecision with sympathy. "I am here. It will be all right. Try not to overthink it."

"Thank you." Carolyn turned to him. "I know I said we'll telephone everyone with our happy news and let them make the best of it. But now…"

"Now you fear their displeasure and disappointment at being shut out again." Daniel shook his head. "It cannot be helped. There is no other way."

"Dad will be okay, he's always hated a fuss. But Mother was determined to throw me a big wedding with all the trimmings. Now she has been denied her dream again since I eloped the first time."

"That was her dream. As you rightly said, this is your life, not hers. And they now have the extra problem of Owen Mitford's sudden disgrace to deal with. Maybe her mind is not so focussed on arranging a wedding at this point in time."

"You could be right," Carolyn replied doubtfully. "I pray you are. I suppose there is nothing for it but to tell them the truth."

She grimaced as she reached to pick up the receiver and dial her parents' number. "Well, our version of it anyway."

Her mother answered quickly. "Carolyn, oh I'm so glad you called, dear. I haven't heard from you in such a while. I was wondering how you and the Captain are getting on. I just know you'll be wanting to hear all the news about poor Owen. These last few weeks have been quite traumatic. Your father is down at the courthouse now seeing what can be done. In a way, maybe it is best you're not here to see it all unfold. It would be too upsetting for you seeing Owen in such a fix. The poor man is quite overwhelmed by it all but he is putting on such a brave face."

"Thank you, Mother…" Carolyn glanced at her husband.

She tried to imagine an overwhelmed Owen Mitford and failed The man was far too self-possessed to ever show any real emotion.

"Tell me all about it in a minute. But I… um, that is, we, have some news of our own."

"You do, dear? What is it?"

Carolyn inhaled deeply, knowing there was no way to sugar coat the truth. "I wanted you to be the first to know that Daniel and I got married yesterday. We held the ceremony here at the house. It was lovely."

She waited, but when her mother didn't answer she hurried on. "It was just a few close friends and family. Claymore Gregg performed the ceremony. He's a Justice of the Peace, so he took care of everything."

"You and the Captain have gotten married already… But, my dear, we're also your family. I really don't know what your father is going to say when he gets back. Why the sudden rush?"

Carolyn could hear the bewilderment in her mother's voice. She was not going to mention her pregnancy just yet, it was too soon. And as for her writing success… She shook her head.

"Please be happy for us, Mother. I know we talked about a long engagement when you were here at Christmas. But, in the end, we decided it's for the best this way and safer for everyone," she pleaded. "I know Dad will understand and approve."

Inspiration suddenly struck her. "Tell him it's… it's all to do with Daniel's navy work, you see. We thought it was best not to advertise where he lives now and who with. It's all very hush-hush and needs to remain that way."

"Bravo…" Daniel approved softly. "A neat stroke, my dear. That took the wind right out of her sails."

"Oh well, if it was for the sake of the navy then it seems we have little to say about the matter… But I am rather disappointed that we were not invited to attend. And your father would have wanted to give you away. After all, we are only a phone call away. Did the Captain's family attend?"

"The Captain has no other family apart from his cousin Claymore. I'm truly sorry, Mother. But it had to be this way," Carolyn replied, genuinely contrite. "You must see it is for the best. We needed to act quickly and there was no time."

"Yes, I suppose I can see that it's for the best. I will tell your father and explain it all. But, Harriet said—"

"Harriet said?" Carolyn questioned, her eyebrows rising. "Oh, Mother, you promised you wouldn't tell anyone. How could you, after we said not to breathe a single word for fear of endangering Daniel's work?"

"I knew they would be unable to keep a secret from that woman," Daniel muttered. "Now we will have her breathing down our necks again, trying to nose out the truth. It is not to be borne! Not in your delicate condition. I won't have it!"

"I'm sorry, dear, but we were just so happy for you, we just couldn't keep it to ourselves. We've been very worried about you these last couple of years and so has Harriet. And she is family. She's not some random stranger. If you'd told us we all could have been there. I know Harriet and Hazel wanted to be at your wedding. They were so looking forward to being your bridesmaids."

"You will need to swear Harriet to secrecy, as well," Carolyn demanded, rolling her eyes at the thought of the twins wanting to be her bridesmaids.

"Small chance of that…" Daniel shook his head. "That woman lives for gossip."

"Very well, I will speak with her. You know she is the soul of discretion. I'm sure she's only told Hazel because they share everything. Please accept all our congratulations, my dear. You are a grown woman and I suppose it is your life, after all. We must accept that. And it seems we can no longer entice you back to living in the city. How are the children?"

Carolyn relaxed, breathing a long sigh of relief that the worst was over. "They're fine and happy. They love Daniel. All will be well, Mother, you'll see."

She settled deeper into her chair, leaning back and giving her husband an apologetic look. "Now, you must tell me all about what's happening with Owen. It must be so dreadful for all of you…"

"Spineless petty conniver…" Daniel grumbled, returning to his spirit state. "That man is not worthy of your time or your sympathies. Now that the crisis has been diverted, I will be up in my wheelhouse should you have need of me again before the sun sets."

He shook his head. "Lucius is coming to the end of his useable tales. Anything else he may have to impart will certainly not be for the delicate sensibilities of ladies," he concluded as he dematerialised.

※※※※※

The following morning, Carolyn was seated on the sofa in the living room reading a book while her husband was still closeted up in the wheelhouse. He had worked through the night with Lucius, helped by a fresh box of cigars and a full decanter of Madeira.

The session was taking all of Daniel's concentration and powers of persuasion, leaving Carolyn with nothing to do but wait and relax on the warm, sunny morning which she appreciated. Now and then she lifted her gaze to the ceiling, wondering how it was all going.

Lucius still did not see the need to be stripped of all his secrets for the sake of romance novels for women. But he also wasn't about to allow some other spirit to snatch his glory.

In case of an emergency, Claymore had been sent an urgent order for more bottles of Madeira and cigars. He promised to deliver the order later in the morning, for a suitable fee, of course.

The children were sitting on the floor playing checkers with the board resting on the coffee table between them. Scruffy was keeping a close eye out for any checkers that may fall his way. Jonathan was not taking any of his dodgy doggy advice this time and he had been winning the games.

Suddenly the doorbell rang. Carolyn looked up. "I wonder who that could be this early on a Saturday morning?"

"I'll get it for you, Mrs Muir… Um, I mean, Mrs Gregg," Martha called from the kitchen. "It's probably Ed come looking for more of my cherry pies. He'll already have eaten the last ones. That man's appetite surely is insatiable."

"Thanks, Martha," Carolyn replied, going back to her book.

She heard the front door open and then Martha talking to someone. But the unexpected visitor didn't sound like Ed Peevey. Their visitor was female.

Curious to know who was at the door, Carolyn put aside her book and was about to stand up when an excited voice remarked from the open doorway, "Well, isn't this just the sweetest case of déjà vu a body could ever wish to see in this old world? The lady of the house at home with her two darling children and their little dog. That's how it always should be."

"Seems you've got an unexpected visitor," Martha remarked unnecessarily from behind their caller. "This isn't—"

"Uh-uh-uh. There's no need to announce me. I already know my way around this house." A spritely older woman elegantly dressed all in many shades of lavender beneath a large floral hat swept into the room, waving her hands about in a grandiose gesture. "Who's winning this time, children? You or the dog?"

She winked. "My money's on the dog. Though I did tell him last time that chess was more his game."

She chuckled, looking all around. "Oh, it is so good to be back here, in this darling house. It has been too long."

"Madame Tibaldi?" Carolyn stared at her visitor, wary of the medium's sudden reappearance or her intentions in returning.

She rose to meet her. "I didn't expect to see you again."

"Seems the whole world wants to nose its way into our business," Martha remarked as she stood in the doorway watching the scene unfold.

She wasn't sure if she should go or stay. Like her employer, she was puzzled by the arrival of their unexpected visitor. She knew for certain the Captain wouldn't want the woman back under his roof.

"Oh, my dear, dear lady…" Madam Tibaldi shook her head as she hurried forward to hug her hostess briefly before flitting away again in the slightly dizzying style Carolyn remembered so well. "Always expect the unexpected. It's my golden rule, you know. That way you're never surprised by a man or spirit."

"I'll try to remember that." Carolyn gazed after her in bemusement, at a loss to know what to do for the best.

She was well aware her husband would not tolerate the intrusion. She needed to make every effort to send the medium happily on her way as soon as possible without upsetting her. Which she was loathe to do since the medium meant well.

Candy and Jonathan were also watching their visitor's movements with the same awed fascination. They both wondered what would happen the moment the Captain discovered the medium's unwelcome presence in the house. They abandoned their game as they settled in to wait for events to unfold.

"I hope he won't want to keel-haul her," Jonathan whispered anxiously. "She's really funny. And she knows things."

"Or wish to boil her in oil," Candy replied worriedly.

"Um, is there something we can do for you, Madam Tibaldi?" Carolyn tried a different approach. "I mean, it's lovely to see you, but…"

"Well, yes, yes. I am so remiss. I've been meaning to telephone you for ages, my dear," the older woman waved her hands again dramatically. "To tell you how much I loved your wonderful article about me. It quite touched my old heart. And it also brought me in some good business, I must say. I've never been so busy, lecturing and writing books."

She sighed. "But time goes by so fast as one advances toward the inevitability of another lifetime."

"Why, thank you… I think," Carolyn replied. "It was nice of you to come and tell me about my article. Now, if you don't mind…"

"Oh, that's not all." Madam Tibaldi brightened, reaching into the large bag on her arm as she walked back to the couch. "I decided I would visit and bring you a signed copy of my latest bestseller as a thank you gift. It's hot off the press, so to speak. I just knew you'd want to read it."

She leaned forward to whisper loudly, "The spirits told me you would." She winked as she held the book out.

"I see…" Carolyn nodded, accepting it gingerly. "Well, ah, thank you. I'll look forward to reading it."

She turned toward the doors. "It's lovely of you to call so unexpectedly. I'll see you out. We shouldn't keep you. I'm sure you're really very busy, Madam Tibaldi…"

"Oh, yes, yes, I must be in Bangor by tomorrow afternoon," the medium replied, not making any obvious move to leave. "But first, I have other business to transact with you before I continue on my lecture tour. I have made very sure my busy schedule didn't conflict with my visit here. You have my complete and undivided attention for the whole day."

She smiled happily. "Isn't it just wonderful? I knew you would be pleased!"

"You did? It is?" Carolyn managed to smile. "Why, um, how very thoughtful of you. But, I—"

"Oh, my dear…" Madame Tibaldi clasped her hands before her. "I have so much to tell you. I almost don't know where to begin. I'm quite fizzing with excitement. I couldn't possibly leave this house again until you're in full possession of the facts."

Still standing in the doorway, Martha shrugged. "I guess I'll go and fetch the coffee then. I have a feeling we're gonna need it hot and strong." She glanced up meaningfully toward the ceiling as she left the room.

Madame Tibaldi turned around in an admiring circle. "This is such a lovely old house. So full of atmosphere and vibrations. I had quite forgotten how potent it feels. You must adore living here."

She shivered deliciously as she fluttered across the carpet to look out the front windows. "And such a lovely setting. So remote and wild. It quite takes one's imagination far away to another time."

She turned back. "Since I was scheduled to come up through the New England states again, I said to myself, 'Olivia, you've been quite tardy enough. It's about time you got on back up to that lovely old Gull Cottage and apologized to that nice Mrs Muir for being so obtuse.'"

Candy giggled. "Do you often talk to yourself about yourself, Madam Tibaldi?"

"Oh, always, my dear, always." The medium waved an airy hand. "How else am I going to get any intelligent conversation? I don't talk to the spirits all the time."

She put her hands over her ears. "Though they never cease talking to me. Prattle, prattle, prattle, all day long. And half the night too, if I let them."

"You're funny." Jonathan chuckled. "I like you."

"I like you too, young man. But then I always did have an eye for a good-looking man with a fiery eye and a strong chin." The medium tripped across the room to gaze up at the portrait hanging above the fireplace.

She sighed, reaching across the mantle to touch the bottom of the heavy frame with reverent fingers. "I mean, isn't he just the most magnificent-looking fellow you've ever seen? So strong and masculine. You know, I can almost feel him, like he's alive out there somewhere, waiting to return."

She turned to frown around the room. "Actually, if I didn't know better, I could almost swear I can feel more than one spirit in this house. Apart from my own, of course."

"Yeah, he's real groovy. And since yesterday, he's our—" Jonathan began to say, losing his concentration.

"Jonathan…" Candy nudged her brother in the ribs. "Sshhhh…"

"Ooops, sorry." Her brother grimaced sheepishly.

"Children!" Carolyn commanded a little too sharply. "Why don't the two of you tidy up your game and go into the kitchen to ask Martha for a cookie each. Then you can take Scruffy outside to play. I think Madame Tibaldi wants to talk to me, alone."

"Aw, but I want her to read my head again," Jonathan complained, pointing to the top of his skull as he stood up. "I got a whole lot of new bumps since last time that she'll wanna feel."

"And she's always wanting to read the cards for us," Candy added, gathering up the contents of their game. "She taught us how to play poker the last time. And read the tea leaves."

"Later, you two," their mother instructed. "Now please do as you're asked."

"Okay, Mom…" Candy replied as they did as they were bid before leaving the room.

"See ya later, Madam Tibaldi," Jonathan added, looking back mulishly.

"Such sweet, sweet children. They're a credit to you, my dear." The medium seated herself on the couch, patting the cushion next to her invitingly. "I know it hasn't been easy for you bringing up two of them on your own. Now come along and sit down here and tell me all about your doings."

Carolyn approached her slowly, not sure what to expect. She sat down warily. "I am very happy that my article helped you, Madam Tibaldi. I enjoyed writing it. But I don't see—"

"Oh, please, call me, Olivia," the medium replied. "All my friends, both living and dead do just that. And I really feel like we're good friends having a comfortable chat about old times."

"Thank you… Olivia." Carolyn nodded. "But I still don't know why you're really here. I know you came to thank me and give me your book. But I—"

"Oh, how perceptive of you," Madam Tibaldi replied quickly. "There is something else I've been turning it over and over in my mind for the past months since I left this house."

She sighed dramatically. "At first, I couldn't sleep and I couldn't eat for worrying. I was in such turmoil over what I'd done here. The spirits told me it was quite unforgivable. I asked them for their advice but they were no help at all. They laid the blame squarely at my feet."

"What did you do?" Carolyn frowned in total bewilderment.

"So brave, so very brave." Madam Tibaldi sighed gustily, taking Carolyn's hand and patting it. "I felt so bad, separating you and your dear children from someone you obviously cared deeply about. It was never my intention to hurt anyone. If I'd only known the truth in the beginning."

She waved an admonishing finger. "If only you'd told me about your relationship with the Captain, I wouldn't have held my little séance and exorcised his magnificent spirit from this house. That nasty little man talked me into it."

She lifted her chin. "It was that dreadful Claymore Gregg. I made a point of mailing back to him all of the fifty-two dollars fee he paid me, you know."

She shook her head. "I knew I shouldn't have taken his money. His purpose here in this house was mercenary and not at all kind to you or those you love. Why, he had plans to evict you, sell the land and allow your home to be torn down. That would have been unacceptable and totally wrong."

Carolyn nodded. "Yes, well, I own the house now, Madam… I mean, Olivia. It's no longer anything to do with Claymore Gregg. So you needn't worry about that. Now, you must be—"

"Oh, I know and I'm so glad!" Madam Tibaldi replied joyously. "I was excessively relieved when the spirits told me all about it. It was quite a weight off my mind, I can tell you."

"The spirits told you?" Carolyn stared at her. "Which spirits are these? Who do you mean?"

"Oh, one or two or three I've picked up along the way, in my travels." The medium waved a careless hand. "They're always around somewhere, watching and whispering their secrets."

She shrugged. "They help me in my work and go everywhere with me. A lot of spirits never find what they're looking for and seek the company of the living to remind them of what they once had."

She looked around the room. "But your Captain did find what he was looking for. I'm sure of that. I do feel he's drawing nearer, knowing that I'm here to bring him all the way back. I can always tell, you know."

She sighed rapturously as she closed her eyes. "He is such a powerful and elemental force. The other side is not strong enough to hold him forever. I feel he could walk right back onto this plane at any moment."

"Coffee anyone?" Martha walked into the room carrying a tray holding the coffee pot and three cups. Both women turned to stare at her.

"What…?" the housekeeper demanded to know, turning to look behind her. "What's been going on in here? What did I miss?"

"Madam Tibaldi has just been telling me all about the spirits who go everywhere with her."

"Oh great…" Martha replied dubiously. "That's all we need. Like this house isn't crowded enough already. A body can barely move some days for bumping into something, or someone. I just wish that they'd all pitch in and help with the housework."

"Oh, but there's more…" Madam Tibaldi leaned closer to her unwilling hostess. "I've been told exactly where your Captain is and how to get in touch with him. I can bring him right back to you. Isn't that joyous news?"

She nodded significantly, preening a little. "In return for the favour you did for me with your lovely article. I would like to thank you by holding a little séance here tonight to bring the Captain back safe and sound. Debts must be paid in full in this life or the next, you know. And I do prefer the here and now."

She looked satisfied with her bargain. "Of course, it will be strictly between you, me and the spirits. Now, what do you say to that, my dear?"

"I say the woman has lost her mind…" Martha opined softly, putting the tray of coffee down heavily on the coffee table. "And I have an idea what someone not too far away will have to say about it, as well." She shrugged as she poured coffee into the cups and handed them out.

"I don't think holding another séance is a very good idea," Carolyn tried to argue. "Really, we should leave well enough alone. I'm sure the Captain is very happy, wherever he is…"

Her gaze strayed toward the ceiling. "I have a feeling he'll make it back on his own, one day."

"Oh, tut-tut, my dear," the medium responded quickly, sipping her coffee. "You've got enough on your plate. You just leave everything to me. You don't need to worry about a thing. I'll have it all fixed up in a trice. I know the Captain is just waiting to be invited to return to you. I feel he wants to come back. Like all men, he just wants an apology and to be asked nicely."

She pursed her lips. "Men can be such contrary creatures. They just need a little coaxing to behave and be sensible."

"Yes, but I…" Carolyn stared helplessly at Martha.

※※※※※

Up in the wheelhouse, Lucius Beaumont wiped the back of his hand across his brow. "You surely know how to drag every last drop of sweat from a spirit," he complained good-naturedly. "Thank God that was the end of the suitable stories. Now I can relax and enjoy the wine and cigars."

"There are others willing and ready to take your place, my friend," Daniel told him, drawing contentedly on his cigar. "But you have been a great help. "There's enough information here for at least another three books. You should be proud."

"Ah, yes, well. I hope you're not intending to use the one about that sweet little, raven-haired beauty I was squiring around Lisbon when we met back in sixty-two, are you?" Lucius looked anxious. "That was just a reminiscence from our days of glorious bachelorhood. It's not for publication."

"Your secret is safe with me," Daniel reassured him. "Your wife will never know unless you tell her."

"Good…" Lucius leaned back in his favourite chair, puffing on his cigar. "Mind you, sometimes it is good to remember such things. They can stir the blood like nothing else. Just between you and me, of course."

He grinned. "I seem to remember Conchita having an equally fetching older sister who rather caught your eye. Don't worry, I won't tell either."

"I'll keep it all right here, between the pages of my personal journal," Daniel promised, closing the book firmly. "I wouldn't want—" He stopped suddenly, frowning into the middle distance.

"What is it?" Lucius sat up in alarm, looking behind him. "You look like you've just seen a ghost."

"Worse than that!" Daniel snapped. "While we've been working up here, I was unaware my ship has been boarded by an unwanted entity!"

"Anything I can help you with?" Lucius asked hopefully, getting to his feet and stretching. "I'm in the mood to crack a few heads together for old time's sake. As a favour to you, of course. They won't see me coming."

"No, thank you. This requires a much more subtle approach." Daniel stubbed out his half-smoked cigar. "It's about time these blasted humans learned their place! If it's not a ghost hunter plaguing us with his outrageous demands, it's a bare-faced spirit-faking medium nosing her way in where she has no business being!"

"A medium?" Lucius whistled. "Have a care around her, my friend. You don't need anyone else messing with the state of your matter."

Daniel scowled. "She will not remain in my house long enough to mess with anything of mine, especially my family! Thank you for your time. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go and see my wife about a twittering fraud!"

He dematerialised, leaving a bemused Lucius staring after him. "I guess it must be his blasted human half. It's making him go stark raving crazy."

He shrugged as he reached across the desk for the Madeira decanter and poured himself a generous measure of the ruby liquid. "My wife is visiting her mother for the weekend. So I have nowhere else to be, right now…"

He settled back contentedly into his armchair, crossing his legs at the ankle. He held a lit cigar in one hand and the full glass in the other.

He raised it in a toast. "Here's to having nowhere else to be…"

※※※※※