Chapter Forty-Six

Retreat Is The Better Part Of Valour

"Come on, kids…" Martha waved her hand at Candy and Jonathan. "Let's get you both inside and changed out of those wet things. The adults have some serious talking to do."

"Aw…" Candy complained, staring at their unwanted guests with wide eyes. "Can't we stay?"

"Yeah, we wanna stay," Jonathan affirmed, frowning at Harriet. "We want to watch and see what happens."

"Well, you can't and you won't." The housekeeper took one in each firm hand and hurried them before her toward the main cabin. "You too, Scruffy. Come on inside. I've got a couple of biscuits with your name on them."

She shut the door sharply behind the four of them. But their deeply interested faces soon reappeared at the half-open window that overlooked the front deck, keenly watching and listening to what was about to happen outside.

"Do ya need any help in keel-hauling them, Captain?" Elroy asked eagerly, rubbing his hands gleefully. "If you do, I'm your man."

Mr Peabody reappeared beside his master and gave a plaintive yowl. Then he hissed at the unwanted arrivals, arching his back as he stalked toward them.

"No…" Daniel shook his head as he waved a denying hand at his crewman and his pet. He walked up to Carolyn's side, putting a possessive arm around her waist to pull her close against him.

"So, what is going on here?" he asked hardly. "You presume to invade our privacy without permission. You're upsetting my wife."

"They said they've come here with some news for us," Carolyn said with a smile, happy for him to take the lead. "It seems they couldn't wait to tell us."

"Oh, yes, indeed! I just knew Carolyn would want to hear our wonderful news!" Harriet gushed, her cheeks flushing with embarrassed colour. "But you're weren't back at the house. If it hadn't been for your cousin, Claymore, telling us where you were…"

"That man's tongue is far too loose and overly ready to gossip…" Daniel tightened his embrace on his wife, giving her his silent permission to stand up to them.

"So, you're the mysterious Captain Gregg," Owen stated grimly, looking the other man up and down. "I've always wanted to meet you. I've heard a great deal about you and your mysterious work for the Navy."

"I am he." Daniel shrugged, uncaring of how they felt about his curtly dismissive attitude.

"Keel-hauling's too good for the likes of them," Elroy stated, stalking around behind the unwanted couple, followed by his cat. "Tie 'em to the mizzenmast and let 'em drop!"

He blew hard in their direction, making them both jump at the sudden blast of cold air on the backs of their necks. Owen turned his head to glance behind in frowning puzzlement.

He put a hand to his neck. "Funny weather you have out here, Gregg."

"Well, we wanted to be the ones to tell my beloved cousin all about our wedding," Harriet prattled on even as she shivered in the suddenly cold air. "Since it had to be so hush-hush. After all, now that my darling Owen is part of our family…"

She turned to smile possessively up at her new husband. "We should see more of each other. I see you've got a spare cabin over there we could use for the night."

She fluttered her hand toward the smaller of the two buildings. "It looks a bit cramped, but we can make do." She giggled, putting a hand over her mouth.

"Hey, that's my bunk!" Elroy spluttered. "Me and Mr Peabody's. Keep out! No peoples allowed!"

The cat snarled and hissed his agreement. He began to stalk rings around them with all his fur standing on end.

Daniel shrugged. "Your husband could be the King of England for all I care. Both of you are not welcome here."

"Now, see here…" Owen blustered. "You have no cause to speak to us like that. It's not your place to say so."

He turned to Carolyn, raising his blond eyebrows. "Are you not pleased to see us? After all, it's been a long time since you and I talked like we used to do. I miss those times. Especially after Bobby died. You needed me, then. I thought we had something."

"You talked about yourself and I listened." Carolyn shrugged with a grimace. "And pleased is not the word that immediately springs to mind," she continued, trying not to laugh at his outraged expression. "But Harriet has made a habit of dropping in on us, uninvited. And now, here she is again, bringing you with her this time."

"Well, I never!" Harriet spluttered, pulling a handkerchief from her sleeve and dabbing at her eyes. "You needed me, Carolyn, dear. You've always needed me. And I've always been there for you, you know that. Even when Bobby was alive, you always came first with me."

She sniffed, looking pointedly at her cousin's softly rounded belly. "But, of course, I know you wouldn't mean it. You couldn't possibly. I don't intrude, and I would never dream of imposing. All you have to do is tell me we're not welcome…" She paused and waited expectantly.

"You're always welcome to visit us, if and when we invite you, Harriet," Carolyn managed the lie with a straight face, finally managing to say exactly what had been on her mind for many years. "I'm truly sorry if you feel offended. I know you've been helpful in the past and I can thank you for that. But this is a Gregg family holiday. We wanted this time to ourselves."

She felt amazed by her own audacity. And suddenly liberated to go further than she had ever dreamed possible.

Her husband's comforting embrace emboldened her. She glanced up at him with a smile, feeling his silent assistance.

Harriet's eyebrows rose sharply as the truth sank in. "You're actually asking us to leave?"

"We're not asking," Daniel replied with a shrug. "You know the way back out."

"Carolyn…?" Harriet replied pleadingly. "Oh, how could you let him treat us so shabbily?"

"You now have your own husband to take care of," Carolyn replied. "I'm sure he'll keep you busy."

"Well, I think you're both being foolish beyond permission," Owen spluttered. "We went out of our way to come here to see you. We thought you would be pleased to hear our news."

"Your news is duly noted." Daniel inclined his head. "The bridge is behind you. It'll be dark soon. You'd better be on your way if you're to find a hotel for the night."

"Well, this is just too bad," Harriet cried into her handkerchief. "I never thought I would live to see my own cousin turn against me."

"You always chose to see only what you wished to see," Carolyn told her with a small degree of sympathy. "Now you have your own life to lead. Please go and do it, Harriet."

"If that's truly your very last word on the subject…" Her cousin stared at her hopefully over the lace edge of her handkerchief.

Daniel leaned closer to kiss his wife's temple. He winked at her, steeling her resolve to stand her ground and make the final decision.

Carolyn sighed gustily. "It is. We'll be in touch after our baby is born." She dropped a protective hand to her abdomen.

"And not before?" Harriet looked scandalised. "Oh, Carolyn, surely you'll need me to look after you…" She leaned heavily on her husband's arm, beginning to sob. "You know you'll soon be needing someone to drive you to all your natal appointments. "I've only ever thought of you and your comfort."

"I have my husband for that," Carolyn assured her. "He's a very good driver."

"It's this God-forsaken place and him!" Owen stabbed an accusing finger at Daniel. "He's possessed your mind! You used to be so sweet and kind to everyone. Harriet and Hazel always doted on you and this is how you repay them. It's all too shabby, by half!"

He looked Daniel up and down again. "I didn't like the sound of him from the moment Emily told us you two were married. Too underhanded and shady. A navy spy, indeed. There's something not right here. I can't quite put my finger on it but I'm going to find out what it is."

Carolyn turned to him. "No one asked for your opinion, Owen. That's always been your problem. Giving advice where it isn't wanted or needed. You just can't help yourself."

Owen gasped. "You have changed! And not for the better, I must say. Your tongue's gotten a deal too sharp for my liking!"

He scowled at them as he drew his wife's hand through the crook of his arm. "Come on, Harriet. We shall leave these two to their little paradise."

He looked over the camp with dismissing eyes. "Such as it is."

Daniel nodded with terse approval as he left Carolyn's side. "I'll see you to your car."

He walked toward the pair, indicating they were to go before him. Owen blustered and Harriet cried as they turned and were seen off the property, followed closely by Elroy, running from side to side, crowing with laughter.

Martha and the children hurried from the cabin as soon as the three of them disappeared through the trees. "Well, I never…" the housekeeper marvelled. "Brava! I didn't know you had it in you to stand up to them like that."

"Nor did I…" Carolyn sagged with relief as she looked after them. "Something came over me."

Martha laid a forefinger alongside her nose. "Something or someone…"

"But I will admit it felt really good." Carolyn nodded. "It's a weight off my mind. I dreaded the twins turning up to take care of me like they did with Candy and Jonathan. Smothering me to the point I couldn't even breathe without their permission."

"Is Cousin Harriet really gone for good?" Candy asked hopefully.

"Somehow, I doubt it." Her mother sighed. "I'm sure we'll see her again. But next time I think she'll take the time to phone us first."

Martha shrugged. "Yes, that woman is offend-proof. And as for that new husband of hers…"

She shook her head. "The less seen about him, the better I'll like it. He's too slippery by half. And he has a mind to nosy into our business."

Daniel came walking back through the trees, looking behind him, with Elroy trotting at his heels. Daniel nodded as he came up to them, looking significantly at Martha.

The housekeeper took this hint. "Come on, kids, let's go back inside and see what we can find for dinner."

"I want burgers," Jonathan ordered. "I'm starving."

"You always want burgers," Candy complained as they walked back into the cabin.

Daniel took Carolyn's hand. "I'll ask Lucius to dig further into Mitford, to see what he may have hiding away. There will be something we can use against him. I fear that if he's not kept more interested in his own business, he may become too interested in ours."

Carolyn put her hands around his upper arm, hugging him. "It's a shame that magical knife of yours only works on entities that are non-human."

Daniel smiled down at her. "I see the light of battle in your eyes and I like it."

Carolyn nodded toward the tree-shrouded bridge. "Thank you for helping me do that. I couldn't have managed it all on my own."

"My absolute pleasure," her husband replied, bending to kiss her lingeringly. "Harriet needed convincing you can now stand on your own two feet without her help or hindrance. If I had intervened she would still come back trying to wheedle her way back into your good graces."

"Yes, but I do feel sorry for her. But she has never known when she was overstepping the mark. Nor did Hazel."

"Sorry enough to call her back and ask her to stay?" Daniel asked teasingly, cupping her cheek in his palm.

"Oh, no, not that sorry," Carolyn replied with a relieved chuckle as they turned toward the main cabin, walking arm in arm, followed by a delighted Elroy and his prancing cat.

※※※※※

A month later:

Daniel drove the car smoothly up to the gate of Gull Cottage and brought it to a halt. He reached to turn the key in the ignition and the silence of the sunny morning settled in. He leaned back in his seat looking quietly satisfied with his achievement.

"It's remarkable how far you've come." Carolyn turned in the passenger seat to smile at him. "Very well done, indeed. I do think you're finally ready to take your practice driving exam."

Daniel turned to frown at her. "There's an examination to be taken?"

Carolyn nodded. "Of course. Surely, you must have been examined before obtaining your master's ticket?"

"That was different," her husband huffed. "There's a great deal more to be learned before any man can become a captain of a ship. It could take years."

He hit the flat of his hand against the top of the steering wheel. "This blasted vessel is horse-powered. I never needed a ticket to pilot such contrary animals. They always ran where I pointed them. How is this different?"

"It's the law now." Carolyn smiled at his vehemence. "This is twentieth-century Maine," she replied. "If you're going to drive me to Bangor and back every week you'll need to have a license to do so. We could be stopped at any time."

Daniel grimaced. "Very well. If you say there is a need to do so. Where does a man go to pass such a pointless examination?"

Carolyn bit her lower lip. "Ah, from the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. I've been looking into the whereabouts of their nearest office."

She paused, inhaling deeply. She hesitated to share the rest of the information she'd uncovered.

"What are you trying to hide from me?" Daniel turned to her with suspicion in his gaze. "I know that look. Where is this confounded office?"

"Um, there's the problem," Carolyn replied, trying to keep a straight face even as her shoulders began to shake. "And you're not going to like it."

"I already do not like it. Tell me," her husband ground out, looking none too pleased with her suppressed mirth.

"I'm sorry…" she managed shakily. "But you see, the office is in town and it's run by Claymore. I'm afraid it's another of his many hats. There's also a fee."

"Blasted spalpeen!" Daniel slammed the flat of his hand against the steering wheel again. "He has too many fingers in too many pies! He would take my coin and then great delight in denying me! If he tries to do so, I'll gut him with a marlinspike!"

"Oh, please don't lose your temper with him," Carolyn begged. "He would get such a kick out of making you squirm. You must pass the exam with a score of ninety per cent or better. It may take more than one go at it."

"Such a ridiculous fate will not befall me," her husband assured her grimly. "I will pass with one hundred percent at the first go-round! See if I don't! Claymore will soon be dancing to my tune."

※※※※※

"You want to obtain a license to drive a motor vehicle…" Claymore stared at his great-uncle with disbelieving eyes. "I don't understand…"

Daniel regarded him impatiently. "That's what I just said."

"You want to get behind the steering wheel of a motor car," Claymore continued as if he hadn't spoken. "A thing you always said you hate. I don't get it. I mean, what if you? Well, you know…"

He waved a helpless hand. "What if you decide to go poof, right in the middle of the road? Who'd be driving the car, then?"

He turned to Carolyn. "Oh, no, my dear Carolyn. This isn't something to be done on a whim. A sudden desire to rejoin the human race and the twentieth century."

"I have no such confounded desire." Daniel leaned on Claymore's desk, glaring at him. "This is a matter of urgent necessity. You will not deny me."

"Still…" Claymore leaned far back in his chair. "I would not be doing my civic duty if I agreed to help you further this crazy plan. I mean, whoever heard of such a thing. A ghost with a driver's license." He tittered nervously.

"Civic duty, be damned!" Daniel shouted. "You're in it for the money! As you always are! And you forget that you assisted us in making me real in the eyes of men."

"Daniel, please, you promised to be civil," Carolyn rose slowly from her chair. "Claymore…" She approached the desk. "Look at me, please."

Claymore's wary eyes turned to her. He looked her up and down in confusion. "You I can see," he said testily. "You can drive him anywhere he wants to go. Why does it have to be the other way around?"

Carolyn laid both hands alongside the growing swell of her abdomen. "It won't be long before I can't drive. I won't even be able to fit behind the wheel."

She smiled at him sweetly. "Surely you can see that."

Claymore shifted uneasily in his chair. "Yes, I can see that. I'm not blind. But… Well, you two should have thought of that before… before…" He waved a helpless hand, his pale cheeks reddening with embarrassment.

He jumped back in alarm from Daniel's snarl of anger. "Now look here, you can't just come in here thinking you can bully me into agreeing!" He stiffened his spine. "I'm an official government official!"

"You're nothing but a spineless, penny-pinching jellyfish! This is important!"

Carolyn laid a hand on her husband's tense forearm. "Claymore, you're not listening to me," she continued in the same reasonable tone.

"I heard everything you said," Claymore spluttered, the blood retreating from his face beneath the murderous look in his great-uncle's eyes. "And I heard everything he said. It still doesn't make any sense that I can see."

"Look at me, Claymore," Carolyn said again, finally regaining his wide-eyed attention. "If I do not have my husband to drive me around, then who must do that for me?"

Claymore waved his hands helplessly. "Your mother can come to stay with you. Or that dreadful Cousin Harriet. She would love to push her nose back in."

"My mother has never learned to drive and Harriet has just recently gotten married. She'll be too busy with her own affairs for some time to come and stay."

"She has?" Claymore's eyebrows rose in disbelief as his attention was momentarily diverted.

"Still can't do it, though. It wouldn't be right." He began to shuffle the papers on his desk and fiddle with his pens while keeping as far away from Daniel as he could without leaving the desk.

"But you're not seeing the bigger picture, Claymore…" Carolyn took one of his fidgeting hands between both of hers. "If I don't have my husband to drive me around then, as a caring and concerned member of the Gregg family, that task must fall to you."

She shrugged. "You're the only one who can drive me. To all those weekly doctor's visits over to Bangor and then to the hospital when my time comes. You do know a lot of babies are born in the middle of the night. You will have to be ready to go at a moment's notice."

"Me!" Claymore squeaked, jumping up from his chair with alarm. "I… oh, no, no, no, no… I need my beauty sleep. I don't know the first thing about babies." He shuddered. "And I don't want to, either!"

Daniel straightened to his full height in outrage. "I wouldn't allow him to pilot so much as a skiff, let alone my wife!" He stabbed a finger at his hapless great-nephew.

"What he said," Claymore affirmed quickly. "I'm far too busy. Far, far too busy." He flapped about the office, trying to make himself as small as possible. "Can't do it. Can't possibly do it."

He stopped and turned as inspiration hit him. "Besides, I've been told I could have a touch of night blindness in this eye." He pulled down his lower eyelid, pointing to it with one finger of his free hand. "I couldn't possibly take you anywhere at night. Oh, no, no, no…" He went back to his agitated pacing.

"You are the only choice we have left," Carolyn replied. "Unless you could be persuaded to change your mind over the reason for our visit today? See your way clear to allow the Captain to take the exam? I'm sure you will find he's a very good driver."

"I…" Claymore turned at bay in the open doorway to his bedroom at the back of the office.

He looked from one to the other, seeing his very limited options. "Oh, very well." He rolled his eyes. "But he would have to pass all the examinations. No cutting corners, no spooky cheating to look at the answers. All fair and above board."

He glanced nervously at Daniel. "And no threats to run me through or keel-haul me if he fails the first time up. I will not be bullied."

"And I will not fail," Daniel ground out. "I will pass with flying colours on the first attempt. See if I don't."

"Easy for you to say…" Claymore eased warily past him and returned to his desk.

He sat down again. "Then you must step into Schooner Bay's Bureau of motor vehicle licensing," he said, removing his green eyeshade and replacing it with a bright red one he took from the desk drawer.

He looked up again, managing to smile brightly. "Now, how may I help you two on this fine, sunny morning?"

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