Chapter Forty-Six

Until Springtime Comes Again

Carolyn waited anxiously at the Schooner Bay docks. As soon as she'd spied the welcome sight of the Carolyn's sails on the horizon, from her vantage point above the house, she'd hurried downstairs. She wanted to arrive at the port in time to greet the ship.

Claymore had driven out to meet her, conveying the entire Gull Cottage family down to the port and the sure welcome home of the ship in his carriage. Carolyn was grateful for his close, if wary concern.

As they waited, Claymore hung back, trying to judge his timing to make amends with his cousin. He knew Daniel wasn't aware of how Claymore had been duped by a base demon into doing things he was now appalled by. He paced up and down, watching and waiting as the ship hove to and set about the tricky task of docking safely.

Daniel could clearly be seen on the bridge, shouting his orders and making his presence felt as he strode from side to side. But only half his attention was fully on the task at hand. He kept turning his head to look down at his wife, standing on the dockside, watching and waiting to embrace him again.

The ship finally swung her stern in to align with her bow as she bumped and nudged her way along the stout timbers of Schooner Bay's harbour wall. Mooring lines were thrown ashore and suddenly the ship was straining back against her confinement, resenting the confinement after so many weeks at sea. After tossing her head and flouncing her tail, she settled reluctantly against the worn woodwork with a few last creaks and groans of defiance.

The burst of chatter between ship and shore increased in volume as the men went about their work and the gangplank was lowered to hit the dockside with a hollow clang. For once, the Carolyn's captain immediately abandoned his post at the helm, throwing the task to his first mate before Captain Gregg strode ashore impatiently.

A great, ragged cheer went up from both land and sea as he swept down on his beloved and picked her up in his arms to hold her high against his chest as he kissed her long and hard. Men crowded to the rails of the ship, cheering and waving their wholehearted approval.

Daniel showed no sign of the wear and tear on his powerful body that Turner's attack had inflicted on him. Only the most discerning saw him wince slightly as he hugged his lady close to him.

"Now there be a fine sight for these old eyes of mine." Old Alfred elbowed his apprentice hard in the ribs. "Aye, it'll be a fine time in our captain's house tonight. You can put your money on that."

"Yes…" Elroy sighed, looking beyond the embracing couple to where his elderly mother was standing, watching him anxiously. "Wish I had such a love…"

"Ah, give it time, lad, give it time," the old sailmaker counselled. "You're nought but a young whippersnapper yet. And wet behind the ears still. I got a lot I can still teach you about life and women."

His sharp elbow dug into Elroy's ribs again making him wince. "Come on, we got sails to see to and gear to stow." He walked off chortling to himself and Elroy followed, his head bowed in thought.

"The men can see us…" Carolyn finally managed to protest softly after she had been well and truly kissed. "What will they all think?"

Daniel chuckled and kissed the end of her nose. "That their captain loves you beyond anything and everything in this world or the next."

He looked down at her, his blue eyes filled with need and desire. "You have grown even more beautiful since I last saw you…" His gaze caressed the sweetly rounded shape of her lower body.

"Oh, Daniel…" Carolyn swallowed tightly as she blinked back her tears. "We heard that Lucius and the Rebecca had docked safely in the Azores. And that he was carrying that awful countess back to Boston town. I do not wish to ever see her again. But we waited and waited for news of you, and none came. Then all the word we had was about Lucius and not you."

She stroked his cheek with the tip of her fingers. "I have so missed you and being with you. We finally had some word you'd fought a giant whale and won. But that you were nearly sunk in the doing. My heart was in my mouth. I didn't know what to think. I couldn't think…"

"Scuttlebutt," her husband replied stoutly. "It was nothing but a run-in with an old enemy who has been well taught a valuable lesson he won't forget in a hurry. I am not a man to be trifled with. Lucius did his part by coming to our aid. The countess Beauvoir swears she will never sail with us again. So, you may rest easy on that score."

"I'm so glad. And yes, George Turner…" Carolyn nodded. "A base demon. I know all about him."

"Aye, he is that…" Daniel finally allowed her to regain her footing but still held her within the circle of his arms. "But who told you that? I will skin whoever it was, for frightening you so." His large hand covered the warm swell of her abdomen, and he felt a kick against his palm. He looked back at his wife in amazement.

"Yes…" Carolyn nodded with a smile. "I swear, sometimes I think this baby of ours has somehow smuggled a football in there. They are never still."

"A boy then, I'm sure." Her husband smiled. "Someone to take to sea with me when he is old enough. Malcolm will have moved on by then to a higher rank. He has proved himself worthy and able."

"I'll agree to that as long as his mother can come along too," Carolyn countered, laying her hand over his and pressing it close. "If Turner returns, we shall face him together. I could not stand any more of this waiting around to hear the news."

"We will discuss that later…" Daniel looked up to see the children and Martha watching them. The housekeeper was holding Henry in her arms, trying to contain his bouncing excitement. Beyond them, Claymore hovered anxiously, twisting his hat between his hands.

"Blasted Cousin Claymore informed you about Turner, didn't he? I'll choke the life out of him for frightening you so with his wild tales." His jaw clenched with anger.

"Oh, please do not be angry with him," his wife begged, laying a hand on his corded forearm. "He has been so good and kind to us all these last few weeks. We could not have done without him."

"Good and kind?" Daniel's brows rose in shock. "Those are two words I would never have attached to Claymore. Greedy and manipulative come to mind. Turner has managed to change him for the better then."

Carolyn shook his arm gently. "He was not himself when he rented out our house without your permission. He'd been taken over by that demon, Turner and made to do deceitful things. He is so very sorry."

"He is, is he?" Daniel's gaze came back to her pleading eyes. "I suppose it could make some kind of sense…" he allowed grimly. "I did wonder how or why Claymore could have gone so far outside the bonds of our family relationship to do such a thing and think I would not find out."

"Thank you…" Carolyn went up on tiptoe to kiss his bearded cheek. "You'll see I am right."

She turned to beckon the children and Martha forward and there was no time for further private conversation in the joy of their greetings. Daniel took Henry into his arms when the baby reached to grasp handfuls of his naval jacket. Above them all though, Daniel still turned his glancing attention to Claymore, as he did his best to answer as many of Candy and Jonathan's searching questions as he could.

Finally, they subsided and were taken to one side by Martha, who took Claymore's adopted son back from Daniel. The housekeeper nodded encouragingly to Claymore as she escorted the children back to the coach. "Go on, now. Make amends and your peace with him before you lose your nerve," she encouraged. "It'll be all right. Mrs Gregg has softened him up for you."

"Yes, thank you…" Claymore braced himself and inhaled deeply as he went forward to face his cousin's wrath.

"Remember, it was not his fault," Carolyn whispered to her husband. "None of it was his doing."

"A little of his old nature would have rejoiced in trying to get the better of me," Daniel cautioned her as his cousin approached. "But I will give him a fair hearing. I can say no more than that."

"Greetings and salutations on your safe return," Claymore said a little too heartily, his eyes darting between them. "I hope you are well."

"As well as can be expected," Daniel replied evenly. "After being almost swamped by a raging storm and attacked by a giant whale." His gaze narrowed. "I am told it is something of your doing."

"Me?" Claymore's eyebrows rose. "Oh, no, no, no, Cousin. You have that entirely wrong. I was also a victim of that demon's cunning and deceitfulness. I am so ashamed of my part in it all."

"So, my wife tells me…" Daniel glanced down at her. "I am to forgive you because it seems you know not what you were doing."

"Yes, that's the gist of it," Claymore babbled in relief. "My mind was not my own. I was possessed." He said it almost as if it was something to be proud of.

"I would not boast of that fact too loudly," Daniel cautioned. "The whale of a tale has already spread. It is better to deny all knowledge of the demon and make light of such matters. Seamen are superstitious creatures, and some may seek to blame you for any future misfortunes. Stick to the things they know and understand such as krakens and mermaids."

"Of course, of course. If you say so, Cousin," Claymore readily conceded. "I am… grateful you are willing to see it my way. I have been in such a stew of worry since I confessed all to your good lady."

"Given your very loose history with the truth and the letter of the law, if Turner had not attacked me at sea, I would have called you a liar to your face," Daniel admitted. "But can I see how your hand was forced. And the money has been suitably dealt with. We shall say no more on this head."

"Yes, well, we know better now." Claymore smiled at Carolyn. "Your lady has a good and generous heart. She heard me out when she could have denied me. For that, I shall be forever grateful. I stand in her eternal debt."

Daniel grimaced. "Grateful enough to leave us in peace while I unload my ship and see to my wife's comfort?"

"Of course, yes! Say no more!" Claymore brightened. "I shall assist Martha and take her, Henry, and the children shopping for the makings of a slap-up dinner for us all. My word on that! Then I shall escort them back to the house and meet you back here after you have unloaded and are ready to go home. Take all the time you need. I have closed my office for the day."

He nodded as he slapped his hat back onto his head, gave Carolyn a happy bow and turned to leave, hurrying toward his carriage. He whistled off-key as he went.

"I do not remember inviting him to dinner…" Daniel mused, even as he drew his wife's hand through the crook of his left arm. "The man presumes too much."

"Oh, he is as happy as I am to see you safe home and sound. Please do not be angry with him. He was so distraught."

"Very well. But I'm not as sound as I would like to be," Daniel confided as he escorted her up the gangplank. "That battle with Turner took its toll on my muscles and sinews. It will take some weeks for me to heal completely. It is just as well winter is coming."

"Oh, my love…" Carolyn hugged his arm carefully to her chest. "Then when we are home once more, I shall apply hot compresses and warm oils to you. Day and night. We will soon have you on the mend."

Daniel smiled as he shook his head. "Your loving touch I have missed…" He looked up to see Mr Jarvis approaching. "But for now, it's to our cabin with you. The deck is too dangerous a place for you to be. I would have a care for you and know you are safe below until I come for you."

"Then I will see you below as soon as you can get away." Carolyn kissed his cheek again before doing as he bid.

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"That's the last of it, Sir. And glad I am to see it," Javis advised as the final bales of goods were heaved over the side and lowered in huge rope nettings to the dock below. "I won't be sorry this voyage is over. I am for home and my own bed. I may yet sleep the clock around."

"I'll admit Turner did liven things up for us," Daniel agreed. "He licks his wounds and makes his demon plans anew. We shall be ready for him."

"That is all for another day." Jarvis nodded. "For now, you must go below to your lady. My respects and regards for a safe delivery of your babe. I wish you both well."

Daniel clapped him companionably on the shoulder. "Your turn will come soon enough, lad. You have a fine eye for a good lady."

"Perhaps…" the younger man conceded. "If I ever find a lady as lovely and as giving as yours." Jarvis sighed as he shook his head. "Until the spring, then…" He walked away to see to the idling men who had gathered to watch them, all keen to be ashore and back in the arms of their loved ones.

Daniel crossed the deck and went below. He opened the stout oak door to the main cabin and walked in, turning to shut it behind him.

Carolyn was standing beside the window looking out at the busy harbour scene. She turned eagerly, the moment he appeared.

"Now I have you all to myself for the whole winter," she said. "And when Christmas comes…" She laid a hand on her body, running it slowly up and down as she approached him. "It is the season for all things. For our love to become real in a different way."

She shook her head. "At least, the winter weather will keep my mother from insisting on another visit. She detests our country roads and is fearful of getting bogging down in a snow drift. I'll admit, this winter is looking better and better."

"Confound your mother and her schemes. To be finally able to take you all back to sea with me so we may not be parted again is all I ask," Daniel said softly, drawing her with him to sit on a chair at the cabin's long table. "Turner be damned, he cannot be allowed to dictate how we live our lives."

"No, he cannot," Carolyn agreed. "We will be ready for him if he ever tries to strike again."

"All of that is for the future. We shall focus on the here and now and wait for our child to decide when he is to be born," Daniel said then, standing beside her chair. "I have something for you. A gift from London and Mary Kearns. She was most insistent you have it."

"Something for me?" Carolyn slanted her head at him. "What is it?"

"This…" Daniel turned to a nearby cupboard and drew out a large parcel made up of brown paper and string.

"Are you sure that is for me?" Carolyn frowned at it.

It looked bulky and heavy. It didn't seem like anything one woman would give another. She had been expecting baby clothes, if anything. Mary Kearnes had raised three beautiful daughters so she knew the score of what a new mother might need or could make use of.

"I don't understand," she said as her husband placed the dubious gift on the table in front of her.

"Nor did I, at first," Daniel confided as he turned the parcel to face her. "I needed to be given lessons on it. Go on and open it and I will then explain. I think it is the most perfect thing for you."

He pushed a hand into his trouser pocket and produced a serviceable pocketknife. Carolyn took it dubiously and applied its sharp blade to the stout string tying the parcel together. The ties fell away, and the paper folded down to reveal an alien-looking machine, gleaming black and silver in the light.

She stared at it in bewilderment. "I still don't understand…" She leaned from one side to the other, trying to see how it could be for her.

Daniel sat down in the chair next to hers. "Mary said it is called a Remington No.1 typewriter," he announced with a smile. "She said it was the very best thing for your writing." He picked up a sheet of paper and rolled it into the carriage of the machine, earning him another sceptical look from his wife.

"She did? A typewriter, I see. But what does it do?" Carolyn considered it from all angles. "It looks dangerous. What's that sheet of good paper for?"

"I can assure you it's quite harmless," Daniel replied as he took her hands and placed her fingers on the keys. "It just takes some practice to get it right. And if you can ignore the clacking noise it makes."

"It makes noises too?" Carolyn curled her fingertips away from the keys. "I'm not sure I like this thing. How is it used?"

"It will be all right," her husband assured her. "It is for typing out our stories. It does it in quick time and all the words are even and legible. You will see. I'm told it is the future."

"Legible, you say…" Carolyn drew a long breath, remembering her latest attempt at her best copperplate writing as she managed to complete the manuscript without her husband's help and sure hand. "Well, at least Sally will be pleased she can finally read my writing. You say it is easy to learn…"

She frowned at the machine in front of her. "I guess this is no different than the typesetting they do for the magazine. I have seen how they do that. Surely it cannot be that hard."

"That's my girl…" Daniel kissed her cheek. "Now, let me show you. It works like this…"

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Two weeks later:

"There! I have finally done it!" Carolyn declared happily, drawing the last page of their new manuscript from the typewriter carriage in triumph. "Oh, I must write and thank dear Mary for sending me such a most wonderous gift." She felt a great sense of accomplishment as she tidied the pile of loose papers at her elbow into order.

"You almost don't need me," Daniel teased gently, watching her delight with satisfaction. "You have become quite accomplished at typing."

"With your help," Carolyn qualified, taking his hand between her own. "There were times I was more than ready to pitch it out the window."

"You missed a bit, just there…" Daniel leaned closer to wipe a smudge of printing ink from his wife's cheek.

"It's better that it's on me than making a mark on the page and forcing me to write it out again. Now we will be even faster with our stories and Sally has always said she could print more. Our readers are becoming quite voracious."

"If it helps to get Sally and her periodical out from under the shadow of her beast of a father, then I say it's a good thing I am home for these three months."

"The last time I heard from Sally, she was thinking of publishing our work as a novel. Taking some of the published ones and making them into actual books to be bought and read. What do you think?"

Daniel moved closer to her, studying the sweet curve of her lips. "I think it's a wonderful idea. Ellsworth Hall will be dead against it which makes the idea hold even more merit. I say we should give it serious thought."

He kissed her lips, sliding his fingers into her hair to cradle the back of her head as he savoured her mouth. Carolyn was not immune to his temptation and participated willingly.

Finally, Daniel drew back and rested his forehead against hers. "I miss being able to make love to you whenever the mood takes us," he whispered.

"Yes…" Carolyn sighed breathily. "It is the price we must pay for having loved. And our little passenger is getting restless. I think the accommodation is becoming a little too cramped."

As if aware of being discussed, her unborn child kicked out, connecting solidly with its father's midriff. Daniel laughed softly. "That was a hefty kick. It's just as well I am well healed from fighting off Turner."

"Are you, truly?" Carolyn asked, running her hand up the sleeve of his loose linen shirt, kneading the firm muscles beneath. "You were so bruised and battered. I was so worried."

"With all those long hot baths, warm oil massages and my love's tender care…" Daniel whispered, kissing her again. "What man could not be cured? Your fingers worked some true magic." He eased his shoulders as proof.

"I did enjoy tending to you…" Carolyn glanced at the sunlit windows of the room.

It was early afternoon and unseasonably warm despite it being late fall now. "Martha has gone with the children and Claymore to choose us a tree for Christmas," she said slowly. "And I heard there as to be a treat for them afterwards. They do not expect to be back until later this afternoon."

Her gaze swung back to her love as an illicit idea occurred to her. "Do you stand in need of another long hot bath?" A soft blush mantled her cheeks over her forwardness.

"Only if you will join me," Daniel replied, his blue eyes dark with desire. "I am sure we can find some part of me that still needs your loving attention. You said we have an hour or two alone together before they return."

"More time to add to our list of likes and dislikes?" Carolyn questioned shakily.

"Oh, I think that could be arranged…" Daniel pushed his chair back and then reached for her, drawing her to sit sideways on his lap to allow him to hold her properly.

"To hold eternity in an hour…" Carolyn quoted gently as her husband's hand closed over their child and his fingers splayed out, wide and caressing. "I think it will be time enough…" she continued as she put her arms around his neck and lowered her lips to his willing mouth.

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