9/8/2024 c60 1Thunderhoof
I do hope you will have yet another tale to tempt us on the completion of this one, my little kiwi bird, I have gotten to used to hopping out of bed and racing to my bucket of bolts to read the next chapter. But seriously, this has been a great story, ad i am so looking forward to seeing the 'Raven' get his come-uppance, and I'll bet Claymore will be so glad to get back to Schooner Bay. Looking forward to your next missive, mate! Much love'n'hugs as always, Thunderhoof

9/8/2024 c61 Gadzooks27
Wonderful ending! Carolyn and Daniel can now sail away with their beautiful family, a marriage is in the works for Elroy and Claymore is Claymore. I have so enjoyed reading this story, thank you for extending it way past the intended 10 chapters.

8/26/2024 c60 Ellen Mcilroy
I am not quite sure what to write about this chapter,
exept that I am sad it is will end in two weeks.

8/13/2024 c59 Ellen Mcilroy
How sad this story is coming to an end. I will miss looking forward to Monday morning and reading what is next. I so loved, let there be love. Now Captains Cottage is ending. I hope your writers mind is thinking up some thing great. John is doing ok in the home. I know he would rather be here at home with me. Big adjument for both of us.

7/28/2024 c58 Gadzooks27
Wow, Madam Tibaldi did it, poor Daniel dealing with the evil Raven and probably thinking he lost his mind because he can hear Carolyn. Fun chapter, enjoyed the byplay between Jonathan and Claymore and I hope Madam Tibaldi can keep the connection going so Carolyn can explain it to Daniel. Look forward to the next installment.

7/18/2024 c57 Bernadette Lacey
There is a palpable stench of menace in the night air of the seedy, restless Marseilles Harbour.

Daniel is on high alert. He has volunteered to take charge of the middle watch, the darkest part of the night, before the emerging dawn. It's the most likely time for someone to creep aboard to plant their device in the countesses's cargo. Half a dozen of Daniel's crew keep watch from their concealed hiding places.

However, the only movement are the ever present rats. Two legged and four legged tnieving opportunists. An irritable Daniel is becoming impatient with the long wait for something to happen.

Easing his crampted lower limbs, he freezes as he hears the sound of stealthy footsteps creeping up the gangplank. Then the footsteps paused. Silence... There is a quick signal from Daniel to his men to remain silent and in position out of sight. After a tense five minute wait the movements resume as the small, thin crouched intruder, dressed head to toe in black clothing, pauses and assesses his situation, analysing a danger he might not see

Daniel sinks down onto his launches and waits.

Meanwhile back at Gull Cottage an increasingly fraught and anxious Carolyn is feeling powerless.

Young Jack has sent out any reports and information he has gleaned from newly arriving ships. But the information is sparse enough. The overworked clerk has enough to do looking after his master's business affairs.

Carolyn dutifully takes care of her children and worries. Has Claymore reached Daniel to give him her warning? What was happening? Muttering a quiet and very unladylike curse, Carolyn cannot concentrate on her writing. Taking care of her baby gives her something to do.

In the end, early on one fine Saturday morning Carolyn decides its time to tackle some gardening tasks before it gets too hot outside. The tasks required little thinking. She has slept badly and has the start of a headache behind her eyes. Her daughter Candy has offered to look after Henry and Scruffy. The boy was becoming a handful and was developing a mind and will of his own.

Candy tries to reassure her mother that all will be well eventually.

Three hours later, Carolyn wa still working in the garden near the front gate when the town's carriage for rent drew up outside the stone wall. A puzzled Carolyn acknowledges the respectful forelock touching Fred. Fred has a passenger. A visitor who claims to know her and the Captain. He opens the nearside door for his passenger to slight. An astonished Csroly is greeted by the sight of a small, birdlike woman alighting and waving cheerily.. She is dressed in voluminous layers of lavender silk and lace beneath a huge, summer flower festooned bonnet.

Carolyn's unexpected visitor complains mildly about the discomfort of travelling to get to Gull Cottage. A puzzled Carolyn has no idea who the woman is. "Do I know you? Do you have business here?" The chortling little woman shakes her head and pays the driver. She then hurries through the gate and over to a bemused Carolyn. Fred who has placed the woman's three banded suitcases in the porch, mutters a cautious warning to Csrolyn about his eccentric passenger. Apparently his non stop chattering passenger was confident of staying for a night or two in Gull Cottage.

Fred who is about to set off back towards town advises Carolyn to,get in touch with him if she wants him to take the odd little woman back to town. Overhearing the comment Carolyn's garrulous little visitor titters merrily. It seems men don't see what is in front of their disbelieving eyes.

An irritated Carolyn asks who the woman is? The overpowering little some is quite unfazed. Holding out her hand she announces xhe is She is Madame Olivia Tibaldi. Carolyn has been in her dreams, and her spirits have insisted she come to Carolyn's aid and relieve her of her many and varied worries.

A increasingly bemused Carolyn isn't quite sure what to make of the comment. How can someone who has never met her possibly know what her worries are? Madame Tibaldi comments that all will be revealed in good time. But first her luggage needs to be brought inside and a cup of tea would be most welcome.

Carolyn gives in and invites the odd little woman into Gull Cottage. She wants to know why the woman has arrived at her home.

Daniel stealthily shadows the intruder as he searches along the cargo until he comes to the one tagged with Claymore's name. He carefully checks the label to be sure. Looking around carefully, he is satisfied he is alone. Taking out a small wrapped parcel from then picked of his black coat, he adjusts an external mechanism before carefully inserting it deep into the centre of the cargo.

Making sure the gap is latched shut he takes a final look around and walks back to the gangplank and down it to,disappear into the long dark shadows of the docks.

Daniel eased his cramped muscles as Mister Jarvis appeared at his side to enquire if the dastardly deed has been completed? Daniel replies "Aye." Now they must wait and see if the French spy is one and the same. A troubled Mr. Jarvis is nervous and would prefer to sail for London towand forger aboutmeverything.n

Daniel has no intention of doing so. He wants to see the wicked plot through to its conclusion. The countess's plan has been foiled, and her blasted spy will be handed over to The Bay for his mercy. Dsniel ismquite looking forwaed to some action. He has become quite bored.

A doubtful MrJarvis is not reassured. He had thought Turner's cowardly attack would have quelled Daniel's appetite for adventure. Daniel assures MrJarvis that all will be well and they will return home with a cargo hold full of treasure and jewels as their reward.

Mr. Jarvis thinks his Captain has taken leave of his senses.

Madame Tibaldi has announced herself as a spiritualist, a psychic, mystic and a seer. A bit of a come down from her previous incarnation. But she has o choice in the matter. An unimpressed Martha has no time for such nonsense and says so. She hints that Madame Tibaldi should take leave and head back to Boston. Plain talking is in fashion where they live

An unperturbed Madame Tibaldi takes no offence at Martha's caustic comments. Carolyn and Martha are fascinated by Madame Tibaldi. She has obviously lost her mind. Marths relectantly asks if she is to make up the guest room or call the constsble?

A suddenly serious Olivia Tibaldi has placed her hand over Carolyn's. She earnestly assures Carolyn that her visit is moxt urgent. All Carolyn has to,do is believe, Olivia Tibaldi will do the rest.

Carolyn is conflicted. She would like the woman to leave her house but something in the determination in the medium's soft grey eyes makes her pause. She agrees the medium can stay for one night. A disgruntled does as she is hidden. It could be worse. Carolyn's parents could show up,again. Or perhaps Cousin Hazel. Shaking her head Martha leaves the kitchen.

Madame Tibaldi wastes no time in reassuring Carolyn that the Captain is in no danger,at the moment despite the countess's best efforts. All will be well.

A shocked Carolyn wants to know how the medium knows about her husband? Why did she not say so before now? And how does she know about Vanessa. A placid Madame Tibaldi sighs "All will be revealed in good time." They must prepare to accept the spirits and allow them to be guides.

Carolyn is becoming more irritated. Hee headache has returned. She doesn't know what to think. The loud wail of her hungry baby is a relief. The baby's needs are a priority above all else.

It is mid morning before Mr. Jarvis knocks on Daniel's cabin door , putting his head around. He has an expected visitor for the Captain. At Daniel's curt nod he withdraws to be replaced by a small, thin, dapper looking Frenchman dressed in a long, dark frock coat, and black leather leggings. A black feathered hat sat elegantly on his perfumed curls, and he bowed extravagantly after entering the cabin, sweeping his right arm wide.

"The pleasure is mine, mon Capitaine..." he lispd as he removed his hat, handing it to a dumbstruck Claymore who has been standing next to Daniel at his desk. Pointing imperiously to the open door, he announces he wants to speak with Daniel alone. The manservant may leave.

A disgruntled Claymore is about to argue but is smoothly dismissed by Daniel to fetch a platter of wine and cheese, after which he may then leave his betters to discuss business.

The Frenchman idly complaining about the difficulty of finding good servants asks if he may sit down.

"Be my guest.." Daniel replies in fluent French to the surprised French spy. The spy has a distain for the deplorsble English tongue. An unconcerned Daniel asks for his guest's name and the nature of his business aboard fhe ship.

The Frenchman insists on no names. Daniel may call him Corbeau. He does admit a certain beautiful counters and her masters have very much made it worth his while to travel on the ship to Tunis.

"The Raven..." A thoughtful Daniel says the name suits his guest.

The door opens and Claymore reappears carrying a tray of Madeira and a covered dish of cheese. Standing back he gives a sharp salute to Daniel. "If there is nothing else...?

Nothing else is required. Daniel dismisses Claymore with an inclination of his head. "Very well Sir..." and a fulminating Claymore turns on his heel and leaves the csbin.

Daniel poured two glass of Madeira And pushes one towards the spy. It's time to get down to business. The Frenchman demures at first and then agrees to talk business in the strictest confidence.

The spy lifted the glass to the light before taking a cautious sip. The Madeira is to his taste. He smiled thinly but his glittery eyes were watchful.

Carolyn is shocked to discover that Madame Tibaldi wants to hold a séance in the house. She is not keen. It is a good, honest, Christian household.

Carolyn has come back into the living room, having attended to her baby's needs. Madame Tibaldi is gazing up at Daniel's painting a move the fireplace. She's very impressed with the Captain's looks and demeanour and wonders aloud how Carolyn keeps such an active, virile man occupied. She gives a knowing glance to Carolyn.

Carolyn wants her uninvited guest to leave. She thanks her for her kind offer but she just wants her husband home safe and sound. She is not interested in tricks and parlour games.

Madame Tibaldi insisted she did not deal in parlour games. Her spirits can fly to Daniel's ship in the blink of an eye. She walks forward to Carolyn, placing her hand on Carolyn's reluctant arm. Does Carolyn not want to know how it goes? Did her Uncle Claymore manage to warn her husband? What will he do when he finds out? And what of the dastardly French spy...?

A bewildered Carolyn has admitted she wanted to know, but how did Madame Tibaldi know such things? Her headache has returned in force. She sank down on the couch. Nobody knew except Sally, herself, and Uncle Claymore.

Carolyn has remained unconvinced and now states categorically that she does not believe anything the medium has said. She had to have found out by some other means.

Then it dawns on Carolyn. "Boston!" She turns on the medium who is sitting down beside her. Did Madame Tibaldi know Counters Vanessa Beaufort? The Counters owns a mercantile business in the city dealing,in imports and exports.

An agitated Carolyn accuses Madame Tibaldi of being sent to spy on them. How could she have been such a stupid fool to allow the so called medium into her house?

A lot was happening in this chapter. For me thee best part was a very disgruntled Claymore being referred to as a servant. Thinga arr going to gst exciting on board the Carolyn.

The French spy Corbeau reminds me of the reptilian Citizen Chauvelin from The Scarlet Pimpernel.

A great read. Thank you.

6/25/2024 c55 Bernadette Lacey
A queasy, groaning Claymore Gregg is certainly doing penance for his misdeeds. There is no reprieve for his severe sea sickness.

A dispassionate Captain Lacey has looked on at his passanger's obvious suffering. He had surrendered his cabin to Claymore for his exclusive use for a few extra coins. The Captain almost felt sorry for Claymore. Almost.

At Gull Cottage Emily Williams is still fretting and complaining at the breakfast table. Why was her daughter out so late? It was most unseemly. Carolyn can hear the children are having their breakfast in the kitchen with Martha. Emily has insisted on strict formality of adults only at the breakfast table. A wistful Carolyn can hear the happy childish laughter.

Emily has now assumed her rightful mantle as mistress of Gull Cottage even though she is merely visiting. Carolyn has acquiesced to this. Anything for a quiet life!

She is still carping on about every detail of Carolyn's life as a new mother. The fact that Carolyn is out and about so soon after giving birth is also most unseemly. Emily is also very exercised at the idea of Jonathan at sea with Captain Gregg. Emily's famous lace handkerchief is very much in use as she dabs her moist eyes at the very thought of it.

Still dabbing her damp eyes while slyly watching Carolyn through the lace handkerchief, a magnanimous Emily offers to stay at Gull Cottage until Daniel and her grandson return. For once Bradford puts his foot down. He insists they must leave as scheduled. He has his bank business to attend to, and Emily will have been greatly missed by the church ladies. She has a house to run, silver to count and china to wash.

Emily's spirits lift. Perhaps Jonathan will grow out of any desire to make his living from the sea. The family banking business will be waiting for him to take over. Emily picks up the little handbell at her elbow and rings to summon Martha. They could do with a fresh pot of coffee.

On the deck of the Carolyn Daniel and Lucite are still discussing the offending cargo and what to do next. A close watch will be kept on all who come aboard. Hopefully, the spy and saboteur are one and the same. The old Bey will pay handsomely for this information.

Finally, it is time for Lucius to depart the Carolyn and head back to the Rebecca. A watchful Old Alfred is still suspicious and certain that something bad is about to happen. Elroy who is standing nearby says nothing.

Three more weeks stretch ahead before they will come within sight of the coast of France and their fate. But an exhausted Daniel doesn't care. He needs sleep. He hands the helm over to Mr. Jarvis. The Carolyn needs to make up for time lost. Daniel wants done with the whole sordid mess. He quietly vows to return to his cherished wife. "Be well, my love..."

At Gull Cottage a stunned Martha has been informed of the treachery of Ellwood Hall and the wicked Countess Beauvoir. Claymore Gregg has an involvement too albeit unwittingly. Martha insists Claymore is not to be believed or trusted again. Carolyn believes that has yet to be decided. Carolyn doesn't want her father worried. More importantly she doesn't want her dear mother to know anything is wrong. She would never get rid of Emily.

A nauseous Claymore has spent three days hold up in his cabin. A gnawing hunger has finally driven him outside. His thirst had been slaked from the greasy leather water bag hanging from the door. But the water had begun to taste foul. He is feeling very discombobulated and sorry for himself looking at the men going about their duties without a care. No one has spared the wobbly Claymore a second glance.

Captain Lacey appears and walks towards the swaying Claymore. The Snow Goose has made good time. They should catch up with the Carolyn before the next day is out. A sardonic Captain Lacey comments that the men and himself had a bet that Claymore would not appear on deck at all. "Who won the bet?" Claymore finally asks. Captain Lacey explained he had kept an eye on the level of rainwater in the leather water bag. He had won the bet.

Had Claymore succumbed to mal-de-mer a barrel of good brandy would have had to be used to preserve his corpse to return him to his family. An indignant Claymore declares he is a Gregg with saltwater in his veins. A derisive Captain Lacey is unimpressed by Claymore, wondering how Claymore came to be a Gregg. His cousin is worth a thousand of Claymore, it is only for Captain Daniel Gregg that Captain Lacey had agreed to transport the milk water veined Claymore in the first place. The Captain wants to see Daniel's face when he catches sight of Claymore.

Captain Lacey instructs a hovering crewman to take Claymore to the galley and instruct the cook to make him something light and easy to eat. "No tack or raw onions" a whining Claymore instructs.

Daniel is back on the bridge of his ship. He is rested and has eaten well. The good food has eased the cold rage around his mind and heart. But the frustration of not being able to deal with those at the bottom of the plot to destroy him gnaws at him day and night, not allowing him good rest. But he can cope until they reach the coast of France and expise the dastardly olot.

Suddenly the man high up in the crow's nest shouts Ship ahoy!" Daniel picks up his telescope to have a look. The crewman in the crow's nest continues to shout. "I think she be the Snow Goose."

It is indeed the Snow Goose and she is definitely sending the Carolyn signals. A puzzled Mr. Jarvis has his glass pressed to his eye. It seems the Snow Goose has a passenger who wishes to come aboard to speak with Captain Gregg.

A thoughtful Daniel has come to a decision. Captain Lacey's wishes will be granted. Daniel is very keen to know who the mysterious passenger is. However, Daniel has his suspicions.

The waiting signalman is ordered to send his compliments to Captain Beaumont and for him to call on without the Carolyn. They will catch up again in due course. Then the signalman is then instructed to acknowledge the Snow Goose.

It's getting a bit too much for Mr. Jarvis whose main concern is the Carolyn and its men. However, Daniel is now eager to find out who has such an urgent need to pursue him across the Atlantic. The ship's boat is lowered and his men pull it strongly towards the Snow Goose. Daniel has observed a tall thin man climb very cautiously down the rope netting before falling to lay at the bottom. Several bags are slung after him to land around his shaking form. "Claymore!"

A wave and a mocking salute from Captain Lacey and the sturdy Snow Goose hoists sail and carries on her way. Daniel raises a hand in reply. "Fair the well, my friend."

Descending lithely from the bridge to the deck, waiting for the ship's long boat to pull alongside and Claymore to be brought aboard, Daniel's simmering rage is now at boiling point.

How will the quaking in his boots Claymore face Daniel's ire?

6/16/2024 c55 Thunderhoof
As always, my little kiwi bird, another throat clencher! I am enjoying the picture of the cowardly Claymore wrestling with the demons of mal-de-mer - serves him right! Am slowly getting there with the wretched cold, which has now turned into a right chesty cough, but a couple of rough reds helps to keep it at bay. Hope all is going well in the Shaky Lands, much to my surprise, there was one up the north west of WA - about 3 to 4 hours drive away from Dampier - been some strange weather going on, and it's as cold if not colder than charity down here. So looking forward to the next episodes of your epic tales, makes my monday's well worth getting out of bed for. Keep on keeping on, little one - big mobs of hugs as ever. Yours aye, Thunderhoof