for Ghost Of A Chance4/7 c26 southpaw52
This was so much better than the episode its based on
When Daniel isn't pleased with having a young child in the house and complains, about it, everybody ignores him since they are enthralled by baby. He looks at Carolyn,see how lovingly she takes care of 'Slugger', wishes in his heart of hearts the child was his&Carolyn's
I enjoyed the scene in the bedroom by the cradle when Carolyn&Daniel are able to hold hands for a brief time,she hopes he has not forgotten about giving her another dream, her patience is wearing thin.
I look forward to the next chapter
This was so much better than the episode its based on
When Daniel isn't pleased with having a young child in the house and complains, about it, everybody ignores him since they are enthralled by baby. He looks at Carolyn,see how lovingly she takes care of 'Slugger', wishes in his heart of hearts the child was his&Carolyn's
I enjoyed the scene in the bedroom by the cradle when Carolyn&Daniel are able to hold hands for a brief time,she hopes he has not forgotten about giving her another dream, her patience is wearing thin.
I look forward to the next chapter
3/23 c25 southpaw52
This was more detailed than the episode its based on. Claymore as usual complaining because he lost a potiential client in Miss Rutledge,who decided to go with Marcus Cornell who'll be building her shopping mall. He bemoans to Carolyn spending his money to pay for the updates in the kitchen. He'll never learn or change his ways
I was amused by Daniel's reaction to the cover of the book, not pleased by what he sees. As Martha
explains to him'it will help sales of the book'. Carolyn tells him they can make changes before she mails it back to her editor, Bridget
I look forward to next installment
This was more detailed than the episode its based on. Claymore as usual complaining because he lost a potiential client in Miss Rutledge,who decided to go with Marcus Cornell who'll be building her shopping mall. He bemoans to Carolyn spending his money to pay for the updates in the kitchen. He'll never learn or change his ways
I was amused by Daniel's reaction to the cover of the book, not pleased by what he sees. As Martha
explains to him'it will help sales of the book'. Carolyn tells him they can make changes before she mails it back to her editor, Bridget
I look forward to next installment
3/14 c24 southpaw52
Carolyn is surprised when Martha&the kids tell her they will be eating outside in the back garden ,Daniel has taken care of everything,how lovely it looks with picnic table with candles/ lanterns ,most of all seeing him grilling steaks/ sausages,he wanted to reassure her everything will be fine, no more worries about Claymore he made sure of that
Her editor Bridget stops by the next day loves her story and hopes Carolyn will write more of the same , as Daniel tells her she can use his journals/ diaries as references has them hidden in the wheelhouse
The scene on the balcony when Carolyn can;t sleep,how romantic they could waltz so closely together sigh!
I look forward to next installment
Carolyn is surprised when Martha&the kids tell her they will be eating outside in the back garden ,Daniel has taken care of everything,how lovely it looks with picnic table with candles/ lanterns ,most of all seeing him grilling steaks/ sausages,he wanted to reassure her everything will be fine, no more worries about Claymore he made sure of that
Her editor Bridget stops by the next day loves her story and hopes Carolyn will write more of the same , as Daniel tells her she can use his journals/ diaries as references has them hidden in the wheelhouse
The scene on the balcony when Carolyn can;t sleep,how romantic they could waltz so closely together sigh!
I look forward to next installment
3/2 c23 southpaw52
Its getting chaotic for Carolyn lately as Ed&Harv rewire the kitchen making a mess in the process. When Daniel pops in and sees what's happening ,he didn't realize the extent of the renovation, baffled why she didn't;t tell him about it in the 1st place,asking for his help
She forgets about Brady O'Flynn's daughter birthday party,her editor ,Bridget Lacey is thrilled about the latest manuscript, wants to come& meet Carolyn in person, not thinking straight she agrees to see her Mon afternoon at 4 Daniel won;t be happy to miss their Maderia time together. NO wonder Carolyn feels stressed out at the moment
I look forward to next installment
Its getting chaotic for Carolyn lately as Ed&Harv rewire the kitchen making a mess in the process. When Daniel pops in and sees what's happening ,he didn't realize the extent of the renovation, baffled why she didn't;t tell him about it in the 1st place,asking for his help
She forgets about Brady O'Flynn's daughter birthday party,her editor ,Bridget Lacey is thrilled about the latest manuscript, wants to come& meet Carolyn in person, not thinking straight she agrees to see her Mon afternoon at 4 Daniel won;t be happy to miss their Maderia time together. NO wonder Carolyn feels stressed out at the moment
I look forward to next installment
2/2 c21 southpaw52
This was amusing , I chuckled with Martha's comment how to get the repairs done in the kitchen by tossing a grenade removing the rubble and start from ground up
Claymore as usual is more interested in trying to get money deal with Miss Rutledge then help Carolyn with her kitchen updates .Daniel promises he won't interfere with Ed&Harv,will see how long that lasts
I look forward to see what happens next
This was amusing , I chuckled with Martha's comment how to get the repairs done in the kitchen by tossing a grenade removing the rubble and start from ground up
Claymore as usual is more interested in trying to get money deal with Miss Rutledge then help Carolyn with her kitchen updates .Daniel promises he won't interfere with Ed&Harv,will see how long that lasts
I look forward to see what happens next
1/24 c18 Bernadette Lacey
Daniel and Carolyn were now completely at cross purposes.
The Captain quietly watched Carolyn poke the fire into life. The house was still. The children were in bed and Martha had gone to the movies with Ed Peevey.
His emotions were in turmoil. He might be dead but he could admire the elegant, lovely Carolyn. He had never seen anything more beautiful. Not even on a ship...
Jealousy laced his voice as he queried who the lucky man was?
A vague sounding Carolyn answered that she thought his name was Mark Helmore. An astonished Daniel queried that Carolyn didn't know? His seething jealousy rose further. "Who was this new man? Were there now two of them vying for her favours? Where did they meet her and how?"
A smiling Carolyn shrugged as she answered casually that she had been busy and not paying too much attention. She supposed she would have to do so if the affair continued much longer.
The Captain's jealousy deepened as he bit out that Carolyn presumably found him attractive. The now very put out Captain continued his interrogation wondering if the new man was "well situated?"
A now completely mystified Carolyn said she had no idea. But that it didn't matter to her.
The scowling Captain disagreed with her assertion and said that he thought it was a very important thing to know. Carolyn responded that she that she had no intention of asking for support.
A baffled and outraged Daniel said that he hoped Carolyn wouldn't be supporting him. It might be the twentieth century but in his view a man must be able to take care of those he sought to woo. Otherwise he would be nothing more than a bare-faced swindler.
A preoccupied Carolyn dismissed his concerns with a laugh as she said the family would hardly expect that. Anyway they were not local. She sat down and picked up the manuscript she had brought downstairs to read. They had more important matters to discuss.
She wanted to go over his alterations. Martha had added her own and was now most keen to read the rest of it. Carolyn hesitated before adding that the Captain had promised her another dream.
By this stage a confused and irtitated Caotsin was unable to tell whether she was being serious or not. He felt the manuscript could wait. Carolyn needed to discuss things with the one who mattered to her.
A ruffled Carolyn retorted that she took anything concerning her children with great seriousness. Their future depended on this work. She waved the manuscript at the Captain and asked could they please get on with it. Too much time had already been wasted.
The visibly annoyed Captain ignored her pleas. He offered his sincerest wishes for her happiness and bade the bewildered Carolyn a formal good night.
"What had got into him?" Carolyn wondered aloud as she opened the pages of the manuscript. All she had asked for was another dream.
She shook her head. "Men!"
The Captain materialised in the wheelhouse. He opened the same old sea chest that had contained the silk gown he had used to try to frighten Madame Tibaldi.
A futile exercise as he remembered. The unwanted séance had disturbed the delicate status quo of the house. Her stories and rather risqué visions had made Daniel yearn for the impossible.
His two rivals Brady O'Flynn and now this new man, Helmore were both flesh and blood. They could give Carolyn everything. They could also take her from Gull Cottage.
"Blast!" His dusty heart contracted with longing and pain.
The chest was filled with items, large and small, carefully wrapped in old brocade or silk shawls. They were securely tied with strong cords.
On top was a large parcel carefully wrapped in a dark blue and steel brocade, tied with a yellow sash cord. The Captain picked it up and placed it on his knees as he sat beside the trunk. He gazed at it deep in thought.
A dejected looking Jonathan appeared at the door. "Permission to come aboard, Sir. He was dressed for bed in dressing gown and slippers. The little boy asked why the Captain hadn't come to say goodnight to him?
The Captain sighed and said he was sorry. Things were changing around the place. Soon there might be no need for him.
The boy burst out that it was unfair. There were secrets that he didn't know about. He might as well not be there.
The morose Captain agreed with the outburst. He said he would miss the boy. He had been the first one, in over a hundred years not to have been afraid of him.
A surprised Jonathan asked if the Captain was going somewhere too?
The Captain said that he would be remaining in the house but that Jonathan might be shipping out.
"Blast!" The now visibly upset boy declared that he didn't want to be shipped anywhere else. He loved living in Gull Cottage and he loved being with the Captain.
The Captain agreed with the sentiments but added that they had no choice but to accede to the turmoil. Change was fickle and unpredictable. Just like the women in their lives.
The boy stared sadly at his ghostly friend as he wiped his hand across his eyes. "Double blast..." he muttered.
Carolyn had given up the ghost and walked upstairs to her bedroom. She was desperate to find out what had upset the Captain so badly that he had no interest in working with her. She needed him.
She stopped and stared at the handsome, cut crystal punch bowl and elegant silver spoon standing in the middle of her desk. She put down her manuscript and stared in puzzlement at it.
The Captain appeared in front of the fireplace and watched her intently. "The crystal is Waterford,. The silver, early Georgian. Both were valuable and had been valued by him. He thought they were most suitable. His voice was flat.
"Suitable for what? Carolyn was becoming more confused.
The brusque sounding Captain answered her question declaring that they were an appropriate momento to help her on her journey over new seas and the far horizons she was embarking on.
"Journey?" What journey? What seas? Carolyn stared at him in bewilderment.
The Captain sighed impatiently. "Why, the seas of matrimony, of course."
Carolyn gave a short laugh. This had to be some kind of a joke. She thought for a moment then asked if it had anything to do with Captain Webster? Had Daniel done something that he didn't want to tell her?
The Captain assured her that she had always brought warmth and grace to the ship. He would remember her during the long nights. Perhaps someday he might even begin to forget her... His voice trailed off as he stared seriously at her.
The increasingly bewildered Carolyn thanked him for his sweeping and generous sentiment but insisted she had no plans to go anywhere. She asked what had got into him? He was moping around the place and sniping at her.
She glared at him and added that she could do without the aggravation. If there was something on his mind would he mind spitting it out so that she could deal with it. She hated him going all squirrelly on her.
"Squirrelly?" The Captain repeated the word, his voice filled with a mixture of confusion and outrage. Was Madam not planning on going anywhere? he looked scandalised.
Carolyn was struggling to make sense of the conversation. Was he anxious to get rid of her? What had she done?
The offended Captain strode across the room. "Typically female thing to say!" He ground the words out.
Carolyn glared back at him in equal outrage. Out of the blue he had given her a silver spoon and a crystal punch bowl and then told her goodbye. If he wanted to break the lease then just tell her. She spat the words back at him.
The Captain moved closer to her. She hardly expected to marry and settle down in Gull Cottage? Surely he might have something to say about that!
"Marry and settle - Certainly not" Carolyn glared at him.
"Which!" The Captain demanded furiously as he waved an imperious finger at the increasingly infuriated Carolyn.
"Neither!" Carolyn hissed back. "How could I? Why should I?
The Captain suddenly looked confused and puzzled. Had she not said her problem was... love?
He sighed and admitted he had overheard her on the telephone the previous night. He had heard that blasted pirate, O'Flynn schmoozing her with his of-so-innocent party invitation.
Now there was another new man, this confounded Mark Helmore. How many men was she planning on entertaining while she remained under his roof? he growled.
He wondered indignantly why she just didn't invite that blasted Sean Callahan as well.
A dumbfounded Carolyn stared at him in astonishment. She was at a loss for words. Why was he so outraged? He was like any other man faced with a series of events out of his control.
She swallowed shakily as the situation began to become clearer. "If she didn't know better..."
She began to laugh as she saw the funny side. He thought she was in... "It was ridiculous, impossible and completely untrue,."
The Captain repeated her words and demanded to know "Which part?"
"Why all of it," Carolyn stressed. Where had he got such a ridiculous notion that she was falling in love with another man? With anyone else!"
She put her her hand and laid it on the arm of his jacket. "No man she had ever met - or would ever meet - could compare to him. Surely he knew that. Her tone had chsnged. Her voice was soft and gentle.
She sighed as her hand slid down to touch his long fingers with hers. He must know and accept this as the truth. For him to believe anything else was totally ridiculous and deeply hurtful. She would never betray his love. "Never." She whispered the words with intensity.
The Captain took a deep breath. Yes. It was totally ridiculous. He stared down at the electric connection between them.
Carolyn continued to speak softly. She reassured the hurt Captain that she had no interest in Brady O'Flynn. Though she expected he wished she was. But he meant nothing to her.
As for Mark Helmore? She had been talking about Candy. That's what is so ridiculous about it. It's Candy that's in love with him. He's the new boy at her school she concluded.
The relieved Captain curled his fingers around hers as he admitted that he had been going out of his mind.
Carolyn gave his hand a small tug as she declared that just because she was a mother it didn't mean that a man couldn't be interested in her. She had been flattered by Brady O 'Flynn's interest. But that was that. Candy would be attending his daughter's party and she would be taking her daughter there. She expected they would have a lovely afternoon before returning home.
The Captain seemed absorbed on the tenuous connection between them. In his opinion Brady O'Flynn wouldn't be happy with those pathetic crumbs. He placed his free hand over her as he spoke.
Carolyn turned her hand within his as she continued to speak. Candy was the one who had fallen in love. She was mooning around and seemed to be on another planet.
The Captain removed his hand from hers and slid his fingers up her arm until he reached her shoulder. Drawing her closer, he looked into her eyes. He admitted he had been fully prepared to give her up for love if her heart had been truly in it.
A wryly amused Carolyn contradicted him. "No he wouldn't," she declared, her green eyes dancing as she looked back at the Captain . He would have thrown everything in her path to prevent her from leaving Gull Cottage. "Storms, floods, power failures, fast tyres. He would have moved heaven and earth to prevent it.
The ruefully smiling Daniel agreed as he lowered his head to kiss her lips slowly and sensually.
The silence in the room thickened as they stood closely together. Carolyn cupped his lean, bearded cheek with her hand. She broke the tenuous connection. She needed to catch her breath.
Pressing her forehead to his, she declared tremulously that she could never leave him.
The Captain could feel himself beginning to fade. He apologised for his attitude. He couldn't bear the way O'Flynn had looked at her. O'Callahan had looked at her in the same way. They were men of flesh and blood, while he... he broke off what he was saying and sighed with pain.
Carolyn took a small step backwards as she answered him. Men like Brady and Sean would continue to look at her in the same way that women had looked at him when he was alive. It didn't mean that she would be looking back. He had to accept her word for that. She stayed with him because she wanted to.
The Captain watched her walk towards the bedroom mirror as he soberly asked for forgiveness for being such a blind, crass fool.
"There was nothing to forgive," she declared as she picked up her hairbrush. It was Candy that was in the throes of first love. She would need both of them when the inevitable crash came.
The Captain gazed at her with longing in his eyes as he wondered what could a ten year old possibly know about love? How it would feel between a man and the woman he adored?
Carolyn gazed at his mirrored image as she answered slowly that Candy would feel enough to be deeply hurt. She hoped the boy liked her and noticed her.
Carolyn gazed into his beautiful blue eyes and felt herself becoming lost in them. The intimate touch of his lips in their kiss still lingered on her tingling lips.
Carolyn decided to return practical matters. She had brought the manuscript up,with her. "Was he in the mood to look at it now,?" She wondered aloud. "She had been thinking..."
He didn't immediately reply as he watched her gather her nightwear from the closet.
The Captain responded that "in a man that is a logical exercise with an inevitable and right conclusion. However for a woman to do the same.." He raised a dismissive shoulder.
A bristling Carolyn told him to "please stop being so... so, nineteenth century."
The Captain immediately bowed and apologised adding that he had not meant to strike a sensitive nerve and upset her. He had merely been making an observation. They were still at odds this evening he finished.
It was almost nine o'clock. They were nearing the final part of the tale and Carolyn had said that Miss Lacey was waiting impatiently for the last of the chapters and the inevitable romantic conclusion.
Carolyn nodded as she agreed she had said that. There wasn't much more work to do to complete the final draft. Then it would be done. Disappointment clouded her voice.
The Captain said he was wiling to continue working to flesh out the final chapters to Miss Lacey's satisfaction. They would then await her positive response.
A contrite Carolyn apologised for what she had said. He had been nothing but kind and helpful. She was sorry...
Her shoulders sagged as she clutched her nightwear. It had been too much with Martha almost leaving them forever, and then him getting the wrong idea about everything.
Glancing at the beautiful crystal she suddenly remembered where she had seen it before. It had been the punch bowl in her dream when they had danced together on the front lawn.
"How odd..." She bit her bottom lip.
Carolyn moved closer to him as she declared shakily that his timely intervention had saved them from losing Martha. She knew how tenuous life was. They had to make the best of every moment in time.
The Captain sighed as he replied soberly that there were no perfect lives, only perfect moments. They needed to treasure them when they happened and feel blessed, he concluded.
Carolyn nodded jerkily as she repeated the word "Blessed." She dropped her nightgown on the bed and walked slowly back to him. Watching her intently the Captain made no move to step backwards and away from her.
He uttered a warning "Madam..." as he asked what she was up to?
Carolyn began to talk softly as she told him that he had been invisible when he had kissed her cheek the other night. She also knew that he had kissed her lips when she was asleep. Was that not taking unfair advantage of the situation?
He gazed back at her, his blue eyes shimmering with need and longing. It had been the one true advantage he possessed , he admitted.
Carolyn tumultuously admitted that when he had kissed her she had never wanted it to end. She whispered his name yearningly and said she had wanted so much more. But at times she was afraid. She placed her hand once again on the sleeve of his naval jacket.
The Captain was taken aback at her words. Was she afraid of him? He begged her not to be afraid of him. It didn't matter what he was. She already knew who he was.
"You're Daniel.." She whispered brokenly. "I never want to lose you. I know I couldn't bear it..."
"Such an event would also also destroy me, my dear lady..." He moved comfortingly closer. " You are the only woman I have ever truly wanted. He sighed deeply. "Or needed..."
Lifting his free hand he gently traced the line of her cheek from her temple to the point of her chin.
She beguiled him with her beauty and grace he whispered, as he gently tipped her face up to his.
A loving Carolyn whispered how he was everything to her. She stroked her hand along his sleeve then she touched the tanned skin of his hand.
Daniel's ghostly flesh felt more corporeal than incorporeal. Her breathing quickened. She pushed her slender fingers between his and curled them around, seeking a warmth she still could not feel.
Daniel lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the backs of her fingers as he had once done in her glorious dream. The air in the room became heated and passionate.
Carolyn gazed at his bent head and drew a shaken breath. "Dance with me," she pleaded. " Like we did before..."
Daniel looked up at her, her fingers still held within his clasp.
"Please..." She pleaded. "Just for a moment or two. You waltz so beautifully and I just want to know we can..."
The besotted Daniel was unable to resist the entirety of her beautiful green eyes.
He placed his free hand on her waist and settled it there as he tightened his clasp on her fingers. Just then, came the soft strands of the same waltz that had played the night when they had danced together on the front lawn of the house.
Carolyn gazed into his eyes, so intense and blue. Their gazes locked as she began to softly quote. "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight..." She had always loved that particular Elizabeth Barrett Browning sonnet she whispered.
Daniel shook his head. "Such true and honest words..."
Carolyn felt the seeming solidness of him begin to dissolve.
"Daniel's voice was filled with regret and sadness as he said he had to go. They had already had more than he thought was even possible. He could stay no longer.
Carolyn drew his hand to her lips and kissed him quickly. She just wished he could stay she said sadly.
"Me, too" a smiling Daniel began to dissolve further. "But some things are still as immutable as the stars..."
"Goodnight Daniel..." Carolyn stepped slowly backwards and the music gently faded away.
"Good night Carolyn..." He smiled gently. "Sweet dreams..."
"Yes please." One final dream for their research, of course." Carolyn watched him vanish completely, leaving her feeling cold and bereft.
She hoped and prayed that he had heard her. That he would continue to give her their shared dream. That he would allow them to be together in that world, as they could not be in this one.
"Please, Captain. I wish to go back once more..." She repeated her plea before picking up her nightgown and walking to the bathroom to get ready for bed.
Daniel reappeared in the bedroom sometime later. His energies now restored after the unexpected closeness earlier in the evening. To hold her in his arms and kiss her had been magical.
He had been deeply jealous. Carolyn was right. He would have done everything to keep her with him. But only if she wished to stay.
He remembered t
Daniel and Carolyn were now completely at cross purposes.
The Captain quietly watched Carolyn poke the fire into life. The house was still. The children were in bed and Martha had gone to the movies with Ed Peevey.
His emotions were in turmoil. He might be dead but he could admire the elegant, lovely Carolyn. He had never seen anything more beautiful. Not even on a ship...
Jealousy laced his voice as he queried who the lucky man was?
A vague sounding Carolyn answered that she thought his name was Mark Helmore. An astonished Daniel queried that Carolyn didn't know? His seething jealousy rose further. "Who was this new man? Were there now two of them vying for her favours? Where did they meet her and how?"
A smiling Carolyn shrugged as she answered casually that she had been busy and not paying too much attention. She supposed she would have to do so if the affair continued much longer.
The Captain's jealousy deepened as he bit out that Carolyn presumably found him attractive. The now very put out Captain continued his interrogation wondering if the new man was "well situated?"
A now completely mystified Carolyn said she had no idea. But that it didn't matter to her.
The scowling Captain disagreed with her assertion and said that he thought it was a very important thing to know. Carolyn responded that she that she had no intention of asking for support.
A baffled and outraged Daniel said that he hoped Carolyn wouldn't be supporting him. It might be the twentieth century but in his view a man must be able to take care of those he sought to woo. Otherwise he would be nothing more than a bare-faced swindler.
A preoccupied Carolyn dismissed his concerns with a laugh as she said the family would hardly expect that. Anyway they were not local. She sat down and picked up the manuscript she had brought downstairs to read. They had more important matters to discuss.
She wanted to go over his alterations. Martha had added her own and was now most keen to read the rest of it. Carolyn hesitated before adding that the Captain had promised her another dream.
By this stage a confused and irtitated Caotsin was unable to tell whether she was being serious or not. He felt the manuscript could wait. Carolyn needed to discuss things with the one who mattered to her.
A ruffled Carolyn retorted that she took anything concerning her children with great seriousness. Their future depended on this work. She waved the manuscript at the Captain and asked could they please get on with it. Too much time had already been wasted.
The visibly annoyed Captain ignored her pleas. He offered his sincerest wishes for her happiness and bade the bewildered Carolyn a formal good night.
"What had got into him?" Carolyn wondered aloud as she opened the pages of the manuscript. All she had asked for was another dream.
She shook her head. "Men!"
The Captain materialised in the wheelhouse. He opened the same old sea chest that had contained the silk gown he had used to try to frighten Madame Tibaldi.
A futile exercise as he remembered. The unwanted séance had disturbed the delicate status quo of the house. Her stories and rather risqué visions had made Daniel yearn for the impossible.
His two rivals Brady O'Flynn and now this new man, Helmore were both flesh and blood. They could give Carolyn everything. They could also take her from Gull Cottage.
"Blast!" His dusty heart contracted with longing and pain.
The chest was filled with items, large and small, carefully wrapped in old brocade or silk shawls. They were securely tied with strong cords.
On top was a large parcel carefully wrapped in a dark blue and steel brocade, tied with a yellow sash cord. The Captain picked it up and placed it on his knees as he sat beside the trunk. He gazed at it deep in thought.
A dejected looking Jonathan appeared at the door. "Permission to come aboard, Sir. He was dressed for bed in dressing gown and slippers. The little boy asked why the Captain hadn't come to say goodnight to him?
The Captain sighed and said he was sorry. Things were changing around the place. Soon there might be no need for him.
The boy burst out that it was unfair. There were secrets that he didn't know about. He might as well not be there.
The morose Captain agreed with the outburst. He said he would miss the boy. He had been the first one, in over a hundred years not to have been afraid of him.
A surprised Jonathan asked if the Captain was going somewhere too?
The Captain said that he would be remaining in the house but that Jonathan might be shipping out.
"Blast!" The now visibly upset boy declared that he didn't want to be shipped anywhere else. He loved living in Gull Cottage and he loved being with the Captain.
The Captain agreed with the sentiments but added that they had no choice but to accede to the turmoil. Change was fickle and unpredictable. Just like the women in their lives.
The boy stared sadly at his ghostly friend as he wiped his hand across his eyes. "Double blast..." he muttered.
Carolyn had given up the ghost and walked upstairs to her bedroom. She was desperate to find out what had upset the Captain so badly that he had no interest in working with her. She needed him.
She stopped and stared at the handsome, cut crystal punch bowl and elegant silver spoon standing in the middle of her desk. She put down her manuscript and stared in puzzlement at it.
The Captain appeared in front of the fireplace and watched her intently. "The crystal is Waterford,. The silver, early Georgian. Both were valuable and had been valued by him. He thought they were most suitable. His voice was flat.
"Suitable for what? Carolyn was becoming more confused.
The brusque sounding Captain answered her question declaring that they were an appropriate momento to help her on her journey over new seas and the far horizons she was embarking on.
"Journey?" What journey? What seas? Carolyn stared at him in bewilderment.
The Captain sighed impatiently. "Why, the seas of matrimony, of course."
Carolyn gave a short laugh. This had to be some kind of a joke. She thought for a moment then asked if it had anything to do with Captain Webster? Had Daniel done something that he didn't want to tell her?
The Captain assured her that she had always brought warmth and grace to the ship. He would remember her during the long nights. Perhaps someday he might even begin to forget her... His voice trailed off as he stared seriously at her.
The increasingly bewildered Carolyn thanked him for his sweeping and generous sentiment but insisted she had no plans to go anywhere. She asked what had got into him? He was moping around the place and sniping at her.
She glared at him and added that she could do without the aggravation. If there was something on his mind would he mind spitting it out so that she could deal with it. She hated him going all squirrelly on her.
"Squirrelly?" The Captain repeated the word, his voice filled with a mixture of confusion and outrage. Was Madam not planning on going anywhere? he looked scandalised.
Carolyn was struggling to make sense of the conversation. Was he anxious to get rid of her? What had she done?
The offended Captain strode across the room. "Typically female thing to say!" He ground the words out.
Carolyn glared back at him in equal outrage. Out of the blue he had given her a silver spoon and a crystal punch bowl and then told her goodbye. If he wanted to break the lease then just tell her. She spat the words back at him.
The Captain moved closer to her. She hardly expected to marry and settle down in Gull Cottage? Surely he might have something to say about that!
"Marry and settle - Certainly not" Carolyn glared at him.
"Which!" The Captain demanded furiously as he waved an imperious finger at the increasingly infuriated Carolyn.
"Neither!" Carolyn hissed back. "How could I? Why should I?
The Captain suddenly looked confused and puzzled. Had she not said her problem was... love?
He sighed and admitted he had overheard her on the telephone the previous night. He had heard that blasted pirate, O'Flynn schmoozing her with his of-so-innocent party invitation.
Now there was another new man, this confounded Mark Helmore. How many men was she planning on entertaining while she remained under his roof? he growled.
He wondered indignantly why she just didn't invite that blasted Sean Callahan as well.
A dumbfounded Carolyn stared at him in astonishment. She was at a loss for words. Why was he so outraged? He was like any other man faced with a series of events out of his control.
She swallowed shakily as the situation began to become clearer. "If she didn't know better..."
She began to laugh as she saw the funny side. He thought she was in... "It was ridiculous, impossible and completely untrue,."
The Captain repeated her words and demanded to know "Which part?"
"Why all of it," Carolyn stressed. Where had he got such a ridiculous notion that she was falling in love with another man? With anyone else!"
She put her her hand and laid it on the arm of his jacket. "No man she had ever met - or would ever meet - could compare to him. Surely he knew that. Her tone had chsnged. Her voice was soft and gentle.
She sighed as her hand slid down to touch his long fingers with hers. He must know and accept this as the truth. For him to believe anything else was totally ridiculous and deeply hurtful. She would never betray his love. "Never." She whispered the words with intensity.
The Captain took a deep breath. Yes. It was totally ridiculous. He stared down at the electric connection between them.
Carolyn continued to speak softly. She reassured the hurt Captain that she had no interest in Brady O'Flynn. Though she expected he wished she was. But he meant nothing to her.
As for Mark Helmore? She had been talking about Candy. That's what is so ridiculous about it. It's Candy that's in love with him. He's the new boy at her school she concluded.
The relieved Captain curled his fingers around hers as he admitted that he had been going out of his mind.
Carolyn gave his hand a small tug as she declared that just because she was a mother it didn't mean that a man couldn't be interested in her. She had been flattered by Brady O 'Flynn's interest. But that was that. Candy would be attending his daughter's party and she would be taking her daughter there. She expected they would have a lovely afternoon before returning home.
The Captain seemed absorbed on the tenuous connection between them. In his opinion Brady O'Flynn wouldn't be happy with those pathetic crumbs. He placed his free hand over her as he spoke.
Carolyn turned her hand within his as she continued to speak. Candy was the one who had fallen in love. She was mooning around and seemed to be on another planet.
The Captain removed his hand from hers and slid his fingers up her arm until he reached her shoulder. Drawing her closer, he looked into her eyes. He admitted he had been fully prepared to give her up for love if her heart had been truly in it.
A wryly amused Carolyn contradicted him. "No he wouldn't," she declared, her green eyes dancing as she looked back at the Captain . He would have thrown everything in her path to prevent her from leaving Gull Cottage. "Storms, floods, power failures, fast tyres. He would have moved heaven and earth to prevent it.
The ruefully smiling Daniel agreed as he lowered his head to kiss her lips slowly and sensually.
The silence in the room thickened as they stood closely together. Carolyn cupped his lean, bearded cheek with her hand. She broke the tenuous connection. She needed to catch her breath.
Pressing her forehead to his, she declared tremulously that she could never leave him.
The Captain could feel himself beginning to fade. He apologised for his attitude. He couldn't bear the way O'Flynn had looked at her. O'Callahan had looked at her in the same way. They were men of flesh and blood, while he... he broke off what he was saying and sighed with pain.
Carolyn took a small step backwards as she answered him. Men like Brady and Sean would continue to look at her in the same way that women had looked at him when he was alive. It didn't mean that she would be looking back. He had to accept her word for that. She stayed with him because she wanted to.
The Captain watched her walk towards the bedroom mirror as he soberly asked for forgiveness for being such a blind, crass fool.
"There was nothing to forgive," she declared as she picked up her hairbrush. It was Candy that was in the throes of first love. She would need both of them when the inevitable crash came.
The Captain gazed at her with longing in his eyes as he wondered what could a ten year old possibly know about love? How it would feel between a man and the woman he adored?
Carolyn gazed at his mirrored image as she answered slowly that Candy would feel enough to be deeply hurt. She hoped the boy liked her and noticed her.
Carolyn gazed into his beautiful blue eyes and felt herself becoming lost in them. The intimate touch of his lips in their kiss still lingered on her tingling lips.
Carolyn decided to return practical matters. She had brought the manuscript up,with her. "Was he in the mood to look at it now,?" She wondered aloud. "She had been thinking..."
He didn't immediately reply as he watched her gather her nightwear from the closet.
The Captain responded that "in a man that is a logical exercise with an inevitable and right conclusion. However for a woman to do the same.." He raised a dismissive shoulder.
A bristling Carolyn told him to "please stop being so... so, nineteenth century."
The Captain immediately bowed and apologised adding that he had not meant to strike a sensitive nerve and upset her. He had merely been making an observation. They were still at odds this evening he finished.
It was almost nine o'clock. They were nearing the final part of the tale and Carolyn had said that Miss Lacey was waiting impatiently for the last of the chapters and the inevitable romantic conclusion.
Carolyn nodded as she agreed she had said that. There wasn't much more work to do to complete the final draft. Then it would be done. Disappointment clouded her voice.
The Captain said he was wiling to continue working to flesh out the final chapters to Miss Lacey's satisfaction. They would then await her positive response.
A contrite Carolyn apologised for what she had said. He had been nothing but kind and helpful. She was sorry...
Her shoulders sagged as she clutched her nightwear. It had been too much with Martha almost leaving them forever, and then him getting the wrong idea about everything.
Glancing at the beautiful crystal she suddenly remembered where she had seen it before. It had been the punch bowl in her dream when they had danced together on the front lawn.
"How odd..." She bit her bottom lip.
Carolyn moved closer to him as she declared shakily that his timely intervention had saved them from losing Martha. She knew how tenuous life was. They had to make the best of every moment in time.
The Captain sighed as he replied soberly that there were no perfect lives, only perfect moments. They needed to treasure them when they happened and feel blessed, he concluded.
Carolyn nodded jerkily as she repeated the word "Blessed." She dropped her nightgown on the bed and walked slowly back to him. Watching her intently the Captain made no move to step backwards and away from her.
He uttered a warning "Madam..." as he asked what she was up to?
Carolyn began to talk softly as she told him that he had been invisible when he had kissed her cheek the other night. She also knew that he had kissed her lips when she was asleep. Was that not taking unfair advantage of the situation?
He gazed back at her, his blue eyes shimmering with need and longing. It had been the one true advantage he possessed , he admitted.
Carolyn tumultuously admitted that when he had kissed her she had never wanted it to end. She whispered his name yearningly and said she had wanted so much more. But at times she was afraid. She placed her hand once again on the sleeve of his naval jacket.
The Captain was taken aback at her words. Was she afraid of him? He begged her not to be afraid of him. It didn't matter what he was. She already knew who he was.
"You're Daniel.." She whispered brokenly. "I never want to lose you. I know I couldn't bear it..."
"Such an event would also also destroy me, my dear lady..." He moved comfortingly closer. " You are the only woman I have ever truly wanted. He sighed deeply. "Or needed..."
Lifting his free hand he gently traced the line of her cheek from her temple to the point of her chin.
She beguiled him with her beauty and grace he whispered, as he gently tipped her face up to his.
A loving Carolyn whispered how he was everything to her. She stroked her hand along his sleeve then she touched the tanned skin of his hand.
Daniel's ghostly flesh felt more corporeal than incorporeal. Her breathing quickened. She pushed her slender fingers between his and curled them around, seeking a warmth she still could not feel.
Daniel lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the backs of her fingers as he had once done in her glorious dream. The air in the room became heated and passionate.
Carolyn gazed at his bent head and drew a shaken breath. "Dance with me," she pleaded. " Like we did before..."
Daniel looked up at her, her fingers still held within his clasp.
"Please..." She pleaded. "Just for a moment or two. You waltz so beautifully and I just want to know we can..."
The besotted Daniel was unable to resist the entirety of her beautiful green eyes.
He placed his free hand on her waist and settled it there as he tightened his clasp on her fingers. Just then, came the soft strands of the same waltz that had played the night when they had danced together on the front lawn of the house.
Carolyn gazed into his eyes, so intense and blue. Their gazes locked as she began to softly quote. "How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight..." She had always loved that particular Elizabeth Barrett Browning sonnet she whispered.
Daniel shook his head. "Such true and honest words..."
Carolyn felt the seeming solidness of him begin to dissolve.
"Daniel's voice was filled with regret and sadness as he said he had to go. They had already had more than he thought was even possible. He could stay no longer.
Carolyn drew his hand to her lips and kissed him quickly. She just wished he could stay she said sadly.
"Me, too" a smiling Daniel began to dissolve further. "But some things are still as immutable as the stars..."
"Goodnight Daniel..." Carolyn stepped slowly backwards and the music gently faded away.
"Good night Carolyn..." He smiled gently. "Sweet dreams..."
"Yes please." One final dream for their research, of course." Carolyn watched him vanish completely, leaving her feeling cold and bereft.
She hoped and prayed that he had heard her. That he would continue to give her their shared dream. That he would allow them to be together in that world, as they could not be in this one.
"Please, Captain. I wish to go back once more..." She repeated her plea before picking up her nightgown and walking to the bathroom to get ready for bed.
Daniel reappeared in the bedroom sometime later. His energies now restored after the unexpected closeness earlier in the evening. To hold her in his arms and kiss her had been magical.
He had been deeply jealous. Carolyn was right. He would have done everything to keep her with him. But only if she wished to stay.
He remembered t
1/20 c20 southpaw52
Daniel couldn't understand why Candy felt so uncomfortable wearing the dress as she sat on the bench by the school,didn't want to go inside. I think what hurt her the most, her buddies didn't recognize her she felt terrible
I loved the discussion when Carolyn tells Daniel that females need to be devious/mysterious just to keep the guys guessing. When she gives him the letter Tim Segrit sent with the poem she is stunned to learn the woman Daniel wrote it for was her. He shows her what she means to him by sharing a kiss
Claymore as usual is being a 'stick in the mud'' by avoiding Carolyn's phone calls/letters ,not coming to the house to make the repairs to the house
I look forward to next chapter
Daniel couldn't understand why Candy felt so uncomfortable wearing the dress as she sat on the bench by the school,didn't want to go inside. I think what hurt her the most, her buddies didn't recognize her she felt terrible
I loved the discussion when Carolyn tells Daniel that females need to be devious/mysterious just to keep the guys guessing. When she gives him the letter Tim Segrit sent with the poem she is stunned to learn the woman Daniel wrote it for was her. He shows her what she means to him by sharing a kiss
Claymore as usual is being a 'stick in the mud'' by avoiding Carolyn's phone calls/letters ,not coming to the house to make the repairs to the house
I look forward to next chapter
1161/5 c19 Gadzooks27
Great yet frustrating chapter! Loved that dream and the direction it was going in only to be interrupted by the blasted alarm clock. No fair! Despite that I still greatly enjoyed this chapter and the inclusion of "Puppy Love", nice to see Candy get some attention. I look forward to the next chapter I would say with baited breath,but that dream took my breath away. Till next time. .
Great yet frustrating chapter! Loved that dream and the direction it was going in only to be interrupted by the blasted alarm clock. No fair! Despite that I still greatly enjoyed this chapter and the inclusion of "Puppy Love", nice to see Candy get some attention. I look forward to the next chapter I would say with baited breath,but that dream took my breath away. Till next time. .
1/5 c19 southpaw52
Carolyn wasn't expecting the dream to make her feel sea sick but then things calmed down when the storm abated and she found Capt Webster aka Daniel. She's had enough of the dream just wants Daniel to be himself nobody else. She hears the waltz music again, Daniel isn't accustomed to how close they are dancing as Carolyn says' you'll get use to it',just when they were about to kiss, the blasted alarm goes off
Carolyn now has to help Candy who is crying/miserable&a bit jealous her classmate Penelope also is interested in Mark Helmore the new boy at school. Daniel suggests to Carolyn make some new outfit for her so she looks more like a girl,though Carolyn knows Candy doesn't like to wear those types of clothes
I look forward to next chapter-this was good
Carolyn wasn't expecting the dream to make her feel sea sick but then things calmed down when the storm abated and she found Capt Webster aka Daniel. She's had enough of the dream just wants Daniel to be himself nobody else. She hears the waltz music again, Daniel isn't accustomed to how close they are dancing as Carolyn says' you'll get use to it',just when they were about to kiss, the blasted alarm goes off
Carolyn now has to help Candy who is crying/miserable&a bit jealous her classmate Penelope also is interested in Mark Helmore the new boy at school. Daniel suggests to Carolyn make some new outfit for her so she looks more like a girl,though Carolyn knows Candy doesn't like to wear those types of clothes
I look forward to next chapter-this was good
12/22/2024 c18 southpaw52
Daniel needs to stop being a 'snoop' when he overhears Carolyn's phone conversation,he thought she was going to leave him for Mark Helmore not knowing the real facts. Carolyn is confused why he put the Waterford crystal on her desk then explains to him who Mark is, new boy at Candy's school,she's dealing with her 1st crush. Daniel sort admits he was jealous of the attention Brady O'Flynn was giving Carolyn. She reassures him she isn't going anywhere the only man she loves& wants is him
A lovely romantic moment when they could touch each others fingers, share a kiss ,dance together
I look forward to the final dream and see where that takes them
Daniel needs to stop being a 'snoop' when he overhears Carolyn's phone conversation,he thought she was going to leave him for Mark Helmore not knowing the real facts. Carolyn is confused why he put the Waterford crystal on her desk then explains to him who Mark is, new boy at Candy's school,she's dealing with her 1st crush. Daniel sort admits he was jealous of the attention Brady O'Flynn was giving Carolyn. She reassures him she isn't going anywhere the only man she loves& wants is him
A lovely romantic moment when they could touch each others fingers, share a kiss ,dance together
I look forward to the final dream and see where that takes them