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Bittersweet Secret
Rating: T |
Status: Completed | Genre: Drama | Series: None
Go to: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Part 3 (conclusion) Upon his and Julia’s return to Collinsport, Barnabas explained as best he could how things had gone in New York; Angelique seemed skeptical but did not refute his claims…at least not at that point in time. Both he and Julia were apprehensive because they knew what that usually meant, so they simply prepared themselves as best they could and decided to live their lives–again, as best they could. Their lives went on without incident for the next several weeks…or at least none they couldn’t handle. It was shortly after the New Year 1841 arrived that Julia had another disturbing experience with Laszlo that gave her the distinct impression that Valerie/Angelique either knew or suspected what they had been trying to keep from her the last several months. Both Barnabas and Julia believed that Laszlo had most likely been the one to find out, then tell his mistress. But since Angelique had not confronted either of them, both had assumed she was ignorant of the true situation—at least at first. Up to this point they had been certain that their tracks had been sufficiently covered; perhaps it had been through one of Laszlo’s mysterious Gypsy rituals or even one of Angelique’s own witchcraft or voodoo rituals that they had discovered the truth. But just how much did they know, and how long had they known it? Both Barnabas and Julia agreed to send a telegram to Randall Drew, asking if he, Roxanne and little Rose were still safe and well…and would both worry until they heard back—if they heard back. This time it was shortly after Barnabas had left Collinwood with his latest letter and the pictures of himself, Roxanne and the baby; Julia had walked him as far as the road which led to the Old House, then turned to head back to Collinwood. She had barely started when she felt a familiar rough hand bring her up short. "I thought I told you to stay away from Barnabas Collins," Laszlo remarked ominously. "Why should I? We’re not at the Old House now, and it was there that I’m supposed to be banished from," Julia pointedly reminded him. "Also, I thought I told you that no one is going to tell me when or for how long I can see my own brother." "What did you see him about?" "Not that it’s any of your affair, but we received some correspondence and photos from some friends and were discussing them," Julia returned, giving her unwelcome inquisitor a hard look, her voice holding a bite that not even Laszlo could miss. "Did the correspondence and photos have anything to do with the recent arrival of the child of one Roxanne Drew, presently residing in New York City with her brother, noted lawyer Randall Drew?" Julia’s face became expressionless. "We know them, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the ones we heard from." "I believe they were," Laszlo accused. "In fact, I even believe that you and your ‘brother’ know the Drews far better than either of you have ever let on. And isn’t it true that Barnabas was romantically involved with Roxanne Drew for a time?" "Yes, he was—but that ended shortly after Angelique returned," Julia replied coolly. "Are you sure of that?" Laszlo threw back, his cold dark eyes seemingly boring holes through Julia, although she never flinched. "From what I understand, Roxanne Drew never married, yet she has a newborn child. Would you happen to know who the father of her child is?" "I have no idea who the father of Roxanne’s child is," Julia claimed. "I think you know all too well," Laszlo contradicted. "In fact, I have every reason to believe that you know that she and Barnabas Collins were lovers…and that he is the father of her child. Also, that you know that they have in fact been both secretly corresponding and seeing each other behind Valerie’s back for the last several months." "Your belief doesn’t make it so," Julia snapped, beginning to lose patience with this poking, prying fool. "How do you know that Roxanne didn’t have either another lover or even marry secretly, then lose her husband a few weeks after the wedding, having become pregnant in that short span of time?" "You never quit, do you?" Laszlo snapped back. "And what makes you think I haven’t already told Valerie all I know? I even know that the real reason you and Barnabas went to New York so suddenly was to be with Roxanne Drew when she gave birth—to his child. Now you and I both know how much Valerie has desired a child…especially Barnabas Collins’ child. If I feel it right to inform her of the baby’s birth, it’s quite likely that she could take the child for herself." "And never mind how Roxanne or her brother might feel about it," Julia finished. "Never! That child belongs to Roxanne, and we intend to do everything in our power to see to it that the child remains with her!" "What makes you think that either of you can lift a finger to stop us?" Laszlo returned coldly. "Or that Barnabas Collins would willingly give up his own flesh and blood, even to save the life of the mother of his child, after waiting so long to become a father? I seriously doubt that, even if it means remaining with Valerie and raising the child with her acting as surrogate mother." "You think you know so damn much," Julia snapped. "Well, you don’t know half as much as you think you do! If you don’t cease your harassment, I swear that we’ll—" "You’ll what?" Laszlo challenged. "Get a lawyer, hired by the Collins money, to sue me? Possibly even the illustrious Randall Drew? Well, let me tell you right now, Miss Julia Collins, that you cannot bribe me and you cannot scare me. There isn’t enough money in the entire Collins account to buy my silence…and what’s more, there’s nothing either you or Barnabas Collins can do to prevent me from telling Valerie everything!" "Your threats don’t scare us," Julia shot back. "And for your information, nothing Angelique can come up with will surprise us—because we know all her tricks." "But you don’t know all of mine," he warned. "It’s immaterial to us what you can or cannot do. Now if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to Collinwood before it gets dark. Good afternoon." Julia’s tone was frigid. "Now kindly release me—and it would be very much appreciated if you never came near us again." Her arm was released but Laszlo gave this parting shot: "I wouldn’t count on it if I were you. Good afternoon, Miss Collins." With that, the Gypsy disappeared and Julia thought gratefully, He’s gone. Good riddance to bad rubbish! But as soon as I can, I must speak to Barnabas again. If Laszlo or Angelique knows half as much as he claims, we’re in for big trouble! For the moment, however, there wasn’t anything further to be done, so Julia simply headed back to Collinwood, her supper, and finally her bed. The next day Julia sent Randall Drew a telegram, asking him to reply right away…or as soon as he possibly could, whatever was the quickest. Even at that, both she and Barnabas would feel as though it were an eternity. "How long do you think it will take before Randall responds?" the latter asked worriedly. "I couldn’t say. It depends on how busy he is," Julia replied. "Or whether or not he is able to respond," Barnabas countered morosely. "Don’t talk like that," Julia gently admonished. "We’ll hear back from him—and I’ll let you know the moment I do." "But it will not be easy to wait," Barnabas pointed out, worried sick for the safety of both Roxanne and little Rose, but doing his best to conceal it. Julia, however, knew him too well to be fooled for long…but at the same time, she knew that once Barnabas had made up his mind, it was next to impossible to change it. "I know," Julia tried to soothe him. "But we must hope for the best." Barnabas sighed gloomily but said, "I am attempting to do so." "I’ve got to get back to Collinwood before I’m caught here again," she told him. "I’m sure they’re fine, but I’ll bring you the telegram as soon as it arrives." "Please do," was all he said, then turned to gaze into the fire. That was her cue to leave…and though she expected it at any moment, Laszlo did not accost her again. It was just as likely that he and Angelique were somewhere plotting something as anything else, but at present all that mattered was that she was able to reach Collinwood safely—and to her delight, the very next morning, one of the servants…a young chambermaid–brought her a telegram. Julia hoped it was from whom she thought and that it contained good news. "Telegram for you, Miss Julia. It just arrived." "Thank you, Courtney," Julia responded graciously. The girl smiled, bowed and departed—then Julia tore open the telegram once the door was closed behind her. JULIA WE THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONCERN BUT WE ARE ALL FINE HERE STOP WHAT DID YOU THINK WAS GOING TO HAPPEN STOP ROXANNE SENDS HER LOVE TO BARNABAS STOP BABY ROSE IS THRIVING STOP IF ANYTHING HAPPENS I ASSURE YOU THAT I WILL NOTIFY YOU IMMEDIATELY STOP HOPE YOU ARE BOTH WELL STOP TAKE CARE RD In spite of herself, Julia breathed a sigh of relief. This should ease Barnabas’ mind, if only a little. She went downstairs, grabbed her cloak and threw it around her shoulders, walking briskly toward the Old House and Barnabas…or so she believed. When Barnabas had awakened that morning, he had already decided to go to Collinwood, Angelique or no Angelique. He had not heard from Julia as to the status of Randall, Roxanne and little Rose, and just imagining what horrors they could be subjected to simply because they loved him gave him nightmares; only out of sheer exhaustion had he been granted a few hours sleep early that morning. He had to find out if Julia had heard anything yet…and if there had been no word, he didn’t intend to budge from Collinwood until there was. Only Julia’s frantic arguing had kept him from packing and calling for a carriage–at least at that point in time—but he couldn’t stay at the Old House another moment. He had to have some air or suffocate. He had rarely had bouts of claustrophobia, but was having one big-time now. If he happened to run into Julia while he was out, all the better. They met midway between the two homes, and both were equally surprised and pleased that they were unlikely to be disturbed out in the open, as they were. "Julia!" he exclaimed. "Barnabas!" she answered upon hearing his voice. "I received an answer from Randall Drew!" Barnabas’ face broke out in an involuntary smile. "What did he say?" "Read it for yourself," she responded, hoping this would make him feel better. Barnabas read silently, breathing a sigh of relief upon finishing. His loved ones were still all right…at least for the moment. He could only hope things would stay that way. "That certainly takes a load off my mind," he remarked with a smile. "One can only hope it remains such." He didn’t let himself think that it might be a scheme of Angelique’s to trap him by faking a message from Randall Drew; he must believe that it was genuine and that they were all safe and well. "Have you heard from Roxanne again yet?" "Not yet, but I just sent your…and my…last answer two days ago. Probably be another two or three days before she answers." "That will be the true test," he informed her. Julia sighed but nodded in agreement, if only to humor him. Anything to keep him from dwelling on the safety of his lover and child. If only for Barnabas’ sake, she hoped the telegram was genuine and that all was well in the Drew household—but Angelique was too clever, too cunning and devious for them to breathe too easily. Since their association had begun, it had sometimes felt as though an axe had been suspended over their necks and the least wrong move could bring it down on them; they never knew from one time to the next what she might be plotting. It had been too long since she had pulled something. They were both pleased and apprehensive; things were going entirely too well. And for this reason, they had to be ready for literally anything since Angelique had been overly secretive for at least the past two weeks. What deviltry could she possibly be planning? Neither Barnabas nor Julia knew and neither wanted to speculate. Little did Barnabas know what was awaiting him at the Old House… Upon arrival at the Old House, Barnabas hung up his cloak and headed for the parlor and his chair by the fire. It looked as though he would have to stoke the fire again, but it would be worth it. After the news he had just received, he felt as though the weight of the world had just been lifted from his shoulders—literally almost as light as a feather. He sat for a time, just gazing into the fire and listening to the quiet. In spite of his almost euphoric state, apprehension began creeping in. It was almost too quiet. Ordinarily he was glad whenever Angelique was away, but this time he found himself wondering where she was. When he couldn’t stand the quiet any longer, Barnabas sighed and got up to go find her. He looked all over the house, deciding to leave the bedroom for the last—but he had looked everywhere else, so that was the only place she could possibly be. However, he knew what she generally wanted whenever he found her there…and he preferred to avoid that whenever possible. To his stunned surprise, he walked in on the small adjoining dressing room–or what had been the dressing room. It now resembled a nursery! What was all this? What was going on? "Angelique? Angelique, where are you?" he called. "Oh, Barnabas, you spoiled my surprise," she returned half-petulantly, half-laughingly. "Surprise? What surprise?" he asked, not knowing what in Heaven’s name she was talking about. Was this why she had been so secretive the last two weeks? "The nursery, silly," she chided with a laugh. "The nursery for the baby." "Baby? What baby? Are you pregnant?" he asked, not wanting to believe that she actually knew about little Rose. "I wish," she sighed. "No; it’s for little Rose." All the blood left his face and he was stunned speechless at her statement. "Barnabas, why did you not tell me? You know how I love children," she chided, her tone pleasant and cheerful, if somewhat scolding. "You must bring her here one of these days, let her spend the weekend with us!" "I have no idea what you mean," he claimed, sure that this was another bluff designed to make him confess as to what he had been concealing all these months. One of the few ways she could possibly have found out was if Laszlo had discovered it and told her…or had she found it out on her own? "My husband, surely you aren’t going to deny it," she countered silkily. "You know how thorough I am. I had Laszlo check hospital records for the last six months—and imagine my shock when we found an entry for December 3, 1840, of a 6-pound, 13-ounce baby girl having been born to a Barnabas and Roxanne Collins at 6:35 p.m. that evening. May I ask when you decided to commit bigamy?" By now it was obvious to Barnabas that Valerie/Angelique knew about little Rose and had known for some time; otherwise she could not have had the opportunity to fix up this room as a nursery. At the same time, he was most reluctant to reveal anything more than what she already knew…provided she didn’t know it all, right from the start. But she couldn’t, he was convinced of that. He and Julia had been far too careful, covered their tracks too well. He had to feel his way carefully, try to find out just how much she knew and how long she had known it. "Very well; so you know," he reluctantly admitted. "How long have you known?" "Not long," she confessed. "Just long enough to buy the things to fix up the nursery. What did you think I was doing in Bangor last month and Collinsport last week?" If that was the case, Barnabas knew that that had to be at least a month, if not longer… and no matter how calm and rational she seemed, he knew that he couldn’t afford to take her at face value. At least not yet. "Do you have a picture of the baby?" Angelique asked. "I bet she’s beautiful." Barnabas nodded reluctantly. "Do you think Roxanne would be willing to let us have little Rose for a weekend?" Angelique entreated. "I don’t know; I would have to ask her," he forced out. Barnabas had to admit that Angelique was a consummate actress, but he didn’t buy her performance for a minute. She had to have something up her sleeve, and he vowed to find out what before he dared admit to anything further. "I was…hesitant about trusting you because of your–past actions regarding my… involvements with other women," he ventured carefully, because Angelique’s wrath had been incited with less. "As for the ‘bigamy’ matter, that was simply something I told the nurse to enable me to see Roxanne and be with her as she gave birth." Angelique frowned but remained silent on that subject, choosing to answer his first statement. "You must admit that all too often, you have given me good reason not to trust you," she pointed out coolly. "Not always," he countered. "In addition, I had–no idea you planned to return and seek a reconciliation, so I…began the romantic relationship with Roxanne. I was also—unaware that she had become pregnant until roughly a month before the baby was born. In fact, I didn’t even know where Roxanne had gone for a long time." He sighed, then continued when he noted that Angelique was listening avidly. "The last time I…saw her, we–discussed the possibility of telling you and offering you the chance to share the child with us. However, you are not generally…willing to share, and I told her as much." Again, he spoke carefully, watching warily for any signs of anger. There were none; at least not at this point. "I have always tended to be—selfish with the things and people I love," she quietly admitted. Barnabas knew that "selfish" was the proverbial understatement of the century, but remained from comment on that subject. "We would…only consider sharing Rose with you if you gave your word that you would not attempt to–abduct the child. We…cannot risk it otherwise, even temporarily." "I understand," she acknowledged, although Barnabas was still half-convinced that she was plotting just that and would implement her scheme when they least expected it. He dared not bring Rose here, at least not for anything but a supervised visit…which by necessity, would have to take place in his or Julia’s presence. But he could not be sure how Angelique would react when he put it to her. "There is one other condition," Barnabas informed her. "What is it?" "When I am not present, you must allow Julia to supervise your visits with Rose. That is the only way Roxanne would ever permit you to spend time with her. Julia will also report to me after the visits are over and I will keep Roxanne informed." He knew how Angelique disliked Julia, so if she passed this test, he would seriously consider discussing the possibility of bringing little Rose for a supervised visit with her "stepmother." There was silence for a long time, then Angelique nodded. "I…agree. Whenever little Rose is here, the banishment order will be lifted." "Very well," Barnabas conceded. "I will inform Roxanne at the first opportunity, then I will let you know her answer–and you will meet Rose as soon as possible after that. But if there is any attempt to renege on your promise, visiting privileges will be withdrawn." He could only hope he wasn’t making the biggest mistake of his life by agreeing to such a thing, but the only way to find out if someone was trustworthy was to trust them. Just the same, this was his child they were talking about here. If anything happened to her, neither Randall nor Roxanne would ever forgive him…nor would he ever forgive himself. There would only be this one chance; if Angelique betrayed him, baby Rose would be lost forever and it would be his fault. Naturally the others were all every bit as skeptical as Barnabas had been and were even fearful of the consequences should Angelique go back on her word, as she had done all too often in the past—but he argued that she had to be given the chance to prove herself. He had already laid down the law to her, he told Julia, and if she tried anything, privileges would be withdrawn, effective immediately. "I can imagine how galling it must have been for her to have to agree to my being there," Julia remarked. "No doubt," Barnabas agreed. "But it was either that or she would not see the child at all–and the nursery is so charming that it…deserves to be used." By this time, Julia had been told in detail what the nursery looked like, and had to agree. "Have you discussed it with Roxanne yet?" "I will in my next letter to her," Barnabas promised. "And she will discuss it with Randall." "What do you think she’s going to say?" "I have no idea. Nor could I blame her if she decided against it," he replied. "This is the last thing I ever expected—to be put in the position of arguing in Angelique’s behalf, you know?" "And it will be your fault if anything goes wrong," Julia reminded him. Barnabas winced at the thought but knew she was right. "I can only pray that nothing does," he returned feelingly. Roxanne was reluctant, but agreed with Barnabas that Angelique had to be given the benefit of the doubt; she only hoped that they would be prepared in the event of a betrayal. He told her that all they could do was their best. Angelique was ecstatic when Barnabas told her that Roxanne had agreed that he could bring little Rose back with him to Collinsport after his latest business trip to New York. It was coming up within the next two weeks, but deep down all were still apprehensive, and understandably so…but as the days passed, she continued to be as cheerful and pleasant as she had been for the last month or so. It was becoming more and more difficult for even Barnabas or Julia to take it at anything other than face value. The last thing he decided to do—at Julia’s behest—was to make Angelique swear that Laszlo would not be allowed near the child, especially not alone, even for a moment. Of course, how long they could expect either the renegade Gypsy or Angelique to honor their word, neither Barnabas nor Julia could have said; all they could do was live day by day and keep a sharp eye on Angelique, particularly when she was with little Rose for any length of time. The trip went well; once again Barnabas and Roxanne spent as much time as possible together, particularly the nights—and by this time, she was recovered from her pregnancy, so they were able to make love the regular way again, although they still did the oral, manual or "back door" sex at least once during their times together. But this parting was different; this time little Rose would be accompanying her father. Roxanne accompanied them out to the carriage, carrying the baby’s suitcase; the bassinet and such were already packed in trunks for the trip to Collinsport. "I’m going to miss her so much," Roxanne told him. "Please keep a sharp eye on Rose as much as you can, Barnabas… and have Julia do so as well. I could not bear it if anything happened to her." "I assure you, I will, my darling," her lover told her. "We must go now. I will keep you informed." He situated himself in the carriage and reached for the baby; Roxanne reluctantly relinquished the child after kissing her silky head and lovingly caressing her cheek. With that, he told the carriage driver to go to Grand Central and they were off. Roxanne stood and watched them until the carriage turned the corner at the end of the street, then went back into the house. It was going to seem so empty without Rose; she would pray every night that her precious baby would be safely returned to her until they were together again. Julia met Barnabas at the Bangor station; it took several hours to get back to Collinsport and the Old House where Angelique was anxiously awaiting their arrival. But since little Rose was still nursing, it would be necessary to put her on part mother’s milk, part formula for the duration of her visit. Roxanne had sent several days’ supply, but Angelique had assured him that there would be plenty to keep the baby well-fed…she would see to it. He would not put it past her to put something in it to sway the child, but could not voice his suspicions, simply keep a close but discreet eye on them as much as possible. It was around seven-thirty in the evening when they arrived at the Old House. Once the carriage was unpacked, the trunks unloaded and all the baggage carried inside, Barnabas went in search of his wife. "Angelique!" he called. "We have returned." "In here, Barnabas," she called from the parlor. They left the luggage in the foyer for the time being; Julia simply followed Barnabas into the parlor, where Angelique stood with her back to them…then turned as they entered the room. Her face lit up when she saw the pink bundle in her husband’s arms; she extended her arms toward him and he hesitated–briefly—before handing the child over. "Oh, Barnabas, she’s simply precious! She even has your eyes," the woman positively gushed. "And her cute little button nose…" Her voice trailed off as she kissed the baby’s forehead. "She’s simply adorable—and such rosy cheeks! She’s so very aptly named!" Barnabas had never believed it possible that Angelique could look maternal, but she did now. He smiled in spite of himself at the tenderness in his wife’s eyes as she looked upon the child. He even allowed himself a moment of regret that they had never been able to have children; if he’d had any inkling that she could be like this with a child, he might have at least considered suggesting that they adopt before this. But it still remained to be seen how the visit would go; if it went well, they could continue them at the rate of at least one, if not two, a month…and if not supervised by him, by Julia. He was due to return Rose to Roxanne within the week, and would carefully note Angelique’s reaction to parting with the child. He would also keep in even closer touch with his child’s mother and make sure all was well on that end once their daughter was back with her. But it was worse than any of them had feared. Angelique was planning something far more insidious than simply abducting little Rose—in fact, she intended to do absolutely nothing to hurt Barnabas’ child, even if she did belong to another woman. What she did intend to do, however, was use a special spell she had been saving for just such an occasion as this…a spell so that she herself would become pregnant—and what’s more, she could even choose the sex of the child. Barnabas already had a daughter by his paramour; now all he needed was a son by his legitimate wife. A son who would grow up to be a powerful warlock. Best of all, it would tie her to Barnabas even more closely. Of course, the last thing he wanted was any children from her, for he knew as well as she that she would be the one to control and manipulate them. He would simply be the means by which she had conceived. Which reminded her, it was time for his first session with her, should it take more than one night for her to become pregnant. But Angelique knew of a way to make it even more enjoyable…at least for herself. She would plant a suggestion in his mind that she was Roxanne—along with an almost insatiable desire for sex every time he came near her. She even intended to speak to him with Roxanne’s voice, and she would say:
Barnabas, my darling… I just couldn’t wait to see you again, and I want you with every fiber of my being, as you want me. Meet me in the bedroom so that we may satisfy those desires properly. Now, if the spell worked as claimed, Barnabas would hear her voice in his mind, then be compelled to locate her quickly, for obvious reasons. Angelique laughed wickedly at the look that was surely to be on Barnabas’ face once he learned he had been deceived … although she would make certain that he was unaware of the fact until it was too late. In fact, the spell couldn’t have worked better. The moment the momentarily off-guard Barnabas heard his beloved’s voice—or what he believed to be her voice—summoning him to the bedroom, he realized that he felt the most intense sexual desire he had ever experienced. He also noted that his member was painfully hard and that his trousers felt tight, as though they were in a cloth prison…a prison from which he had to escape, and soon. He couldn’t help wondering how Roxanne could be here, but hoped she had come on a whim to surprise him. Even at that, he felt sure that she would have told Julia of her impending arrival. But that didn’t matter now. All that mattered was locating her—and he knew just where to do that. He would find out the details later. He had bigger and better things on his mind. He found her waiting in the bedroom in her lacy blue, low-cut nightgown, her lustrous red-gold hair flowing over her shoulders and back, a tender smile on her lips and her open arms beckoning to him. He almost ran to her, pulling her into his arms and pressing her lower body tightly against his; just feeling her warm, scented sweetness inflamed his passion almost beyond control. Her head moved so that his lips could passionately caress her throat and neck even as his hands moved feverishly, intimately over her curves…then a moment later his hands wandered down to her buttocks, pressing them even tighter against his hardness. The next moment found him kissing her passionately, their tongues intertwining as intricately as they (he and the real Roxanne) ordinarily did—and the process of their undressing was every bit as rapid as usual. Once that was accomplished, Barnabas carried the woman he believed to be his lover to bed and lowered her to the pillow; her arms pulled him down on top of her. As one hand parted her legs, he sought and found her wet heat, then stroked her highly sensitive center before withdrawing his hand; his iron-hard member entered her slick passage and his hips moved in time with hers, faster and harder, until he tensed against her and the explosion came, so intense as to be almost reminiscent of the eruption of an active volcano—and he found himself unable to stop for a long time. When he finally did, they didn’t rest long, for his desire was such that he had to have her again…and this joining was every bit as passionate. By the time they finished, both partners were so enervated that sleep came easily and quickly…at least for Barnabas. Angelique forced herself to remain awake a while longer, having not shared such passionate, incredible sex with Barnabas since the height of their liaison in Martinique. She held her sleeping husband close in her arms, stroking his damp hair as her cheek rested on top of his head, savoring his nearness, the wonderful heat of his bare body entwined with hers. He no doubt believed he was sleeping in Roxanne’s arms, which suited her just fine, at least for the moment. That was just what she wanted him to think, until and unless she said otherwise. Barnabas awakened an interminable time later, feeling as though he had literally been put through the wringer. He noticed the woman beside him was every bit as naked as he was—and it was not who he had expected to see when she turned over to face him. He was stunned almost speechless at the sight. "Angelique, what are you doing here? Where is Roxanne?" "Still in New York," his wife stated simply. "You’ve made love to me these last three days." "I don’t believe it! You must be holding her hostage somewhere and took her place before I awakened." "I did no such thing, my husband," she assured him. Her sincerity was so obvious that it reached even him. "Then it must have been one of your spells," he returned coldly. "It was," she confirmed coolly. "What did you do to me?" he asked. "As if I didn’t know! It must have been some kind of aphrodisiac." "Not only that," she amended. "It also had another secret ingredient." "What kind of secret ingredient?" he demanded, keeping tight control of his temper. "The kind which will enable me to become pregnant," she informed him. "Is that why you did it?" This time his tone could have frozen the very air. "You know how much and how long I have wanted your child. That is the main reason why I did it. The other reason is because you wouldn’t touch me otherwise. I had no choice." She reached for her robe and shrugged it on, tying the sash-belt around her slender waist, straightening her side of the bed before getting back onto it again. "If you had a spell which would enable you to become pregnant, why did you not use it a long time ago?" Barnabas mirrored her actions. "I wanted to keep it for just the right time," she explained. "And I suppose that this was the right time?" he remarked dryly. "Of course. I couldn’t leave Rose to be an only child, could I?" Angelique’s voice was deceptively silky. "You don’t care about that and you know it," he shot back. "You simply want someone else to control and manipulate. Because of that, it’s quite unlikely that I would be allowed to have any influence on the child." When she remained silent, Barnabas took that as assent. "Have you any idea how that makes me feel?" "All that matters to me right now is that I bear your child," she returned simply. "Then all I am is a specimen sample to you," he returned even more coldly than before, if that were possible. "You would not even allow me to be a proper father to our child. It’s more important that you groom him or her to be just like you. That’s the main reason it never particularly bothered me that we never had children." Barnabas sighed. "Even if you have a child as a result of our…sexual encounters, you cannot guarantee that I will be willing to give him or her my name, much less an inheritance. In fact, I’m seriously considering making Rose my sole heir." "You wouldn’t dare!" Angelique exclaimed. "Rose is not even your legitimate child!" "If I acknowledge paternity and give her financial support, in that sense Rose is every bit as legitimate as any child you and I might have," Barnabas countered. "However, it remains to be seen whether or not you will actually become pregnant." "Oh, I will," she told him confidently. "You need have no fear of that." "What makes you so certain?" he demanded. "Because I designed the spell that way," she answered with an almost smug air. "I can imagine how Julia and Roxanne are going to react if you become pregnant as well," her husband opined. Barnabas smiled inwardly as Angelique clenched her jaw and her hands became tight fists, but knew that she knew as well as he what the other two women would say, what they would do…and he would not hesitate to tell them what she’d done—or attempted. "Why don’t we simply wait to tell them until it actually happens?" she suggested. "That should be soon enough, don’t you think?" "I suppose so," he conceded, at least for the time being. "But only until then." "Very well," she agreed, almost too quietly, hoping she could think of something to once again change the odds in her favor, but having to go along with Barnabas’ wishes for the present.
Since she was as aware of what Angelique was capable of as he, Julia might believe him …but then again, she might not. And even as difficult as it would be to explain to Julia, Barnabas doubted he would ever be able to explain to Roxanne, particularly if she ever learned that Angelique was now pregnant. Once the time came, however—and he knew it would come—Barnabas could only take his chances and hope for the best. Julia was also likely to be the one to figure it out first, being a doctor, but Roxanne was the one he was most concerned about. If she got it into her head that he had been lying to her about his relationship with Angelique, she might deny him both visitation rights to little Rose as well as access to her and her bed…and he couldn’t allow that to happen, whatever the cost. As Barnabas had surmised, Julia figured it out first—but to his surprise, she wasn’t as much inclined to believe him when he tried to explain himself as he had expected. She believed that it was just as likely for him to have been at least partially willing to go along with Angelique, as opposed to being totally unwilling to have "conjugal relations" with her, for it to have been so easy for her to get him into her bed again, then make love to her as he hadn’t done since their interlude in Martinique. After all, Angelique was a witch…and Barnabas was just a mortal man now. He knew better, but saw no way to convince either of them. They would 1) have to be a man and 2) have experienced what he had with Angelique to truly understand or believe him. Of course, Barnabas couldn’t say he was totally innocent, not all the time, but this time he was—and would swear as much on the proverbial stack of Bibles if that was what it took to make either of them believe him. "Don’t get me wrong, Barnabas," Julia tried to comfort him. "No one knows better than we do what Angelique is capable of, and I have no doubt that she must have put a spell on you, but…" "You don’t believe I was completely unwilling," Barnabas returned morosely. "Well, she is your wife…not to mention very beautiful. If nothing else, you cannot deny either of those things, at least not technically," Julia pointed out matter-of-factly in spite of her pain at the knowledge of same—not to mention the knowledge of Angelique’s pregnancy, however it had come about. The point was, it had happened…and Julia was now convinced that she herself would never have the same opportunity. "Perhaps not, but I am denying this, and I will continue to deny it, because I had no intention of doing it before it happened. Not until the spell was cast…and I refuse to be held accountable for something that was beyond my control." He crossed his arms determinedly and gave Julia a hard look. "You’ve had spells cast on you, Julia; they have made you do things you wouldn’t ordinarily do, either. Correct?" Julia couldn’t deny it; she nodded. "That was the case with me," he reiterated. "And that is the truth, whether you believe me or not." "All right, I’m sorry. I believe you—but how do you think Roxanne is going to take this? If you think I was difficult to convince…" Barnabas held up a hand. "I know—but all I can do is tell her the truth." "And it’s up to her whether or not to believe you," Julia finished. "When and how are you going to tell her?" "Probably in my next letter," he replied. "Isn’t this something you should tell her face-to-face?" Julia asked. "It will sound every bit as far-fetched whether I tell her in person or in a letter," Barnabas reminded her. "I suppose so," Julia conceded. "Which is why you had best tell her right away." It wasn’t something Barnabas was looking forward to, for obvious reasons, but it was necessary, so he bade Julia goodbye, then headed home to the Old House and his study to do his duty. It was some time before Barnabas could even begin to get his thoughts down on paper or even attempt to explain what had happened six weeks ago. Specifically, how Angelique had finally managed to become pregnant. He was finding that even as difficult as it may have seemed to have tried to explain it to Julia, it was even more so where Roxanne was concerned. With them, it had only required one night of passion to engender a child; with Angelique, it had required a spell on both him and herself. He wouldn’t blame her if she considered his story far-fetched, but with her psychic ability, Roxanne should be able to sense his sincerity simply by touching his letter to her. He had managed to think to ask his wife if there were any necessary conditions for the spell to work…and she had said that she would have to live as a mortal woman for the duration of her pregnancy—with all the risks that entailed. She had obviously considered becoming a mother worth the possible risks to herself…and despite his lingering distrust of her, that impressed him. But his main concern was Roxanne possibly considering him at least partially willing for it to have been so easy to be put under Angelique’s spell. He knew how powerful the latter’s spells could be, that the recipient of same would be compelled to do or say what the spell-caster wished, regardless of their personal wishes. He knew he had not initially been willing, particularly since he had had no idea what she was planning at the time, but it wouldn’t have changed anything even if he had known. He told Roxanne all this and more, ending with the following, "…at least Rose won’t have to grow up an only child. She will have a sibling." At the same time, he couldn’t help wondering what kind of sibling, since Angelique’s child was likely to end up either a witch or a warlock, if she had any say in the matter…and he knew she would. She had even said regarding their three-day rendezvous that he had not been that passionate since their liaison in Martinique. As far as that went, she could have cast a spell on him then as well. But that was irrelevant now. What mattered most to him was that he managed to convince Roxanne. After a time, Barnabas decided to ask Roxanne a question which had been bothering him for some time—just how Lamar Trask had reacted to the news of her pregnancy and the knowledge of whose child she was carrying. (They were sitting in the parlor on the loveseat in Randall Drew’s home during his latest visit to New York; the baby was sleeping in her nearby bassinet.) "Does it really matter at this late date? What matters is that we’re together now and that we have our beautiful little girl," Roxanne pointed out. "I wish to know," Barnabas said simply. "Don’t worry; I won’t ask again." "Very well," she sighed. "I was about five months along, just beginning to show, when Lamar came back again. Where he was all that time, I neither know nor care…but when he saw me, he asked what had happened. I told him that I was pregnant, but that it was none of his affair who the father was or how it had come about—although he guessed almost immediately that it was you. In which case, he then decided that it was best to terminate our relationship. He didn’t say it, but I’m convinced that I was no longer acceptable marriage material to him…in essence, damaged goods—and he hasn’t bothered me since, which suits me perfectly. Does that answer your question?" "Yes; thank you." A moment later Randall’s housekeeper came in, a telegram in hand. "Mr. Collins, a telegram for you," she informed him, holding it out so he could take it. She turned on her heel and left once he had done so. He then opened the telegram and read it silently, then exchanged a questioning look with Roxanne. "What does it say, Barnabas?" she asked. "My wife is in hospital; Julia is summoning me home. Valerie went into labor this morning and there are complications. Julia says she has done all she can; even gotten her hospitalized—and she underwent an emergency Caesarean section. However, my wife hemorrhaged heavily and they don’t expect her to live through the night. Julia says that Valerie told her that she must speak with me regarding our child before it’s too late. I must return to her immediately." "I want to go with you," Roxanne declared. "There’s no time for that," he told her regretfully. He again summoned the housekeeper. "Yes, sir?" she asked. "Please call for a carriage, then pack my things; I must return home directly." "Yes, sir," Emma McElroy returned obediently, then disappeared again. "I’m still coming," Roxanne insisted. "Then do so," Barnabas sighed. "But we cannot go together. I will give you the details as soon as I can." "Where is your wife hospitalized?" "I would assume at Wyndcliff in Bangor, since it is the nearest fully-equipped hospital." "I’ll be there as soon as I can," Roxanne promised. "You’re going to need moral and emotional support, and I have a feeling that Julia is going to be too busy to give it to you—at least for a while." He didn’t want to admit it, but knew she was right. "Then I will see you and Rose—Randall, too, if possible, as soon as you can arrive. We may need a lawyer to decide the disposition of my new child if Valerie dies." "If we get married, it would be easier to get custody," she pointed out. "Perhaps. We will deal with that when the time comes," he told her. "Mr. Collins, the carriage is here and your baggage is being loaded onto it now," Mrs. McElroy said. "Thank you," he told her before giving Roxanne a quick kiss. "Come as quickly as you can, my darling. I must go now." "I will," she assured him. "Safe journey, beloved." He smiled at her one last time, then was gone. She then turned to Mrs. McElroy. "Emma, pack my things and those of little Rose—then contact my brother and inform him of my plans… and that he may need to accompany us to Bangor." "Yes, Miss Roxanne," the housekeeper acknowledged. "Also, have your husband prepare Randall’s carriage for us as quickly as possible," she ordered. "Yes, Miss," came the reply. "I will inform you when all is in readiness." "Thank you, Emma. Rose and I will be waiting." When Barnabas arrived at Wyndcliff some hours later, he found Julia waiting for him in the hospital lobby. She brightened upon seeing him. "Barnabas, thank God you’re here! There’s no time to lose. Angelique is fading fast, but she insists on speaking with you. Follow me, quickly." She turned on her heel and headed back toward the rear of the building, part of which housed the Intensive Care Unit of the small but well-equipped hospital. He was stunned when he reached his wife’s side. Her sunken face was already taking on the waxy look of approaching death, even though there was a bottle of whole blood attached to her left arm. He sat down beside her, taking her weak right hand in his. She gave him a wan imitation of a smile upon seeing him; an attentive nurse stood by, watching and listening. "Barnabas, my husband…" Her voice was barely a whisper; he had to strain to catch it. "Valerie…" he returned quietly. "Don’t try to talk. Conserve your strength." "No…must…speak to you…" she insisted. "Promise me…our son…" "What about our son?" he asked gently. "Name him…Jean-Pierre…my father’s name…" Her eyes closed in pain and her breathing became even shallower than it already was. "Anything else?" he prompted. "…assume you…intend…to remarry…" Barnabas looked up at Julia, unsure of whether or not to answer and if so, how much to admit. He finally nodded. "…Roxanne?" she whispered. He nodded again. She closed her eyes, taking a last breath before speaking for the final time. "Very well…I…give the…two of…you…custody. But…" "But what?" "My…name…on…birth certifi…cate…" She spoke determinedly, knowing death was moments away. "And I…want you…to know…always loved…you, how…ever…it…may have… seemed." Angelique then lapsed into silence and her grip slackened. Julia checked her pulse and said, "She’s gone, Barnabas. Do you know if she left a will?" "With her—powers, Valerie didn’t feel the need for one," Barnabas replied. "However, she gave me a…letter shortly after her pregnancy was confirmed, spelling out her wishes regarding her possessions—and our son—in detail. It should suffice." "Do you have it?" "I know where it is," he revealed. "Then we must read it as soon as possible," Julia declared. "What did Roxanne say when you told her?" "Not here," Barnabas returned in a stage-whisper, mindful of the nurse’s presence. "But I will say that she is on her way here now, with Rose and possibly her brother, to take care of the necessary legal work." Julia nodded in acknowledgment. "Do you know when they’re due to arrive?" "Some hours from now. I told her we would be here, so it is best that we remain until she and the others arrive." "I imagine she’ll be pleased when you tell her Angelique gave you permission to remarry," Julia opined as they left the hospital room and the nurse to her next duties, making sure only Barnabas could hear her. "No doubt," her companion agreed, still both pleased and surprised, not to mention understandably wary. But as if reading his thoughts, she said, "Dying people don’t lie." He still was only half-convinced, but didn’t argue with her. Once the death certificate had been signed and issued by the Bangor City Coroner, Barnabas and Julia began making plans for the funeral and discussed what they intended to do with his and Angelique’s newborn son, Jean-Pierre Collins. He had been named per her wishes, and her name was placed on the birth certificate as follows: "Valerie Bouchard Collins." If anyone questioned it, Barnabas planned to simply say, "My first wife’s background was French," and leave it at that. They became so occupied with making funeral arrangements and such that it took the Head Nurse’s intentionally loud voice to get their attention. "Mr. Collins, Dr. Collins!" she called impatiently, obviously having repeated herself several times. Barnabas finally lifted his head and turned to face her. "I’m sorry; we’ve been preoccupied. What did you want to say?" "There is a young lady and gentleman here to see you. The young lady is holding a baby girl about one year old. She said her name was Roxanne Drew, and that she was a…close friend of yours." "Yes, yes, send them in," Barnabas urged; the nurse withdrew. A moment later Roxanne and Randall entered, baby Rose cradled in her mother’s arms. "Roxanne, my darling," Barnabas greeted her, coming toward her to kiss her briefly, then leaned down to kiss little Rose’s forehead. He marveled at how beautiful his daughter was; she was looking more like her mother every day! "Barnabas, beloved," Roxanne acknowledged. "What’s the latest on Valerie?" "She is dead," he told her solemnly. "She died four hours ago; a result of complications following the birth of our son." "I’m sorry," she returned automatically. "It’s all right. She is at peace now, and what is more, she has given us permission to marry and raise her son as our own." Once it sunk in, Roxanne moved into her lover’s arms and they kissed again. "That’s wonderful. What’s the baby’s name?" "Jean-Pierre. Valerie wished him to be named for her father, who was of French descent," Barnabas supplied. "I could not deny her last wish." "Of course not," Roxanne agreed. "So when did you want to get married?" "Within the next three months," Barnabas told her. "There must be a decent interval after Valerie’s death." "What then? Do Rose and I move in with you and your son at the Old House or what?" "That is one possibility," Barnabas acknowledged. "We may also buy a home of our own in New York…then we can tell your family—and the rest of mine—about you and Rose. It should be safe enough now." This was when Randall broke in. "Roxy said you would need some legal advice." "Oh yes," Barnabas agreed. "What exactly do you need to discuss…other than your upcoming marriage to my sister?" Randall smiled knowingly at first Barnabas, then Roxanne, who lowered her head and blushed prettily. "Making the arrangements for Valerie’s funeral and having the reading of her–will." "That should be no problem," Randall assured him. "Where do you intend to bury her?" "In the Collins family vault. We shall discuss the rest of our plans when we reach Collinsport and the Old House," Barnabas decided. "For the time being, let us simply go have dinner. Little Jean-Pierre will not be released from hospital for two more days." "Very well," Randall agreed; Roxanne smiled, agreed and handed little Rose to Julia before taking Barnabas’ arm and the group headed out of the hospital on their way to dinner. While they were out, Barnabas officially proposed marriage to Roxanne and the happy couple were officially congratulated by both their companions and the other patrons of the restaurant–not as fancy as "21", but the best Bangor could offer. He had presented her with his mother Naomi’s engagement ring, a one-carat square-cut diamond in a gold Tiffany setting with a dozen tiny diamonds surrounding the larger stone. He kissed Roxanne tenderly after slipping it on her left ring finger. "Roxanne, my darling, will you make me the happiest man in the world and do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Roxanne’s eyes filled with tears of joy. "Yes, beloved. A thousand times yes!" The others applauded and cheered at his action. It was the hardest thing Julia Hoffman had ever had to do, but what mattered was that she was a part of Barnabas’ life, even if it wasn’t precisely in the manner she had originally intended. She had even been designated godmother for little Jean-Pierre as well as Rose. Thanks to him, her future was secure; what mattered now was making sure that both of Barnabas’ children were healthy and happy. The next three months were the happiest any of them had ever known, with the possible exception of Julia Hoffman, even though she was now the official Collins family physician…or at least of Barnabas Collins’ family. The funeral of Valerie Bouchard Collins was quiet and subdued, flower-filled and beautiful, and she was properly interred in the family vault with all who had known her and could make it in attendance. Julia carried baby Jean-Pierre; Randall was seated next to his younger sister and Roxanne sat next to Barnabas, pretty in her black dress and veil, the pair holding hands for the duration of the service. Little Rose alternated between the arms of her proud Aunt Samantha, who was attending with her husband, Barnabas’ cousin Quentin, and grandfather J. Leonard. Both found their relatives-to-be warm and charming, and made sure to get pictures made of all of them together. Roxanne’s sister and father were both ecstatic at her upcoming wedding to the man she truly loved, Barnabas Collins, particularly the fact that she would be mother to his two children. Roxanne had even asked Sam to be Matron of Honor and J. Leonard would naturally be walking his youngest and favorite daughter down the aisle, proud that she had not only chosen old money and a respected name, but someone she truly loved. Barnabas had chosen his cousin to be his best man. Once all the legal work was signed, sealed and delivered, Julia and Barnabas thought it would be a good idea to consider returning to 1971 via Quentin’s staircase. After the wedding and once over the shock, Roxanne Elizabeth Drew Collins agreed readily to accompany her new husband back to his own time, considering it a "marvelous" idea to actually be going to live in a time over a century in the future. Both Julia and Barnabas told her as much as they thought best so as to prepare her, warn her of what to expect. Roxanne assured them it would take some getting used to, but that she should do fine with their help. They also offered Randall and the rest of Roxanne’s family the opportunity to accompany them, also telling them as much as they deemed safe, but even though it would be very difficult to see her and the children go, Sam and J. Leonard knew that Roxanne’s place was with her husband and children. Sam could not bear to leave Quentin or their son Tad, and J. Leonard, a product of the 18th century, believed that he would have been out of place, even archaic, in the 20th century. All the same, he would grieve at being unable to see his grandchildren grow up (yes, he even considered Jean-Pierre his grandson, since his daughter would be the boy’s legal mother). Randall, on the other hand, decided to accompany them, declaring that he would need to update his legal knowledge, but otherwise should be able to adapt to the 20th century relatively easily. He would also need to sell his practice and New York home, but once that was done, there would be little to keep him in 1841. Besides, at least one blood relative should be with Roxy to keep an eye on her and her new family. Both would take pictures of their father and older sister with them, but other than that they would have little but memories and certain personal mementos of their loved ones. The pair from the future had a long talk with the 1841 Quentin and Barnabas gave him a letter he had written which would hopefully explain his, Julia’s and the others’ disappearance in the event anyone inquired about them, instructing Quentin to send copies to whoever asked about them. That was the most he could do for them. Once Roxanne and Randall had wrapped up their affairs, they packed their bags but with only necessities; Barnabas assured them that they would be replaced as soon as possible upon their arrival in 1971. It was likely that they would need to update their years of birth, among other things—not to mention those of their children. Roxanne was even told that she and Barnabas could remarry upon adapting to 1971 if she wanted to. She said she would consider it, but for the time being, she would be too busy getting used to the 20th century lifestyle… and things like mini-dresses, bikinis and long hair on men and boys; TV, automobiles and jet airplanes; T-shirts, blue jeans and telephones—most of which were either science fiction or unheard of in 1841. None of them, however, had any idea what this new year or new century held in store, but knew that they would manage as long as they had each other. Barnabas and Roxanne eventually did decide to remarry once she got used to the 20th century, and as Angelique had wished, they would raise the children together. If he hadn’t met Roxanne, Barnabas knew that it was likely that he would have eventually married Julia, but since he had, he gave her all the affection he could within the limits of their friendship. They would never know exactly what the 1841 Quentin had thought, how he had felt, but just wait until they told the 1971 version! Who knew, maybe even Randall would find someone special in this time—not to mention Julia—but meanwhile, they had their lives to lead and children to raise. EPILOGUE: As for Angelique, due to the unselfishness of her last acts on Earth, which made up—at least in part—for all the Hell she had put Barnabas and his family through, she was granted eternal life in Heaven. Although her heart ached that she would not be there to personally supervise her son’s rearing, she knew that Barnabas and his new bride would give the boy a good home and raise him with equal amounts of love and discipline…knowing when to back off and when to be protective. Or at least they would, to the best of their ability—both for now and as long as they both lived.
THE END
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