The afternoon seemed perfect for the funeral of Elizabeth Collins
Stoddard. A heavy rain fell upon the mourners standing by the Mausoleum
Elizabeth herself had built years before.
Under a blanket of black umbrella's was Roger Collins, standing close
to his niece Carolyn, his arm around her shoulder. next to her was David
Collins. Not a tear was shed, it was understood that being a Collins
meant their loss was private, and tears were inappropriate. They knew
it was important to show strength of family on this somber day.
Behind David was Vickie who stood close to Barnabas, then Julia and
Mrs.Johnson. Vickie's husband Professor Stokes was unable to attend,
but promised to try to run by Collinwood later that evening.
Other mourners stood behind the family as the reverend Bland read the
23rd psalm, a low roll of thunder echoing as he finished.
Back at Collinwood, Carolyn sat in the chair her Mother would sit on
rainy days like this, her hand gently running along the arm rest, a
small smile comes to her at the thought that perhaps she was there with
them, with her. Roger broke the silence. "Well I think." Stopping in
mid sentence he bowed his head. Prefering not to mention that he needed
a drink. "I think I will lie down for a little while... call me when
dinner is ready." He said to no one in particular.
David had left just after the funeral... he was due back at his new
job managing a chain of Hotels and Restaurants in South America.
David also had to return with his fiance to the University... they had
just taken enough time to attend the funeral. Their long distance
romance was at times stressful on the young couple, but they loved each
other very much.
Julia also excused herself, saying that work at the hospital was
backing up and she had to work over time to get caught up. Mrs. Johnson
was in the kitchen preparing dinner, although Carolyn told her that she
could have dinner catered, Mrs. Johnson fretted about having strangers
in her kitchen, they would only make a big mess for her to clean up..
that she felt better if she made the mess instead. Carolyn was
grateful that Mrs. Johnson felt that way.
After Roger had left Carolyn felt she would be all alone, when a
knock came to the door. Opening it she saw Maggie Evans, who had left
Wyndcliff Hospital the week before. The two girls hugged. "I'm sorry
I missed the funeral Carolyn... you knew how I felt about your Mother
didn't you?" Carolyn nodded. " Yes, she thought very highly of you too,
I'm glad your here Maggie." As they walk into the drawing room Maggie
sees that Carolyn is alone. "Where is everyone?" Sitting back into the
chair Carolyn replies. "I thought I wanted to be alone, so they are
letting me, but I'm glad your here Maggie, would you stay with me?"
Maggie smiles. "Of course I will. " Carolyn clicks on the remote, a
record falls, the sound of a Glen Miller song begins. Maggie pulls up a
chair close to Carolyn, they hold hands as they listen to the music.
Barnabas stands by the bedroom door, he watches Vickie as she roams
about her old room, she touches the drapes, then the wardrobe, stopping
at the bed and sitting on it. Vickie looks to Barnabas. "You look as
if your about to leave." Barnabas looks at himself. He is wearing his
coat and holding his cane. "I suppose it does look that way." Slowly
Barnabas leans his cane against the door, then slowly removes his coat
placing it on the big chair by the window.
He turns back to Vickie. "You miss this room don't you?" Vickie
nods. "Yes I do, I remember when Elizabeth brought me here, she said it
was her room when she was a little girl... " Vickie falls forward on to
the bed, she begins to cry. Barnabas goes to her, sitting on the bed by
her side. Taking Vickie up into his embrace hey hold each other.
Vickie rests her head against his chest. "I"m sorry Barnabas! I tried
not to cry, I don't want to cry! but I can't help it! I miss her so
much!" Vickie sits up and looks at him, their eyes meet for one very
long moment. Suddenly their lips meet, Vickie holds Barnabas close to
her, she feels his strong back, Barnabas runs his hand though her long
dark hair, his other hand holding her cheek. Their kiss is very
passionate, each tasting the other, not wanting it to end. They fall
together onto the bed.
TO BE CONTINUED
The Ghost of Sarah Collins (1784-1795)
Sister to Barnabas Collins
"That evil is wicked is well understood,
the wicked are punished so you must be good." (Sarah to Barnabas)
(All Characters are property of Dan Curtis)
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