Tony glanced around the room to be sure that everyone was giving him their
full attention. Focusing on the Will he begins to read.
"I Elizabeth Murdoch Collins Stoddard, being of sound mind and body do
hereby bequeath this, my last will and testament." Everyone in the room is
quiet and listening intently. Pausing to wipe a tear from his eye Tony
continues. "As the mistress of Collinwood it is my obligation to see to
the
continuation of our family, the Collins name has always stood for honor,
strength, integrity and fortitude. Our family has lived generation after
generation for as long as this country has been... it has seen its share
of
good times and bad. Now with my passing it is time for the next
generation
to step forward as I did, to lead the way for the Collins family.
At one time I believed that after me Collinwood's next Master would be
David
Collins, since then there have been some changes. Therefore it is my Will
that my Daughter Carolyn Collins Stoddard Hawks should she still unmarried
be my successor to the Collins estate, Collins family holdings in land and
the cannery, both in Collinsport and abroad, to all Collins stocks and
bonds. It is a heavy responsibility for her but I know that Carolyn will
be
as fine a business woman as I.
To my brother Roger Edward Oscar Isaac Collins, he may remain living at
Collinwood for as long as he wishes, Collinwood shall always be his home.
Should he marry or remain a bachelor. His holdings in the Collins family
business shall remain the same, should he wish to sell his shares of the
company it is agreed that the new Mistress of Collinwood be given first
rights to buy them at regular stock value at time of purchase. Roger is
also
bequeathed a new automobile. Roger will be expected to assist his Niece
with
the business as he did while I was Mistress, I know that Roger will be a
loving and valuable asset to Carolyn.
To David Jamison Thaddeus Carl Collins is hereby bequeathed Rose Cottage
and
the surrounding property of forty eight acres including the boat house and
adjoining indoor swimming pool. Whereas should the Mistress remain
childless, David will then become the Master of Collinwood after Carolyn's
demise, or should he wish, may choose his father to become Master of
Collinwood.
To my cousin Barnabas Herbert Jeremiah Collins I now give all the property
surrounding the Old House from the cliffs of Widows Hill, to Eagle Hill
Cemetery, all surrounding coast line and the old ship building yard.
Being
the last living family member of the original Barnabas Collins who left in
the year 1795 to England, after being given the title to the Old House and
surrounding property from his mother Naomi Collins. It is also my wish
that
Barnabas become the Chief Executive Officer to the Collins business.
To Victoria Elizabeth Collins Winters Stokes, whom I hereby proclaimed as
my
illegitimate daughter. Everyone in the room collectively gasp quietly.
"Victoria is aware of this, promising to keep this secret until my death,
she understands she has no legal clam to any Collins family holdings,
therefore it is my wish that she be given the house she fell in love with
so
many years ago, Sea View Terrace, along with a yearly allowance. Vickie's
eyes open wide at hearing what her mother's words.
After reading that part of the Will Tony stops, he looks at Vickie.
Carolyn
rises, she rushes to Vickie. "Oh Vickie! we are sisters after all!"
Vickie
stands up and the two girls embrace each other.
Barnabas on the other hand feels somewhat overwhelmed learning that Vickie
is a Collins, without a word he slips out of the drawing room going home.
Tony Peterson thanks everyone for being present. "I will see that
everything
in Mrs. Stoddard's will is finalized and sent to each of you, thank you."
Vickie looks for Barnabas, but he is gone.
Carolyn feels glad. "I'm so glad this is all over, I will send a copy of
this to David, Vickie please stay the night, we have so much to catch up
on." Vickie smiles. "Just because I'm your half sister now Carolyn
doesn't
mean we never knew each other... we've always been as close as sisters
anyway." Carolyn laughs. Vickie again searches for Barnabas, she knows
he
must have gone on the Old House without her... "But why?" She wonders.
"I
would like to spend the night in my old room if I can." Carolyn agrees.
She walks to Tony who is chatting with Maggie, they are laughing when
Carolyn joins them. Vickie doesn't wish to impose so she walks to the
foyer, standing alone watching the front door, hoping that Barnabas will
come back.
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 the Characters are property of Dan Curtis)
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