Destiny

Prelude Pt 1

Sequel to "Dane"

The Old House, March 1972.

Julia stood beside the kitchen sink, looking out into the garden, a preoccupied look on her face. Barnabas was sat at the kitchen table, eating toast. He looked towards his wife, and frowned slightly. She'd been standing, staring at nothing for the last half-hour, only showing a half-hearted interest in anything he might say.

He rose from his chair, and went to stand behind her. His hands stole around her waist, and he kissed her neck. "Penny for them?" he asked grabbing another slice of toast.

"Hmmm?" she asked, not really listening to him.

"Do you plan to return late from Wyndcliffe?" he asked, trying another approach. Her behaviour was puzzling him; surely after just six months of marriage she shouldn't be acting like this?

When she continued to stare dreamily out of the window, he asked, "Julia, is there something wrong?" allowing a hint of his concern to enter his voice.

"No, why?" she asked, suddenly snapping out of wherever her thoughts had been. "Did you say something?"

He sighed, and kissed her deeply. "I said, will you be returning from

Wyndcliffe late? I've booked dinner of 8.30, remember?"

"I should be back about 6:00, no later. What about the workmen?"

"I've instructed Willie, and the workmen should be here about 9.00." He glanced at his wristwatch that Julia had given him, and he was still getting used to it. "I shouldn't be here," he groaned. "Roger hates it when I'm late."

They'd only been married a few weeks, when Roger had broached the subject about Barnabas joining the family business. And since he had continued to enjoy good health, not to mention the supernatural forces that seemed to plague Collinwood had been unusually quite of late, he had decided to take the position.

It was at about the same time, that Julia had casually mentioned having electricity installed in the Old House, discreetly, so as not to spoil what Barnabas had already done. After a number or enquires, Barnabas had reluctantly agreed. But he had to admit that he was much impressed with the work done upto now.

Julia smiled at his comment. Knowing that she was the reason he was always late. "He can wait a few more minutes," she commented. "You haven't finished breakfast yet."

Barnabas took a sip of coffee, before grabbing his suit jacket. "Free for lunch?" he asked, as he took his breakfast dishes to the sink.

"Let's take a raincheck, on that. I'll call the Cannery if I can."

"Alright. Dinner's at 8.30, remember?" He said kissing her cheek, and heading towards the door.

"Barnabas," she called, and he poked his head around the door. She fought the laughter, she felt building inside of her, and went over to him.

"Breakfast isn't quite over yet," she said, dabbing at the corner of his mouth.

He pulled her towards him, with a chuckle. "Whatever would I do, without my attentive, devoted wife to look after me?"

"I dread to think," she said, before kissing him goodbye.

/

Julia stared at the piece of paper in front of her, not quite believing what she saw printed there. "I can't believe it," she said, in a dazed voice. "It can't be."

"The evidence is there, in black and white, Dr. Collins," said the junior doctor, folding his arms. This wasn't the reaction he was expecting.

Obviously neither was she. "I take it, from your reaction that this wasn't expected."

"I'm just surprised," Julia rallied, recovering only slightly from her shock. "But I'd appreciate if this went no further. At least for now."

The doctor, drew himself up. "Dr. Collins, as I am sure you aware, we both understand patient confidentiality. We are both professionals after all. Patients records and their contents, go no further."

"Yes, of course, I'm sorry," she said, hastily getting to her feet, and heading for the door.

/

When Barnabas entered the drawing room, he was surprised to find Julia already home. He went to her side, and kissed her cheek. "I wasn't expecting you for at least another hour. Is everything alright at Wyndcliffe?" he asked, sitting down beside her. It was then; that he noticed the same preoccupied look on her face that she'd had that morning at breakfast.

He frowned, growing concerned. Something was obviously weighing on her mind, but what?

"Julia, darling, what's wrong?" he asked taking her hand. "Maybe I can help?"

She turned to him as if just noticing that he was there. "Nothing's wrong exactly. It can wait until after we've had dinner."

She rose from where she was sitting and Barnabas followed her with his eyes, but didn't stand. "I get the feeling that it might not be able to wait until then. Whatever is on your mind, Julia, is troubling you greatly. Can't you tell me now?"

She turned to look at him, biting her lower lip, as if judging if now was a good time. His concern grew; had she ever bit her lip before, when there was something she wanted to tell him? He couldn't think of a time when she had. Whatever it was, it must be serious.

"How do you feel about children, Barnabas?" she asked changing the subject.

She suddenly found her sweater the greatest of importance, and began to examine and explore.

Baranabas' mouth twitched upward slightly. "Because of what I was, I've never given the subject that much thought. But, Sarah was always and still is, very dear to me. Just as David and Amy are now. Where is this leading?"he asked getting to his feet. "Do you want children, Julia?" Closing the gap between them he cupped her elbow, as he spoke. "Is that what all this is about?"

"It was just a hypothetical question. I was just curious."

Julia paced away from him, and folded her arms. Her baring tense, and rigid. Something was worrying her.

He took a few steps towards her. "I don't mean to pry, Julia," he said, placing his hands on her shoulders, and gently turning him to face her. "But something is obviously bothering you, and I only want to try and help. You're my wife, and I love you very much, and it distress me seeing you like this."

She looked up at him, her preoccupation becoming a look of doubt. "I'm not quite sure of how you can help," she said, not taking her eyes off him.

"Try me."

"You're not going to believe me if I tell you. I'm still a bit shocked myself."

"Believe what?"

"That I'm pregnant."