Chapter 26
Collinwood drawing room
Vicki lifted his hand to her lips placing a light kiss on his knuckles. "Oh its all taken care of. I have a small band coming to play music, we have the same caterers that will be serving the anniversary party and the reception after the wedding and an open bar, we have a theme and Dad, you and the boys and Penny have to come. Oh, and I need to find a place in the wedding for you all." Vicki was bursting with happiness. Her heart was full as she looked around the room at all of her family.
Vicki had always imagined her life with a family. She would have been content with a mother or a father. Now she had brothers and sisters and a mother and father. That coupled with the fact she was going to marry Barnabas and provide her children with a grandmother and grandfather made her complete. She felt loved and she felt like she was a part of something much bigger. It was growing by leaps and bounds with each passing minute. Roger stood up, with the newest revelation he was feeling shoved to the side and it rankled. With a tiny hint of pettiness in his voice he questioned with a slight whine, "So, do you want your father to walk you down the aisle?"
Vicki hearing the hurt in his voice stood and walked to Roger, "I suppose I need to call you Uncle Roger now?" She for a moment saw a look of pride and love and a tiny modicum of hope in his gaze while he waited for her answer. "I would like my Uncle and my father to walk me down the aisle. I would also ask and would dearly love to have my mother, my father and my uncle give me away to Barnabas with all your blessings."
Roger took Vicki in his arms and held her tightly. "I have a huge apology to offer you my dear. . ." Dropping his chin he sighed deeply, his guilt and shame was apparent in his manner. Looking up hopeful she would accept his apology he spoke softly, "I was dreadful to you when you first arrived in Collinsport and here at Collinwood. I suppose I resented you and that was projected on you through David. Now, now I am speechless and filled with humility and I am greatly humbled. The reason for that is because of you." He stepped to her and took her in his arms and smiled. " I want you to know I would be honored Vicki to be the one to turn you over to Barnabas with my heartfelt blessings." He glanced to Carolyn and smiled, "Well all that remains is what pet name should I call you? Carolyn is my kitten so you . . ."
He did not have a chance to finish, Vicki smiled and shook her head, "Why don't we wait on that for now let us just say I am Vicki and you are Uncle Roger. You will think of something that will mean more to the both of us as we get used to being Uncle and niece."
He smiled, "If that is what you want for now." He gently tapped the tip of her nose. Watching her beam with the newfound love she held for him as her Uncle.
Vicki sighed happily and hugged him. "It is exactly what I want for now. I not only have a mother, father, brothers, sisters and an Uncle and a cousin. I am going to have a husband and some day you will be Great Uncle Roger!" She watched his face light up with the thought he would be a great Uncle.
"I am not so sure how I feel about being thought of as being that old but I am delighted to think I will share my life with yours and Barnabas' children!" He kissed her cheek, cupped her chin and smiled into her loving gaze. "Just know I love you very much my niece and I am honored that you wish your father and me to give you away with your mother's blessing." The rest of the evening was spent with the family getting to know one another and plans being made. It had grown into an emotionally exhausting day. Vicki drove Barnabas home telling her family that she would be spending the night at the old house, she needed time with her fiancé to take in everything she had just learned. The day had become an emotionally exhausting day.
Barnabas wanted this time alone with his future bride and was delighted with the idea of holding her in his arms for the rest of the night. Packing an over night bag she put it in the back with her second dress and prepared herself to go. Barnabas made their farewells for them and walked to the door. Listening to the outside storm, he was glad that they would be under roof soon and in each other's arms for the rest of the night.
Barnabas' Bedchambers Old House
Vicki curled into the loving hold of her husband. Snuggling up close to his body she closed her eyes and inhaled the sweet scent of his aftershave and soap. "Barnabas, I love you. You do know that don't you?" She had kept her eyes closed and was holding close to him. He could feel the warmth of her breath on his chest against his pajama top. He gently stroked her hair from her face looked down into her face.
"Of course I know my dearest one. I have known from the day you confessed your love to me that you loved me. I hope you know how much . . . " He had emphasized the word 'much' while speaking his heart. "How very much you have come to mean to me beyond the simple words of love and loving. You have become my heart and my soul and life." He watched her eyelashes flutter and she opened those incredible eyes and peered into his very soul. It was a breath taking moment for him. He had the first realization he had finally left Josette behind and had found a new love.
"Vicki, do you know the impact you had on my life? It is nothing short of miraculous. I thought I would never love but one woman in my life. I kept looking for that woman over and over in every woman I had met. I saw a lot of her qualities in you but you were different from her in so many ways. I realize now how important you had become to me not because of her but because of whom you were and what you were to me. I suddenly realized that she was no longer attainable and I had found someone that meant as much if not more to me. That someone was you." He smiled watching her eyes change color with the riot of emotions she was heaving.
He knew she was mentally absorbing what he had said and a small realization had dawned on her that she had originally been someone he had sought out because of the close similarities she held to the other woman that had dominated his life. "You love me for me? Not what I represent with her?" She was feeling the insecurities in his arms and held to him a moment longer to see what his response might be and what she had hoped.
"I love Victoria Collins Winters soon to be Collins. I love your laugh; I love the way your mouth gets that cute little curl to it when you are lost in a book or thought. I love how sensitive to others you are. The one I loved was only sensitive to her self and me. She did not really care about others as much as you do. I have to admit at the time, I wanted my world to be with her and her only. I did not think the feelings of others mattered as long as I had her in my life. That made me as selfish as she. I admit now that I have grown to care and be concerned for others and that is because of you my dearest one. It was through you I learned to love all over again and what that love meant was to share a part of who we are with others."
Vicki smiled her eyes alight watching the sadness leave his eyes and the look of wonder at his own newest discovery took over. "Because of you my dearest one, I have become a better man. For that I will always be eternally grateful. You found my human side and made me human again. For that I want to thank you my love. Thank you for being you and helping me find me." He kissed her deeply feeling her arms go around his neck. Pressing into him she felt loved and secure in his hold.
Breaking the kiss he curled into her body and for the first time in nearly two hundred years he no longer felt alone, he no longer felt isolated and he felt love. Lying in the arms of this woman he felt love. Closing his eyes he imagined this day so long ago and had been robbed of it and a part of him also remembered the quiet sweet little governess that had come to Collinwood and a dawning of a realization filled his very soul. That governess had been Victoria Winters that had replaced Phyllis Wick. He was no longer aware of the violent storm that was tearing at the rafters of the roof, or the howling wind that heralded the arrival of the ferocity of the storm. He was only aware of the quiet loving feel of the woman in his arms.
Woods between the old house and Collinwood
The night left a few trees down on the pathway to Collinwood so Vicki had to take a detour around the storm-wracked carnage. Picking her way around the heavy foliage she stopped thinking she was hearing someone else in the woods "Who is there?" She called out to the wooded area. The whole area had become deathly silent. There was nothing moving, chirping, or sounds that should be a part of the woods. It was as though the woods now held its breath and watched for a predator that surely must be haunting the woods with its presence.
Ahead on the new trail Vicki caught the sight of a figure in a flowing white gown drifting along to pause and look back at her. "Josette?" She whispered the name and began to follow her drifting ethereal form. "Wait Josette." The smell of jasmine filled the air around her. With the appearance of Josette and the sounds she heard earlier made Vicki pick up her pace only to find herself face down as her foot caught a raised root. Tumbling down she began to roll down a small incline along the pathway. That was when she became aware of the sound of a rushing form picking up its pace towards her. Looking around Vicki saw the best place to hide crawling on her fours she flatted down and rolled under a desiccated tree that lay on the new pathway. Vicki put a trembling hand over her mouth to silence the fear filled breathing she was experiencing. She could hear the racing of her heartbeat in her ears.
With her eyes wide open and her hearing attuned to what was going on around her she waited for whomever or whatever had been following her in the woods. Her imagination on over drive she could not help but relive the time she had been taken by Vlad and his henchmen. Uncontrolled fear filled her very being as she listened and then they appeared. Vicki watched as the figures of three men appeared on the trail where she had fallen. She noticed they were dressed in colorful bolero type vests with gold embroidery, bandanas tied around their head, and leather pants with brightly colored sashes around their waists. The first thought that came to mind was 'gypsies.' Why were they in the woods? Why were they there on the path? That is when the real fear clutched at her heart. She was reminded of the men that had kidnapped her. What were they doing following her?
She heard one of them softly exclaim to his comrades. "There, look she is up ahead." Vicki watched while they all rushed forward towards the image of a figure of a woman picking her way through the woods. Vicki took a chance to stick her head up to see what or whom they were chasing. Ahead on the trail was a female figure that appeared to look like her or at least dressed as Vicki. The air was-filled with the scent of jasmine. Josette was making the gypsies think she, Josette was Vicki while she meandered along the trail. Ducking back down she lay quietly in her spot silently thanking Josette for coming to her rescue once again.
Vicki continued to lie still and began to calm her breathing. Not hearing anything further she got up and dusted her coat off and looked around. The sounds of the forest had returned and with that sound came an inner clam. Feeling more secure, she darted back to the trail and walk swiftly to Collinwood. Arriving at the door, she opened the door and went into the vestibule, taking her coat off, she hung it on the coat hanger and then stepped into the foyer. There she met Quentin. "Good morning my dear Victoria." He used his usual charm as he greeted her.
She smiled brightly and followed him to the drawing room. "Have you seen David?"
Quentin paused in the doorway. "Oh your mother said to tell you she was taking him into Bangor to pick out his suit for your wedding. I think something about he and Amy Jennings needed a fitting for a tux and a flower girl dress."
Vicki sat on the sofa. "I guess I could have stayed at the old house to over see the construction of the rest of the bathrooms. Barnabas and Willie went into town and I got restless so I thought I would come back here and get David started on his lessons. I fear I have been very remiss with seeing to his studies."
Quentin chuckled softly. He took up a position by the fireplace and rested his elbow on the mantel. He almost seemed to be posing by taking on a very cosmopolitan look with his stance. Shaking his head he studied the woman in front of him and thought how lucky his cousin was to have found her and claimed her as his own. "You are something special Victoria Winters Collins, I would have never thought my cousin would have permitted any modern conveniences in the old house. Now he has a telephone, electricity, a generator to back up his electric in a storm and you are talking of bathrooms." Quentin's eyes were sparking with mirth watching the woman in front of him.
Vicki chuckled softly, "I don't really think I have anything to do with it. Barnabas realizes that a soon to be growing family will need to progress with time and look for the conveniences needed for that family." She had blushed thinking of their children.
Quentin quirked a brow, "Really are you expecting to start a family soon? You have no plans to wait and get to enjoy one another?"
Vicki blushed and shook her head "I am hoping Barnabas and I can fill the house with children. That would be lovely, to have three girls and three boys. My personal thoughts are a house needs to be lightened with love and the sense of family."
Quentin shifted over to sit next to her, "Well perhaps that prediction will come soon. Cousin Elizabeth and Sheriff Patterson are going to be married after a proper amount of mourning time in memory of his wife." Quentin shifted his long lanky form sideways so he could better look at Vicki, "As a matter of fact, Mrs. Johnson was preparing bedrooms for the boys and Penelope. I believe they plan to move in after your wedding if not before."
He laid his arm over the back of the sofa and made himself more comfortable, "I heard Liz and him talking about George renting his house and will be moving into Collinwood by the time of your wedding. I think the boys will come here to visit when they are on school break and Penny will be moving in before George. I thought I saw her carrying in a suitcase earlier and her and Carolyn disappeared upstairs a short time ago."
Vicki smiled hearing that Collinwood was going to be full of life again. "That is wonderful." The sound of the doorknocker interrupted their conversation, Vicki stood nodding to Quentin, "Excuse me," Vicki walked to the foyer and then to the door.
Reginald stood at the door and waited for it to be answered. He turned and looked over the grounds. Then turning he peered at the ocean view. "Man this place is beautiful." He muttered under his breath as he enjoyed the view. "I would love to live here." Vicki answered the door and he turned to smile at her. His smile was warm and inviting. "Hello there, it seems its time for dance lessons." He held under his arm a few records and a suitcase. Vicki stepped aside and invited him in with a wave of her hand. Reginald gracefully walked into the great house on the hill and paused in the foyer. He shifted his gaze over the grandeur of the house called Collinwood. Turning he enthused, "I thought we could start with the Minuet first and then the waltz for this weekend's event."
Vicki turned facing Quentin noting he had joined them the foyer. "Oh Quentin, this is Reginald Dunst he is my dance instructor. Would you show him to the ballroom while I go change? You will want me to wear the dress and shoes I plan to wear for the dance correct?"
Quentin reached forward and shook his hand, "I would be happy if you will allow me the privilege of watching. Then I could be persuaded to do just about anything as long as it is not illegal."
Vicki laughed and went upstairs. "As long as Mr. Dunst does not mind." She called over her shoulder.
Reginald nodded, "Not a problem. If you don't mind I have some things in the car we need to carry the ballroom. That is if you really meant if I allowed you to watch you would do anything?" Reg chuckled hoping Quentin took his request as it was intended.
"Lead on, I will be happy to help with whatever you need me to do." Quentin followed Reg to the car, and watched him open the trunk. There were 3 gowns and a record player and a stack of records. In the back seat lay a long container and Quentin queried, "What is in the box? A body?" It was his turn to make a joke.
Reggie laughed, "Well, no body. It is something more precious according to my mother" He rolled his eyes and said softly, "Its dance shoes. Mother had some and thought Miss Winters could choose some shoes to wear to do the waltz. My mother is possessed on this demonstration. We have a lot riding on this performance. Mother does not wish to close the studio and frankly Miss Winters is mother's ticket to keeping the studio open." He appeared embarrassed to be hanging out the family's financial instability to a Collins. "Sorry, I did not mean to be so forthcoming. See mother wants this demonstration to be perfect. She can force me to practice but Miss Winters is kind of volunteering to be my partner and she can't bully Miss Winters." Reg smiled half-heartedly. Quentin could easily understand his feelings. He had after all come from a family that could brow beat and berate to get what they wanted when he lived here one hundred fifty years ago.
"I understand perfectly Reginald, or do you mind if I call you Reg? My family was the same way when they got focused on one thing no one was safe from the wrath of my father or mother. So, I can empathize with you." Quentin led him into the foyer and together they walked through the house past the kitchen to a separate wing that appeared to never have been used. There were cobwebs and dust that could be seen filtering and dancing in the air through the various sunlight beams. The smell of age met them and Reggie grew nervous. Darting a dubious glance around at the priceless antiques and worn carpeting that had not seen footprints for sometime.
Quentin smiled and reassured him, "Don't worry about the smell or the look. The men have worked on the ballroom and it has a separate entrance. It was easier to bring you through this way. I call it my short cut. This part of the house has been closed for nearly fifty years so it has not been cleaned recently. " Ushering him along at a quick pace he led him towards the ballroom continuing his explanation. "On the night of the engagement party and the weddings, guests will be directed to another place to park and then they will see the entrance from the west end of the house. It really is strikingly beautiful." Quentin paused to shift the items he had carried. "It has been completely refurbished. I believe Elizabeth has hired a cleaning crew to come and clean the hallways here so the guests may use the restrooms."
Reg nodded and followed him down the long hallway. "This place is huge and beautiful." Reg had to make up for what he felt had been a lapse of good graces in showing how he felt about his trip through the disused portion of Collinwood.
Quentin nodded, "My Great- Great Uncle knew what he was doing when he built this place." They came to a long hallway that had three double doors and one was opened. The smell of fresh varnish filled the air. Reginald and Quentin entered the room. Even in the shadows of the closed curtains it could not hide the grandeur of the room. Tall vaulted ceilings held magnificent crystal chandeliers that gleamed when hit by a filtered light.
Quentin went to a set of tables against the east wall and put the record player and stack of records on the table. Quentin walked across the room to a wall of doors, he flipped a series of switches and the chandeliers sprang to life. "Welcome to the Collins West wing ballroom Mr. Dunst." Then to add to the lovely lighting in the room, Quentin stepped to a series of curtained doors. Pulling back the twelve-foot red velvet drapes, the sunburst into the room giving Reginald a full look of the room. The light flooded into the room and fully exposed the true beauty of the room from the shiny new flooring to the Italianate tile. No expense had been spared to create this wondrous room.
Reginald's eyes lit up and he pivoted gracefully on the balls of his feet turning to take in the room and the beauty that was Collinwood's west wing ballroom. His gaze traveled the room and to the painted vaulted ceilings, from which hung at least ten ornate crystal chandeliers. The scenes painted on the ceiling were indicative of pre revolution period paintings of cherubs playing in a field of exotic flowers. Those chubby faced cherubs smiled beguilingly and playfully down to the observer. He estimated that the ceiling had to be at least twenty feet tall making the acoustics in the room unimaginable in room of this size.
When Quentin talked; the echo was minimal but traveled well for another to hear each word he spoke with no problem. The room held ten foot by four foot golden gilt-edged mirrors accenting spaces between doors. Each end of the room held the same mirrors spaced every four feet. This pleased Reg while he circled the room. Fresh paint on the wall of a neutral color, tables and chairs lined each wall and the dance floor, was a professional dancers dream. It gleamed with the new varnish giving an invitation to walk or dance across its slick surface. "This place is incredible."
Quentin nodded and invited him over to look at the patio that adjoined the ballroom. Quentin pointed to the balustrades that complimented the railing around the patio. A large six-tier water fountain lay dormant in the center of the courtyard, long elegant steps leading to a side parking area and the doors opened to show a more public patio with tables that held chairs upended on the patio tables. "Liz tells me on the night of the engagement party, the area will be lit with colorful lights and they will have more seating out here and they will be heating for the patio area. The grounds will be groomed and the water fountain will be working. I think this place will once again awaken to the grandeur of the by gone days."
Reginald smiled, "This is a dream come true for me. You have no idea how much this place has captured the imagination and thoughts of so many of us that reside in Collinsport. Now the thought of being able to come here and dance on this floor and share an evening with the elite of Collinsport, why for me its like going to prom and my date is the future wife of one of the important people of Collinwood."
Quentin took on a nostalgic look. "This ballroom is just one of the most beautiful ballrooms that Collinwood boasts, you should have seen the one in the old house. This was made bigger but it is no less grand than that one. Rumor had it that Joshua Collins wanted to host grand balls so he could show off his wife Naomi whom was reported to be one of the most beautiful women this state had ever seen." Reg nodded his head, he had heard the same stories while growing up along the dockside and like most children during the time had made up stories about the house on the hill and those that lived in it.