Chapter 8: Collinwood

Caroline's Idea


The two women rejoined the men in the main living room, and almost immediately after they had come back inside, the housekeeper opened the huge double doors to the room and announced the arrival of Barnabas. Caroline's eyes lit up when she saw her cousin and she quickly rose to greet him at the entrance to the room. Barnabas took her hands and very graciously leaned in and kissed her softly on each cheek.

"Caroline," he intoned in his deep baritone, "it is such a pleasure to see you again after so many years."

Caroline returned the sentiment, "For me too, Barnabas. How long has it been? I know at least fifteen years have passed since we last saw each other, and you haven't changed a bit."

"Ah, you're too kind, dear cousin. You, on the other hand, have become even more beautiful, if that were possible."

Burke had also risen and went to join the two. Barnabas turned and shook his offered hand. "It is good to see you, Burke. I see you have taken good care of our dear Caroline."

Walking to one of the empty chairs in the room, he settled in and began speaking, "Caroline, my dear, have you had a chance to get to know our Amanda?"

Caroline smiled and replied, "Yes, we were just walking in the gardens. I feel as if we're old friends by now."

He leaned forward and enquired, "And has she told you of her supernatural experience?"

Caroline turned to Amanda and excitedly asked her, "Amanda, what kinds of secrets have you kept from me?"

Amanda flushed slightly from the scrutiny and answered her, "Well, I've actually seen a ghost twice. Lee doesn't believe me, but Barnabas and David have no trouble with the idea. Barnabas even thinks he knows who it might be."

Caroline swiveled to face Barnabas. "Oh, do tell, cousin. You know how I am with a good ghost sighting. Who is it?" she asked breathlessly.

Barnabas slowly surveyed the room before settling back in his chair and pronouncing, "Amanda has been visited by Daphne Harridge Collins West Hamilton, who also happens to be a dead ringer for a lovely guest. No pun intended," he added with a smile.


Caroline stared at Amanda, intrigued, her eyes flashing with excitement.  "Amanda, you are so lucky, a ghost! It's been a long time since I've had a supernatural visitor." Suddenly she exclaimed, "I have the most wonderful idea. Let's have a séance! Let's find out what Daphne wants with Amanda."

Silence fell over the room as they all stared at Caroline. Finally, Lee spoke up, "A what? Are you telling me you really believe you can contact the dead?"

Caroline nodded before addressing her cousin David, "Remember the séances we had when we were children? Oh, it's so exciting."

Lee cautioned them, "I hope you realize that this information will have to go into our security review report. And I don't know how the government will react to a contract holder dabbling in the paranormal."

"Oh, come on, Mr. Stetson. Even if it's all in fun?" Caroline asked.

"In fun?"

"Right, like a parlor game. You know, charades and all that. We'll just have a séance for fun."

Lee looked to Amanda for support, but seeing the curiosity in her eyes, he knew it would be futile. He turned to Caroline and smiled before saying, "I guess I'll be attending my first séance. What exactly do we have to do?"

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Caroline very quickly had the room set up for the séance and directed the group to the chairs she had placed around a small table. "It will be a tight squeeze, but I think we'll be able to make it work," she announced. "Now, it's very important that each of you concentrate on our goal, to contact Daphne. Please take the hand of those sitting next to you. During the séance, you must not break the circle."

Amid nervous laughter the group clustered around the table. Amanda sat between Lee and Barnabas.  She grabbed her husband's hand and squeezed it. Then, turning to him, her eyes alive with excitement, she whispered, "I can't believe this, a séance. You know it's my first. I wonder what will happen?"


Lee shook his head and smiled back at her, whispering, "I can't believe this either. What a waste of time."

"Oh come on, Lee. It's going to be fun. Just relax and enjoy it."

"Anything you say, Amanda," he conceded with a sigh. "I'll try."

Suddenly, the room was plunged into darkness as the lights were switched off. The only light emanated from a lone candle in the center of the table, the flame wavering, casting dark shadows onto the faces of the small assemblage gathered round it. Caroline spoke, "We seek the help of the spirits. We wish to contact the spirit of Daphne, who has so recently visited here from the other side."

Lee found it hard to keep a straight face, and glanced to see how Amanda was taking it. She stared straight ahead, mesmerized by the words flowing from Caroline's mouth. He squeezed her hand, but she was totally engrossed in the moment. All of a sudden, Amanda's eyes closed and her head lolled back. Losing her grip on the hands of her table mates, she slumped down in her chair.