Chapter 10

Above the rim of his teacup Page watched as Kathleena forked the eggs about her plate disinterestedly. She'd changed greatly in the week since her safe return by the enigmatic Barnabas Collins. Yes, he nodded. She appeared confident a bit more spritely perhaps and yet, there was an underlying gloom that seemed to constantly bring a ghost of a frown to her lips. She hadn't as yet disclosed the details of her whereabouts and his interest was more than slightly piqued. Where was she in those mysterious days? What happened to bring about this … this change to her character? It couldn't have anything to do with Collins, could it? Perhaps he should test the waters, as they say. Turning to his beloved he sighed as she nattered on about Kathleena's short-lived disappearance and ultimate rescue. Noting Kathleena herself was growing increasingly weary of the subject, Page placed a gentle hand on Tierra's arm. "Darling, perhaps it's best to let this end." He looked toward the Frenchwoman and smiled, "She is back and here she is going to stay. Let it be over for her as well."

With a nod, Tierra complied. Sitting back in his chair he wondered how to delicately broach the subject of Barnabas Collins when, bless her heart, his love unknowingly solved the dilemma. "Darling, has Mr. Collins found other accommodations in town? I haven't seen him in days. You've offered him the room we've prepared, haven't you?"

Watching Kathleena closely, Page looked for any tell-tale signs of further despondency, seeing nothing but that damnable frown. "Collins has returned home."

"What? Without a word of goodbye?"

"He had to leave."

The couples heads turned to the woman sitting across the table, both regarding her with a shockwave of astonishment. "Dear God," Tierra whispered. "My dear, you've spoken!"

Realizing she had committed a serious blunder, Kathleena moaned and then, amazingly something wonderful happened. A sense of complete liberation flooded through her, for from the instant her voice returned she wanted to speak, needed to speak, to scream with a voice long suppressed. Although her fear of Duncan was fierce, never again would she willingly remain silent. Gazing into Tierra's stunned eyes she smiled shyly.

"Oui. Yes."

"How is this possible?" Page asked, amazement in his voice.

With Duncan's threat still ringing so clearly through her mind, Kathleena couldn't turn to him. She'd taken a great gamble when looking upon Barnabas and hadn't regretted her decision for an instant. She vowed he would be the final man she would see before she died. Before Duncan came to kill her.

"Kathleena," he persisted. "What happened? Where were you?"

Trembling at his hard tone, she realized now that she could speak again, the couple would demand, and rightly so, an explanation for everything. Everything. But… but what could she possibly say? That her unwanted fiancé followed her to America to plague her? To lord his mastery over her until the day he came to wed and kill her? No! To do so would place their lives in instant peril. Kathleena closed her eyes as the raw memory of his vicious words came back to her. "I will butcher anyone you dare tell. I will force you to watch their suffering as I gut them… they will DIE because of YOU!" No she vowed, with a slight shake of her head, she would not allow that to happen. And too, it would be difficult for her to reveal the details without disclosing Barnabas's role in all of this.

Taking a deep steadying breath, she whispered, "You both have the right to know, but I- I'm sorry, I can't explain anything to you."

Livid, Page rose from the table upending his chair in the process. "Kathleena, you can't possibly be serious. We deserve an explanation. You cannot return and expect for that to simply be the end of that! Surely you can tell us if you were you taken by force. Had you left of your own accord? Were you injured?"

Kathleena groaned softly. She was certain these people could be trusted and although she longed to tell them, only her knowledge of the deadly consequences kept her quiet. She simply sat straight in her chair allowing his words to lash her deeply.

At her steadfast refusal to speak, Page tilled his fingers angrily through his hair. "My God, Tierra was beside herself with fear. You seem remarkably indifferent to her feelings. I however, care a great deal." He paced about the room, pausing to stand beside his fiancé. "I can still remember the look of terror on her face as she rushed in to tell me that she couldn't find you, your horse having returned riderless to the stables. And Collins, why he –"

The sudden mention of Barnabas's name brought Kathleena to instant tears. Unable to stop herself, she lowered her face into her hands and wept. Page immediately fell silent as Tierra flew to her side in the next moment.

Kneeling beside her chair, the woman patted her hand gently, reassuringly. "Page didn't intend to sound so harsh," she said, speaking to her as she would a small child. "He's simply concerned. We both are. You were gone for so long, I – I feared you were dead."

Kathleena gasped at how close to the truth she truly was. "Please tell us," Tierra implored, her compassionate voice breaking with renewed sorrow. "Not for our sakes, my dear, but for yours. We only want to help you."

"You cannot help me!" she said, her eyes pleading for understanding. "He will-"

"He? He who? Do you mean Collins?" This, from Page as his curiosity increased to a higher plane. Tierra was right. He knew nothing of the man. "Had he...hurt you when he found you? Had he threatened you?"

"No, he'd done nothing untoward," Kathleena quickly assured them. "Nothing untoward at all." The thought of Barnabas warmed her, causing her eyes to sparkle with secret memories. Noting her mysterious expression, Tierra wondered at it. Later, she vowed she would discover its meaning but for now there were more urgent matters to attend to.

"Who is the 'he' you mentioned if not Barnabas Collins?" she asked, determinedly. "Is this 'he' the reason you had to leave France?" She thought back to her aunt's letter of introduction. Madeline mentioned none of the complications Kathleena was tackling. She'd only described the situation as 'abhorrent'. "Your life was in danger in France, wasn't it? This 'he' was trying to kill you- is trying to kill you, for he has found you, hasn't he? "

Worriedly, Kathleena chewed her bottom lip. They were so close to the truth. The urge to tell them of Duncan's evil deeds was, in fact beginning to chip away at her vow of silence. Slowly she looked up, fear clearly evident in her pale eyes. "I cannot say." She whispered the words so softly Tierra had to strain to hear them.

Page came down on his haunches alongside his beloved. "Perhaps you don't have to," he sighed, aware that the woman had suffered enough and was clearly strained. Still one thing baffled him. "Through some 'miracle' shall we say, you are able to speak again, however I can't help but remark that you still refuse to look at me. Why is that?"

The Frenchwoman shivered as she recalled Duncan's well-defined promise of punishment. "It is forbidden." He frowned as she chose not to elaborate further on the meaning of her disturbing words.

Suddenly, James entered the dining room. "I'm sorry to interrupt Miss Benjamin, but Mrs. Whitehall asked that I fetch you. I believe it has something to do with the grocer's invoice."

"Tell her I will be there in an instant." Turning back to Kathleena, Tierra realized that there was nothing more to be said. She'd endured enough of their harsh interrogation. Too much in fact. With a slight shrug of her shoulders she glanced at her betrothed and, thankful that their lives were so uncomplicated in comparison headed for the kitchen.

Page, his voice thick with remorse addressed her. "I'm sorry that I'd spoken to you so cruelly. I am merely vexed by the entire situation. Forgive me."

With a wave of her slim hand, Kathleena dismissed his apology, unable to find anger with him. How would she have reacted were she in his position? Flashing a smile of understanding, the woman rose from her chair and strode to the windows overlooking the snow covered gardens. The setting of the sun cast a golden hue on her lovely face as Page studied her. Suddenly an idea formed. Nonchalant, he came to stand beside her. "I thought it odd Collins left so quickly following your safe return, didn't you?"

Remaining remarkably silent, Kathleena seemed fixated on the winter birds as they hopped about on the sill searching for any last bit of food before roosting for the night, their feet leaving tiny tracks in their wake. "Why odd?" Although her words sounded uninterested, her pulse quickened. "His business with you was concluded, was it not? Perhaps Mr. Collins realized there was no reason for him to linger longer than necessary."

"Wasn't there?"

Her bottom lip trembled slightly. His curious choice of words sent a sudden spurt of fear racing through her and heart began to pound in double time. No she assured herself. Page merely assumed that something had transpired between them. He doesn't know, couldn't know. Kathleena watched as the birds flew off. Turning to him then, she focused on a spot on the wall above his left shoulder, determined to divert his interest. "What are you implying?" she asked, trying to sound insulted. "Do you believe I am some loose tart who would throw herself at a stranger?" Suddenly she froze. Dear Lord, she was just that! She ached for Barnabas Collins to take her. She longed for him still! Even at this very moment, she wanted him!

Noting the deep color of embarrassment slowly creep up her neck and face, he gushed, "Kathleena, I am not suggesting any such thing. I only wished to point out that you appear changed since your return. I merely assumed it was because of Collins."

"Changed?" She wondered, genuinely interested. "How so?"

Suddenly uncomfortable, Page shrugged. "Well, you seem more assured. Not as broken and dejected as when you first arrived."

Kathleena walked to the fireplace, staring down into the dying embers. Page, realizing what he had just uttered, gasped. With a sigh, she knew truer words were never spoken. Yes, she was broken before meeting him. Her spirit, her body. Barnabas had quite simply healed her. He made her experience emotions she never thought she would. Everything Duncan had denied her a vampire had given her. And she, in turn, chose to offer herself to him. Kathleena shivered at the memory of Barnabas's deep hunger for her. She did not fear him as all others did; she couldn't. She longed for him, missed his touch, however brief. Lost in her incredible fantasy, her heart suddenly lurched painfully against her breast. Duncan would claim her and she would die at his hands. She would never know what true intimacy was. A choking sob ripped from her throat.

Certain that his callous words were the reason for her sorrow, Page placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Kathleena gasped for strong fingers unknowingly dug into the final remnants of her seared flesh. Without Barnabas's presence to divert her attention, the throbbing pain had returned. "Kathleena, what is it?" Seeing the unmistakable look of anguish in her eyes, he knew. "My God, you're hurt!"

"No," she said firmly. Inside she was terrified. He couldn't discover the injury. He couldn't! There would be too many questions. Questions impossible to answer. Stepping away, she was disheartened when he relentlessly pursued her.

"Kathleena, I must see." At the shake of her head he added, "you may need a doctor. You've returned over a week ago. Surely you would have healed in that time. Unless your injury is severe."

"No, please," she whimpered in dismay, raising her hands to fend him off. "Stay away from me!" Suddenly, a brief vision of Duncan flashed across her mind, there for less than an instant of time but still Kathleena's face grew as pale as death. Immediately, she threw herself at Page. "No, Duncan! You will never hurt me. Never, ever again!" Pounding her small fists fruitlessly against the hard wall of his chest, she screeched hysterically. "Never again, you bastard! Do you hear me?"

Tierra dashed into the room followed closely by the cook and a scullery maid. "What is it? What's happened?" The servants stared on in horror as Page cautiously but securely grabbed Kathleena about the wrists to try and calm her. This only served to infuriate her all the more.

"Damn you! Let me go!" she growled, pulling against him in a worthless attempt to remove herself from his tight grasp. Frustrated with her capture, she keened up at the ceiling. "Angelique why are you doing this? Dear God, what are your plans for me?" Her heart wrenching cries drew an unexpected third person into the fray. Page stared toward the doorway as he held Kathleena who was now trying to tear at him like a wild cat. Her strength was waning but still she fought tenaciously, as if battling for her very life.

As Barnabas smoothly took her from Page, Kathleena's blind rage and frustration now took aim at a new mark. Finally free, she viciously slashed out at the vampire raking sharp nails into the pale flesh of his gaunt cheek. Deep grooves appeared but no blood ran down his face. Dropping to his haunches he cradled her in his strong arms, crooning softly. "Kathleena...Shhh...It's Barnabas," he murmured against her brow. His voice, tender and deep was beginning to gently sooth her. "No one will harm you. I'm here. It's alright."

"D-Duncan," she stuttered in fear trying to explain. "Duncan!"

"I know, I know. He's gone now." Barnabas could feel an incredible tremble rocket through her. Gradually she began to quiet, comforted by his nearness and relieved he'd returned. Shaking his head the Englishman looked up at the couple. Tierra motioned for him to follow.

Carrying her up the staircase he whispered, "Duncan will not harm you this night, I promise. I will protect you, Kathleena." Burying her cheek into his shoulder with the final quakes of terror shuddering through her she immediately fell unconscious as he delicately placed her on the counterpane.

Tierra sat silently on a pale green davenport and Page leaned against the mantle, a snifter of brandy in his hand when Barnabas returned to the great room an hour later, a bandage on his face, purely for their benefit.

"How is she?"

He shook his head, remembering the scene he beheld when he arrived. Obviously the trauma of all Kathleena endured crashed down on her at last. She could have seriously hurt herself. How he wanted to annihilate both Angelique and her damned son. With a sigh he simply said, "she is asleep."

"Thank God." Tierra looked at the Englishman. "Mr. Collins, what has brought you back? Why did you leave in the first place?"

Staring down at the large ring on his finger he frowned, his eyes so obscure they were practically invisible hidden in the dark shadows of his face. "Miss Benjamin, I - It was necessary at the time." Barnabas's frown deepened as he recalled those appalling emotions of self-loathing and betrayal. He'd departed for home when all he longed to do was remain by Kathleena's side.

He groaned softly as he remembered how restless he had felt at Collinwood. Everything was the same but not he. He was changed somehow. He no longer sensed the emotional attachment to the Old House he once had. It was almost as if he was filled with discontent. As if he was needed elsewhere. Even his manservant, Gregory had noticed his uneasiness.

"Master Barnabas, ye surely seem a bit off since returnin'. Hae somethin' happened?" Suddenly his eyes narrowed perceptively. "Ye've na been discovered, hae ye?" His deep Scotch brogue was filled with concern.

Staring intently into the flames, the vampire placed a cold finger to his icy lips, recalling the magnificent sensation of Kathleena's warm mouth on his. The taste of her skin… the sweetness of her blood… the muskiness of her passionate release. With a low growl, Barnabas stood and glanced at his servant. "No Gregory. All's well, or rather, it shall be. I must return."

"Ta Pennsylvania? Och, sir, but ye've jus'-" At his master's sharp look of finality, the butler sighed. "Aye. I'll be gettin' yer things."

"Gregory. My coffin."

The man understood. "Aye."

Barnabas slowly ascended the grand staircase. There was something he had to do first. With a deep breath he opened the door to Josette's room. A monument of a fashion dedicated to the loving memory of his lost fiancé, taken from him by Angelique's jealous fueled curse. For a moment he stood at the threshold, simply staring up at her portrait that hung above the mantle. He had to do this. He had to put her to rest. Finally.

"Josette," he whispered. "Dearest Josette. Time passes by so very slowly for me without you. The witch's hatred had parted us so very long ago." Gingerly he entered the room gazing up into the lifeless eyes of the painting. "I have longed for you, grieved for you and you shall always be a part of me." He sighed heavily. "But now... I realize that I must consign you to my memories. You are part of my past, gone forever and I am destined to exist in this world without you." Barnabas closed his eyes for a moment. "I now know that it is time. I –I must move on."

He turned away then, finding himself unable to look upon the blank unfeeling stare of his former betrothed. "Josette, I have found a woman that I can–" Suddenly Barnabas thrilled at his startling revelation that, for the first time in a very, very long while, he truly felt alive again! Kathleena and her acceptance of him had granted Barnabas the inconceivable strength to finally love another. Once again facing the portrait, he could no longer sense Josette's omnipresence in this room or in his mind. "Josette," he said decisively, "I have found a woman to share my life with. Please, I ask that bestow on me your providence for she is entangled with Angelique and I fear losing her as I had, you."

At the door he turned, his hand resting on the knob. Gazing one final time at the woman he vowed he would love forever, a tear slid down his thin cheek. "Rest in serenity Josette." Closing the door gently behind him Barnabas was unaware that the sweet aroma of jasmine now pervaded the quiet room.

"Mr. Collins… Mr. Collins…? Barnabas…?!"

The Englishman jerked back to the here and now. "Miss Benjamin," he said with a sad smile. "I apologize, my thoughts had strayed."

Tierra's brow was furrowed. "I was asking if you knew who Duncan is."

With a sigh, Barnabas nodded. "When I had located Kath- er…Miss Tell, she had spoken of him."

"Obviously she fears him a great deal," Page said. "That little one's strength was fantastic. I'm grateful you'd arrived when you did." Barnabas shook his head at his offer of a drink. "Would you care to share with us what you know? Had she also spoken to you of the woman? Of Angelique?"

Angrily Barnabas paced the room, a look of brutality flashed across his chiseled features at the mention of her accursed name. Turning to the couple, his look was now one of complete composure. He smiled sadly. "I regret that I cannot. I have sworn Kathleena my silence in this matter. I'm sorry for I know how concerned you both are."

Page nodded dejectedly. "Concerned, of course and curious, if the truth be known."

"Were you not curious, you would not be –human." Suddenly uncomfortable, Barnabas cleared his throat. "To answer the question you posed earlier, Miss Benjamin, Kathleena is the reason for my return. I – I couldn't stay away knowing she was in such dire straits." He glanced at the stairs. "With your permission I would like to sit with her, if I may."

"Of course, Mr. Collins."

"Barnabas, please."

Tierra nodded with a smile. "Should Kathleena awaken and want for anything Barnabas, please feel free to ring for James."

"Thank you."

"Oh, I'd nearly forgotten." Page added as he watched the gaunt man leave the room. "I believe Kathleena is injured. She expressed pain and when I demanded to see her wound to determine if she needed a doctor that was when she began to act wild."

"I will see to it," he said taking the stairs two at a time.

Tierra wrapped her arms about Page's muscular body. "What do you think, darling?" Bolting the door he whispered his voice thick with desire, "I think they are perfect for each other. Just as we are, sweetheart." Bestowing her beloved a captivating smile full of promise and pleasure, Tierra kissed him ardently as he gently lowered her to the floor before the dancing flames of the fire, pressing her deeply into the carpet with a groan.