Chapter 9

Josette, glanced around noting her grandmother, Elizabeth Collins Patterson. Next to her grandmother was George Patterson, her grandfather. George had been the Sheriff of Collinsport and had always held a affection for Liz. After George's wife died, and his discovey that he and Liz had fathered Vicki, the flames they once shared were renewed between the two of them. The natural flow of things were to marry and continued to find comfort in each other's company.

After they married, Elizabeth became a stepmother to George Thomas Jr, Jason Alan, and Penelope Lydia. Thomas and Penney, who had decided after collage that she wished to be called by her middle name Lydia had followed in their father's footsteps in law enforcement and Jason had decided fire and rescue was more to his liking and still keep the approval of his father. Josette glanced around the room seeing her Uncle Thomas and Aunt Constance, along with her cousins Robert and Donna.

Josette had to agree with her mother; Robert was growing into a good looking young man of 16. He had so much wanted to keep up with her younger brother Daniel and she had been privy to hearing Daniel complain about Robert to her mother's chastizement to remember he was family. Much to Daniel chagrin he had to learn and tolerate his cousin. Donna on the other hand was a precocious 12 year old that was showing the potential of being a scholar at an early age.

Josettte thought it odd seeing Uncle Thomas out of his Sheriff's uniform and standing in one of the period costumes. To her he appeared so uncomfortable by the way he kept pulling at the cravat and wiggling his shoulders to scratch his back. She truly felt if it had been up to any of her young relatives whether or not this Grand Gala the Liberty Ball would continue after her grandparents and parents passed on. Then again it was her family and knowing them as well as she had they would surely come back and haunt them as until they had the ball.

Josette jumped feeling a warm arm encircle her waist and she looked into the ageless vivacious face of her Aunt Carolyn. "Darling, we were worried you, Jen and JB would not make it. Your mother said work may intervene and we would miss out on your lovely presence here."

Josette hugged her tightly and could feel her Aunt Carolyn tighten her hold. "Would not miss this for the world. I had my secretary clear my calendar and coordinated with JB and Jen to be here." She glanced around and saw Anthony standing next to her grandmother and whispered in Carolyn's ear. "Uncle Tony could not deny him as his. They do favor each other a lot. Quite handsome and I hear another 3 years and he will be joining his father in practice. Seems Collinsport is going to be over run with attorneys."

Carolyn beamed with pride and smiled brightly looking at her son's tall lean figure. "Well he has not quiet decided what to do. I am trying to persuade him into joining me in the business. Maybe as in-house council."

Josette smiled as she caught Tony's glance and he smiled and nodded in return. "I understand I get to have Tony as my partner for the minuet?"

She had originally practiced with JB and they had mastered the steps without mishap. Then she was informed that when names were drawn for the opening dance. She had been paired with Tony. She did not want to break the news to JB, if she had to do that she would not hear the end of it for the next four weeks until the arrival of the charity event.

So, she told her mother that she would have to tell her son he was paired with his cousin who was playing the part of Naomi. JB's ancestor Joshua Collins had married Naomi and his grandmother had felt it only appropriate they be paired together for the opening dance.

Slowly, Josette was brought back to the current conversation as she heard her aunt say, "He has been practicing for the past month to make sure he would not fall into you or trip. He is really looking forward to the dance. It was just pure luck that he drew Jeremiah as his Collins to play this year."

Josette smiled. "Well we cannot have a Josette without Jeremiah. So, it works out."

Carolyn turned to hug Sarah and then Daniel as they walked up. "Hey you two, so you get to skate out of the minuet this year."

Daniel hugged his aunt and then grinned mischievously. "Yah, I had heard I was gonna get to crunch your toes. Then, Grandma decided to cut it short and put only the main characters out on the floor."

Sarah grinned, "Yah, I heard you get to partner with JR. Since he pulled the part of Lt Forbes and you are Millicent." For a moment, Carolyn's pretty features saddened as she remembered her brief relationship with Joe Haskell and his untimely demise at sea.

Poor Maggie had been widowed with a young boy to rear on her own. Joe Haskell Jr. had grown into the same kind of man his father had been. His mother had not wished to deny him his right to choose whether or not he would follow his father into his career field. She would worry, and rightfully so, and Carolyn not wishing to see Maggie grow old alone, decided to sweeten a deal at the cannery for young Haskell. Her way of making amends to Joe, she offered him the job of General Manager of the Collinsport Cannery.

Jeanette frowned and covered her left wrist she glanced around for Josette and JB. Josette could not help but glance at her sister's left wrist and noted a soft glow of green illuminating under her gloved wrist. Josette glanced around and saw JB tug at his left arm and she knew he had a like pulse of green light glowing under his wrist. Odd she did not. Jeanette hugged her aunt one last time and quietly disappeared inside the mansion, followed by JB.

It wasn't long and Jen appeared at her sister's side. "We have to bug out after the minuet. We have a Code DP alert. You are on standby, but they don't think you will be needed. Our trainees are going in on this and we need to be there for their retrieval." Jo nodded and smiled as more of her extended family showed up for the opening Promenade.

Elizabeth accompanied by George moved to the trio. "So, young Joshua, you will be Grandmother's Joshua tonight for the opening dance?"

JB leaned over and kissed his grandmother's cheek. "I am looking forward to it and will promise to do you proud Grandmother."

George Patterson had been a staple at Collinwood for many years. He had always admired Elizabeth and after his wife's death, he asked Elizabeth out for dinner. After that one dinner date, it had felt right and the pair fell into a routine.

They became a natural pair at evening galas and soon found they comforted each other and decided to marry. Now, they shared yours, mine and ours with children. Elizabeth turned to George, "You did say Lydia would be here tonight?"

George patted her arm and smiled at her with deep affection and patience. "Liz, you need to relax. Lydia was driving to Bangor to pick up Roger and Angela, she was taking them back to her place to change and she promised they all would be here".

George paused looked around and then continued with his explanation. "Melanie is getting off late, but dropped Stephany and Melissa off with David and Karri. Now quit worrying, this is the best ball to date. We have collected over 750,000 dollars for the local charities and the county departments."

Elizabeth Stoddard Patterson looked shocked. "Really? That is wonderful news. I hope you plan to let the good people know this at dinner."

George kissed her forehead and said with a loving tone. "Would I ever disappoint you?" Liz gleamed with her jewels and the love she had for her husband.

She was resplendent in tiara emeralds and diamonds. Josette knew that what her grandmother wore was the real deal and no replica. They were jewels that had been handed down from one generation to another.

Seeing her grandmother distracted, she slipped away to stand in the open doorway to peer out at the garden. It was a fantasyland of soft colored lights that gleamed over the dance floor, the dance floor was erected over the yard to protect it from damage, its polished shine reflected the miniature light display that burned romantically over the covered dining area and appropriately placed cash bars.

Looking over she saw the area designated for the children. Bouncing houses, and castles, slides, and all sorts of happy go play toys in the play-area. This was always erected to keep the youngest of the attendees happy and busy while the adults dine. Jo smiled remembering her time in the play castle and the ride on the dragons. Tonight she almost wished that she were over there with the paid sitters.

She could see the waterfall drink fountains and the sweet treats for later for the small ones and sighed softly. She even took a moment to wonder if she would ever have a child of her own. From behind she heard the low soft tones of Richard Garner as he spoke in her ear. "Wishful thinking?"

Jo smiled and shook her head. "No, not really, well maybe. I was just wishing I could be over there tonight. Times were so much more simple and easy to cope."

Richard looked a bit like his father with his light colored hair and easy smile. "I know what you mean. I dropped Franklin off over there and Riley is joining the teens in the swim house. I understand your grandmother went all out and hired a DJ and had ordered pizza and wings for them."

Jo nodded, "Yup, if Grandma is one thing she is the perfect hostess."

Richard patted her shoulder and nodded as Lydia entered with Angela and Roger. "Looks like my date is here. You promise to save me a dance?"

Jo smiled and nodded. "I also promised Lydia a dance, I think she wants to video us doing the chicken dance in these costumes. Do you think she will post it on the web?"

Richard cringed at the thought. "Most likely, if you know her like I do, it's a given it will be on the web in no time."

She nodded to him over her shoulder and then caught the gaze of Adam Stokes. A ready knowing smile edged her lips watching the love besotted resident intern make his way towards her.

Adam moved to her side and glanced around. "Hey, have not seen you around in a while. Where have you been and where is that delicious sister of yours."

Jo knew he meant Jeanette and had to tease him. "The last I saw she was over there with Mom and Dad." She then with a soft smirk, said in mock embarrassment. When they both looked over to see Sarah standing with her parents.

"Oh you mean Jeanette?" He elbowed her back and laughed. "Yes, I mean Jeanette. Sarah is a doll, but Jeanette is a super star."

Jo laughed out right, she had never envisioned her quiet little sister as a super star. "Super Star? Geez Louise Adam. She would die if she heard you say that."

From their right Jeanette appeared looking radiant in her gown of soft green, her hair pulled into ringlets and a fan dangling from her gloved wrist. "Say what about whom?" Adam turned and did an elaborate bow, sweeping his hand from his head in a roll salute and bowing at the waist.

'That you my beauty are a super star!" He immediately caught her to him and swung her into a backwards bend over his arm and planted a surprised light kiss on her lips.

Gracefully executing the dip Adam then righted Jeanette. "Wow is that how you ask for an autograph?

Jeanette was beat red with embarrassment and was trying hard not to giggle like a young inexperienced girl. "No, its not a request for an autograph, its what I call doctors orders."

Adam Stokes was Julia Hoffman Stokes and Timothy Stokes son. He had gone into medicine like his mother and as was the case for Julia, Adam gravitated towards the same calling. For every once in a while he had come across a aberrant or variant blood sample.

Once he had a 'odd' blood sample, he would pass it on to the head of a covert operation dealing in the area of abnormal and variant blood samples. Although indirectly he was associated with the covert operations, he was not aware of how close the operation was to him personally.

He was mildly aware of the complex jobs that Josette, JB and Jeanette held, but never pressed. He had his hands full doing his residency at the Collinsport Hospital Emergency room and teaching the up and coming paramedics and emergency medical techs for the fire department and police department.

Jeanette still displaying a lovely shade of red and having pulled herself into a up right position turned to face Adam. "I guess I can't argue with the doctor now can I?" she pulled her dress back into place and then smiledwhen the familiar figure of Adam's sister appeared in the doorway behind Josette.

"I could argue with him, he is spreading around brother cooties. Ewww. "she laughed and hugged Jo.

"Good to see the Collins Kids are back in town. How long you in for this time? Not jet setting off to another fabulously fun country are you?"

"Beth, how wonderful, it is good to be back in town and you just made our trip even better. And look at you girlfriend, you look beautiful and a bit more svelte."

Beth bowed and smiled. "Thank you for noticing. So, are you here for a little while?"

Josette tried to play down the apprehension she felt when she first saw JB and J's alerts activate. So, tongue in cheek, she said with a positive attitude, "I may be leaving briefly but plan to be here at least a week. No fun country this time around. I think I am through globe trotting for a while."

Jeanette pushed her sister aside and hugged Beth. Adam had rolled his eyes and then glanced at his sister with some brotherly pride. His sister had gone all out this year and even managed to find a costume that fit her somewhat diminishing portly form.

"You look nice sis. How is the diet coming?"

Josette elbowed Adam. "Shame on you. Leave her alone she looks great and you can tell she has lost weight."

"Stress eating, teaching junior high school students that think they know everything can be stressful you know."

She was teasing with her tone. However, Jo could see the hint of hurt in her look. "I know how stressful it can be. So, you are entitled to your ice cream sundae binge on any occasions."

Beth chuckled hiding her hurt and hugged Jo, "My problem is my students do know everything. They are the top in their class and will be taking their SATS early."

"Don't you just hate the brain drain team?" JB added as he approached the group.

Beth leaned over and hugged him. "Only if they are a Collins." All of them laughed and that seemed to banish the tension. Josh had always liked Beth and put his arm around her shoulder.

He glanced about, "I did not see your mom or dad are they here?" JB had been searching for Julia and Timothy Stokes.

Beth nodded to Barnabus and Victoria caught in a foursome in the corner with her parents. "There they are with your parents."

JB smiled and kissed her cheek, you have eagle eyes as always. I was looking for Mom and Dad too."

Beth beamed at the attention she was getting and sighed. "Well its training, you learn to keep an eagle eye out for anything a Freshman or Sophomore might pull."

George entered the center of the ballroom and spoke in his authoritative ex sheriff's voice commanding the attention of the room. "All right everyone. I think the guests have arrived and now we need to do the opening promenade and pair off for the opening minuet."

The room became a scramble. Josette was to pair off with Tony and for a moment did not see him and as suddenly he appeared at her elbow. "Madam?" He grinned at his cousin and bowed to her.

The lights outside went out and from somewhere overhead a spot light appeared on the terrace doorway. George and Elizabeth began the procession and the doorman began to make his announcement. "Respected Guests, Ladies, Gentlemen, Nobles and all may I welcome you to the Collins Costume Gala 1795 in Revenue. Lady Elizabeth and Lord George present the Collins Promenade!"

As each couple that represented a member of the Collins Family from the past appeared the doorman announced them as their selves and their character.

It was odd to hear such names as Countess Natalie DuPres and Count Andre DuPres to be followed by Barnabus and Victoria Collins and then Jeremiah Collins and Josette Collins, Joshua Collins and Naomi Collins finally the end of the promenade was announced and the family members involved in the opening minuet paired off and as the minute began, a recording of Josette's music box began over the speaker.

The first opening line was played and then the orchestra began to accompany the soft delicate strains of Josette's music box and the members of the dance party executed the light miniature steps of the dance with as much precision as any amateur could produce.

The opening ceremonies ended and the party broke up to groups and the air became alive with the hum of voices, occasionally interrupted by laughter and in the background the sounds of period dance music. Victoria moved among the guests and greeted them as they greeted her. This evening was always exhilarating to her. She felt she had returned to the past she loved so much. Drifting along the outside of the gathering, Vicki felt as if she really had passed back into time and it pleased her very much.

Glancing around she saw Barnabus with Julia and Timothy and she smiled. Her life with Barnabus had completed her. She had a lovely family, lived with a man that was very fond of her, and she had found her mother and identity. She had more family and background than she could have ever hoped to have. Moving away from the crowd she paused and felt the familiar tingle of an old feeling and what she had become to call a friend. "Josette?" She lifted her head and sniffed the air. It was filled with the scent of jasmine. From the corner of her eye she saw the transparent outline of a woman.

"Josette? You want me to follow you?" The figure of Josette drifted from view and paused to turn to see if Vicki was going to follow her.

Vicki lifted her gown and on satin slipper feet moved towards the figure. It began to lead her away from the party towards Widows Hill.

"Come, you must not be afraid, follow me, Victoria, and follow me quickly. You must hurry."

Vicki began to feel a sense of panic as she lifted her skirts and began to pick up her pace. Victoria had never known Josette to misdirect her and now with the sense of urgency in the tone of her voice, Vicki quickened her pace to move as fast as she could.

Soon, the elegant figure of Victoria Collins had disappeared into the wood line and out of site of the party guests. She hurried along the rocky path that was rutted and presented a danger to the non-attentative and would have pitched head forward onto her face. Pausing one time to get her bearings she saw Josette was leading her to Widows Hill. "Josette, please tell me what is going on here? Is there a problem? Who's in danger? You only come when a Collins is in danger, who is it?"

The lovely image of the woman that had been known for the fact she was either thrown or jumped off Widows Hill shortly after her marriage to Jeremiah Collins and his death, paused and smiled at Vicki. "Victoria, you are the one in danger. You must wait here. You can go back in about a half an hour."

She began to fade from view and Victoria felt a horrible drop in her stomach. "What about my children? Barnabus?"

"They are fine, your children can take care of themselves. Barnabus is not at risk or any of your other family. You were the target of the darkness for this night. You must not return to the party for another 30 minutes. Please, do not be afraid. It will be all right."

Victoria sat down on the tree stump and sighed. What could it be now? Who was trying to harm her this time? All these questions puzzled her as she contemplated the next attack her family may be under.

Josette sat with Maggie Evans Haskel-Garner and Frank at a table near the dance floor. Maggie was dressed in a vibrant deep rose-colored dress and her hair was dressed in ringlets. Frank held her hand near his lips and he smiled at his lovely wife. She had given him 3 children, Frank Jr., Charlotte, and Richard. "You know Josette, Frank could have been your father." Maggie tucked her chin and smiled at Josette and then at Frank.

Frank chuckled and Josette had to hide the fact she knew her mother had dated Frank when she first came to Collinwood. Frank was a up and coming Attorney in partnership with his father and their firm had been the Collins attorneys for years. Frank had offered to help her mother find her past. Burke Devlin had derailed that dream and it was not until much later, the secret of why Elizabeth Collins Stoddard had hidden Victoria's birth-rite was revealed. But that was entirely another story for another time.

Frank had relocated to an office in Collinsport and found it convenient because it put him closer to Vicki. It did not take long for Frank's interests to be divided between his practice and her mother's interest to be captured by the very dashing and mysterious Burke Devlin. Frank rebounded his interests in a local female Judge and soon they married. Unfortunately, Frank's wife was murdered by a vengeful ex convict. It was also about the time Maggie lost Joe to a summer storm in the Atlantic.

Maggie had hired Frank to handle the probate matter of Joe's will. Maggie needing a job was offered a secretarial position with Frank's office and they soon became involved. Maggie and Frank discovered they loved each other and were married.

Vicki returned to this new set of circumstances and was very happy for her friend, Maggie and her friend Frank. They appeared to be as happy as she and Barnabus. Josette had logged this information from a past mission.

It was becoming hard for Josette to remain in ignorance of her mother's past life. She had almost slipped up a couple of times when her mother had referenced a romanticized version of a past event. A matter that Josette had known to be different from her mother's version and had to bite her tongue to correct her mother's version.

Frank drew his wife's hand to his and spoke softly, "Maggie want to dance?"

Maggie glanced at Josette and smiled, "Will you be here when we get back?"

Josette nodded and Maggie let Frank guide her to the dance floor. Josette slid back in her draped fold-up chair and crossed her arms over her chest. The air had become suddenly very electrified and Josette frowned. Someone was drawing on the elements to cast a spell.