Chapter 9
Vicki, Barnabas, Julia, Willie, and Professor Stokes sat on the private jet. Vicki was being held on Barnabas' lap. Barnabas looked at Julia, "How much longer will this sleeping draught be in effect?"
Julia shook her head. "I had it measured for a 180 pound man, on him it would have only been a couple of hours. Because Vicki is smaller, I fear she may sleep another 3 hours. Why don't you put her on the sofa Barnabas."
She nodded to the half curved sofa seating on the private jet. He looked at her still in her 15th century ball gown.
"I fear if I do, she may disappear again."
Stokes chuckled, "Well I am sure that when Josette disappeared for Vlad he was quiet surprised, but in our Miss Winter's case, she is here old friend and I am sure she will be here to stay."
Willie moved to Barnabas and lifted Vicki from him. "In the rear there is a small bed, I will put her there."
Julia nodded. "That would be best. We should be in Austria in about 2 hours, the pilot has agreed to refuel there and take us on to England, then we can catch a commercial flight out."
Willie walked back into the common area of the plane and shook his head. "We don't have Vicki's pass port. So I talked to the pilot and he said he would take us to England refuel there and then fly us onto Bangor."
Barnabas sighed deeply. "I had not even thought about a passport. Thank you Willie. Have you notified cousin Elizabeth we are on our way home with Vicki?"
Willie nodded, "Yes and she is most anxious to see her." Julia sat next to Barnabas. "Well we have averted one more threat to the Collins family."
Professor Stokes looked at Julia and laughed, "I would say we were very successful this time. I would have thought Dracula would have been harder to kill than what we have accomplished."
Barnabas glanced around the interior of the plane. "I really don't think someone as legendary as he will stay gone for long. As long as he thinks he can take Vicki she will not be safe."
Stokes sighed and paced around the cabin finding a bottle of sherry he poured himself a small glass. "I would think we could protect her." He sipped his sherry and leaned back in the chair.
"Elliott, is there a protection spell we could use?"
Stokes shrugged. "I would need to research it, but I am sure there is something that could shield her from him."
Barnabas stood and moved to check on her, seeing she was sleeping, he moved back to the others. "We need to do something to protect her. If the formula Julia used did not destroy him, he surely will be coming back for her."
Julia sighed deeply and looked at her hands. "I used enough of the formula that it should have aged him, and he being 400 years old, he should have turned to dust at the end of its effect."
Barnabas stood and began to pace himself, "Not if he was able to feed before it took complete effect. He will then revert back and be as youthful as he was before."
Julia nodded, "Possibly, but if he fed he would still age. There was a new element in the formula. I told you about the new information I had gotten from the convention I had attended."
Barnabas looked hopeful. "And this new formula will destroy him?"
Julia nodded, "Yes, he would age rapidly and then begin to disintegrate."
Elliott moved to sit next to Julia, "You received some new information from the convention Julia?"
She smiled at Stokes, "Yes, they were talking in hypothetical formats but I was able to translate it over to what I already knew about Barnabas. Using him as the case study, I was able to refine the formula to meet the criteria that would allow Barnabas to stay awake and able to tolerate the sun. If you adjusted it to a more finite form, then it was a killing potion for Vlad."
Elliott chuckled, "I knew there was a reason I found you utterly fascinating and wished to ask you a personal question."
Julia peered at Elliott, "What is it Elliott?"
He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers, and then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small ring box. "I have tried to get up enough nerve to ask you to marry me my dear."
Julia looked stunned but pleased. "Why Elliott I had no idea." She looked at the ring and then at him, "I would be honored to marry you."
He took the ring out of the box and slid it on her finger. A perfectly cut marquises ½ carat diamond rested on a golden band. Julia flushed a deep pink then smiled through tear filled eyes, "I would be honored."
Elliott smiled and slipped the ring on her finger.
"Congratulations you two." Willie smiled and moved to shake Professor Stokes hand and leaned over to kiss Julia's cheek.
Barnabas smiled and shook Elliott's hand. "I don't have to tell you what a lucky man you are to get our Julia."
He too leaned over and gently kissed Julia's cheek. "My sincerest congratulations."
Elliott turned and hugged Julia, "I am the luckiest man alive and I will have the most beautiful wife in my life, not only is she beautiful, she is intelligent and compassionate to take pity on an old fool like me."
Julia returned his hug and kissed him lightly on the lips. "I am the lucky one. I think we shall make a wonderful match."
Vicki stood on the patio of Collinwood, looking up at the night sky. The full harvest moon painted a beautiful picture. She noticed since her return the leaves had turned and were beginning to fall.
Soon, she and David would be raking the leaves into a pile and Mrs. Stoddard would pay Willie to bag them for mulch. The air-hung heavy with moisture and the weatherman had forecasted thunderstorms. She knew there would be an early winter the weatherman had predicted there would be lots and lots of snow.
Tonight, she had taken care to dress her hair, which lay in ringlets and she wore a pink sheath dress with her beige sweater. The air had grown cooler and soon it would be time to start wearing her coat.
She began to reminisce on her arrival to Collinwood and was amazed that Julia, Professor Stokes, Willie, and Barnabas had rescued her from that horrible man Vlad. Julia had explained he was delusional when he lived his fantasy with her. He had even believed he was 400 years old and a vampire.
When Vicki had told Julia how he said Barnabas was the original Barnabas and was a vampire like him, Julia reassured her that it was all part of his delusion.
Julia had further reassured her that there were no such beings as vampires. Vicki could not wait to get out of the old fashion ball gown he had forced her to wear.
There was the problem with the ruby ring she wore. No matter how hard she trued to take it off, it would not come off. It was not until Professor Stokes had examined it, he discovered an enchantment by some complicated binding spell.
With some research, Professor Stokes found a spell to break the enchantment and much to Vicki's relief was immesadurable when it came off. Locking the ring away, Vicki was happy to finally be rid of the memories and feelings that had been invoked by the mad man and his delusions.
Now, the only thing that would make her life blessed would be if her relationship with Barnabas were complete. She had been asked by Julia to be in her wedding to Professor Stokes and that day was fast approaching. Professor Stokes had asked Barnabas to be his best man and Julia had asked Vicki to be her maid of honor. Vicki had been touched by the request and accepted immediately.
Now, she was feeling the pangs of loneliness as she stood on the patio. The air-filled with a familiar scent and she turned to see the apparition of Josette standing behind her. "Cher, you are sad?"
Vicki nodded sending the curls on her head bouncing.
"But why?"
Vicki sighed softly and ducked her chin. "He has distanced himself from me and it took me a long time to realize how much I need him in my life. He really is my best friend and well . . . "
Josette glided to hover beside her. "You love him?"
Vicki thought for only a moment and then nodded. "I do love him. I did not realize it, but I do love him wholly and completely."
Josette laughed, "Then tell him. He cannot read your mind."
From the garden, there was the sound of footsteps and Vicki turned to peer out into the night. She knew Josette had already disappeared from view and she waited hoping and then she smiled and felt her heart grow lighter.
"Barnabas."
He moved to her side, resting his cane against the concrete railing. "How are you my dear?"
She wanted to go into his arms but felt that wall between them. "I am fine, thank you for asking. I hope this evening finds you equally well?"
Vicki asked him about his well-being to keep him from leaving. As soon as she had replied to his question he had picked up his cane and turned to walk away.
Barnabas paused and pivoted on his toes to face her. Smiling at her cordially, he said, "I am well. Now, if you will excuse me . . ."
Vicki reached out and touched his arm. "Barnabas? Please don't leave. I wish to speak with you."
Ever the correct and proper gentleman, Barnabas paused in making his retreat and watched as tears welled in her eyes. "Vicki, whatever is wrong my dear?"
She took a deep breath and turned away from him. "I get the feeling that you are avoiding me and it's breaking my heart Barnabas."
A myriad of emotions flooded his face. "Why whatever do you mean?"
Vicki turned back and looked deeply into his eyes. "I love you Barnabas, I did not realize how much you meant to me until Vlad took me away. I don't know what I would do if you were to refuse my love. I need you in my life, without you I am lost and alone."
Barnabas reached out puling her to him for a loving embrace. Gazing into her eyes he smiled and then he bent and kissed her deeply. Vicki wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kiss.
It seemed like hours but it was only seconds until the kiss was broken and Barnabas pushed her hair back from her face and wiped the tears from her cheek. "Vicki, I have waited what seemed a lifetime to hear those words you just spoke."
Vicki smiled through her tears and laid her head on his shoulder. "The only thing that would make my life more complete would be to hear you say you love me in return."
Barnabas kissed her forehead and held her close. "I thought you knew that I have loved you from the first day I met you. I was afraid to declare that love for fear that you would reject me. You were engaged to Burke."
Vicki felt safe, secure and content in his arms as she nestled her head on his coat. "I thought I loved Burke, he was the first person I met when I first came to Collinwood."
She took a deep breath and collected her thoughts, " Then my life turned upside down and I felt conflicted. There was someone else slowly making his way into my heart."
She lifted her gaze to look up into his eyes, "After Burke died, I was alone and you were there. When you weren't there Barnabas, my life felt bleak and I felt I was so alone."
She lifted her fingertips to stroke his cheek, her eyes were shining more than with the tears she had just shed, " You gave me hope and you loved me in a way that dear friends love one another."
Her lips edged with a tender smile as she poured her heart out to him. "I was so alone and afraid when I was with Vlad. I could not think of anyone else but you."
It had been a while since he felt the urge to take her as an eternal mate and now the feeling was stronger. He wanted her so badly, to sink his teeth into her neck, to drink of her blood and make her his forever. The emotions he was feeling always triggered the blood lust.
He had to get control, she had just professed her love and the serum Julia had given him yesterday must be wearing off. Fighting his desire to bring her over, he closed his eyes and concentrated. After the feeling passed he knew he loved her heart and soul and he could never do to her what he had wanted to do with Josette and that was to make her as he was.
Barnabas pushed her back and peered deeply in her eyes. "I was beside myself with fear. I did not know what he would do to you and I was afraid for you."
She hugged him close and spoke into his chest, "Why did he say he was your cousin and you agreed with him?"
Barnabas had to think quickly and replied, "Because my dear, he is my cousin. Unfortunately, he was mad and took his madness out on you. I was filled with guilt that someone I was related to could do such a horrible thing to someone I loved very much. I have been beside myself with guilt, so that is why I was avoiding you."
For Vicki it made perfect sense now why he had been avoiding her. He had felt guilty because one of his relatives had done her harm.
"Oh Barnabas, do you not know? I would never have blamed you for his actions. I prayed nightly that you would come to rescue me and you did. I will be forever grateful for all you have done for me. That is one of the many reasons I love you as I do."
Barnabas kissed the top of her head and going down on bended knee he then said softly. "I would like to ask you Victoria, would you do me the honor of being my wife?"
He had carried the box around in his pocket for 2 weeks. He had gotten her an engagement ring over a year ago but felt it would never be on her finger.
Vicki looked up her eyes filling with tears. "I would be honored to be Mrs. Barnabas Collins my sweet precious love."
Barnabas reached into his pocket and pulled out the box, opening it Vicki peered at a large one-carat marquise cut diamond surrounded by a circle of emeralds on a wide gold band. Taking the ring out of the box, Barnabas slid it on her finger.
"I hoped you like it."
Vicki was over whelmed with feelings as she peered at the ring. "It is the most beautiful ring I have ever seen."
Barnabas smiled, very pleased with himself. "Well shall we go and tell the others. I know they are waiting for us to come in."
Vicki nodded and felt Barnabas slid his arm around her waist. Walking together they moved to the front entrance and Vicki opened the door and moved inside, Barnabas took off his coat and moved with Vicki to the drawing-room.
Elizabeth looked up and smiled. "Hello Vicki, darling I was wondering when you were going to come in. I knew it had to be getting cold. Hello Barnabas won't you please come in and have a seat?"
Roger was standing by the fireplace looking quiet provincial in his smoking jacket. He too cordially invited Barnabas to come in and sit. "Barnabas we have not seen so much of you lately. Is everything all right at the old house?"
Barnabas put his arm around Vicki's waist. "Roger, Elizabeth, we have an announcement to make."
Vicki was beaming as she leaned into his hold. "I have asked Victoria to marry me and she has graciously accepted."
From behind them David shouted, "No! You can't! You took my house away and now you want to take Vicki!"
Vicki turned and looked at the crestfallen face of David. She had watched him start to mature from the ill-mannered hot-tempered prankster of 9 to a more mature 10.
Seeing his look, those soulful brown eyes fringed with his sandy blond hair, his face streaked from some ungodly play place he had frequented earlier gave all the signs of a major melt down for the boy.
"No, David, I am not going anywhere. I will be living at the old house with Barnabas and you will see me every day."
David turned and ran off, taking the steps two at a time in a temper fueled tantrum..
Roger followed him bellowing, "David, young man you come right down here and apologize to Miss Winters and Barnabas immediately."
David slammed the door on the landing. "Will you excuse me for a few moments, I want to talk to David."
Vicki kissed Barnabas on the cheek and then turned to face Roger, "Roger its ok. He is upset, let me talk to him."
Liz stood up and moved to Barnabas. "She will get him calmed down. I am happy for you Barnabas, and this gives me a chance to speak with you about something important."
Roger moved back into the room and poured himself a stiff drink, "Does anyone else need anything after that tirade?"
Elizabeth turned to her brother, though Roger held an arrogance of wealth and privilege to his slender build, he was still Roger, born with an inherent weakness to avoid taking responsibility for his own actions and the actions of his son.
Elizabeth tolerated his high-handed ways because he was a Collins and her brother. She recognized what he was and accepted he would never change. He would manipulate any situation and favor anyone that could better is position even if it went against his sister.
Liz had a serious look to her countenance and tone. Speaking slowly she looked at Barnabas but spoke to Roger. "Roger would you pour me a sherry and Barnabas anything for you?"
Barnabas shook his head. "No thank you cousin Elizabeth."
Roger came back handing his sister a sherry while he took up his post at the fireplace.
"Thank you Roger, I am glad we are all together. There is something I have meant to tell you for a long time."
Liz took a sip of her sherry for courage then she looked at Roger and then Barnabas. Barnabas had known her for a while and if anything Elizabeth Collins Stoddard was direct, forceful and to the point.
Now he felt she was gathering courage for a life changing announcement. Finally, she looked down at the drink in her hand "I have kept a secret for some years and I did not know how to tell you, Roger. I had sworn that you would never know"
Roger looked at Liz and then to Barnabas, Liz continued "I did not . . . my wish was not to become the black sheep in the family, I was afraid of bringing shame to the family."
She stood and moved to stand at the window and Barnabas felt he was about to be privy to some personal information. "Perhaps I should go find Vicki so you and Roger may talk."
Liz turned to look at Barnabas. "No, Barnabas, this affects you too. I want you to stay. You see, I have known about your affection for Vicki for sometime. When she was going to marry Burke it was something I intended to take to my grave."
Roger set his glass down and moved to sit on the sofa with Barnabas folding his arms over his chest he tried to keep the bored look from taking over his features.
"Liz, what exactly are you trying to say?" He then sat back and crossed his left leg over his right one.
"Roger, Barnabas, before there was Paul Stoddard, there was a man. I was young and I had fallen in love with him. We were lovers."
Roger sat forward unfolding his legs and uncrossing his arms and the look Roger had on his face reminded Liz of their father Jamison Collins. "What! Did father know?"
Liz shook her head. "You were at college and no, father did not know I had became pregnant. I left Collinsport and went to New York to have the baby. It was a girl and I gave her up and placed her in a fondling home."
Roger stood then picked up his drink and started to swallow, choking on the drink.
He sat his glass down. "Elizabeth, are you saying that . . . that Vicki?" Roger stood and moved to his sister who was now in tears.
"Yes, Vicki is my little girl. She was a child born out-of-wedlock and I gave her up. I brought her here as David's governess so I could bring her home."
Barnabas stood and moved to Elizabeth and hugged her, "Why have you not told her?"
Liz stepped back and held Barnabas' arms. "I just could not find a way to tell her and I did not want to tell her until Carolyn was told. I was so close so many times and then fate seemed to step in and stop me."
Barnabas pulled her close, "When do you plan to tell her?"
Roger was pacing back and forth behind the sofa, his hands clasped behind his back. "Elizabeth, you have hurt me by keeping this secret. Why I could have made a big mistake in trying to seduce her."
Elizabeth looked over at her brother and shook her head. "Roger had you shown anything but contempt for her when she first arrived, I would have told you then to avoid a nasty situation."
Barnabas released his hold on Liz and moved to sit back on the sofa. "So, do you plan to tell her before our wedding?"
Liz moved to one of the fireside wing back chairs and sat. "I was hoping that now you know, you could be present when I tell her and Carolyn."
Barnabas nodded, "I think that would be fine my dear cousin."
Roger began to pace back and forth again. "I am terribly hurt Liz, that you did not tell me. Who is her father?"
Liz stood and moved to the fireplace. "I would prefer you not know Roger, he is married and it was so long ago that for now, I would prefer to keep that information quiet, you see I never told the father that I was pregnant and he went away to college."
She took a huge breath and let it out slowly, then she continued with her defense of her actions, "He has children and well, I would not like to upset the family."
Roger was running through the list of men that he knew and Liz had known back in the day before Paul Stoddard.
"Do you ever intend to tell Victoria who her father is? For that matter he still must be living or you would not have hesitated in telling us."
Liz wrung her hands and fought back her tears. "Roger the man is a prominent member of our community and in the public eye, I do not wish to ruin that for him now."
Roger stopped pacing as Liz's eyes welled up. "Oh Liz, I am sorry. I just guess I am playing the outraged brother 22 years too late."