Chapter 22
Barnabas and Vicki waited to board the cruise liner. The steward moved to escort them to their room. Their luggage had already been delivered to their cabin; Vicki turned excitedly to Barnabas and hugged him tightly.
"This is so nice. Thank you Barnabas."
He kissed her forehead. "Anything for you my love." He moved to lift the suitcase to their bed and stepped aside to allow her to unpack and put away their things.
"I was expecting a maid or steward to unpack our things. I see we are one of the first to arrive and the steward told me the crew were still coming on board."
He had found his wedding night with his virginal bride to be everything he expected and more. The night had been what he had dreamed he would have with Josette.
He found himself drowning in the sweetness of Vicki's love for him. Her shyness and her timidity were replaced by the rapture of their wedded bliss. He knew he was complete now he was married to Vicki.
They had made love most the night and fell asleep in each other's arms. When dawn broke, he kissed his wife and they made love again and then had to rush to get off to the airport in Bangor to c their plane to Miami to board their ship.
Now they were on the ship, Vicki made quick work of unpacking their things and putting them away. A knock on the door and a steward stood with a magnum of champagne and a basket for the newly weds.
"Compliments of the Captain Mr. and Mrs. Collins, we hope you enjoy your stay with us and thank you for choosing our cruise line as your honeymoon choice."
Barnabas directed him to put the basket on the table and to put the champagne by the sofa. "Would you like me to open the bottle?"
Barnabas handed him a nice tip and led him to the door. "No, we shall open it later, again, thank your captain for me."
Vicki moved from their bedroom holding a locked small case she had found in Barnabas' suitcase, "Darling, where do you want me to put this?"
Barnabas took it from her hands and moved to put it in their room refrigerator.
"Ahh that was from Julia incase I needed to have one of her injections for my blood disorder."
Vicki looked concerned and moved to his side. "Is it that serious? I mean should we be on the ship?"
Barnabas smiled kissed her cheek, 'Yes, and it is under control. Barnabas then turned to the Steward, who stood waiting patiently at the door.
The steward thanked him for the tip and left. Barnabas moved to the sliding doors and opened them to the deck. The warm sea air encompassed them and Vicki moved to stand next to Barnabas as they moved to the rail to look down at the sea.
The activity was growing as more passengers arrived to board the ship. "We set sail at 6:00 pm my dear would you like to go and walk around the deck and watch as we leave the port?"
Vicki smiled and nodded and leaned into him. "This is like a dream come true Barnabas. I am so happy." She kissed him on the lips.
Together they moved to the top deck and stood at the rails and watched as the sun began to set in the west, the wind was brisk and warm.
"This reminds me of the trade winds of the Carib." The excitement of departure was in the air and shown on her face as they stood and then felt the ship beginning to move.
"Are you ready for the rest of your life to begin my love."
He had put his arm around her and let her lean into him as he held her between him and the rail. She laughed and nodded, "As long as I spend it with you, I am."
They stood until they were underway and then they returned to their room and found their seating assignments on a table.
"I suppose we should get ready to go to dinner, this says formal night is tomorrow."
Barnabas moved to lay across his bed and sighed, "This is very nice my dear, are you ready to sample our champagne?"
Vicki nodded and then moved to stand on their balcony. The dark waters churned below as the ship cut through it. The air was filled with warmth and the hint of humidity heralding the potential of a storm. Barnabas brought her a glass of champagne.
"Thank you." She took a small sip and then set it on their balcony table. "Is it possible to be too happy? Would it be shameful?"
Barnabas smiled at her and then set his glass next to her glass. "I think we earned our happiness my dear."
Secretly she was hoping that she had gotten pregnant on their wedding night, which would make her life even more complete. "I suppose since this is first night, we have a casual night. No need to dress, shall we get ready to go to the dining hall?"
Barnabas kissed her lightly on her lips and moved in to their room and closed the doors. Moving to the door of their suite, he waited for her to join him and they went in search of their dining room.
That night Barnabas and Vicki made love with their balcony door open and fell into a deep sleep in each others arms, awaking later to the sound of thunder and the seas white capping.
Barnabas got up to close the doors and snuggled back with Vicki, "Tomorrow we will be at sea and this should not be a problem." He whispered to her neck.
"Mmmhmm." Vicki sleepily answered and curled into his hold. "So, I guess we keep ourselves occupied."
Barnabas chuckled, "I can think of some things. However, I think you might would like to explore the ship, so I made arrangements with the head steward to take you on a tour, then I had them make you an appointment for the hair dresser and the spa."
She was fast asleep and Barnabas watched her as she slept. His mind was fixed on her and how much he loved her.
Rising he moved out into the sitting room and sat on the sofa. He could not shake the feeling that there was something about to happen. The scent of jasmine filled the room and Josette's ghost appeared he stood, "Josette?"
She looked distressed and paced back and forth, every time she tried to speak she could not utter one word. "Josette? What is the problem?"
Another figure appeared next to Josette and Barnabas was shocked to see his sister's ghost there.
"She is upset Barnabas because Angelique has place a spelled on her spectral form keeping her from telling you about what is going to happen."
Barnabas had never felt so much anger as he did now. "Angelique, I knew she was behind some of the things that have happened. Tell me Sarah, what is about to happen?"
Sarah looked around and then reached over and took Josette's hand and said softly, "It will be fine Josette, Angelique did not know I could come and help. Oh Barnabas it is terrible, she has formed an alliance with that evil man Vlad Tepes, she is going to help him take Miss Winters from you and he is going to hurt your family and Miss Hoffman."
Barnabas looked at Josette and saw she was no longer upset, now she had imparted what she needed to tell him.
"When we return I will have Elliott Stokes help break this spell he has on you. Do not worry either of you, I will not allow anything or anyone to harm Miss Winters."
Sarah smiled and turned to Josette, "Come on Josette we can leave now."
The two faded from view and Barnabas turned to move into their bedroom doorway. He watched Vicki as she lay sleeping in their bed. He curled his hand into a fist.
If Vlad were in deed alive again, he would need to do something he did not wish to do, he was going to have to revert to what he was and that would be dangerous for Vicki.
He moved to curl into her warm body and pulled her close and held her, putting his chin on her shoulder he kissed her neck and then closed his eyes and felt a single tear as it slid down his cheek.
"Nothing my love will ever harm you as long as I live." Holding her tightly he fell asleep with troubling dreams. He had to make plans and those plans would mean the life or death of him.
The morning was filled with an interesting tour of the ship, and Vicki ended up at the spa for a back massage, a facial, and then hair and nails. The afternoon was spent lounging on the balcony and then the evening was upon them and they had to dress formal.
Barnabas looked so handsome in his tux, Vicki moved to fix his tie and he clipped the necklace he bought her around her neck and kissed her neck. Turning around he shook his head.
"I cannot believe how lucky I am to have you in my life my dear. You look stunning."
Vicki laughed and turned around showing off her new dress. "Would madam do me the honor of joining me for dinner tonight?"
Vicki curtsied to him and smiled widely, "I will be honored."
They went arm and arm down the grand staircase heading to dinner. Vicki paused to check her hair and lipstick and Barnabas felt eyes on them, he glanced up and saw the man who Vicki said accosted her in the hallway of Collinwood. The man smiled and saluted Barnabas.
"Vicki dear, would you wait here a moment I promise to be right back."
Vicki looked confused and watched as he sprinted up the stairs. By the time Barnabas got to where he saw the man, he was gone. Frustrated, he turned looking around to see where he might have gotten.
Not seeing him he turned to peer down at Vicki as she peered up at him. Smiling tightly he moved to join her on the landing and took her on down to the dining room.
The evening ended on a high note as the newly weds took in the dancing and death by chocolate buffet. Going back to their room they found the itinerary for the next day.
"Oh darling look there is an old fort and winery we could tour. Do you feel up to that?"
She moved to sit by him on the sofa. He took the paper from her hands and noted their first port of call was Antigua, "That sounds nice dear and we could tour the various beaches."
Vicki sighed, "I better get me some sun tan lotion." He kissed her nose and nodded to the basket left by the Captain.
"I opened it earlier and it has some wonderful things in there including sun tan lotion."
Vicki yawned, "Well I am going to take a bath and I am going to get ready for bed, will you be coming soon?"
He had a book lying on the table and smiled at her. "Soon my love, I just want to read a bit more in my book. You go on and get ready for bed."
She kissed him and went into their bedroom. Barnabas stood and listened for the sound of their shower and then he went to the phone.
"Yes, this is Mr. Collins in the Honeymoon Suite, I would like to send a telegram to Professor Elliott Stokes, Collinsport Maine. Yes, I can will someone be there around midnight? Good yes, I will be there then and write it out. Thank you."
Then calling room service he ordered another bottle of champagne to be delivered to their room.
After Vicki finished her shower she moved to their bed and sat on the edge of the bed, she put her night cream on her face arms and legs and smiled as Barnabas entered their room carrying a bottle of champagne and two glasses.
"Would my lady care to join me on the balcony for a night-cap?"
Vicki laughed and stood up to open the door to the balcony and waited for him to pass her, sitting in the chair she waited as he drew his chair close to her and poured them a glass of bubbly.
The soft moonlight played over the ocean. "This is so romantic." She sipped her drink and looked at Barnabas. "This is so perfect does it truly have to end?"
Barnabas leaned into her and said almost too seriously, "Not if you don't want it to. Once we get back, I could book another cruise and we could go around the world."
Vicki sighed and closed her eyes, "That might be fun, but we do have responsibilities when we get back."
Barnabas leaned back in his chair and studied the moon. "All you need to do Vicki is ask me and your wish is my command."
Vicki giggled, "That sounds suspiciously like a line from Sinbad and the 7 Thieves."
Barnabas reached for her hand and lifted it to kiss the back of it. "I suppose you are right, we do need to come back to a world of family and friends and making our family,"
Vicki looked over at him, "I would love to start our family as soon as possible. If ever I wanted to give you something, I want to give you a child that looks like you."
Barnabas stood up and held his hand out to her. Taking his hand he swept her up off he feet and carried her inside. She giggled as he laid her on their bed and he cradled her close to him pinning her gaze with his.
"There is nothing more I would love to do than grant you that wish."
The next morning Barnabas was up early watching his wife as she slept. The slip of some sunlight broke through the closed curtains and bathed her in its glow.
He marveled at how innocent and beautiful she looked as she lay sleeping soundly on their bed. He wanted to keep this moment in a bottle and hold onto it forever.
He was going to do everything in his power to make sure nothing would harm what was his. Anger built-in him against Angelique. She was always meddling in his life. She was the biggest mistake he had made.
Now she had gone too far. He had sent word to Elliott that Vlad was alive and was planning to take Vicki back and he had made a new alliance with Angelique.
He waited to see if Elliott would respond. A knock at their door reminded him he had ordered breakfast. Going to the door he allowed the steward to push in the trolley.
Moving aside he let the steward leave and moved to the side of the bed and kissed the back of Vicki's neck. She rolled over and smiled at him as she pushed her hair out of her face.
"Oh breakfast?"
She got up and put on her house coat. "Have we made port?"
She moved to the curtain to the balcony and looked out at the port of Antigua. "Oh its lovely, do you want to have breakfast on the balcony my love?"
He lifted the tray and moved through the balcony door. Seating Vicki next to him, they fed each other fruit from the tray.
"I have never felt so special before. This has been the perfect time of my life and it is thanks to you my precious husband." She plopped a fork full of watermelon into his mouth.
"You had best get dressed my dear so we can go into town and do those tours you wanted to do. I arranged for a wine tasting for us at noon. We will need to be back on the ship by 4:30."
She stood up, bending to kiss him. "I love you."
She moved to get dressed. Collecting her purse she moved to let Barnabas know she was ready. Barnabas had moved into the sitting room and was ordering them a tour guide as he waited.
Moving to the door she turned and smiled back at him. "Come on my loving husband, we have sights to see and forts to claim!" She giggled as he came up and escorted her out of their room.
Spending the day touring the local forts and driving around the coastal beaches, they ended up at a winery to do tasting and have lunch. Barnabas then took her shopping at the various shops and then got them back to the ship by 4:00 p.m.
Vicki moved to put her gown on and told Barnabas that she was going to rest before dinner that she was feeling tired from the heat. He kissed her forehead and left her to rest, drawing the curtains closed and moving out into the sitting room, he found what he hoped he would have when they got back shoved under their door.
Picking up the telegram he opened it and read Elliott's response and smiled, Elliott was already working on breaking Angelique's spell and was anxiously awaiting his and Vicki's return from their honeymoon.
Feeling a bit relieved he sat down to enjoy some more of his book as he let Vicki sleep. Unable to concentrate he decided to take a walk on the decks and think about the telegram from Elliott. Moving to stand by the rail, he was deep in thought when he realized someone was standing next to him.
Glancing up he saw Radu standing next to him. "What do you want?"
Radu leaned against the rail and folded his arms over his chest. "I just wanted to see the legend up close and personal."
Barnabas turned to watch the ocean continuing with silence he waited to hear from the upstart.
"You think you have won because you married her?"
Barnabas smiled and slid his glance to Radu. "I have won, she loves me and only me. Soon she will give me a child and then our bond will be more complete."
Radu laughed and shook his head, "And when you are what you were and no longer human, will her child be that of half human and half undead?"
Barnabas clinched his hand into a fist to keep from hitting him; He turned and began to walk away from the smirking look on Radu's face.
"He is back you know, he is just biding his time until he can reclaim what is his. Enjoy this time Collins, your days of wine and roses are drawing to an end too soon."
Barnabas spun around to snap off a retort to find Radu was gone. Barnabas growled in the back of his throat and moved quickly back to his suite.
"Vicki," he called softly.
Not hearing her, he grew panic and he rushed forward towards their bedroom and there she lay. Breathing a sigh of relief ne moved to lie down next to her.
Pulling her into his arms he kissed her forehead.
"Barnabas."
She said sleepily. "Yes, my dear it is me. Go back to sleep."
She yawned and pushed herself up on her elbow. "I have a better idea." She leaned over and kissed him lightly on his lips. The kiss between them grew into a more passionate embrace.
Moaning softly, Vicki rolled on her back and allowed her husband his rights. This was a more passionate time with him and she wondered what had brought about his intense ardor as she dressed for dinner. Moving into the sitting room she found Barnabas dressed and ready to go.
Leaving through the door, they met up with a couple that shared their table. "Lydia, how are you and Todd doing?"
Vicki walked with Lydia as Todd and Barnabas followed.
"Oh Todd and I were touring the beaches and decided to take the day to just lay in the sun."
Vicki began to tell her in detail what her and Barnabas had done for the day. Todd shoved his hands into his pockets and looked at Barnabas.
"So how was the wine tasting."
Barnabas looked down at his shoes as they walked and then looked up. "I would say it was the highlight of our trip into Antigua. Vicki did manage to get some souvenir shopping done."
Todd leaned over to Barnabas and spoke softly, "My wife is the shopping queen of Rhode Island. So, you two are from Maine?"
Barnabas nodded, "Yes we are from a small town on the coast. My family established the town in the late 1600's and my great, great-grandfather built the house in which we live."
Todd gave a low whistle. "So, where did your money come from? Mine was from my father who is an industrialist"
Barnabas smiled and tried to change the subject. "Did you enjoy your beach trip?"
Todd shrugged it off, "It was something Lydia wanted to do. Usually, if Lydia wants to do something we do it. Are you henpecked too?" He smiled to take the edge off the inference.
Barnabas detested the modern terminology of a man devoted to his wife. "I do not think I would necessarily say I was hen-pecked. I would say I am very much in love with my wife and she makes me happy and I want to make her happy."
Todd could not help but to chuckle, "Good save."
They arrived at their table and each man seated their wives. The night ended on another high note of dancing and enjoying the company of their shipboard friends.
The last night on the ship was the second formal night and Barnabas was determined to make this last night special. He waited with his surprise in his pocket.
When Vicki exited the bedroom dressed in a cream-colored gown he smiled.
"My dear, you look beautiful. I think I have the prefect compliment for that dress."
He pulled out the slender box and opened the box to show a set of cream-colored pearls with a diamond setting in the front center. "Oh Barnabas its beautiful."
She took the matching earrings and put them on and turned to model them for Barnabas. "I feel like a fairy princess."
Barnabas leaned over and kissed her cheek. "So, am I your prince?"
Vicki laughed and nodded, "Of course you are. You are the man who has completed my life and I wish to have his children, grow old and die with."
He looked down and became thoughtful.. "When you speak of our life together and what it will be, makes me the happiest man on this earth my dear."
He lifted her hand and kissed it. Vicki moved into his arms and kissed him deeply, breaking the kiss she felt flushed. "I am thinking we should go to dinner before we miss it all together."
Later they strolled along the decks and paused to view the moonlight over the ocean.
"Tomorrow, we head back to Collinsport and our new life as husband and wife. Oh Barnabas, I only want to make you happy and be a good wife to you."
Barnabas held both her hands and looked deep into her hazel eyes. "Vicki, you have made me the happiest man on this earth so I have no doubt you will make me happy as my wife."
She could not keep the tears from forming as he spoke and she smiled and kissed him lightly on his lips. "I am tired my love shall we go back to our room?"
He slid his arm around her waist and they began to walk down the deck towards the stairs going to their suite of rooms.
"Are you sure you don't want me to book us another cruise?" He asked teasingly.
"As much as I would love it we have reality to go back and take care of those thank you notes."
The last night on the ship was a memorable one and Vicki had collected the pictures the ships photographer had taken while they were on board. Getting extra copies for her mother, Vicki had been excited and found she was ambivalent about leaving their perfect honeymoon suite.
Sitting on the balcony she was reluctant to let his hand go. They held hands and drank wine and ate cheese as the ship made its way back to port.
They had packed their bags setting them outside their door and spent their last night wrapped in each other's arms. To soon the honeymoon was over and they were jetting back to Collinsport.