Chapter 15

1796

Collinwood

Victoria walked to the landing and could hear voices; it was Jeremiah, Barnabas, Joshua, and Naomi. Smiling she heard the one voice she had hoped to hear. "You see it took the man we hired several months to finally track Victoria to a place not far from here called Portland."

Daphne was playing her part well, she had assumed the consumed sister tone to her voice and had paced to the open doorway with her chin tucked and was wringing her hands. Glancing up she smiled briefly and winked seeing Vicki on the top landing. "So, when word came of a young woman being found with little or no memory here in Collinsport, I made haste to come and see if it was her and you tell me," she has paused turned dramatically for the men and continued with hope, "that her name is Victoria Winters?"

Vicki glided her fingertips along the banister to the top of the stairs and paused, lifting her skirt she walked down the steps to the front foyer. Once again she was aware that another was following her, glancing over her shoulder she saw Count Petofi waiting for Henri to join him by the door to the top landing. He smiled and bowed his head in her direction. Henri poked his head through the door and grinned wickedly. "Ahh, there she is the leading lady of the drama." He had attempted to be glib and humorous but for Victoria he was obnoxious.

Daphne smiled widely rushed into the foyer, "Victoria, my darling sister! It is you!" She gathered Vicki into a hug holding on to her with sisterly adoration. Barnabas, Jeremiah and Joshua stepped to the foyer. Looking up they saw the new guests.

"Gentlemen it seems the mystery of our Victoria is solve, do come down and meet her sister, Daphne Harridge, Mrs. Harridge do come and meet guests." Joshua had entreated them to join them in the drawing room. Daphne ignored the new arrivals, hooked her arm around Vicki's waist leading her into the drawing room.

"My dearest sister, you have no idea how upset father has been since you disappeared, at first he thought you had been abducted and when no ransom was demanded, he hired a man to start searching for you. At first it was only in the New York area." Vicki folded her hands together in front of her. Daphne was a marvel at how well she had managed to sound as if she truly were the worried sister. Pausing Daphne turned and looked to Victoria. "It is because he was insisting you marry that horrid Mr. Falcone, that is why you ran away." She made it sound like a distasteful fact.

All eyes were fixed to the two women as Daphne aired their supposed dirty laundry for this family. Henri raised an eyebrow and smiled knowingly, in his thoughts she had run away from what she thought was a loveless marriage and if she were up on the market perhaps he would manage to negotiate her hand in marriage. She was a woman of high breeding and her sister was very attractive although he was sure he had heard Joshua call her Mrs. Harridge, she must be married.

Vicki looked blankly around the room, all she saw was happy faces that she had finally found her identity and was no longer a mystery for Reverend Trask to pursue, although it seemed that the estimable and in his mind venerable Reverend was notably absent of late, much to Abigail's dismay and concern. "You say you are my sister?" Vicki held her voice to a soft wonder and the sound of awe edging her manner.

Daphne blinked in mock surprise, "Of course I am your sister my dearest one and no two sisters have ever been as close and you and I. My darling sister please does not say you don't remember me?" The expectant faces that had been flooded with smiles slowly ebbed with the revelation that Vicki did not know her own sister. Daphne had cupped Vicki's face in her palms and looked with intense concern into Vicki's eyes.

Vicki cupped her own hands over Daphne's and smiled. "I see an image in my dreams and she is very much as you are and I wondered whom this was that was haunting me in the middle of the night." Daphne gathered her into her arms and closed her eyes. A single tear flowed down her cheek and Daphne thanked nature for allowing her to do that simple tear.

"My dearest sister, I have been beside myself since that night you ran from the house after that horrible argument with father. When a passing carriage struck you. We all were concerned when you were knocked unconscious. Especially father, he was beside himself. He felt it was his fault that you put yourself in harms way. We were not sure if you would perish, and imagine our surprise when the doctor went to check on you. Well you were gone! We were frantic and the constables were called."

Vicki had pulled away from Daphne and walked to the French windows overlooking the front gardens. "I do not recall any of that Daphne, I do vaguely remember you. I remember how happy I felt when you were around." Vicki's voice had gone soft and for a moment she smiled thinking of how well she was portraying her part. Others interpreted the smile in the room as she recalling a special memory.

Barnabas stepped forward and spoke encouragingly, "Perhaps with a little more time Miss Winters you will recall your time with your sister and with our help, which I am sure Jeremiah, father and mother would love to nurture that association with family." He turned for confirmation looking to those he had just mentioned.

Naomi walked to Victoria's side, "My dear of course your sister and you should have time to become reacquainted with one another and I am sure that Jeremiah would invite you to stay as he has offered his protection in his home." In the open doorway to the drawing room another appeared. Daphne turned to see the startling beauty and almost called out Maggie? She said nothing as the woman im the doorway spoke with that soft French accent of the islands.

"I would wish not to 'ear nothing more than Mrs. 'arridge will stay 'ere with 'er sister. Our dearest Victoria." Josette walked into the room going directly to Vicki to put her arms around her shoulder. Turning on the balls of her feet; the beautiful woman looked with a plea to her husband. "Oh Jeremiah, you must allow Victoria and 'er sister to stay 'ere with us. She needs to 'ave 'er sister close and that means that Joshua you and Naomi must also come and live 'ere too. We should all be under one roof."

Her accent became more pronounced when she was under duress and did not have time to think about forming all the proper letters with her words. Henri had walked to the fireplace and draped his hand negligently over the mantle. He had wondered what had brought him to this isolated place so far from the nightlife Andréas and he had become accustomed and now looking on to these two beauties in this room he knew why he had come. It was to be entertained and he was enjoying the view.

Thinking back to over a month ago, when he first arrived in Collinsport he had wondered at what had possessed him to travel half way around the world to come and meet relatives he had never knew existed. That is until he found an old newspaper and saw in the business section a report of a merger between the duPres and Collins family. He knew they were related in some form but was not exactly sure how they had become related. That was until he met Millicent. She was a vacuous blond girl that was prone to fits of vapors when she got overly excited.

Meeting Millicent brought back images in the family history book. That was basically she resembled Angelica Collins, Millicent's Great Aunt who had met his father and they married. Thus an alliance was formed between the two families. Henri was wealthy because of this marriage. Angelica had brought her own wealth to the family. With the discovery of an existence of more of her family had made it a necessary trip to become acquainted with the rest of the Collins family.

He felt that it was good to know other family members with such wealth. That with a re-acquaintance would bring more financial security to both branches of the family. That had to be the reason he had come to the Americas and then to find himself waking up on the floor of the old house cellar floor had been more than unsettling. That was why he had sent for Andréas he was half afraid he had become a victim of some dark arts in one form or another and wanted his own warlock present should someone try to take possession of him again.

He studied those that had gathered in this room and was finding that this was more entertaining than the gaming houses in Monte Carlo. Jeremiah stepped forward and nodded to his wife, however for Jeremiah his concern was for Victoria. Barnabas could not help but notice that Jeremiah was being far too attentive to Victoria and shot a glance to Josette. Since their last meeting Barnabas was beginning to grow an attachment for Miss Winters and finding that perhaps he should leave his Uncle's wife to her own devices.

Barnabas watched the sultry looks that were being directed his way. He was aware that Josette was likely put out with him for neglecting her when he was attending matters at the old house. Those petulant lips had moved into a decidedly stern straight line as she appeared to be aggravated about something and he was pretty sure he knew whom it was she was irritated with. Turning to his father he spoke softly "Father if you will excuse me, I need to attend to unsolved details left undone at the old house."

"Of course Barnabas if you must go I fully understand. I will expect to see you back for dinner." Barnabas bowed to his father turned his attention to Victoria and her sister.

"Ladies until dinner, I hope to see you both later." He turned to the others in the room bowed to them and left. He could not help but notice that Josette seemed to be very put out with his departure.

"I must see to rooms for you Daphne and as always Joshua and Naomi, your rooms are prepared and we await your decision to move in soon." Josette turned to Vicki and Daphne, "Ladies if you will follow me. I will put Daphne close to your room Victoria." Turning to Naomi she spoke abruptly, "You will join us won't you Naomi dear sister in law."

Naomi turned and nodded to the gentlemen in the room. "We ladies will leave you gentlemen to your own devices, I am sure there are many things you would wish to discuss outside our hearing. We shall I am sure see you at dinner." Naomi lifted her skirt and walked gracefully out of the room following behind Josette and her two charges.

Upstairs Sleeping Quarters

Collinwood

Josette had rooms picked out for her newest guest and as promised it was just down the hallway from Victoria's room. Victoria sat on the edge of the four-poster bed watching Daphne unpack her clothing from the trunks they had pilfered earlier from the old house. Vicki had tried to help her unpack but was brushed away, Naomi watched with some interest as Daphne unpacked her clothing. "You know those dresses look very similar to the ones that Josette brought from France, do you happen to use or know the same courtier that did her gowns?"

Vicki held her breath and allowed Daphne to speak for herself. Daphne smiled, "Elbert Turner of Turner mills? He has become the rage for all of Europe. His clothing is very comfortable and wears well too." She had smiled brightly speaking of a man that Vicki knew from history had designed gowns for the Queen of France in the late 18th century and was amazed that Daphne knew this.

"Why yes, his whole family has been designing our clothing for the past ten years and that was whom Jeremiah had design Josette's wedding trousseau." Daphne smiled and nodded.

"He did mine when I married Mr. Harridge. He was going to do Victoria's until she told father she would not marry the man he had selected for her to marry. Frankly my dear sister I do not blame you for not wishing to marry Mr. Falcone, he is a horrible man with an even worse reputation. I could not bear to see my lovely sister locked away in some house with an old man as her husband. "

Daphne had put up the last of her clothing in her closet, and folded the last of her clothing and slid them into the drawers. Walking to sit on the bed next to Vicki she smiled. "Mistress Collins I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you found our Victoria and obviously have taken very good care of her. I can certainly tell she has been well cared for while under your care. I can hardly wait until father finds out that I have found our Victoria."

Vicki reached Daphne's hand and shook her head. "No you must not tell father where I am! He may come for me and I will be forced into a loveless marriage!" The acting that the two girls were performing for Naomi's benefit was classic without flaw. Naomi had stood and walked to Vicki's other side, sat on the edge of the bed and hugged her.

Naomi spoke softly into Vicki's ear, "My dear as long as you are under our roof, you have nothing to fear especially from a father that would force you to do something you did not wish to do. You enjoy catching up with your dear sister and we shall see you for dinner. I will leave you two alone for now."

Vicki watched Naomi close the door behind her as she left the room. Smiling and sighing huge she lay back on the bed and looked to the ceiling. "Oh Daphne you were wonderful! You even knew about the Turner family being a clothier, which was a wonderful catch. I was almost afraid that Naomi would notice those were Josette's old gowns."

Daphne lay back next to Vicki and took her hand. "We are in this together. We just need to find out why you and I are here and get it resolved to get back to our timeline. I am worried I might slip up. At least we know you do not have to worry about that dreadful Reverend Trask. Apparently he is missing."

Vicki closed her eyes and sighed she recalled only too vividly that Trask was a horrible man that had nearly cost her life. At least if she dealt with him now, with her enhanced powers she would be able to handle him. She was grateful that part of her had not been taken from her on the trip back in time. "If he comes around Daphne, you must avoid him, he is a debauched horrible man that is driven by his depraved sexual lust."

Daphne smiled and looked down at the ring Quentin had given her as an engagement ring. "I am married, remember?" She smiled then winked. "I almost feel like I have taken on the role as the older sister." She chuckled softly.

"Well I will gladly let you carry that role if it is what you wish my dear friend. I would gladly take second place and younger sister role this time." She sat up. "I need to go back to my room. I think I would like a stroll before dinner and if you are up for it, should I come by for you?"

Daphne looked to the window and saw the clouds beginning to build and shook her head. "No I think I need to rest a while my dearest one. You go on and perhaps tomorrow you can take me around to acclimate me to the area."

Vicki paused and sighed, "She knew if things had played out much as they had before she was about to come upon Barnabas and Josette meeting on the beach. She was not so sure she wanted to witness the challenge and a part of her wanted to find Jeremiah to keep him from finding the lovers together. Perhaps that was part of what she needed to do.

Going to her room, she found her cloak, pulling it over her shoulders; she lifted the hood and walked out of her room only to feel a hand tighten over her wrist. "Hello my dear going out? Perhaps I should join you on your stroll. It would appear that a storm will be arriving soon and you should not be alone when it hits if you are out enjoying a stroll."

Vicki glared into the lust filled gaze of Henri and sighed deeply, why did this man have to be a pain in her side. Why was he so caught up with her; it seemed he was trying to make her life miserable? Jerking her arm from him she started away from him without responding to his comment. "Oh, I see so it is to be the silent treatment? I rather like a silent woman you know." His long legs had caught up with her in no time and he grabbed her hand and tucked it in the bend of his arm. "Come along, there are actually some important discussions I wish to have with you."

No matter how hard she tried to disengage her hand from his arm he had locked her hand in place at the wrist and was now covering her hand with his hand. "Now my dear, from what your sister was saying you were engaged to the very disreputable Aloise Falcone of New York?" He led her down the hallway to the upstairs landing, out of the door from the sleeping quarters to the head of the stairs.

Vicki nodded slowly but kept her silence as they descended the stairs. "So you do not wish this match with Falcone and you are now seeking a way out of your bond?" He had a wonderful idea that would indebted her to him. "I suggest then you accept my proposal of marriage and that will keep you from a marriage you would not wish to take place."

He opened the front door to Collinwood and ushered her out into the brisk evening breeze. He had been sure she would take his offer to avoid a loveless marriage with a man whose reputation had preceded him all the way across the Atlantic to Europe. He watched her profile. "Surely you must see I offer you something more appealing than a forced marriage to a man you could never love and is almost twice your age."

Vicki continued to match his stride. "I see that I do not love you Count Henri so why would I wish trade the frying pan for the fire?" She had smiled tensely and once again tried to twist out of his hold only to find he had her held tightly and she noticed they were heading to Widow's Hill and the trail that led to the beach where she knew she would find Barnabas and Josette locked in a passionate embrace with one another. Attempting to steer Henri to another location she certainly did not wish to catch the two lovers caught together or let Henri see them.

Lifting up her voice she began to speak loudly hoping to break the two lovers apart before they got to the bottom of the path. "I find your attentions unwanted and I am not interested in your marriage proposal. I fear that I am a woman of a single mind and would wish to choose my own husband without the help or the insistence of others." How much plainer or louder could she get. Rounding the corner of the large rocky abutment, they came up short to see a discrete distance between Barnabas and Josette but it was obvious they had just been in a passionate embrace and Josette's clothing was ruffled.

She had flushed deeply and looked to the ocean, where Vicki thought they had been embracing each other instead it was appearing that they had interrupted an argument. Henri saw the disheveled condition of Josette and of course his mind went to the lusty side of things where Vicki saw the quick burn of tears in Josette's eyes and the slight handprint on Barnabas face. She sighed softly. She had believed that their love story had been the greatest story ever told. Now it would seem something had interfered with that love story and she was now worried history would re-write it self.

True to as she remembered last she heard the pounding of hoof beats on the ground and the arrival of Jeremiah who dismounted and marched towards the four. "I see I have found my wife and was she in your company Barnabas?" He was angry at the thought he had found his wife being unfaithful. Josette turned her color high and her temper just below the service.

"I assure you 'usband I was not 'ere with Barnabas. I was 'ere walking alone and met Barnabas on his daily walk along the beach. It is not what you think!" She had folded her arms under her breasts and was showing signs of becoming hysterical. "Victoria would you kindly escort me back to the 'ouse. I feel I am a bit distracted and would enjoy your company."

The heavy French island accent was back a clear sign that Josette was upset. Gladly she would have hooked her arm through Josette's. However, Henri had other ideas, "My dearest Madam Collins, you will forgive Victoria and myself we had just begun our conversation and I was proposing to her. Now as she has not had time to consider my offer or my affections, you surely would not stand in the way of amour now would you?" He pressed that charmingly deceitful smile which for some odd reason rankled Jeremiah and Barnabas.

Tugging on Victoria's hand tightly tucked at the bend of his arm he escorted her around a huffing and decidedly put out Josette. Victoria's face was scarlet with indignation as he led her towards the rolling waves upon the beachfront to the astonished glares of Barnabas, Jeremiah and Josette. Vicki turned with a pleading look of apology as she was nearly dragged down the beach. She mouthed, "I am sorry!" to them and quick stepped to keep up with her escort.

Jeremiah turned to Josette, "Madam, I will escort you on the back on Hamilton." He went to fetch his horse, walked him back to the two, lifted Josette up on his horse's back allowing her to ride side saddle and turned to Barnabas. "I will see you at supper tonight?" He suspiciously eyed his nephew before leading his horse off towards Collinwood not waiting for a response. Jeremiah was annoyed but this time his annoyance was towards Henri and for the rational minded Collins he could not figure out why. Josette sat on the back of his horse in stony silence as he led the horse to the pathway.

Then it dawned on him, he actually felt jealous that Henri was attempting to court Miss Winters. He glanced to his wife's petulant pouting face then down to the pathway. He had a beautiful wealthy wife, why should it matter that Cousin Henri was courting the very lovely Miss Winters? Reaching the front doors under the porte conchere of Collinwood he handed the reins over to the groomsman and helped his wife dismount. "Did you enjoy your walk on the beach my dear?"

Josette landed on the ground turned to glare at her husband and huffed off towards the house the silence was he knew directed at him by his now fitful wife. "What? Pray tell me what I have done now to upset you wife?" He held his arms wide and looked with complete shock in regards to her attitude.

"You 'usband are a pig! I saw the look on your face when you rode up and you thought I was meeting with Barnabas! You 'ave no faith in me!" She was near tears more out of her fear of nearly having been caught in a passionate embrace with Barnabas before Henri and Victoria's arrival. "Do you not trust me?"

Jeremiah had to admit he half expected to see them caught up in each other's arms. That had been his original reason for going to the beach. When he found the four of them together it was obvious that instead of a tryst he had found them arguing. Could it be possible he was mistaken all along? "With the rumors being bandied about what did you expect me to believe?" He walked through the door behind her.

"I expect you to believe in your wife!" She turned and in a tearful cry she rushed up the stairs to her bedroom slamming the door behind her. Jeremiah sighed and walked into the drawing room to the liquor cabinet.

"If I had not married her, I would have gladly allowed her to choose Barnabas." He muttered downing a strong drink and closing his eyes. When he did he saw soulful storm tossed eyes of hazel and a lovely delicate innocent face. "Oh Victoria why do I think of you when I should be thinking of my wife?" He carried his drink to the French windows and looked to the front gardens. He had to admit he was attracted to Victoria and he was feeling guilty with his thoughts of infidelity.