Chapter 7

Castle Darkhart

Drawing Room

Victoria paced the floor, she had seen him angry but not as angry as he was now. His cold disdain for her was chilling to the bone. He would sit and brood while watching her pace. "Do you have to do that incessant pacing? It is annoying sit and we will try to be cordial."

Victoria stiffened turned and walked swiftly from the room, her destination the gardens at least there it was tranquil. Not giving him time to consider her move or her intended retreat, she ducked quickly down a hallway to the kitchen area and was headed directly for the rear private gardens and the gazebo located there. Feeling a sense of relief from his presence she found her favorite spot and collapsed on the softness of the glider seat. Laying over using her arms as a support for her head she closed her eyes and sighed deeply. At least here she was relatively secluded and she felt safe here.

She had heard him call after her retreating form so she knew she had to pick up her speed to make it to this isle of tranquility. Closing her eyes she called silently to anyone that would hear her plea of despair, "Someone find me and help me out of this nightmare!" A single tear coursed its way down her cheek to land on her arm and soak it. 'Was it possible? Was she pregnant as he suggested? Could she be carrying Barnabas' child?'

Releasing one of her arms, she pulled her hand free to run it over her flatten stomach. Closing her eyes she tried to imagine what the baby would look like. Would it be a girl or a boy? There were so many possibilities running through her mind. Opening her eyes she looked distantly to the garden's beauty. Even the thought of carrying Barnabas' child was not enough to get her past this horror that had taken over her life. Feeling the threat of tears burn her eyes she closed her eyes once again. Slowly fighting to get her emotions under control she took a deep cleansing sigh and finally felt the tension leave her body. She knew that somewhere there was someone trying to figure out where she was and how to rescue her from this horrible place.

Castle Darkhart

Drawing Room

Drake watched her turn and move towards the doorway, he stood ready to follow her. Moving quickly across the room he saw she was nowhere to be seen. "Ah Lord Darkhart. The Doctor has arrived with the test results." The major domo stood correctly stiff and tall announcing the arrival of the doctor.

"Doctor Rowland, come into the drawing room, may I offer you a drink?" He turned to walk with a casualness he far from felt to the liquor bar. Pausing briefly he did a quarter turn to peer to the doctor for his response. His hand paused in mid pour, he awaited some word as to whether or not he would require libation.

"No nothing for me. I do have the test results and they do not lie. She is not pregnant your highness. She is under nourished. I also suspect that she is very high strung and will be prone to severe headaches if she is put under too much pressure."

Drake continued to pour him self a drink and took time to consider what the doctor had just imparted. He was not sure how he felt about this; he had rather looked forward to raising the child to be used as one of his sacrifices on his alter. The child would have been a fitting tribute to Diablos. Which made him smile, after all he was Diablos in this borrowed body.

Turning he faced the front window and watched the outside with feign interest while he waited for the doctor to finish his observations. Noting he was not forthcoming he asked the next logical question. "That I suppose is good news. However, I need to know is she capable of producing children? Is there any way you can test her for fertility?" He allowed a quick glance over his shoulder to the doctor and then turned to study the front gardens, hoping to catch sight of his quarry. Slowly he sipped and took time to enjoy his drink.

"I would say she is fertile, on the preliminary exam the ovaries were normal. I would say a more intrusive and thorough exam would be suggested to prove her fertility. She is healthy but for this stress she is suffering at this time. Once the wedding is over and she has a chance to adjust to this new life she will be fine." He paused a moment then added, "Of this, I am sure your highness."

The doctor had maintained a professional stance with a stiff back watching the dark brooding man while he studied the front lawn. He had delivered this man from his mother and watched him grow into an adult. He had found him to be quiet, reclusive and reserved. He had changed since the arrival of this American bride from the States. He had seen a lot of arranged marriages that had been less than happy but this one was the most profoundly unhappy bride he had ever met.

Drake continued to sip his drink, keeping his back to the doctor. He was thinking of how he would manage to try and get her pregnant on the night of the wedding. Speaking with a cold deliberateness he said, "I see, then arrange it. I want to make sure on our wedding night, we produce the first heir to this estate and dynasty."

Again there it was; that cold detachment that was not at all like the young man he had seen grow up in this castle. "I could during the exam begin giving her a series of shots to ensure fertility, it could produce multiple eggs and allow you twins or triplets." He smiled thinking of the man that was Drake Darkhart being the father of three children at one time.

This thought was something they never would have thought was possible. Most in the village were sure he would remain a bachelor for the rest of his solitary life. Leaving behind no heir or successor to his throne. Doctor Rowland noted that after he mentioned the fertility drug he could inject. His Prince started a slow and calculated smile that now edged his lips.

"We will discuss this on the day of the exam. I think I like the way you are thinking Doctor, now tell me how are your wife and son doing?' He switched so easily to the mundane it was almost frightening from the Drake's point of view. After all he had acquired a liking for this body he had taken over and was now using while he was earthbound. This man had been his perfect choice to take over and possess. He was powerful, about to become a king and was relatively good looking. Not to mention very wealthy.

The mind within the body was fighting hard for control but found it near impossible. He had been struggling against the powerful demon that now possessed his body. "I will fight you demon seed of the damned!"

All he got in return was a mirthless chuckle. "Fight all you want my dear boy, your body belongs to me and I shall abuse it as I see fit. Why are you fighting me so hard, you are about to be married to a very beautiful woman."

There it was that audible sigh and then the angry filled voice, "A woman that you take great pleasure in making miserable. You are a foul beast and do not deserve her!"

Once again the personality that belonged to the body heard his deep chortle. "You think I care she is unhappy? She was made for me in one of those dark rituals that you were so curious about when you dabbled in your youth. Just think of it as a vacation dear boy. Right now I require your body, you were not making yourself very useful to me as a matter of fact you had been very errant in your pledge to me. Now I take what you offered so freely in your youth. You just need to sleep now Drake, go to sleep and let me have my time."

Collinsport Maine

Collinwood

Quentin's Bedroom

Quentin lay on his bed watching the ceiling he wanted very much to hit something, he wanted to very much forget his rotten past and for the most part he wanted his Daphne back, his wife Daphne and his daughter Daphne. Hearing a soft knock on the door he stood and looked at the door. "Yes?" He called a bit grumpy having been disturbed while enmeshed in his trip down self-pity lane.

Nicholas opened the door and poked his head in. "It seems the resident God has me bound to this house and I can't leave." Nicholas walked further into the room selecting a chair nearest to the window he slumped down. "It would seem I am a guest and will require a room and some of your pajamas." He cupped his chin with his palm and studied Quentin looking at him as if he had lost his mind.

Standing he walked to the door. "Stay here I will go see what we can throw together for you, it is not like we are teaming with family or life here at the moment." His sarcasm was affected to show his discontent with his lot in life at this moment. Walking down to the grand staircase he heard a light knock at the door. Looking around for anyone that could possibly help by answering the door he shrugged moved to the door and opened it, only to stand and stare in shocked silence.

"Hello? I am looking for Dr. Julia Hoffman? I am the nurse she retained to take care of a Mrs. Johnson?" Her blue eyes stared in open curiosity at the man in front of her. Stepping forward she lifted her fingertips and closed his mouth then stepped past him. "I am at Collinwood correct?" She stepped down the two steps turned and looked at the man that had swiveled around to watch her.

"Oh sorry yes. This is Collinwood and Mrs. Johnson is upstairs in her room with her sister. You are?" He was looking at his Daphne, the woman he had fallen in love with and lost to widows hill so long ago. He was having a flash back looking into those china blue eyes, that luxurious blond hair that now was combed into a perfect coiffure which was away from her face and up off her neck. She was Daphne, his Daphne that someone had designed to send back to him. Not his daughter, but his beloved wife that had died so tragically so long ago.

"I am Melanie Christian, registered nurse hired to take care of Mrs. Johnson." She turned smiling taking in the new location of her new assignment. Watching Quentin she folded her arms over her chest. "Um, you are a Collins?" She was beginning to think he had suffered some kind of stroke or had lost some of his faculties by the way he kept staring at her. Which from her point of view was flattering but counter productive to her new assignment. "Well?" She had waited the appropriate amount of time for him to respond.

Quentin had to shake his head and laughed, "Yes, yes, of course I am a Collins, or I would not be here! Allow me to introduce myself, I am Quentin Collins, I am sorry. It is just that you look so much like someone I used to know."

Melanie shook her head. "I get that a lot, I think it's the blond hair and blue eyes, makes me all American Girl for most that first meet me." A soft knock on the half opened door, Quentin turned to see a cab driver standing patiently waiting for Quentin to notice him.

"Um, you going by Mr. Douglas or Collins this time while in town Quentin?" The man was a non-descript man in his late thirties, looking tired and a bit harassed but still maintaining the proper respect expected of someone of his station now addressing the famous Collins that had used a pen name of Grant Douglas for the past twenty years.

Quentin softly flushed from embarrassment he had known this man for some years and was flattered he knew he had a pen name, then recalled when he was in the last time, he had wanted to be called Grant Douglas. "Oh Dave, sorry come in. This time around no book signing, its Quentin. " Quentin stepped aside for Dave Allen the cab driver for Collinsport.

"Sorry Mr. Collins the lady's luggage where should I put it?" The reason Dave was so tired looking was because he had a wife and four kids at home and not happy with the situation of not enough money to cover all the bills so he had taken an extra jobs one of which was to drive a cab in the evening to make up for the money he needed.

"Oh put it down there Dave, and here for you and Debbie and the kids." He pulled out a roll of bills and pealed off a fifty-dollar bill and tucked it in his hand. He watched a look of gratitude wash over his features and for once his eyes were sparkling and he had a big smile on his face. He tucked the bill into his pants pocket turned and lifted three suitcases from the stoop and set then in the foyer.

"Again, thank you so much Mr. Collins, good day to you too Miss, hope you don't let the rumors about this place chase you off, you seem to be a nice lady." Dave sauntered out after making that mysterious statement which only caused Melanie to look curiously from Quentin to Dave.

"Odd man." She spoke almost flippantly watching him get back into his cab and drive off. Quentin slowly closed the door turned his attention back to the lovely young woman now standing in the hallway.

"That is because most of Collinsport thinks this house is haunted when the truth of the matter is this place has less ghosts than the house occupied by my cousin, the one we call the old house." Quentin walked to the suitcases lifted them and indicated the grand staircase. "This way, I will show you to your room and update you on what has been happening around here."

Daphne sighed deeply and began to wonder what the hell she had gotten herself involved in. "I see I am to be apprised of more than the status of my patient?" She fell into step behind Quentin while he navigated the stairs with the three suitcases. "And why did he ask you which name you were using are you a spy? A criminal? Or hiding from someone?" They had reached the top of the stairs.

"None of the above." Quentin chuckled softly set the suitcases down turned and arched an eyebrow. "I am a writer and when I was in town last I was using the pen name of Grant Douglas for a book signing tour." He was rather proud of his status of being a well-known author of murder mysteries and cop dramas. He watched the notoriety of that name filter through her memory and then light of her face.

"You are that Grant Douglas? I love your books I have read all of them and was disappointed when I had to leave my collection behind. Just think I could have forced you to autograph all of them." She had chuckled when she had said forced him to autograph them and watched him smile widely, she was beginning to like this man it was an instant connection to him and she felt at ease with such a famous person. Although she had to admit she was not easily impressed by a name or status this man affected her differently.

"Well allow me to provide you with a new set while you are here and I shall sign all of them for you." He lifted her cases and took her down a side hallway and paused outside a room. "You will have the Green room as Elizabeth would say. Each section of the house has different colored rooms and you are in the south green room not that it matters." He set down two cases opened the door and waited for her to enter the room.

Following behind her he noted the delight she had for the room and it was ironic this was the very same room his Daphne had selected when she lived here while he was off being a rounder and a vagabond. Walking to her bed he set the suitcases on her bed. "I will leave you to get settled in and will let Mrs. Johnson's sister know you are here. Doctor Hoffman is at the old house with my cousin at the moment."

Melanie smiled, "Thank you Mr. Douglas or should I call you Collins?" She turned to her suitcases and opened up one and began to lie out her clothing on the bed. Noting when she entered it was a pleasant room with a large comfortable looking bed with a green bedspread, a nice little desk in the corner and a connecting door to what she suspected were a dressing room that lead to a bathroom. The large chest of drawers was more than big enough for her undergarments and t-shirts.

Turning she noted he was still watching her and she had mixed emotions about this odd man that looked at her with such deep longing. He noted she was waiting for an response and once again found himself caught up and tongued tied. "Oh sorry while in residence I am Quentin, so just call me Quentin. Do you need anything else?"

"Just the location of my patient once I am unpacked." She laughed at such a befuddled and confused looking man. She had fairly quickly emptied her suitcases lying her clothing on the end of her bed and turned expectantly to Quentin.

"Oh, yes sorry, why not come to the drawing room downstairs when you are unpacked and I shall take you to meet Mrs. Johnson and her sister. Right now I was in search of a room to put my friend who will be staying here a while. Oh yes in residence we have Mrs. Johnson her sister, whose name I do not recall because we have not met, my friend Nicholas Blair, Julia Hoffman or as you know here Doctor Hoffman, my cousin Roger Collins, my cousin's estranged wife Laura Collins, and she has a friend staying here by the name of Mr. Ramon. That is how he wishes to be addressed."

He had said the name so derisively that it had caught Melanie's attention while she had been busy putting away her clothing. Glancing up she noted he was checking off the residents on his fingers. "Then we have an associate of Doctor Hoffman, not sure if you know him or not?" He glanced at her half expecting her to read his mind.

"And that would be?" She paused in putting up her delicates in a drawer, shutting the door she pivoted and looked at him awaiting the name.

"Dr. Eric Lang?"

"Oh yes, I worked for his clinic when I graduated from nursing school. He has been encouraging me to go on to get my Nurse Practitioner's license, which I may do after I finish here." She folded her arms over her chest and tilted her head. He was struck that was how Daphne had posed her self while listening intently to someone.

"Well and then we have Professor Elliott Stokes who is an associate of . . . "

Melanie laughed, "I am very familiar with Elliott, he was a delightful absent minded Professor and I had him in three of my classes." The light in her eyes made them look bluer when she spoke of Elliott and it made Quentin slightly jealous.

"Well in addition to them currently missing from our family is my cousin Elizabeth Stoddard, her daughter Carolyn Stoddard, Roger's son David Collins and our resident governess Victoria Winters. They are out of the country at the moment." The way he had said this bit of information gave Melanie pause.

"Why do you say it that way?" She walked to one of the comfortable looking chairs and sat watching the myriad of emotions wash over his face. He at this moment appeared to be apprehensive and sad.

"To be honest, they were all kidnapped and we are not sure where they are, what they are doing and if they are all right. We are very concerned and the federal authorities have taken over the investigation of their disappearance."

This did strike Melanie as a serious situation. She had been told that the owner of this house was Elizabeth Collins Stoddard and had expected her to be there to greet her upon her arrival. "I see, so how is the investigation going?" Crossing her panted leg she set back and got more comfortable while she watched him wrestle with the frustration he had been controlling.

"They only tell us what they think we want to hear so we are just waiting for further word on where this investigation into their disappearance is going." His tone had grown soft and his sadness was complete with the uttering of that statement. For Melanie it had struck a chord with her compassionate side.

"I am sorry Mr. Collins, I wish there was something I could do to help. Unfortunately, all I am capable of doing is being a nurse." She glanced over at the garments that needed to be hung in the dressing room. Rising gracefully she walked to the foot of her bed and glanced at Quentin. "The drawing room would that have been the large room downstairs off the foyer?"

Quentin taking that as his dismissal nodded slowly. "Yes, sorry, I will leave you to unpack. If you will excuse me, I shall see you when you are done." He turned quickly and hurried form her room closing the door softly behind him. Walking down the hallway to the blue room he found it was made up and decided he would put Nicholas in that room. Heading back to his room he stood in the door.

"What took you so long? I thought you got lost." Nicholas stood straightening his jacket.

"I am putting you in south blue room come on you should know where it is, you have stayed there before and it appears to be made up." He turned and lead Nicholas down the hallway knowing he would be across the hall from Melanie. When Quentin passed her door with Nicholas following, the door opened and Melanie stepped into the hallway.

Nicholas paused in his movement, pivoted and looked with amazement at the young woman that now stood poised in the hallway watching the two men. "Oh my God Quentin! She looks just like Daphne!" Nicholas had blurted it out before he could stop him self.

"Yes, I know. Nicholas Blair this is your neighbor Melanie Chastain the nurse that Julia obtained to help care for Mrs. Johnson."

"And in medicine too! Just like Daphne!" Nicholas was stunned to the core seeing Quentin's deceased wife standing in the hallway like so many of the Collins famous ghosts. He felt a nudge from Quentin.

"This way Nicholas. Miss Chastain, why not go on down to the drawing room and I shall be down shortly to take you to Mrs. Johnson." Quentin took ahold of Nicholas arm and tugged him to his room. "Why did you have to say that in front of her!" Quentin pushed him into the room.

"Because I was stunned to see your dead wife in the hallway just now." Nicholas had said as Quentin closed the door.

Melanie had turned to leave until she heard that last bit of information. Pausing she looked at the closed door and understood why Quentin had reacted the way he had. He thought he had just seen his dead wife and the one question in her mind was how did she die and was it a natural death?